CatPlayTM
The basics of playing with your cat. Please put
all toys away when not in use!
MetPet.com Staff Writer
Cats respond best to objects
that do this.
1. Have jerky, uneven movements. That's just the opposite of a metronome
or clock. Think of it in terms of birds flitting across the lawn or mice
running along the floor starting and stopping as they go.
2. Look easy to catch. Cats are opportunists and can be very lazy at
times. Few, however, can resist an object that is just within paw reach.
3. Are moving away. Objects that look like they are "getting
away" can be very appealing.
4. Are "hiding" inside holes or underneath other objects.
This must remind cats of mice, rats or other potential catches.
Unfortunately, hands or feet moving under bed covers can sometimes invoke this hunting
behavior also (ouch).
Cat toys come in various types that
include the following.
Line-based toys:
Cats love things on strings as well as the strings themselves. Line-based
toys usually (but not necessarily) have a rod of some kind, a string or cord of
some kind and frequently an object on the end. The general idea is to
dangle or pull the object and get your cat to bat or chase it. The rod
makes it easier to play with for you and prevents injuries from claws and teeth.
Variations on this theme include the absence of
rods, toys dangled from ceilings or walls, fabric or ribbon in place of cord, etc.
Line-based toys are usually interactive and are made to give the appearance of mice,
insects or other small prey.
Wire-based toys: These toys have a long, thin, strong and semi-rigid
wire with or without a rod. An object such as rolled up paper, ribbons, feathers
etc. is attached to the end. The toy is swooped and soared around a room to give the
appearance of flight.
Teaser toys: These toys resemble sticks with feathers or other
materials stuck on the end. They are interactive and are used to tickle your cat's
ears and nose.
Bat&Swat toys: These toys come in a huge variety of styles. They
include round and rolling objects of any kind including pingpong balls, paper wads and
pompoms. They also include all manner of fluffy, puffy, crinkly and scratchy
objects. They are limited only by the imagination of cat toy designers and the shelf
space of your local retailer.
These are marginally-interactive toys. You
can throw them but they're generally for your cat to play by itself. The best bat
and swat toys are easily pushed around to give the appearance of small prey.
Catnip toys: These toys have only one thing in common with each
other, they smell of catnip. They range wildly in price, durability, quality, appeal
and effectiveness. Click here to read more about catnip.
Miscellaneous toys: We put this category in for the odd toy that doesn't
quite figure into the other categories. The motorized plastic ball that spins and
rolls randomly around the floor (and scares our cats) would fit in this category.
Pointers & Tips to getting
the most from your toys:
1. Always put interactive toys away when not in
use. A secure cupboard, closet, drawer works well as long as your cat
cannot break into them when you're not looking!
2. Rotate toys every few days
3. Replace any toy when any part breaks off, when it becomes soiled or when it becomes
excessively frayed.
4. Every cat should have at least one toy in each major category to provide the full range
of motion, exercise and stimulation.
5. Use a grocery bag also known as a cat toy enhancer
option.
6. Enhance the environment by using a blanket.
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