Cat toys are essential for the proper development of the animal. Foam balls, plush toys, cat trees, feather toys, and automatic toys are available to stimulate their senses while ensuring their behavioral balance and good health.
Some cat toys allow an indoor animal to get physical exercise in order to avoid overweight:
- colorful balls to teach them to pursue prey and capture it;
- a plush toy representing a mouse or a bird to stimulate their hunting instincts;
- automatic toys powered by batteries to allow them to play alone.
Cat trees are also among the most appreciated play supports by felines. They include, among others:
- scratch posts allowing them to maintain their claws on other supports than furniture;
- tunnels to hide in;
- platforms to observe the surroundings;
- supports to jump and climb;
- a bed to rest.
Independent scratching posts are available for small spaces.
Some toys allow the owner to have fun with their four-legged companion:
- feather toys to play with the animal without risking getting scratched;
- a fishing rod;
- a laser.
The play must immediately stop as soon as the owner is bitten or scratched so that the animal can assimilate the proper behavior to adopt.
Some tips are useful for choosing the right toy and allowing the animal to have fun.
- A silent toy is preferable for a stressed cat. Indeed, sounds and lights can increase its nervousness.
- Some animals need to observe and gain confidence before having fun with their new toys. Therefore, it is useless to force them to play immediately.
- If the animal gets tired of its mouse or bird-shaped toys, it is advisable to change the type of prey or game to vary its pleasures.
Thus, cat toys must vary to keep them entertained, especially if they spend their time indoors. Kittens take advantage of them to learn to hunt and sharpen their claws, but playing is also a tool for socialization, particularly with other household animals. Finally, it is recommended to choose toys that the animal cannot swallow.