Cat toys: educational intellectual products

As soon as a kitten appears in the house, the need arises to purchase various household items intended for a new tailed friend. Little kittens are curious and active, so they will also need toys with which they can spend their leisure time in a fun way. Even adult cats are often interested in special toys that develop thinking, attention, dexterity and other useful skills in pets.

In the article we will look at why cats need toys, what to look for when choosing toys for kittens and adult cats, what types of toys there are for cats, and methods for teaching your pet to toys.

Why cats need games and toys

Cats are predators by nature. They have hunting instincts that need to be constantly developed. Animals with free access to the outdoors develop their natural skills in their natural environment, hunting for birds, small rodents and insects.

Special toys help domestic cats diversify their leisure time. Active games have a beneficial effect on the general physical condition and health of the pet.

Other benefits of cat toys:

• promote the development of natural instincts and skills;
• satisfy the cat's needs;
• provide positive emotions for the pet;
• Having its own toys, the cat loses interest in upholstered furniture and other products in the house, which allows you to keep household items intact.

Toys are especially necessary if there are two or more cats living in the house. With their help, animals relieve stress and take out all the negative energy on toys, maintaining peaceful friendly relations among themselves.

Tips for cat lovers

1. Remember: your pet is a predator, and therefore he definitely needs to catch and kill (gnaw, bite) his prey. Fur, feathers, wool, threads in this case can become dangerous. The cat can swallow them, become entangled and choke. Such games must be carefully monitored, otherwise they may end in a visit to the veterinarian.
2. One of the favorite and useful entertainments for cats is to get the mouse. A ball (for example, a ping pong ball), a Kinder Surprise egg with something rattling inside, a plastic bottle cap become the most interesting objects if they are hidden under a rug or under a box. Cheap and cheerful.
3. Cats love to hide. Boxes from household appliances or shoes are ideal for this. And if there are several animals in the house, there is a chance to enjoy wars for a strategically attractive shelter.
4. Each pet has its own preferences and favorite toys. It could be an old slipper, a chewed up mouse, a deflated ball, or a cocktail straw. Do not take this “garbage” away from the cat: if the animal chose it, then there are good reasons for it. Respect your pet's choice.

How to choose the right toys for cats

Pet stores offer a huge range of toys for cats and cats. You should select products according to certain rules.

How to choose a cat toy:

1. The toy must be of high quality, made from environmentally friendly and safe materials.
2. There should be no small or detachable parts on the toy.
3. The owner must take into account the preferences of his tailed friend. Some cats love to play with wind-up mice, while others enthusiastically chase balls.
4. For general development, you can buy your cat a multifunctional toy or developmental complex.

It is recommended to buy your cat several different toys so that she always has a choice. This will also allow the owner to determine the preferences of their furry friend.

Criteria for choosing a safe toy

When buying “trinkets” for pets, owners often choose pet supplies based on frivolous principles: “because it’s beautiful, funny,” “a friend has one, Barsik likes his, I should buy mine too.” And then they are surprised: the pet ignored the gift. In order not to make mistakes when choosing, you need to remember: each animal is individual. Before going to a pet store or looking at lots in an online store, you should take a closer look at your cat’s habits and remember the advice of your veterinarian. A thoughtful purchase will bring more satisfaction.

What to look for when going shopping at a pet store?

• High quality material

The best manufacturers take care of the health of pets using good raw materials. Counterfeits and low-quality goods have a strong artificial smell that will scare away animals and can cause an allergic reaction.

• Strength

Stitched models, decorated with glued elements, are only suitable for admiring at an unapproachable distance. Murka, with sharp claws and teeth, will instantly tear apart the fragile product, definitely taste the contents, and choke.

• Healthy color

A ball bought at a pet store at a ridiculous price, bright to the point of pain in the eyes, is dangerous. An unnatural color is the first sign that the model is made from questionable raw materials with synthetic harmful impurities. Such a gift to a pet will negatively affect its health.

• Suitable for cleaning

Hygiene is important for a healthy pet. Balls and mice that have repeatedly been in the cat's paws and teeth need to be washed from time to time so that the animal does not get sick.

• No small parts

For safety, it is better to purchase a whole product. A model consisting of many small elements will eventually begin to fall apart into “puzzles”; this is dangerous for the animal.

In an online store where there is no way to tactilely evaluate a product, you will have to be content with the information provided by the seller. When planning to order online, you should pay attention to:

• photo;
• product description;
• its characteristics;
• functional;
• brand;
• who is the manufacturer;
• customer reviews;
• price;
• guarantees;
• Payment Methods;
• delivery methods.

The last two points are important, given the large number of unscrupulous online sellers. The offer to immediately pay for the goods and delivery without an alternative - only by Russian post, raises suspicion. According to postal employees, it is not uncommon for customers to receive parcels containing garbage and unusable goods. It is impossible to return the money paid in 90 out of 100 cases.

Types of simple toys for cats

Simple toys are the most popular for cats, they are sold at a low price and are quite satisfactory for the animals. Among such products, balls, mice and pointers are in particular demand. Let's take a closer look.

Balls

Cat balls are small in size and made from different materials.

Kinds:

• jumpers;
• a ball with a bell or small ball inside;
• textile balls with catnip, stimulating the physical activity of the animal.

Pointers

The pointing toy creates a laser beam with a point of light that indoor cats love to chase. The owner controls the pointer. The kit may include additional attachments that transform the light point into the outlines of animals and other figures.

Mice

Cats love to chase mice, even if they are just a toy. Manufacturers of pet products offer artificial mice made of different materials: plastic, textile, sisal, rubber, with natural fur, etc. Such a toy can be static or mechanical. This is an interesting option for active play for your pet.

Mechanical toys

As a true hunter, a cat is attracted to movement, which means it will be interested in a toy moving across the floor. Of course, you can tie any ball or soft mouse to a string yourself and imitate its movement. But the best solution would be to buy a mechanical toy that is durable and has a long service life.

Mechanical toys are easy to operate. They are created in various forms - mice, fish, birds, etc., and can be soaked in catnip. With such a toy, the cat will never be bored, and a caring owner will be able to watch her active games from the side, where she can fully demonstrate her hunting skills.

Lilli Pet Brush the cat

Country of origin : China
Price : 798 rub.

Cleaning and washing a cat is not an easy task. During these procedures, a lot of nerves and time are wasted. This can be avoided because a Chinese manufacturer has come up with a toy for combing wool, and it’s called Lilli Pet Brush the cat.

You will no longer have to torment your pet, since he will effortlessly comb out all his fur. Lilli Pet has been producing pet products for over 25 years, so it has a lot of experience.

The company adheres to the concept that each product undergoes serious testing so that the consumer receives a really good thing.

Electronic and battery-powered toys

Battery-powered toys and electronic models have a variety of functions and may have sound and light.

Some models of electronic toys are equipped with sensors that detect the smell of an approaching cat and trigger the game mechanism automatically.

Pet stores offer a large selection of such toys: electronic game plates, imitation fish, birds, mice on a wireless control panel, teasers, rotating balls, etc.

Siberian cat - teaser with 3 balls

Country of origin : Russia
Price : 100 rub.

Such a toy will definitely captivate a kitten, but can it interest an adult cat? This is a question, but it's worth checking! Siberian cat - teaser with 3 balls is made in the form of a fishing rod - if desired, you can throw it on your pet’s head or back to attract attention.

There are 3 multi-colored balls on the fishing rod. It doesn't mean much to the cat, but you should definitely like it. According to the manufacturer, the toy is suitable for all ages and breeds of cats, and helps maintain an active lifestyle for your pet.

For reference: two materials were used to create the teaser toy: rubber and plastic. When playing, do not squeeze the stick too hard - it may break.

Interactive toys for cats

Interactive educational toys for cats are presented in a wide variety. They develop the mental and physical abilities of a pet well, allowing them to spend time fun and enthusiastically without distracting the owner from important matters.

Types of interactive toys for cats:

• ball track;
• game “Catch the Mouse”;
• game track “Pyramid”;
• radio controlled mice;
• massagers;
• tease toys, etc.

6. Xiaomi Petoneer Pet Smart Companion Play Ball

Country of origin : China
Price : 1,290 rub.

The Xiaomi Petoneer Pet Smart Companion Play Ball toy will be appreciated not only by cats, but also by dogs. One of the buyers wrote that his cat was scared of the ball, and now it lies idle. It is worth remembering that all animals are different and should not react the same way.

The toy from the Chinese manufacturer avoids obstacles well, makes sound and lights up. To make it more interesting for the cat to chase the sword, there are holes in it - something else can be tied to them. The downside is that the toy bangs loudly against corners and walls, so don’t play with it when your household is sleeping.

Food toys and chew toys

For a cat that doesn't eat in moderation, you can buy a food labyrinth. The owner will pour food into special holes, and in order to get food from the toy the pet will have to show dexterity and intelligence. Such products perfectly develop the cat’s intellectual skills and prevent overeating, which prevents the risk of obesity.

Toys with food are presented in different variations: with rotating elements, with plastic cups, with balls, tubes, adjustable holes, etc.

Chew toys are also beneficial for cats to help maintain dental health. They are made in the form of different shapes and have a textured or mesh surface. Can be filled with compressed mint leaves for fresh breath. Among the chewing toys, rubber products impregnated with catnip oil are also popular.

Petstages Energize – boomerang

Country of origin : Illinois
Price : 281 rub.

Catnip is a popular ingredient for correcting pet behavior. In pet stores you can find toys with this component, for example, scratching posts. Since the smell is attractive to cats, your pet will follow it on its heels!

Luckily, the Petstages Energize toy has that ingredient - a boomerang infused with 100% North American mint. There are no other fillers in the toy - the persistent aroma will force the cat to play for a long time. The cat, as if crazy, will jump on the toy, carry it in its hands and even fight with it!

FYI: Petstages toys allow you to strengthen your bond with your pets. In the assortment you will never find “empty” toys, only functional ones – those that benefit the animal.

How to teach a cat to play with toys

Some kittens immediately show interest in new toys, while others have to be accustomed to a foreign object using various tricks.

How to accustom a cat to toys:

1. Try to guess the cat's desire and choose a toy that will definitely arouse her interest. See what she likes to do in her free time. If she enthusiastically chases insects flying in the air, buy an interactive or mechanical toy that imitates real game. If your cat rolls a ball of thread or other objects that come its way across the floor, buy her a ball or a whole play set with a surprise.
2. Give your cat a new toy to explore and get to know.
3. Play with your cat with a new toy, imitating different movements. A cat, like a true hunter, will definitely show interest in a moving object.
4. Try hiding the toy under a paper bag or in a cardboard box. Draw your cat's attention to the hidden object with a rustling sound. This can arouse interest in a bored pet and make you want to actively play with a new toy.
5. If your cat doesn’t want to play with toys at all, use catnip to stir up interest in active games. It is absolutely harmless and safe for cats. Its smell awakens the playful mood in cats. You can buy a ready-made toy filled with catnip.

Observe your cat and try to choose toys that suit her interests and preferences.

10. Lanyu Model Scolopendra Leyu

Country of origin : China
Price : RUR 1,199

If your pet has strong nerves, you can present him with such a “surprise” in the form of a centipede (just don’t fall from fright!) The radio-controlled centipede with silicone legs operates from a remote control. When moving, her tail rattles.

Meeting a centipede is always a stressful event. Despite the fact that the insect does not harm humans, it frightens with the abundance of legs. Don't risk scaring Lanyu Model Scolopendra Leyu household members, otherwise they may get a phobia for life.

But seals are more resistant to various insects; perhaps your pet will enjoy chasing a centipede.

The best toys for kittens

In the game, kittens learn about the world around them, learn to hunt and attack, and interact with humans. Toys make kittens move and develop. A small kitten chews on foreign objects a lot. At this age, light and safe models made of natural material are useful - fur mice, feathers with an elastic band, laser pointers or sticks. Make sure that the kitten does not break its young teeth with too hard toys, and that the kitten does not choke or injure itself with small and sharp toys. The main thing is that the kitten moves a lot, then it eats well and grows quickly.

Toys are an important item for a pet's development. They need to be updated periodically and the safety of the materials from which they are made is monitored. By the first year of life, kittens become independent and require less attention. The gradual addition of complex interactive toys develops mobility, dexterity, attention and intelligence in kittens. If you pay attention to the kitten, it will grow up sociable and inquisitive, and playing with it will bring joy to the owner and little friend.

On the pages of our website you can choose the perfect toys for you and your pet. Visit the Stores page to view retail outlets, chain stores and online stores that carry Gigwi toys.

Georplast Tricky

Country of origin : Italy
Price : 594 rub.

It can be difficult to please a picky cat, but we are more than confident that the Georplast Tricky toy will be able to entice even the most inactive pet. What is her secret? To begin with, it is worth noting that this toy is most suitable for kittens; adult cats are not particularly interested in playing.

The toy keeps the kitten occupied – that’s the main thing. You can add balls, rustling paper, balls (whatever you want) inside. The pet will extract all this with interest. The toy is made of high-quality plastic and does not smell after removal from the box. It is easy to clean and easy to assemble/disassemble.

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Lilli Pet Hidden ball

Country of origin : China
Price : 195 rub.

Another very interesting toy from Lilli Pet. Cats love to chase balls around the apartment, but in front of you is not quite an ordinary ball - it is inside and presents a kind of surprise.

Lilli Pet Hidden ball is a wooden ball with a rattle inside. You can be sure that the cat will spend a lot of time playing, because it will awaken the sleeping hunter in him! The wooden ball is non-toxic and does not cause allergies. Only 2 materials were used for manufacturing: plastic and wood.

Imagine that the cat is a two-year-old child

You will never buy a toy for a small child that has small parts that come off easily, because you know that the child will pull the toy into his mouth, the part will come off, he will swallow it, and then whatever happens. Either he will suffocate or injure his esophagus... You never know.

A cat is the same child. She pulls any toy into her mouth, while hammering it with her paws so much that not a single part will last long. So watch carefully!

There should not be various small nonsense intended for decoration - all these rhinestones, small feathers, beads. Yes, it's beautiful - for you! But the cat doesn’t care whether it’s beautiful or not. But she will definitely swallow the beads.

Laser pointers

Gone are the days when cat owners were content with paper bows tied to a string. New technologies have taken their place.

Laser pointers purchased from office supply stores have quickly become a favorite of cat owners. And this is not at all surprising: you can play with an animal while sitting on the sofa. You just need to press the button and enjoy watching the cat unsuccessfully try to catch the red light.

In this failure lies the main danger.

In order for the game not to harm the animal, the prey must be caught sooner or later. If this does not happen, the pet experiences dissonance.

The hunting program laid down at the genetic level goes astray. The result is a nervous disorder, which can be expressed in changes in behavior and the appearance of habits that are unpleasant for the owners. For example, their favorite shoes can turn into a new cat litter box.

Another important point is that the laser is unsafe for the retina of the eye. Playing with a pointer can lead to partial or complete loss of your cat's vision. So the pleasure of laughing at funny jumps is worth a lot.

Petstages Play - 3rd floor track

Country of origin : USA
Price : RUR 1,108

Petstages creates innovative toys for dogs and cats of all breeds and ages, as well as breed-specific toys. From Petstages Play - almost all cats are delighted with the 3rd floor track! They love to bounce the balls around the plastic rack.

The balls are very light and move easily. Many whose pets have tried the Petstages Play toy – track on the 3rd floor, say that the cats do not leave it for a long time.

This may not be very pleasant for those who wake up at the slightest sound - cats love to chase balls at night, so it is best to hide the toy at night.