What Toys Do Cats Like?
- Cats have a strong natural instinct to chase fast-moving prey; toys that can be flicked or flung around are a favorite, according to the Humane Society of the United States. This primarily includes fishing-pole style toys, which have a handle for the owner to hold, a long string attached to it and a small stuffed or feathered toy at the end. When humans use the pole to make the end toy move and jump erratically, a cat's prey-drive kicks in and it will pounce and chase the toy.
- Cats are a creative species due to their instinct to forage and can amuse themselves endlessly with simple items, often choosing paper as a toy. Crumpled up paper balls can be batted, chased and bitten. Another cat favorite is paper bags -- cats love to hide inside them, knock them over and roll around in them. Strips of paper tied to a post will create a fluttering target for pouncing upon.
- Catnip is an herb that has a very attractive smell to cats. Many toys come infused with catnip already, or catnip can be purchased on its own and placed inside a favorite toy. This herb stimulates a cat's senses, and many cats will happily roll around with and toss around catnip toys, making it a huge favorite among felines.
- Wrestling with a playmate is an enjoyable activity for cats, according to the Humane Society of the United States, even if that playmate is a stuffed animal. Some cats like larger stuffed toys with long tails and legs, which provide a solid wrestling partner. Other cats like smaller stuffed toys that they can carry around after playtime. It depends on the individual cat, but most cats like stuffed toys.
- According to Paws, Whiskers, and Claws Feline Hospital, cats are drawn to small toys that chirp like birds or make other small prey-animal noises. Again, this is related to their hunting instinct. Many of these toys also move around either by battery, remote control or wind-up. The stimulation of the sound and movement delight the senses, making these a favorite type of cat toy.
