Americans are spending more on their cats these days than ever before. This means that there are a lot of options on the market, whether you’re looking for food, cat beds, or toys!
In this article, we’ll review the most common types of cat toys and their pros and cons. We’ll discuss how toys mimic prey for cats and how to engage them in natural hunting behaviors.
Wand Toys
Wand toys allow us to play directly with our cats, which we should do daily! They’re one of the best toys to simulate hunting, since they can be moved freely and unpredictably. Use the wand toy to mimic prey, like a flying bird or skittering mouse.
Encourage your cats to climb their cat tree, jump in the air, and run across the room. The more active you can get them, the better!
Most wand toys aren’t meant for unsupervised play and should be put away when not in use. They may have feathers that your cat can tear apart, or small parts such as bells that can pose as choking hazards. Small parts may need to be removed if your cat is trying to pull them off.
Laser Pointers
Laser pointers also provide the unpredictability that keeps your cat engaged and the direct play that helps the two of you bond. Since your cat isn’t chasing a tangible object, they can’t be torn apart, eaten, or choked on.
However, laser pointers can be super frustrating for some cats. They never get to finish the hunting process because they cannot catch or “kill” the little red dot. These cats may become obsessive, looking for it even when it’s gone, and this can be bad for their mental health.
Try tossing your cat a treat when they “catch” the laser pointer. End on a treat so that they feel accomplished and satisfied. If your cat gets more frustration than fun from a laser pointer, use another toy that’s better suited to them, such as a wand toy.
Automatic Motion Toys
Automatic motion toys spin, crawl, or roll across the floor. They work electronically, so you don’t have to move them yourself. This is super convenient for cat parents, but their predictable movements can quickly bore most cats.
They’re good for occasional play when you’re busy, especially if your cat is one that needs an hour or more of playtime each day. They should be used infrequently and rotated often for the best results.
That said, if your cat really falls in love with one, you can use it more often! Every cat is unique with their own preferences.
Stuffed Catnip Toys
Some cats find toys that don’t move uninteresting, while others will find their own fun. Most cats are a mix of these two.
This means that catnip toys are good to have as an option, but don’t expect them to replace hands-on playtime with your cat. However, they can be used for hands-on play if your cat likes a game of fetch!
The catnip in these toys can also get cats active and moving, and encourage them to play.
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys engage your cat’s mind more than their body. This isn’t a bad thing! You want to encourage both physical and mental exercise each day.
There are so many kinds of puzzle toys, from puzzle feeder balls to toys with sliders or lids covering the treats. There are also various levels of difficulty. Be sure to start simple and progress depending on your cat’s capabilities.
It’s natural for a cat to work for their food, and some even prefer puzzle feeders to bowls! Puzzles can also keep them occupied when you’re busy but able to supervise.
If you have a super hyper cat who never seems to get tired, no matter how much they run and play, try a puzzle toy or another activity that engages their mind. They might not need more exercise, just more mental engagement.
Balls, Pom Poms, and Other Fetch Toys
Toys that your cat can fetch or bat around are another must-have. However, be careful when buying these! Many are poorly made and have tiny parts, which can be torn off of the toy. Your cat may eat or choke on them.
The same goes for strings, ribbon, or flimsy plastic feathers attached to the toy. Look for sturdy materials, and remember that cats are strong! If you’re unsure, avoid the product or use it for supervised playtime only.
Many cats like having some toys that they can play independently with, so long as they’re safe and well-constructed. They might even steal items like hair ties or bottle caps, and make their own “toys” out of them! This is okay so long as the item is safe and your cat doesn’t attempt to eat it.
Additional Safety Tips
Here are some additional safety tips to consider when buying or playing with cat toys:
- Avoid toys with small parts, or remove these parts before giving them to your cat.
- Avoid toys with plastic feathers, as many cats will try to tear and eat them. Alternatively, only use these toys during supervised play.
- Throw away broken toys! It feels bad in the moment, but it’s better to replace a favorite toy than to end up at the vet if your cat hurts themself or chokes on the broken parts.
- Know your cat. If they’re always trying to tear their toys apart, you’ll have to be more careful than you would if your cat were always gentle with their toys. The same goes for cats who eat everything, versus cats who never attempt to eat random objects.
It’s unfortunate that not every product on the market is 100% cat-safe, but it’s our responsibility to double-check before bringing a new toy into our homes. When in doubt, choose a toy you’re sure of.
Keep in mind that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cat toys. Every cat is unique and likes different things! In addition, every cat should have a variety of toys that provide interaction and movement, independent play, and mental stimulation. If you’re having trouble affording multiple toys, look into DIY cat toys using household objects.
While you don’t need every type of toy listed above, a good variety will keep your cat happiest.
