Cats can be full of energy and may get bored while home alone, which is why it’s important to have a variety of toys for them to choose from. Cats love small, noisy toys that they can prey on and bat around. Small mice, crinkle balls, bells, springs, etc. entice their attention and get them riled up.
When wanting to interact with your cat during play time, long toys that you can wave in their faces and run across their paws are really fun and entertaining for them. Long feathers and teaser-fishing-pole-type toys with ribbons, mice, birds, etc. on the end are always popular. We love to recommend the brand Go Cat –they have all different kinds of teasers, as well as replacement parts and interactive videos to go along with them if wanted.
Cats also like toys filled with catnip that they have to work for. BarnYarn toys are hand sewn into fun people and animal shapes and are filled with catnip so that a cat gets a toy to play with and a treat to work for all in one.
While most cats are pretty easily pleased with simple crinkle toys or even pointing a Kong Laser Pointer at the floor, they can get bored easily and might want more of a challenge. Interactive toys can keep cats entertained for longer periods of time, as well as engage their instincts for hunting and chasing and keep them active. Toys such as treat dispensing balls that cats have to bat around to get treats out of, or spinning toys with battery activated balls spinning on tracks, will promote a healthy and happy lifestyle for energetic, curious cats.
As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local pet store if you have questions on this or any pet related topic.