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Cat Toy Considerations

Your cute cat might appear to be a bit aloof but they’re actually an adaptable, carnivore predator with a strong desire to hunt. But, they aren’t required to hunt for food as we feed them each day. How do you help your cat fulfill this desire to hunt? That’s where cat toys can be of help. They recreate the hunt in a secure and practical method to keep your cat comfortable and healthy. They also keep your cat happy and healthy. If you don’t have the right games, cats may seek to convert objects like furniture and shoes into toys. The cat will chew and scratch them in search of an escape, which can result in an angry and frustrated pet owner.

The benefits of letting the cat have toys to play with

Honing hunting skills
The release of aggression
Enhances confidence
Excercise
Improves circulation
Increases muscles tone
Reduce or eliminate behavioural issues
Helps reduce boredom, stress and boredom
Mental stimulation
The bonding you have with your cat

Which are the best toys to give my pet?

Cat scratchers

Cats are adroit scratchers and use them to mark their territories as well as sharpen the claws of their cats. Since this is a natural behaviour however, it’s extremely hard to stop entirely. This is why cat scratching post can assist in providing a space to redirect and encourage this behavior. Cat scratchers range from simple cardboard boxes to more elaborate ones that offer a safe place for your cat to rest and to hide.

Cat tunnels

They are curious and enjoy getting squeezed into small spaces. These tunnels function as a place where your pet can play, and socialize. Many of these tunnels create sounds that your cat is awestruck by and also provide hanging toy toys your pet can immediately swipe.

Teaser Wands

Teaser wands comprise of a wooden stick that has an itty-bitty toy or feathers that are attached to the end. The toy lets you move, flutter, or turn around to make the toy that is attached to its end can be moved in random ways. It is a great way to stimulate your cat since it mimics the predators such as insects and birds. This is fantastic because it lets you interact with your cat. You decide where and how quickly you move the toy to meet the demands of your cat.

Balls

Similar to teaser wands, the play balls mimic prey animals which is in this case, scurrying creatures like mice. Similar movements will attract cats to follow after it and search for it. Catnip or other treats can be added to cat balls to draw more interest. They usually have some kind of bell inside to help make the cat more interested by sounds.

Food-dispensers

Cats shouldn’t always have food accessible to them since it can lead to weight gain and other health issues. Dispensing toys for food aim to force your cat to take on the task of obtaining their meals. They are like the Kong Wobbler (a Kong cat toy) depicted to the right is a great example of this type of toy. It dispensing treats whenever your cat swipes it. You can adjust the openings of most of these toys to regulate the amount of treats are distributed. It’s generally recommended that you increase difficulty when your cat grows accustomed to the toys.

Catnip toys

The majority of cats love catnip and adding it to the toy is an excellent way to stimulate interest in the toy. You can buy made soft toys that come with catnip in them, like the ones found in the Kong cat toys range called Kickeroo. You can also add it to other toys like play balls.

Mechanical/wind-up

They are similar to the ball toy however, they have an individual mind of their own. When you wind the toy and letting it move it will become exciting and alive. Your cat will surely want to pursue it.

Tips for the best:

Consider every occasion you play with a cat toy as a hunting exercise, with every toy acting as a prey, and your cat acting as a predator.

Cats can play with each other. It could be a solo activity (alone playing with toys or other objects) as well as social (with the owner or another cats).

Begin by making small movements in the direction of the cat to attract attention and, once it is noticed you can move the toy further away (as the natural prey would prefer to escape its prey). Continue to chase for a brief period of time and then let your cat take the lead and then ‘kill’ the toy. This may be done by swiping it with its claws on the front and biting into it. This makes the cat feel like it’s achieved something, and keep its interest.

Let your cat play at his pace. While some cats are more engaged than others, so it’s crucial to test a variety of different toys to figure the ones your cat loves the most. It’s also essential to find out when is the best time for your cat to play with, whether it be early in the morning, in the late evening, or just before eating.

If you play together with your pet, be careful not to be rough or get your cat exuberant. This could result in painful bites and scratches. If this happens you should take a break for some time, and when the cat is calm you can try again.

It is essential to store and put away the cat toys after you’re done engaging with your pet to ensure that your cat is the cat interested and prevent the cat from inhaling any food when you’re not looking.

Change the toys frequently If you play with the same toy repeatedly will tire your cat. Therefore, be sure to change toys regularly and also purchase new toys from time to time.