Attività

Cat toys aren’t all fun and games for your cat; whether elaborate or simple, toys give your cat exercise, mental stimulation, a chance to act on hunting instincts, and a way to bond with you.

There are so many cat toys on the market. It can be tough to pick ones that are both safe and appealing for your kitty.

Cat toys can range from free, homemade distractions to battery-powered devices. But regardless of the price tag, safety comes first.

Cats should never have any toy that includes loose string or yarn. The papillae that give the cat’s tongue its rough texture act as tiny hooks to draw the string or yarn into the cat’s throat.

Once ingested, string or yarn can lead to serious, even deadly, problems in the digestive tract.

You can find plenty of items around the house that make safe and fun toys for your cat, starting with a plain brown paper sack whose crinkly texture delights cats, especially if the back is large enough to crawl inside.

Empty boxes, from soda cases to cardboard boxes, are cat magnets.

There are so many cat toys on the market. It can be tough to pick ones that are both safe and appealing for your kitty.

Cat toys can range from free, homemade distractions to battery-powered devices. But regardless of the price tag, safety comes first.

Cats should never have any toy that includes loose string or yarn. The papillae that give the cat’s tongue its rough texture act as tiny hooks to draw the string or yarn into the cat’s throat.

Once ingested, string or yarn can lead to serious, even deadly, problems in the digestive tract.

You can find plenty of items around the house that make safe and fun toys for your cat, starting with a plain brown paper sack whose crinkly texture delights cats, especially if the back is large enough to crawl inside.

Empty boxes, from soda cases to cardboard boxes, are cat magnets.

The things that are usually the most attractive to cats are often the very things that are the most dangerous. Cat-proof your home by checking for: string, ribbon, yarn, rubber bands, plastic milk jug rings, paper clips, pins, needles, and anything else that could be ingested. All of these items are dangerous, no matter how cute your cat may look when she’s playing with them.

Avoid or alter any toys that aren’t cat-proof by removing ribbons, feathers, strings, eyes, or other small parts that could be chewed and/or ingested.

Soft toys should be machine washable. Check labels for child safety, as a stuffed toy that’s labeled as safe for children under three years old, doesn’t contain dangerous fillings. Problem fillings include things like nutshells and polystyrene beads. Also, rigid toys are not as attractive to cats.

Recommended toys

Active toys

Round plastic shower curtain rings are fun either as a single ring to bat around, hide or carry, or when linked together and hung in an enticing spot.

Plastic rolling balls, with or without bells inside.

Ping-Pong balls and plastic practice golf balls with holes, to help cats carry them. Try putting one in a dry bathtub, as the captive ball is much more fun than one that escapes under the sofa. You’ll probably want to remove the balls from the bathtub before bedtime, unless you can’t hear the action from your bedroom. Two o’clock in the morning seems to be a prime time for this game.

Paper bags with any handles removed. Paper bags are good for pouncing, hiding and interactive play. They’re also a great distraction if you need your cat to pay less attention to what you’re trying to accomplish. Plastic bags are not a good idea, as many cats like to chew and ingest the plastic.