The adorable cat may appear to be a bit aloof however, they’re an adaptable, carnivore predator with a tremendous drive to hunt. But, they aren’t required to hunt for food as we feed them each day. How do you help your cat fulfill this desire to hunt? Cat toys can aid. They mimic the experience of hunting in a secure and practical way that will keep your cat comfortable healthy and content. If you don’t have the right toy, the cat may attempt to transform objects like furniture and shoes into toys. They will scratch and chew them to get an escape, which can result in an angry and frustrated pet owner.

The benefits of letting cats play

Honing hunting skills
The release of aggression
Enhances confidence
Excercise
Improves circulation
Increases muscles tone
Reduce or eliminate behavioural issues
Helps reduce boredom, stress and boredom
Mental stimulation
Connecting with your cat

Which are the best toys to give my pet?

Cat scratchers

Cats love to scratch and use them to mark their territories to sharpen their claws. Because this is an instinctual behavior and it’s very hard to stop completely. This is why cat scratching post can assist in providing a location to redirect and continue to practice this behaviour. Cat scratchers range from simple cardboard boxes to more elaborate ones that provide a space for your cat to rest and to hide.

Cat tunnels

The cat is naturally interested, and they love squeezed into tiny spaces. These tunnels function as a space that your feline can enjoy and play. The majority of tunnels make sounds and squeaks that your cat is awestruck by and also provide hanging games that cats can immediately swipe.

Teaser Wands

Teaser wands comprise of a long stick with an itty-bitty toy or feathers connected at the end. This toy lets you move, flutter, or move around in a way that the toy that is attached to near the bottom of your stick can be moved in random ways. This can be very exciting for your cat because it mimics the prey of its as insects and birds. This is fantastic because it lets you interact with your cat. You decide where and how quickly to move the toy according to the cat’s needs.

Balls

Similar to the teaser wands, the play balls simulate cat prey which is in this case, scurrying animals like mice. The same movement can entice the cat after it and search for it. Catnip or other treats can be added to cat balls to draw more interest. They usually have some kind of bell that is placed in the middle to encourage the cat to listen through the sound.

Food-dispensers

Cats shouldn’t always have food readily available as it can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Dispensing toys for food aim to force your cat to beg for their food. They are like the Kong Wobbler (a Kong cat toy) that is shown on right is an excellent example of this type of toy. It dispensing treats as your cat swipes it. You can adjust the openings of a lot of these toys to control the quantity of treats that are dispensable. It is generally a good idea that you increase difficulty when your cat gets used to the toy.

Catnip toys

Cats generally find catnip to be stimulating and adding it to toys is a great way to stimulate interest in the toy. It is possible to purchase made soft toys that come with catnip in them, like those in the Kong cat toys range called Kickeroo. You can also add it to other toys like play balls.

Mechanical/wind-up

Similar to the ball toy however, they possess an individual mind of their own. When you wind the toy and letting it move it will become exciting and alive. With your cat likely for it.

Tips for the best:

Consider every time you’ve used cat toys for a hunting practice, with each toy acting as prey and your cat as its prey.

Playing with cats could be an activity that is purely solitary (alone using toys as well as other objects) as well as social (with owners or with another cats).

Begin by making small movements in the direction of the cat to attract attention and, once it is noticed you can move the toy further away (as natural prey would wish to get away from its prey). Keep chasing for a few minutes and then let your cat take the lead and then ‘kill’ the toy. This could consist of swiping the toy with its claws on the front and then biting it. This makes the cat feel like it’s achieved something, and also keeps it interested.

Let your cat play at his pace. While some cats are more engaged than others, and it’s essential to play with a wide range of different toys in order to figure the ones your cat loves the most. It’s also essential to find the time of day that most suits your cat’s needs to play with, whether it is in the morning, later in the evening, or just before eating.

If you are playing together with your pet, make sure you don’t play rough and cause your cat too enthusiastic. This can lead to painful bites and scratches. If this happens you should take a break for an extended period of time. Once the cat has calmed down then try it again.

It is crucial to take away and store the cat toys after you’re done having fun with the cat so that they remain engaged and stop the cat from inhaling any food when you’re not looking.

Alternate the toys often and using the same toys repeatedly will tire your cat. So ensure that you change the toys on a regular basis and, if necessary, purchase new ones.