Cats are an animal that need to appease their old predatorial nature every now and then. This is the same reason they like to scratch things. But what other ways can you keep your indoor cat entertained? Some toys are a good place to start, as playtime is important for a cat’s mental and physical development and well-being. Here are the answers to some common questions about cat toys.
What toys can cats play with?
There are all kinds of toys that a cat can play with to keep itself happy. Here are some examples of the best cat toys for your home.
Treat-dispensing cat toys
Cats love toys that satisfy their predatory drive which is why treat-dispensing toys such as the Kong treat ball are loved by cats. They allow the cat to pounce on and paw at the ball until food falls out for it to eat, giving a similar satisfaction to catching prey in the wild.
Cat Toy Balls
Not unique to dogs, cats love to chase things too, and nothing is better for chasing than a toy ball. To be extra alluring they can have treats inside or be made from an appealing materials like wool cat toys .
Automatic Cat Toys
Cat toys that move by themselves or tease the cat are a great choice to buy for those who often aren’t home to play with their cat. These can be fast-moving mechanical mice, a wriggling fox tail and ball, or even a rotating laser-pointer.
Comfort Toys
Maybe all your cat might need to entertain itself could be a simple stuffed animal, a ball hanging from a string , or even just an empty cardboard box for them to get into.
What happens if you don’t play with your cat?
There are several signs that your cat may need to be played with more. Firstly, if it is overweight, that could be a sign that it needs to have more physical activity in its life.
Without proper activity and stimulation, a cat can become miserable and destructive. Some behavioural signs you can watch out are it is becoming more needy and rubbing up against your leg or constantly calling for your attention. It can also be the opposite, where the cat seems grumpier and more stand-offish with you.
Wrapping up a cat play
Make sure to rotate your cat’s toys to prevent them getting bored with each one and be aware that if your cat is chasing something such as a laser, frustration can set in if they are unable to catch whatever it is. This is why it is good to end their playtime with allowing them to actually catch something to gain satisfaction from “killing” it – treat-dispensing balls or even stuffed toys are great choices for this.
Overall, it is extremely important to play with your cat for 10–15-minute bursts a few times a day for their own mental and physical stimulation, as well as for strengthening your bond with them.
