Tips for Choosing the Best Cat-Approved Cat Toys
1. Variety of Interactive and Solo Play Cat Toys
An environment that is both mentally and physically stimulating will help keep your cat healthy and happy. Cats need vigorous interactive and solo play sessions that encourage them to mock-hunt. They crave toys that they can chase, toss, pounce on, and kick.
Play sessions are a great way to strengthen your relationship with your cat. In a multi-cat household, stress and boredom may cause cats to become aggressive and territorial.
Rotating toys that are available to your cat will also keep them interested in playing.
2. Cat Toy Safety
Unfortunately, some toys specifically sold for cats are unsafe or inappropriate for them. For this reason, you will want to monitor the condition of all toys in your home for hazards. Get to know the habits of your cat. This will help you identify types of toys that will likely get chewed on or pulled apart.
Before giving your cats a new toy, look for the following hazards:
- Materials that can break teeth or puncture gums
- Small pieces that can cause choking
- Parts that can be swallowed (faux feathers, tinsel, bells, batteries, etc.)
- String that can be swallowed, cause accidental strangulation, or wrap around limbs
- Toxic fillers or coatings
For example, we check toys for small parts such as ears and eyes that are sewn on. Also, toys with string are only provided during supervised play sessions. String sections can break off and become lodged in a cat’s intestinal tract.
Recommended Cat-Approved Cat Toys
Puma Paw Cat Toy
Company: Jackson Galaxy
These catnip-infused ball toys are a favorite of Sir Edmund Hillary. Like all of our cats, he plays fetch. It is easy for him to use his claws to fling these across the floor because of the nylon yarn cords.
Magic Mightie Mouse Cat Toy
Company: Petstages
Although this catnip-filled mouse is made of a soft material, it is durable. In addition, it has an exciting pair of crinkle ears! Raven loves to chew on the tails of his mouse toys, but this one has kept its tail after 3 years of play.
Play-N-Squeak Mouse Cat Toy
Company: Pet Zone
Especially if your cat enjoys hunting, the squeaking sound that this furry mouse makes will be exciting. Also, in comparison to most mice toys, this one is the most realistic. Its realistic faux fur camouflages it well.
Plaque Away Pretzel Cat Toy
Company: Petstages
Petstages offers a line of dental toys for cats of all ages. Slash enjoys crunching and chewing on this pretzel shape toy. Not only is this a fun toy, but it also has netting on the exterior that helps floss teeth and remove tartar.
Refillable Turtle Catnip Cat Toy
Company: KONG
This plush catnip toy has a reclosable pouch so that you can replace the catnip. Unfortunately, many catnip toys become discolored when the material becomes wet from licking and chewing. However, this turtle is machine washable after you remove the catnip.
Wubba Cat Friends Mouse Cat Toy
Company: Kong
This toy is great for cats that like to hind-kick, wrestle, and chew. The body of this mouse contains a rattle and legs that make a crinkle sound. It is also infused with catnip.
Colorful Spring Cat Toy
Company: Chewy/Frisco
These bouncy springs are a hit with our cats. They bounce off the floor and walls without causing damage. You will need to supervise your cats with these, though, because they may chew on the ends.
Laser Exerciser Cat Toy
Company: Ethical Pet
Laser pointers are one of the easiest ways to get your cats to exercise. Even for senior cats that may need to play while sitting or laying down, laser pointers will be exciting for them.
I have 2 cats and a kitten. I am sure they would love these!