Finding The Perfect Cat Toys

[Max and Mittens]

Depending on the age and personality of your cat, there are many
inexpensive, yet effective, cat toys to keep your pet entertained. A
variety of cat toys can be found an virtually any pet supply store.

Lightweight balls work well in keeping an active kitten engaged. Often,
this type of cat toy has small bells incorporated. This type of toy
helps keep your cat’s attention and encourages both a mental and
physical workout, as the cat will chase the ball trying to establish the
source of the noise. Most cats enjoy toys that make use of their
natural predatory instincts. This is why lightweight balls that roll
easily make such great toys.

Another common type of cat toy is the wand toy. Feathers and/or small
beads attached to the end of a string that can be dangled above a cat’s
head work well in engaging your cat’s urge to catch small objects – the
same urge cats have for chasing mice. This type of toy can be arranged
in such a way that your cat can play with it even while you are away.

Laser pointers also make for an easy-to-use, highly entertaining cat
toy. Most cats will chase the laser’s point in an attempt to catch the
spot of light. You do need to use a laser pointer with caution, though,
as it is easy to accidentally lead your cat headfirst into a wall as it
tries to pounce on the light.

Not all cats enjoy catnip, but those that do find toys with catnip
inside extremely appealing. Most cat toys that have catnip in them are
going to be more of the “chew toy” variety. These toys are great for
less active, older cats because the cat is less likely to over-exert
itself than with other toys.

Not all cat toys have to be store-bought. In fact, your trash can
sometimes make a terrific toy! For example, cellophane wrappers make a
wonderful crinkling sound that cats enjoy. By simply taking pieces of
cellophane, and using a rubber-band and hot glue gun, you can create a
toy. Another easy toy is a pom-pom glove. Take a pair of cotton gloves
and either sew or glue pom-poms to each of the finger tips. When your
cat wants to play, put on the glove and wiggle your fingers at your cat.
You can also attach small jingle bells to the tips of the glove fingers
in place of the pom-poms.