Choosing the Right Cat Toys

When it comes to cat toys, your feline friends know what they want, but the stubborn kitties leave it up to their owners to figure it out. To help you choose the right toys for cats based on their behavior, lifestyle and breed, consider these kitty accessories that are bound to bring the purrs.

Mix it Up and Play it Safe

Until you know just what your cat likes, it's best to buy a couple of different toys to see what elicits the most positive response. Like with children’s toys, rotate cat toys often. Here are some ideas to keep your cat amused:

• Find out if your cat prefers toys that mimic birds, mice or bugs. The predator in your cat may actually lean toward a certain “prey,” so pick a toy that lets your cat act the hunter.
• Purchase a couple of different types of cat toys in various sizes, shapes and textures to test which ones are a hit. Textures might include fur, feather or fabric. Having a variety of kitty toys keeps your cat active and happy.
• Look carefully at each toy to ensure there are no parts your kitty can swallow. Keep playtime supervised until you are sure that the toys are safe for your fuzzy loved one.

Scratch Here Instead of There

As natural-born hunters, cats like to keep the tools of their trade sharp. Make sure that they don’t use your new sofa or treasured rug as their personal cat scratcher. Here are some ideas for cat scratchers:

• There are numerous low-cost cat scratchers that come with replaceable scratch pads and provide hours of fun.
• Some cats like going vertical, so try a cat scratcher that allows them to travel upwards without using the walls or furniture as launching points.
• Combining two feline favorites — catnip and scratching — maximizes the fun for cats while keeping them focused on scratching in the right place.

Say Hello to My Little Friend

Many cats prefer interactive cat toys. Think about these types of kitty toys that require you to be part of the action:

• Most kitties love toys that move, vibrate or swing, as well as those that involve a laser light that they can chase. A remote-controlled mouse scented with catnip is sure to keep your cat in fighting form.
• Some cats like toys that roll and light up, while others enjoy having toys tossed so they can leap to catch them. Tying any toy to a piece of string and dragging it along may help keep your cat active.

Kitty Sniff-o-rific

What cat doesn’t love catnip? While catnip toys can be expensive, they don’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly, smell-good cat toys:

• Grow your own catnip and then make toys out of fabric and string.
• Combining two types of entertainment into one, catnip bubbles are sure to amuse you and your cat.
• An alternative to catnip is kitty grass, which you can grow for indoor pets that may not get to frolic outdoors.

Whatever you choose to match your furry friend's personality, make sure you take time out to play with your cat every day.