Kitty Cats and KittensMy Blog About the Care of Cats and Kittens, Feline Diseases, Toys, Cat Supplies and Food

Cat Toys

Cats and kittens LOVE toys! I once had a cat who played with a small football. He would attack it and throw it up in the air. Then he would kind of juggle it with all four feet while lying on his back. This football playing game was the cutest thing ever.

Indoor cats really need a lot of ways to get exercise while outside cats climb trees and run around lot in nature to keep their muscles flexible. Small toys made from old socks, t-shirts, ponytail ties or pantyhose can keep your cat entertained for hours. The toys can be very simple to make, like stuffing some cotton into the toe of a small sock and tying a knot next to the stuffed area. Cats love small crumpled paper balls, tiny rubber balls, and feathers on a string.

Try tying a string on a small paper fan and play with your cat by dragging the string along the floor behind you. Your cat will go nuts attacking the piece of paper and jumping around. Almost anything moving around on the floor will encourage your cat to play and have fun with you.

Commercial cat toys are inexpensive and usually come in multi-packs. You need to have a lot of small toys because they get lost under the furniture only to be discovered when you are cleaning. Balls roll out of sight and they are out of mind until you find them.

Indoor cats need a tree house or climbing structure to keep their instincts sharp and also for exercise of large muscle groups. This climbing structure is usually covered with carpet to offer an alternative to clawing on your furniture. It can also help prevent your cats climbing on the curtains. If they need prompting to use the climber, rub the surface with catnip a few times and have a video camera ready to catch the wild and funny play action.

Catnip is an herb that serves as a cat attractant. Its kind of a recreational drug for cats and they really love to play with toys that have a small amount catnip inside. These toys can be handmade or bought toys, it doesn’t matter at all. In my opinion you shouldn’t use catnip constantly with your cats because it is a kind of hallucinogenic for them. (Adult humans can use catnip leaves to make a mildly relaxing tea.)

Make sure that your cat toys are safe. Remember that the cat sees the toy as prey and will try to tear it up. Avoid toys with buttons or beads for eyes because your cat can choke on such parts.  Also avoid painted toys because the paint may be toxic. Cats are crazy about balls of string, yarn and spools sewing thread. Do not leave these items out in the open when you are not around because cats can become dangerously ensnared in the string during play. I had a cat once who was terrible about raiding my sewing cabinet for pin cushions, seam rippers and thread. All of these things can be seriously injurious to cats. Keep doors closed in areas where cats are not allowed to protect them from hazards.

In conclusion, cats are not choosy when it comes to toys. They pounce on anything that moves and will play games with you over and over. Enjoy playing with your cat, it’s good for both of you. Hugs, Rosalyn

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