Best cat toys

Every cat owner knows that cats can be picky about what attracts and what bores them. Giving cat toys not only entertains our pet cats when we’re not free to play with them, but it also helps them maintain a healthy weight, especially when all they do is stay at home and sleep. Playing engages cat’s minds and wards off boredom, which also boosts their mood, so we have to give them the best cat toys for their personality.

Playtime is one of the ways we can bond with our cats, and interactive toys are a great way to encourage them to move by chasing, hunting, and catching these toys. Whether a dangling feather toy, a catnip mouse or setting up a cat obstacle course, these can all entertain them. All these things will entertain our cats, plus it will strengthen their body too. 

Below is the list of a few of our recommended best cat toys for your kitties to keep them moving and entertained even when they are indoors.

Different types of cat toys

While your cat enjoys playing with a box, it is also essential to give them more choices. Here are different kinds of cat toys:

• Fishing Poles/Teasers. These usually come with feathers, ribbons, or other enticing items attached. This type of play is for sharpening your kitty’s natural skills like stalking, chasing or pouncing, without making you the prey.
• Mice and Balls. Cats and kittens love small, furry toys that resemble other creatures. These toys look like prey and stimulate predatory instincts. 
• Catnip Toys. Catnip contains an essential oil called nepetalactone that can neurologically stimulate your cat. 
• Scratchers. Cat scratchers not only give your cat an outlet for her instincts, but they can also save your carpet and furniture from wear and tear. 
• Interactive Toys. Many include balls and other smart items that inspire your cat to chase. A laser pointer can provide hours of interactive entertainment and exercise for your cat as they try to catch the bright laser beam.

How many hours of play for a cat?

According to PDSA, there’s no exact amount of time of exercise your cat should be getting every day, but generally, at least two sessions of playtime a day of around 15-20 minutes each should help to keep them active.

If you’re playing with your cat and they’ve had enough, they’re likely to just stop playing or even walk off. Cats are designed to exercise in short bursts and aren’t made for hours of exercise in one go. Remember it’s as much about stopping your cat from getting bored and letting them express natural hunting behaviors as it is about keeping them slim. To keep your cat in shape, make sure you’re feeding them the right diet, too.