Best Cat Toys For Your Pet - Catnip Toys, Puzzle Toys And More
If there is one thing cuter than cats sleeping, it is finding them playing with their favourite cat toy. Even indoor cats who love to rest and fall into deep slumbers, have a special space in their heart for that one catnip or wand toy.
But as cat parents, it can be overwhelming to choose the best toy for your cat when there are countless options.
Well, no more worries!
Read ahead, as we have everything covered in this guide from why your cat needs toys to the best cat toys in India!
Important Discussion Points In This Guide
- Why Do Cats Need Toys
- Types Of Cat Toys
- Top 5 Cat Toys
- Tips For Playing With Your Cat
Why Do Cats Need Toys
Just like dogs, cats also need to have their daily dose of mental and physical stimulation through play. Playing allows cats to exercise, especially those that live exclusively indoors.
Regular play can help keep your kitty stay active and help her maintain optimum weight. Both independent and interactive play holds many benefits for your cat.
From bringing out your pets natural instincts to pounce and chase, to stimulating predatory behaviour, toys help your furball in releasing energy and ridding of any boredom.
" If playtime is your cat's gym, then cat toys are like their dumbbells"
Introducing your cat to toys also holds benefits for you (the cat parent).
First, it's a great way to build a bond with your pet and second, it keeps them from scratching your couch or stealing your favourite sock!
Types Of Cat Toys
Cat and kitten toys come in all shapes and sizes with various unique benefits to them.
Other than the perk of fighting your cat's boredom, each cat toy has a way of mentally and physically stimulating your pet.
And considering how picky cats are, it is wise to know the uses of each toy to provide them with the best playtime essentials.
Mouse Toy and Ball Cat Toys
Mice toys and ball toys are a fun way to bring out the predatory behaviour in your pet. Imitating a prey, ball toys with bells and stuffed mice toys engage and excite your cat making them chase, pounce and toss it.
These cat toys also help your furball in getting their daily dose of exercise. By tying a string to the toy or throwing the ball, you can also turn them into an interactive playtime essential!
Wand Toys & Feather Toys For Cats
If you are looking to bond with your kitty, then wand toys are the way to go!
With a toy or teaser attached to a pole, wand toys allow you to have a playtime that is fun for both you and your pet. Dangling a feather wand toy also helps in exercising your cat’s chase and pounce skills while helping you build a bond with them.
Keep your wand toys away from your pet when not in use, this will excite them during playtime and also ensure that no feather or trinket makes its way to your cat’s tummy.
Catnip Toys
From wild cats to domestic cats, catnip affects them all. With 80% of cats affected by catnip, catnip toys are a no-brainer.
These toys are a safe option for pet parents, who hate the mess that comes with sprinkling the herb. With catnip infused in the toys, they act as a stimulant to your pet, exciting and engaging them.
Check out our blog to know more on catnip and its effects on cats.
Cat Scratch Pads And Scratch Toys
Scratch Pad and Scratch Toys for cats are the perfect options for pet parents who want to keep their furball from clawing their couch.
A common behaviour among the feline community, scratching can end up harming their human parent. Instead of discouraging them, you can redirect their behaviour to scratch toys and pads.
Available in different sizes and styles, it is advisable to place these textured cat toys in and around your cat's play area! It is also a good option to buy different scratchboards for households with more than one cat.
Interactive Puzzle Toys For Cats
If you want your pet to be boredom free and experience exciting mental stimulation, then interactive puzzle toys is a good option.
Puzzles and games for cats keep them active, excited and healthier. Your pet also feels a sense of satisfaction each time they find a hidden treat or figure out the puzzle.
Other than alleviating boredom, puzzle toys for cats also reduce stress and redirect any aggressive behaviour.
Top 5 Cat Toys
Here is a collection of the best cat toys that have been popular among our cat parent community.
1) Mouse Shaped Cat Toys
2) Puzzle Toy With Catnip For Cats
Tips For Playing With Your Cat
- Provide your pet with a variety of toys that they can play. Include interactive cat toys that let you join in on the fun
- Keep play sessions short and fun. For maximum utility, allow playtime for 30 - 60 mins a day, then take away & repeat the following day.
- During interactive play, allow your cat to catch the toy often. Just teasing the cat toy can lead to a frustrated or disinterested kitty.
- Never force your pet to train or play with you. Try to set a time each day for interactive play and let them come to you. And when they walk away from you after, do not force them to play again.
- Clean up any feathers, trinkets or string after each play to prevent any health hazards to your pet.
Though, our pets are unique and their love or indifference towards a toy may vary, it is best to try out different toys with them. You never know what catches their eye and turns into their new best friend!
Happy Parenting! And remember to have fun.
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