A guide to choosing cat toys
How do you choose a cat toy?
There are many different types of toys available in the world. Some people may not know what to buy when they first get a cat. In fact, the type of toy that suits a cat varies depending on the cat's personality, age, breed, etc. In this article, we will introduce the types of toys and how to choose them.
Toy types
Even indoor cats still retain the hunting instinct they had when they lived in the wild. A cat that is usually relaxed and laid back will quickly grab a moving toy if it finds one! You may be surprised at how quickly they change. For cats, playing with toys is not just a way to play, but an important behavior that satisfies their innate desires. That's why it is said that playing with toys is necessary even for adult cats, and many toys use motifs that resemble prey. Let's start by looking at three popular toys.
- Cat toy : A thin stick with a string at the end, with a stuffed animal such as a feather or a small animal attached to the end. There are also types with small items attached directly to the stick. It is a vertical movement, so it is good for active cats and cats that are good at jumping. Another benefit is that the owner can play with it.
- Kicker : A small stuffed animal that is easy to hold. It holds with its front legs and kicks with its back legs. It is also called Kick Kick or Kicking Plush. It is popular with puppies who like to cling to their owners and play with them to show their affection. It is convenient because they can play by themselves.
- Balls : Some contain bells, silver vine or catnip. They are made of various materials such as cloth and plastic. They are preferred by dogs with strong hunting instincts. They are used for lateral movement by rolling them with your hands and chasing them.
Other toys include:
- Stuffed toys ...They are often shaped like mice or birds and are carried around in the mouth.
- Cat tunnel : A small tunnel made of wire and cloth, with balls and other objects hanging from the ceiling. Cats like small spaces, so they can get in and out easily.
- Educational toys : There are toys that have snacks inside and are designed to be eaten by moving the snacks to the opening, and tower-shaped toys that are played with by moving the balls.
- Electric toys : There are toys with a cat toy attached to the body, ball- or mouse-shaped toys that move around, toys that are powered by a motor inside a stuffed animal, and toys that project illustrations of prey onto the wall using an LED pointer.
It seems that dogs with a hunter-like temperament tend to prefer toys that require a lot of movement, while dogs with a more laid-back personality prefer toys that they can play with at their own pace.
Recommended toys for different cats by age and breed
[Recommendations by age]
Kitten (0-1 year old)
During the period when teeth are growing in from about 3 to 6 months of age, soft balls and stuffed toys are perfect for babies because their gums are itchy and they want to chew. After that, they will be curious and interested in anything, so give them a variety of toys and let them find something they like. However, there is still a high risk of them swallowing toys, so give them toys that are safe.
Adult cats (1-7 years old)
As their bodies develop, indoor cats need to exercise moderately to prevent obesity. Cat teasers, which encourage vertical movement, and kickers, which stimulate kicking, are suitable toys for young cats. Both toys are like hunting practice, and if they like them, they will be delighted. However, it seems that quiet cats may not be interested in kickers.
Senior cats (8 years and older)
For cats that are relatively active, you can still use cat toys and kickers. Cats' eyesight starts to deteriorate from around the age of 15, so if you use a cat toy, it's important to move it slowly. Other suitable toys include cat tunnels and balls that help maintain leg and hip muscles, as well as educational toys that can help prevent dementia.
Regardless of age, playing with your pet is a great way to bond with them, but when you're busy you can also use electric toys.
[Recommendations by cat breed]
Short-haired
Short-haired cats, which inherited the genes of the African wildcat, said to be the ancestor of domestic cats, tend to be mischievous and love toys that move vertically, such as cat teasers. Examples of these cats include Japanese cats, American shorthairs, Bengals, Abyssinians, and Singapuras.
long-haired breed
Long-haired cats, which tend to be docile because they are often crossbred with easy-to-care-for cat breeds, tend to prefer toys that allow for lateral movement such as balls. These cats include the Ragdoll, Persian, Himalayan, Ragamuffin, and Exotic Longhair.
Cat breeds that have both
Of the cats that are both short-haired and long-haired, Scottish Folds require special care . The cute and popular folded ears are actually one of the symptoms of a genetic bone disease. The bones are prone to malformation, and when this occurs, the limbs become painful. In that case, we recommend small stuffed toys such as square or triangular balls or mouse-shaped toys that do not roll with force, as they allow for gentle exercise. You can also use a cat toy, as long as you hold it close to the floor and let the cat play with it in lateral movements. Please choose a small kicker so that it does not put strain on the legs.
However, breed-specific recommendations are just trends, so make sure your cat likes them.
Things to note to ensure safe play
Toys with cellophane or vinyl parts are said to be popular with cats because of the rustling sound they make. Toys with long strings or rubber bands are also popular. However, some are fragile and can lead to accidents where cats swallow parts that come off. Electric toys that move around can also break if they hit a wall. It can be dangerous if the batteries pop out and are bitten, so check regularly to make sure they are not damaged. When giving these toys to your cat, don't forget to play with them within your line of sight. Also, make sure to limit the toys you give to your cat when you are away from home to ones that are safe for your cat.
A variety of toys to keep them from getting bored
Cats get bored easily, so it's best to combine several different types of toys. If your cat still doesn't want to play, you can revive it by rubbing the smell of catnip or silver vinegar on it. If you want to try it easily, you can also use toys that already have catnip or silver vinegar in them.
Develop the habit of playing with toys on a daily basis
If you play with your cat's toys just because they're cute, they may develop a biting habit. This is difficult to correct once the cat becomes an adult, so it's important to get your cat into the habit of playing with toys from a kitten. Playing with a toy that your cat likes helps relieve stress and helps to alleviate lack of exercise. Onddoka strives to create products from a cat's perspective. You're sure to find a fun toy that will satisfy your cat's needs.
