How to Choose Toys for Your Cat or Kitten

Cats are very intelligent, curious, and playful creatures. As such, they really need toys throughout their lives.
Not all cat toys will appeal to all cats. Not all cat toys are safe for cats, either. Here are some tips for choosing safe, interesting toys for your cat or kitten. Remember to provide toys even when your cat is older and may not seem as playful.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• money
• imagination
• think like a cat

1. Keep safety in mind when selecting toys for your cat, and be extra careful when selecting toys for a kitten. Many cat toys have tiny bells, rattles, or added decoration, all of which can come loose and be swallowed, or choke your kitty. Any bells should be securely inside a CLOSED compartment. Added decorations should be sewn into, a part of the whole toy, rather than glued on or sewn on separate eyes, noses, or other pieces. Also, string or string like toys are very popular with cats and their people, but these can be very dangerous if swallowed. Make sure long, dangled or squiggly pieces are big enough to not be swallowed, and secure enough to not come off the toy easily. Of course, nothing is perfect and accidents happen, so inspect your kitten's toys at least every few days (maybe less frequently for an older cat who is not as rough with her toys) for signs of wear and tear or other damage. If your kitten or cat does swallow anything long and string like, if you should see a string hanging or sticking to the cat's bottom, it is very important that you DO NOT pull it out, and instead take your kitty to the veterinarian immediately. These type of materials can "accordion" in the intestines and therefore do severe and fatal damage if you pull on them.

2. 
    
   Small cat toys

   Watch your cat or kitten playing. Notice what he likes to do: chase and pounce, stalk, roll around with a toy in his paws, fetch. Look for toys that match her play style. Also, consider textures, odor, size, shape, and sound. A great cat toy should have appeal in all those areas.

3. Remember that your kitten and even your older cat need mental stimulation as well as physical exercise. Consider trying one of the newer, interactive toys, that dispense treats when manipulated.

4. 
    
   Cat teasers

   Your cat also likes a play partner sometimes, so buy a few toys that are good for playing along with your kitten. These might include the fishing pole type toys: a long, flexible pole with feathers, or other objects dangling from the end. You can make it wiggle, drag, and hop along the floor for your cat.

5. Furry mice are one of the most favored toys among all my cats! The more it looks and feels like a real furry critter, the more the cats love it.
   Catnip is a big hit with some cats, and not so much with others -- try it and see how your cat feels about it.
   Fresh catnip is best. The catnip that comes inside a toy is not as likely to get a reaction from your cat.

6. Not all toys have to be bought at the pet store! Cats love a little tin foil that you have balled up and tossed across the floor, or just balled up paper. They sometimes like the tubes from toilet paper rolls. Most cats LOVE empty paper bags, and if you leave one, or better yet, several, on the floor and chairs, your kitten will be ecstatic. Cats love anything that they can hide behind when attacking, like a sheet they can crawl under or be on top of and chase your feet that are under! (OUCH!)

7. 
    
   Petey climbing and jumping

   Don't forget furniture! Cat furniture is often expensive, but it is not just a luxury. Cats need to climb and perch. They need a variety of heights, from ground level to the ceiling where they can hide and watch the world go by. Make sure to invest in at least a small piece of cat furniture. And at least make some safe climbing places available among your own furniture or shelves. Also, make at least one spot where your kitten can perch and look out a window, watching the birds, bugs, and other activities. There are now many less expensive pieces of cat "furniture" available that just pop up with the spring type supports and nylon panels. A lot of them allow you to add on as you can afford to.

8. 
    
   Purrfect Cat Fence

   Being allowed outside is never safe for a cat -- unless you get your kitty a special "cat fence" that prevents his being able to climb or jump over. Even then, she should not be allowed out when no one is home or when no one is awake. These fences are really a great way to give your cat more freedom and let him enjoy the outdoors, while remaining safe. You can install one yourself, or hire someone to do it. They cost a few hundred dollars and up -- much less than traditional fencing that does not keep a cat safe. Nothing is more fun than watching your cat stalk and chase the bugs, butterflies, and birds (that they can't reach) in their own yard. It brings out the wild in your house cat and is a delight to watch.

9. 
    
   Two cats are so fun to watch!

   If you have or get a kitten, just get TWO! If they grow up together they will love each other's company, and you will love watching the ways they play and interact with one another! If you have an adult cat, it may take time before he is ready to accept another cat, and you will have to take it slowly -- that's another article.

Tips & Warnings

• It's safer by far, and adds YEARS to your cat's life, for him to stay only indoors, but you need to work at making the indoors enriching and stimulating for him.
• You might consider a cat fence, to allow your kitten to enjoy your yard safely, but don't leave the cat outside without supervision.
• Beware of tiny bells and strings or string like features.
• Don't play too rough with your kitten as it will teach her to play rough with people, and she will hurt someone.

Resources

• Good cat behavior info, free training online, order toys
• A really interesting look at how your cat experiences the world!
• See the cat fence here!
• Lots of ideas for unique homemade cat toys!

[askapeach]

on 10/31/2009 Our cats always enjoyed rolled up aluminun foil too. Thanks for the tips.

[2besure]

on 6/15/2009 I always strike out when I bring home a new toy.

[jsncooley]

on 4/24/2009 Great tips, I have 2 cats that each like different types of toys yet they both seem to share a passion for our garbage such as paper balls and bread ties. 5* =D

[admiller]

on 4/19/2009 So many cat toy options so little time. My husband agrees with you -- always buy two kittens.

[slphilbrick]

on 12/22/2008 You can SO tell an animal lover ! It's all in the details...it's wonderful! And I really love the last photo with the yin yang kitties asleep .... :-) 5*