A cat toy can provide hours of fun for your feline friend. From feathery mice to rattling balls, there are plenty of options out there. But how do you use a cat toy? Here’s everything you need to know!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Effective use of cat toys can enhance your cat’s playtime experience. |
| Consider using interactive toys that mimic prey to engage your cat’s natural instincts. |
| Rotate your cat’s toys regularly to prevent boredom and maintain their interest. |
| Choose cat toys that are safe, avoiding small parts that could be swallowed. |
| Encourage play with toys through interactive sessions, using enticing movements and treats. |
Throw and Run
You can throw a ball for your cat to chase, or you can use a laser pointer and let the cat follow it. If you want to use toys that make noise when they bounce, some balls are designed to do this.
Some cats like toys that move on their own, such as mice on strings or frogs that jump around. These toys can give your cat something else to think about while he chases them around the house!
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Hide and Seek
Another great game to play with your cat is hide and seek. This game teaches your cat that they can find you, even if they don’t know where you are hiding.
To play “hide and seek” with your cat, first make sure that the area you are playing in is safe for them to explore without getting hurt or breaking anything.
Then get a blanket or pillow case and put it over yourself while sitting on the ground in front of your cat (make sure not to lie down).
Your goal should be for them to sniff under the blanket until they find where you are hiding! To make things more fun for both of you, try playing this game in different rooms around the house so that each time will feel like new excitement!
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Trixie | 5-in-1 Activity Center for engaging hide and seek |
| PetSafe | Cheese Toy with Hidden Treat Chambers |
| Catit | Senses 2.0 Digger Interactive Cat Toy |
| SmartyKat | Hideout Tunnel with Crinkle Sound for play and hide |
| Outward Hound | Hide a Squirrel Plush Puzzle Toy for seek and find |
TeePee
A teepee is a simple, cheap toy that you can make out of an old shirt and some scissors. It’s great for your cat to hide in or play with their toys in. To make one:
Take an old shirt, preferably one that doesn’t fit you anymore (you don’t have to spend money on this!)
Cut the armholes off so that there are no sleeves left at all (you’ll want it big enough for your cat to be able to get through)
Use the fabric from the sleeves as ties at each corner – tie them together until they’re tight enough so that when you put the teepee over your head it looks like a tent!
Next time you take out your favorite pair of jeans before throwing them in the wash or donating them, consider saving some of those extra pieces for another project – like making a teepee for your kitty!
You can also use fleece fabric instead of denim if desired; just make sure not too much fluff comes off while cutting into pieces!
Ever wondered what cat toys are made of? Discover the different materials used in cat toys and their benefits in our informative article on what are cat toys made of. Understand the variety available and choose the perfect toy for your feline companion.
Fan the balls
If your cat is shy or timid, this is a fun game for them to play with you. You can use the ball to fan your cat by holding it in front of their face and moving it back and forth through their fur. It’s good exercise for them, too!
Plus, if it’s a rubber ball, it’ll also help keep their coat looking shiny and healthy (especially if they’re long-haired).
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| Catit | Senses 2.0 Super Circuit for exciting ball chase |
| Petstages | Tower of Tracks for multiple ball play |
| SmartyKat | Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Toy |
| Bergan | Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy with Ball |
| Jackson Galaxy | Air Prey Wand with Ball Attachment for interactive play |
Fetch
Fetch is a great way to encourage your cat to be active, but it can also be a great way for you and your cat to bond. In order for fetch games with your cat to be successful, however, you’ll need some patience and imagination.
Gather some toys that will work well as fetch objects. These should be lightweight enough not to hurt you if they accidentally fly out of your hand; they should also float (if you play in water) or have no sharp edges that could hurt someone if the object is thrown too hard.
Get your cat’s attention by calling its name—this may just get him or her looking at you instead of whatever he or she was doing before, but it’s still worth trying!
The next step is throwing things at him/her! If possible, try using different sizes/styles of balls so that there are more options when trying different types of throws later on (e.g., soft tosses versus long throws).
You shouldn’t aim directly at the animal since this could cause injury or breakage due to overzealousness while attempting to make contact with prey moving quickly away from them). Try giving praise when this happens successfully (i..e., after ten tries without any misses).”
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The Swat-Swish Game
The Swat-Swish Game is a simple, yet entertaining way to engage your cat in an interactive game.
This game can be played with any toy or object that you have lying around the house. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A mouse/ball/toy
- A swatter (you may already have one from swatting flies)
The goal of this game is to get your cat interested in the toy so that he will chase after it when you move it around in front of him.
When he does this, quickly move the swatter down and hit his paws as they land when he jumps at the toy.
You’ll want to try to do this before he makes contact with the object because once he grabs it, there will be no more opportunity for surprise attacks!
Undercover Kitty Litterbox Toy
This cat toy is especially good for young kittens who haven’t yet learned to scratch on their own. It’s also a good option for cats who are used to scratching in their litterboxes, but want something more exciting than the box itself.
A plastic container with a lid serves as the base of this toy. You’ll put cat litter in it so that your kitten has something soft and fluffy to dig into when she scratches at it. Then, you’ll add some catnip so that your kitten will get excited about digging around in there once she figures out what’s going on!
When you’re ready for her first try, just place her inside the box (with the lid closed) and let her have at it! She’ll have fun digging through all that softness while getting some great exercise at the same time too!
| Brand | Description |
|---|---|
| SmartyKat | Peek-a-Prize Toy Box for stimulating play |
| Petstages | Purr Pillow for comforting and relaxing |
| FroliCat | Pounce Automatic Cat Toy for interactive fun |
| Catit | Senses 2.0 Digger Interactive Cat Toy for hunting |
| Jackson Galaxy | Air Prey Wand with Laser for active play |
Undercover Tote Toy
If you have a cat, and the cat has access to your home, chances are they’ll be interested in playing with almost anything. A cat toy is a way to entertain your pet and get them moving. Here are some ways you can make or buy them:
- A tote bag filled with treats
- A small box filled with treats
- Use an empty water bottle or milk carton for easy storage/transport
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Rake It In! (aka “The Wheelbarrow”)
The Rake It In! toy is probably one of the simplest cat toys to make, but it can be a lot of fun for your kitty. To make this toy, you’ll need:
- A small plastic bowl (like a salad or dessert bowl)
- A long-handled wooden spoon with holes in it (you can buy these at any kitchen supply store)
- Vegetable oil or another lubricant like cooking spray
To construct the rake and wheelbarrow parts of this toy, follow these steps:
Coat the top edge of your wooden spoon with vegetable oil or other lubricant and place it on top of your plastic bowl so that about 1 inch hangs over each side.
Try to keep the handle parallel with each side (don’t angle it up or down).
This will give you an idea where to place your “bars” later on when making them out of cardboard; if they are too far apart when finished then they won’t fit well into their slots during playtime!
Chasing lights on the wall
Turn off the lights, and play with a laser pointer. Or even better, play with a flashlight or light bulb (and be sure to turn off the lights). The cat will be entranced by all of these things that move around in the dark!
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Conclusion
The answer to this question is simple: by playing with your cat! Playing with a cat toy is an important part of overall feline health.
For starters, playing keeps your animal’s mind sharp and engaged. It also helps them develop new skills. If you want to learn more about how to play with a cat toy, read on for our best tips and tricks!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on cat toys and related topics:
Preventive Vet: Best Types of Cat Toys & How to Use Them: Discover a variety of cat toys and learn how to make the most of playtime with your feline companion. This comprehensive guide provides insights into different types of toys and offers tips on using them effectively.
PAWS: Cat Toys: Explore a collection of cat toy recommendations and find inspiration for enriching your cat’s environment. This resource offers insights into the benefits of play and provides guidance on selecting toys that suit your cat’s preferences.
Curiosity Trained: How to Teach a Cat to Fetch: Want to engage your cat in a fun game of fetch? Learn step-by-step techniques to train your cat to fetch and enhance their playtime experience. Discover how to introduce fetch as a playful and interactive activity for your cat.
FAQs
How do I choose the right cat toy for my cat?
Choosing the right cat toy depends on your cat’s preferences, age, and activity level. Consider toys that match their natural instincts, such as interactive toys that mimic prey. Experiment with different textures and types of toys to find what engages your cat the most.
How often should I rotate my cat’s toys?
Rotating your cat’s toys is beneficial to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. Aim to rotate their toys every few days or weekly, offering a variety of toys to maintain their interest. This helps prevent toy fatigue and ensures continued excitement during playtime.
Are there any safety considerations when it comes to cat toys?
Yes, safety is important when choosing and using cat toys. Avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed and remove any damaged toys. Supervise interactive play sessions and store toys safely when not in use. Regularly inspect toys for wear and tear to ensure they remain safe for your cat.
How can I encourage my cat to play with toys?
Encouraging play with toys can be achieved through interactive play sessions. Use toys that simulate hunting and pouncing behavior, such as wand toys or toy mice. Engage your cat with enticing movements, sounds, and treats during play to make the experience more enjoyable.
Can I train my cat to fetch like a dog?
While not all cats naturally fetch, some cats can be trained to retrieve toys. With patience and positive reinforcement techniques, you can teach your cat to fetch. Start by associating positive rewards with the toy and gradually shape their behavior towards retrieving and returning it to you.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, a professional veterinarian with a deep interest in the ways that litter size affects the health of animals. I’ve spent years studying this subject and performing research on reproduction in many different kinds of creatures.
