Cat Toys 

Just as people and other pets need physical and mental activities to stay fit and healthy, so do cats. Especially indoor cats. Playtime enriches your feline’s routine with both of these and playtime with your kitty also strengthens the bond that you have. There are plenty of toys for cats online that you purchase to use for play sessions. We’ve tried to include a wide variety in this collection.

The hunting instinct in cats is very strong and they love toys that appeal to this. Dangling toys that they can swat and attempt to pull down are very tempting and often placed on cat trees.

Different textures are also quite appealing so many cat toys have feathers attached, cat scratching pads and posts are quite rough and other toys may have a plush finish. Toys that crinkle or that are shiny are equally fun to play with.

Cat wands are a favorite as they entice a cat to chase and the long handle keeps a pet parent’s hands safe from kitty’s excitable claws. You can move this wand in circles, make it twitch on the floor or even just wave it around.

Catnip toys for cats are another favorite and excellent to draw a cat into a game. Some cats can get overexcited with catnip so it’s best to introduce it to them in small sessions until you know how he or she is going to react. Soft or plush toys give kitties a chance to wrestle with something that’s their own size. This way, they won’t be wrestling with your arm.

At first, offer your cat a variety of toys so you can see which type he or she likes best. Toys that your cat can catch are preferable to laser lights which can be frustrating because they can never catch it.

How to Train Cats with Cat Toys

Training a cat is one of the toughest jobs, but with the right way and use of cat toys, you can make it a fun and rewarding experience for you and your feline friend. Cat toys are excellent for encouraging positive behaviours and can be effectively added to your daily training routine. 

• Choose the Suitable Toy for Your Cat: Start by choosing cat toys your cat naturally gravitates towards. This could be anything from a plush toy to a small ball. Using these toys to motivate and reward your cat during training sessions is key. For instance, if you're teaching your cat to come when called, you can use a toy as a lure and reward.

• Keep the Training Sessions Short: Cats have short attention spans, so it is crucial to keep training sessions brief for about 5 to 10 minutes. Use this time to focus on one specific behaviour. Play with the toy to get your cat's attention, then use it to guide your cat into doing what you want. Reward them with play after they perform the desired action.
  

• Consistency is Key: Regular, short training sessions are more effective than occasional long ones. Try to train at the same time each day so it becomes a routine that your cat expects. Consistency helps reinforce learning and keeps your cat engaged in the training process.

• Positive Reinforcement: Always create a positive foundation when training with cat toys. This means rewarding good behaviour with play, treats, or petting. Avoid scolding or punishing your cat, as this can lead to fear and hesitation to participate. Remember, the goal is to make training a fun and rewarding experience.

Choosing the Right Cat Toy for Your Cat

Selecting the perfect cat toy for your cat involves understanding its personality and preferences. Each cat is unique, and its toys should cater to its specific style of play and interaction.

• Consider Your Cat’s Play Style: Does your cat like to chase, or do they prefer to pounce? Observing how your cat plays naturally can help you choose toys that match their preferred style of play. For chasers, toys like laser pointers and wand toys that mimic the movement of prey are excellent choices. Plush mice or toys that can be attacked and subdued are ideal for pouncers.

• Variety is the Spice of Life: Like humans, cats can get bored with the same old toys. Offering a variety of toys will keep your cat interested and eager to play. Include a mix of catnip, interactive, and puzzle toys to keep their playtime fresh and exciting.

• Safety First: Always prioritise your cat's safety when choosing toys. Avoid small parts that could be swallowed, toys with sharp edges, or any components that can easily be chewed off and ingested. Regularly inspect cat toys for signs of wear and tear, replacing them when necessary.

• Test Different Textures: Cats have different preferences for textures. Some prefer soft plush materials, while others like crinkly textures or hard rubber for chewing. Experiment with different materials to see what your cat likes best.