Finding The Perfect Cat Toy
Cat toys come in many different shapes and sizes, ranging from balls and ribbons to toy mice and even laser lights. Cats love to play and will play with anything, be it an expensive specially developed cat toy or a paper ball. Their need to play comes from their strength, agility, and predator instinct. Any cat owner can tell you that every cat has its own unique personality. Therefore, not all cats will be attracted to the exact same toy. Chances are, however, that if it is small and can be chased, cats will love playing with it.
Before running to the shops and choosing a cat toy, why not first try to make your own? You’d be amazed what cats find fun. Even crumpling up a paper ball then rolling it across a cat’s path may lead to a fun game of cat and mouse. You can also try string, felt ribbon (make sure the cat does not chew up, swallow, or choke on this), socks, or other things laying about the house. Just be careful, as whatever is used as a cat toy is sure to be destroyed eventually. It may be fun to play with a kitten by rubbing your fingers across its belly and having the cat nip or swat at them, but be warned that the kitten will one day become a very large cat who wants to do the exact same thing. Therefore, it is important not to ingrain what becomes a cat toy if you don’t want it to remain a cat toy for the rest of your pet’s life.
To add a little spice to a cat toy, consider buying a specially made catnip toy. Catnip is a member of the mint family that releases a chemical in the cat’s brain called nepetalactone which causes the cat to purr, lick, sniff, paw, and roll all around the catnip for a few minutes before walking away. By then, the cat’s brain has become accustomed to the catnip and will not enjoy catnip again for a few hours. A sensitivity to catnip is an inherited feature, so not all cats have it. To test out if a cat is sensitive, buy a small amount and see if there is a reaction. Be aware that a kitten is less likely to have any response than an adult cat. If you find that your cat is sensitive to catnip, then catnip toys can be a real treat.
Remember that price is not important when it comes to a cat toy. What’s important is the cat’s enjoyment. With a little experimentation, you will find a toy perfect for your cat.
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