Cat toys: what is the type of your cat?

All cats love to play, and there are all kinds of cat toys. But did you know that your cat has a type of game? Each cat has a definite inclination towards a certain type or types of play, which can be enhanced by certain types of toys. Fortunately, it’s easy to find out what “type” your cat is. That is how.

Keep all of your cat’s toys in a closed area and start with just one toy. Play with your cat for @ 10 minutes and note how your cat reacts to the toy. Cats tend to be most active at dawn or dusk, so try to play with your cat just before bedtime. They are engaged? Do they tire of the toy quickly? Try the exercise again the next day with a new toy. Your cat will most likely be attracted to one or two of the following types of toys.

Interactive:

These include toys such as bird fishing rods, feathers, or string on the end of a stick. These toys require your involvement for two reasons: one obviously to move the stick, the other because the feathers and the like present a choking hazard and the string could be swallowed or tangled around your cat. Be sure to put these toys away after use to be safe.

Another type of interactive toy has some kind of moving part, such as a toy attached to a spring at the top of a scratching post, or a ball that moves around a slot in a large, round piece of plastic when the cat picks it up. Push. These toys are often attached to scratching posts and can often be enhanced with catnip.

To pursue:

These are usually balls, either plain or filled with some type of candy or bell. Be careful with the quality of the toy. Make sure the ball can’t come apart easily, or if it could, there’s nothing inside for the cat to choke on. Lightweight bouncy balls are often a favorite, as cats love to jump up and try to catch them, and they are easier for the cat to bat and chase than heavier balls.

Cloth:

The most common type of cloth toy is the standard mouse. Some have a squeaker, rattle or catnip inside. Find ones that are small enough for your cat to toss in the air, but large enough that they can “kick” the toy once they catch it. Make sure there are no little beaded eyes that could come off and cause a choking hazard and make sure the tail is securely fastened.

light toys:

Some cats, mine included, absolutely love light and shadow. Laser toys have become popular and some cats can play with them for hours on end. Be careful with a laser toy that your cat doesn’t look directly at the light, or you could damage her eyes. If you’re worried about this, catching the sun with your cell phone and shining it around the room also works great.

At the end of the game, put all the toys away until the next day, unless your cat has a favorite stuffed toy, which is okay to leave outside. Within a week you should be able to determine your cat’s preferences. Go ahead and buy a few new toys of the type(s) your cat likes best, and rotate them each week so your cat doesn’t get bored.

And remember, you don’t have to spend a lot. Sometimes, just like with kids, the box the toy came in becomes more fun than the toy itself!