Posts Tagged ‘catnip’

The Toys That Cats Love

Posted by Robin

Do you amble through the pet products shop, look at the numerous toys on offer for your cat, and question if the cost will be worth it? Cats can be choosy creatures, but a good time can be found with just about any toy. Cats are like children; they go through stages and sometimes need age appropriate toys and can get bored very easily. Some suggestions for toys include the cat scratcher, stuffed mice, small amounts of catnip, stuffed animals, ribbons, and plastic balls.

From a young age, kittens find out how to pick up things in their mouths. It is in their character, just like using their claws. When a cat plays, they like to grab and bite into their toys. Let us look more closely at the toys mnetioned above. A cat scratcher is a terrific way to teach your cat where it is appropriate to climb. It will keep them off the blinds or curtains whilst providing them with hours of fun. There are many styles of cat towers from the two story towers to the ones rising to the ceiling.  The answer to your question is, the more levels they have the more fun and enjoyment they will receive out of a cat scratcher. A cat will make use of the tower for play as well as sleep.  They like to bat at ropes and other objects hanging off the scratcher as well as going through little tunnels up to the next level. If you have two cats you will have fun watching them chase each other to the top often trying to knock the other off. A cat scratcher can also be practical because they will scratch at it rather than your sofa.

Stuffed mice are also valuable to any kitty’s playtime. Not all mice are the same; most cats have a preference for the small leather mice with the multi colored fur and long tails. These mice come in twelve packs or three packs, and believe me if they are anything like my kitty they will rip them apart. Cloth mice are normally second during playtime. If you find your kitty to be uninterested in mice you may want to check the type of mouse you have chosen for them.

Catnip toys are especially popular. Catnip will cause your cat to be more rowdy, which can be a plus as they wear out faster. Catnip before bedtime is a great means to get your cat to sleep for quite a while and permit you to get some shuteye. Catnip should be given out in moderation. You do not want to give your cat catnip each day since it can have adverse effects on their behavior. They could start to depend on it and have mood swings.

I have found the best toy might just be your old stuffed animal lying around the house. My kitten will fetch me a stuffed animal when she is ready to play and she has stuffed animals in her toy basket. There is nothing more amusing than watching my kitty bring me a stuffed animal, bigger than she is, and proceed to toss it in the air and pounce.  Cats like the feel of particular things in their mouths that is why they chew on paper, plastic and even your blankets. The feel of the material in their mouths allows them to clean their teeth or, when they are teething, help reduce the pain. The stuffed animal can work in much the same way and keep them away from harmful products.

To answer my initial question, you do not have to go to great expense to amuse your cat, however when you spend a little on toys, you keep your kitten from getting bored.  You might even choose to hide a few toys and reintroduce them after a few months to keep from purchasing new ones all the time. Just make sure it is not the preferred toy of your pet or they may find other ways to entertain themselves that you do not find amusing!

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