Interactive cat toys provide exercise, which aids in weight control and the toning of muscles, as well as mental stimulation, especially for cats that don’t get outside much. Cats respond best to toys that mimic real prey, or at the very least, move about in random and unpredictable ways with just the quick flick of the paw. So toys that fly about like birds or roll around like mice scurrying can provide hours of fun.
Benefits of Interactive Cat Toys
Some benefits of interactive cat toys include:
- Provides exercise including cardiovascular exercise, muscle toning and agility.
- Offers mental stimulation and entertainment.
- A great form of cat-to-human bonding when owners play too.
- Aids in increasing the confidence of a timid cat and can help calm a nervous or anxious cat.
- Can help reduce aggression and tension between cats in a multi-cat household.
- Can use up a cats energy and provides a distraction for cats that tend to attack humans or the couch or curtains.
Types of Interactive Cat Toys
Here are examples of some of the best, stimulating toys for your cat. Local pet stores and veterinary clinics may stock some, but these and many more can also be purchased online.
- Play-n-Squeak Toys – Provide mental and physical stimulation and contains an electronic sound module which ‘squeaks’ like a mouse would.
- Thrill of the Chase – This toy features a realistic mouse that mimics wild prey and contains catnip.
- Zig-n-Zag Ball – Provides hours of fun a the movement of the ball zigs and zags so your cat wont know which way it will go next!
- Magnetic Cat Toy – This toy features a magnetic field that keeps it in motion. Just a little swipe from your cat will set this toy in motion and the magnet takes over to keep it moving.
- Cat Tunnel – A great toy especially for when the owners aren’t home as the cat can run through, weaving in and out of the various holes in the top and side of the tunnel. Tunnels usually include some balls hanging on a string along the top of the inside as well.
Most of these toys are designed to allow the cat to use its natural predatory instincts in a safe and fun way. They provide hours of fun, mental stimulation and exercise and many toys allow for human interaction as well.
Owners should make sure they rotate the toys their cat plays with regularly to prevent boredom and also hide cat toys in different rooms of the house so that their cat can ‘discover’ them throughout the day. Owners should of course buy new cat toys on occasion, perhaps for their cat’s birthday or as a Christmas present. Your cat may become bored with even its favorite toy after a while. Hiding it and presenting it again after a month or two may help cure the boredom.
Further Reading:
- Interactive Cat Toys at CatToys.com
Roberta Goli - Roberta has a Bachelor of Science Degree (Zoology), has worked with animals for over 10 years and enjoys writing short stories and flash ...
