Toys for cats: why they are needed and how to choose them correctly

Mouse

Such a toy can be mechanical or static. The material from which this toy is made can be completely varied. There are mice made of: textiles, rubber, plastic, sisal, etc. Cats love to chase small mice, but you should take into account the fact that some furry cats are afraid of wind-up mice. Therefore, when purchasing such fun, you should take into account the individual characteristics of the cat.

Poisonous paints, questionable materials? Immediately no!

Cats see colors much worse than humans. Bright toys are made with one purpose - to lure a person. Your Murzik doesn’t care whether his mouse is red or blue - but you will spend time choosing, and you will probably choose the brighter (and more expensive) one. This is our human parameter - but remember, the animal is not interested in this parameter.

Bright toy colors may indicate that unsafe dyes have been used. The cat puts everything into its mouth, and after swallowing a few threads, it can become poisoned. Of course, it is unlikely that she will die from this, but an upset stomach in a pet is also very undesirable.

If you are unsure whether a toy is safe, simply put it aside.

How to choose cat toys

1. Based on the animal's preferences. Some cats like to chase a ball or ball, others are more amused by all kinds of “teases”.
2. Assess the safety of the toy. It should be made of environmentally friendly material and not have parts that come off easily.
3. Buy some toys. Choose a variety of items so your cat has a choice.
4. Pay attention to multifunctional models with additional functions. For example, scratching toys, massage toys, developmental complexes.

No money to buy? Read the article on how to make toys for cats with your own hands.

Total

In order for the toy to bring joy to your pet and not harm its health when purchasing, pay attention to the following points:

• No matter what material the toy is made of, the presence of an odor from the product is unacceptable. Firstly, a strong and unpleasant smell can scare away a cat. Secondly, this indicates low-quality raw materials from which the fun is made, which in turn can negatively affect the health of the fluffy
• too bright, downright poisonous colors can also indicate poor quality of the toy
• If there are feathers, lint, or threads on the toy, be sure to check that they do not come off. If you easily tear off a piece, then you should not take such a toy to your pet, as he may swallow the torn piece, choke, etc.
• Also, you should not buy toys that contain too small parts that the animal can easily reach and swallow.
• Of great importance is the fact how easy and whether it is even possible to wash or clean the toy.

Remember that only high-quality toys will benefit your cat, so don’t be lazy to choose quality ones.

Based on all of the above, we can conclude that play is the key to the physical, mental and emotional health of the purr. Although only purrs? I'll go play with my cat.

PS What toys do you have for cats at home?

Rating of toys for cats - description of models, properties

1. Petstages track – educational toy for kittens;
2. Trixie “Mouse in a Trap” – an interactive toy for a kitten;
3. Hagen Catit Design Senses – massage center;
4. Beeztees Happy cat Chase the ball (Ipts);
5. FroliCat Pounce – interactive teasing toy;
6. Catit play-n-scratch – scratching post toy;
7. Trixie knitted balls;
8. Trixie wind-up mouse;
9. Trixie fishing rod with ball and feathers - teaser;
10. Karlie Flamingo laser pointer;
11. GiGwi toy “Mouse” – electronic;
12. Game maze Catit Design Senses Super Roller Ccircuit;
13. GiGwi Pet Droid “Feather Wobbler” – electronic toy;
14. Petcube video baby monitor;
15. Treat Maze – an intellectual toy;
16. Radio controlled mouse Aliexpress.

Petstages Track

Game track “Pyramid” for kittens and young cats. A stable pyramid with three floors is filled with small multi-colored balls. Kittens happily play with them for a long time, trying to get them. The toy is made of high quality plastic.

The pyramid is strong and stable. The bottom of the product is made of anti-slip material to prevent animals from knocking over the track while playing.

• Plus: it occupies the animal’s attention for a long time.
• Cons: high price.

Price: 1079 rub. More details about the product

Trixie "Trapped Mouse"

A bright toy from a German manufacturer stimulates the animal's hunting instinct. The plastic mouse inside keeps running away, annoying the cat. The product is made of high-quality environmentally friendly plastic.

It has a stable base, the cat will not be able to turn over the “mouse trap”. Diameter – 25 cm.

• Plus: educational toy.
• Cons: high price.

Price: 2069 rub. More details about the product

See also: Best videos for cats.

Massage center Hagen Catit Design Senses

The multifunctional play center Catit Design Senses attracts cats with sound, smell, and touch. Designed specifically for loving cats, it helps them relieve stress and tension during certain periods of their lives.

The complex includes: a massage center for intensive neck and face massage, a rubber insert for massaging teeth, a massage mat for paws and a section for catnip. Massage not only relieves tension, but also improves the condition of the animal's skin and coat.

• Plus: has an anti-stress effect.
• Disadvantage: not always available for free sale.

Price: 1542 rub. More details about the product

Beeztees Happy cat “Chase the ball”

An entertaining toy in the form of a plate with a ball will captivate your pet for a long time. The ball is located in the gutter and secured in such a way that the cat cannot reach it. The model is made of durable anthracite-colored plastic. The top of the plate is a scratching post.

The toy helps develop the cat's play skills and helps the animal stay in good physical shape.

• Pro: Suitable for all ages and breeds.
• Disadvantage: a textile scratching post can quickly become unusable.

Price: 1150 rub. More details about the product

FroliCat Pounce

An interactive teasing toy for active recreation helps keep the cat occupied when the owner is not at home. FroliCat Pounce develops the animal's reaction and ingenuity. The cat watches the plastic mouse, which moves along a single trajectory and tries to hit it with its paw.

No human presence is required to launch the toy. The model is made of durable plastic that can withstand the weight of any cat. The device operates at several speeds.

• Plus: there is a timer.
• Cons: Requires batteries to operate.

Price: 3009 rub. More details about the product

Play-n-Scratch

A round plate with a ball combines the functions of a gaming center and a scratching post. A cat can spend hours chasing a ball around in a circle, trying to get it. Inside the plate there is a replaceable cardboard scratching post block.

To attract the attention of the animal there is catnip filler. The animal can play with both a ball and a fluffy pompom on a spring.

• Plus: it has a stable base.
• Minus: the cat may break the spring.

Price: 1115 rub. More details about the product

What are there

The range of pet products is huge. Toys for pets to play independently and for joint fun with the owner are on sale:

• Fishing rods

Teasers on a stick with an attached rope, feather or ribbon tail, or paper bow that are so fun to catch. Both the owner and the pet get pleasure. The fishing rod is easy to make; even a child can make it. The only negative is that the “feather” quickly breaks down and needs to be changed periodically.

• Laser pointer

Cats are delighted by the sunbeam, and the moving point is even more so. Domestic predators jump and run after the laser beacon, splashing out energy and exercising their body. The main thing is not to direct the beam into the animal’s eyes, so as not to cause discomfort.

• Mice

These can be not only mice, but also fish and other artificial animals made of fabric and fur. Products made from natural materials are preferable. They are easy to pick up with your claws and easy to carry in your teeth. Without noise effects, therefore they will appeal to timid animals that cannot tolerate unnerving rustling, knocking, ringing. They move only when physically impacted on them.

• Balls

Bouncy and just rolling. Rubber, plastic, foam rubber, trimmed with fur or woolen threads. With a ringing bell in the “womb” or “voiceless”. They are convenient to roll, paw, and bite. One problem is that the balls sometimes roll under sofas and into hard-to-reach corners, from where the ball cannot be retrieved without the help of the owner.

• Spring teasers

A mouse, pen, or other element is attached to the spring. The spring swings. “Live” prey is much more interesting. The hunter's genes awaken in the pet, he willingly plays, while training at the same time: muscle tone increases, the sense of smell, hearing, and vision are actively working.

• Elastic ring with a toy

It’s simple: attach a toy to an elastic band, put a ring on the door handle, and the teaser is ready. The pet will spend many delightful minutes in the game, not noticing that the owner is not around. At the moment it is not needed, there is enough fun and activity. This kind of fun can be easily done with your own hands using available materials.

• Soft figurines with catnip

Catnip or, as it is also called, field balsam is a plant that will not leave any cat indifferent. It is believed that this perennial was a favorite delicacy of Bast, the cat goddess. The leaves of the grass contain a lot of essential oils, the constituent elements of which - corvalol, limonene and others - attract animals. The plant is useful. It is used to calm the nervous system, as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic.

• Scratching posts on a stand

On the one hand, purchasing a scratching post is a chance to leave furniture, carpets and wallpaper untouched from cat claws. On the other hand, it is an excellent stimulant. Popular models are compact. It is difficult to place a large complex with a house and a “barrel” for cat manicure in a modest-sized room, but there is always a place for a corner, wall, or floor scratching post.

• Game figurines in the form of food

To satisfy the natural needs of tailed mischief-makers, manufacturers produce edible flavored “worms” and “sausages”, which contain vitamins and other useful substances. Giving treats is a good psychological release for animals. In addition, cat treats help cleanse the intestines. The treat is also given to prevent urolithiasis.

• Interactive.

They are expensive, unlike simple balls and teasers. The same interactive fishing rod, designed to make spins, will interest the cat more than just a stick with a ribbon attached. A game labyrinth with a rolling ball will attract the attention of curious people. A massage complex that allows you to scratch and massage your face, paws, neck, and sides will appeal to couch potatoes. A “smart” feeder that dispenses treats will appeal to the four-legged explorer. The popularity of models with a chip or batteries remains high, despite the rather steep cost, since the pet can spend a lot of time usefully doing exciting activities.

• Electronic applications for phone, computer

In the twenty-first century, no one is surprised by computer games specifically written for pets. Some cat owners say that their Murziki and Vaska, together with their owners, enthusiastically watch a football match or a tennis match on TV, closely watching the movement of the ball. Such animals will love to catch with their paw a “live” picture in the form of an animal rushing about on the screen of a smartphone or tablet. The downside is that the screen will be damaged by claws; the protective film will not save it. If you feel sorry for your mobile phone, you will have to buy your cat a personal phone or tablet.

Fishing rod

This type of cat toy is one of the most popular. A fishing rod is usually called an elongated lightweight stick, at the tip of which a string, one or more feathers, fringe, etc. can be attached. The main condition is the safety of the pet in case it tries to feast on the toy on the tip of the fishing rod.