What are the best toys for cats?
Toys can be overwhelming! There are so many different types of toys from catnip filled, to feather wands and what may be the "best" toy for one cat might not be as appealing to another. With all that said, here are some popular types of toys you can try on your furry friends (all tested on our very own cat Odin!):
-
Laser pointers: Many cats enjoy chasing the moving light of a laser pointer. They're popular with owners because they require little work from us! You can mimic the way a small animal or insect may zip across the floor to keep them engaged.
-
Wand toys: Wand toys, especially those with feathers or small stuffed toys attached, can provide a great interactive playtime with your cat. We found that instead of just dangling the toy above your pet, you can also drag it along the floor for your pet to chase.
-
Crinkle toys: Some cats enjoy playing with toys that make noise, such as those with crinkly paper or bells inside.
-
Scratching posts and pads: Scratching is a natural behaviour for cats and providing them with scratching posts or pads can help keep their claws healthy and not as sharp and also prevent them from scratching furniture!
-
Catnip toys: Some cats enjoy playing with toys that have been infused with catnip, a natural herb that can stimulate their senses.
-
Puzzle toys: Puzzle toys that require cats to figure out how to get a treat or toy out of them can provide mental stimulation.
-
Balls: While it is usually seen as a dog demographic of toys, some cats enjoy chasing and playing with small balls (small enough for them to carry in their mouth safely). Throwing balls for Odin to chase down the hallway has become a common occurrence in our household!
While every cat has their own personal tastes when it comes to toys, we hope these categories have been helpful in figuring out which type of toys are best suited to your cat.
It's important to note that not all cats will respond to catnip and to keep an eye on the toys and make sure they are safe, not small enough to be swallowed and don't have any dangerous parts that can be chewed off.
Which are your cat's favourite toys?
Share them with us!
