Free shipping on equipment for all purchases of $99 or more in Quebec and Ontario, and $200 or more elsewhere in Canada *certain conditions apply*
Free shipping on equipment for all purchases of $99 or more in Quebec and Ontario, and $200 or more elsewhere in Canada *certain conditions apply*
by Nicolas Dumetz November 08, 2022 5 min read
There's nothing your pets love more than a brand new toy. It's hard for you, as an owner, not to leave the pet store without a toy for your furry feline. But sometimes, keeping your cat happy can be tricky, as choosing the right toy can be a challenge.
If you're struggling to find the toy your cat will love to play with, read on. This article will guide you through the task, explaining the important elements to consider.
You love your cat, so protecting them is a high priority. That's why safety comes before everything else! For all pets, especially cats, buying a toy is like choosing one for a baby. It must be safe to keep your feline out of harm's way while they play. The last thing you want is for your cat to get tangled in their toy, choke on it, or fall to the floor due to its design.
An example of a toy that could be risky for your cat is one with small glued eyes or dangling components. Many cats like to play roughly, so these pieces can detach over time and become a choking hazard.
Toys get damaged over time and parts eventually break off. That's when you need to get rid of them. They can then be dangerous and full of bacteria. Anyway, it would be very surprising if your cat complained about having new toys to play with!
A legitimate question, especially if you're a recent owner. Well, the best way to ensure your cat's well-being is to make sure they are physically and mentally healthy. Cats have play in their blood; it allows them to sharpen their reflexes and avoid behavioral problems.
No owner wants to see their cat become lazy due to a lack of action. Plus, cats who play with their favorite toy create a bond when they share that moment with you, a win-win situation for everyone.
Two crucial factors to consider when looking for the ideal toy are your cat's size and age. This will help you determine what size and type of toy you can get for them.
Kittens are usually smaller and need toys they can easily touch with their paws. They also have more energy, so an interactive toy might be a good choice.
As for more mature cats, their build is larger, so satisfying their hunting instinct is relevant. Many cats love to hunt, so choosing something like a small mouse is an interesting option.
Now that you know that safety, size, and age are important factors, let's delve into the heart of the matter: the types of cat toys available on the market. There are so many that you might get dizzy! However, we simplify the task by identifying 5 types of toys your feline might adore.
Does your cat have a lot of energy? Maybe they suffer from periods of frantic random activity (zoomies) and need to let off steam? If so, choosing an interactive toy for your cat could be the perfect option. These types of toys will keep them motivated and active.
These toys can also be automatic, which is a good option if your pet has a lot of energy and you can't keep up with them. Interactive toys are useful for keeping cats occupied, especially if you have a busy schedule that forces you to juggle work and... kitten fun!
It's well known that cats are natural predators and love to hunt. Imagine your pet going outside and chasing a squirrel... That's why prey toys are ideal for them to play and stay indoors, especially during the cold season.
This type of toy will keep them active for hours and stimulate their hunting instinct. A good choice would be a toy mouse, a prey your cat will love to terrorize!
If your cat tends to relax, or doesn't show interest in automatic toys, a simple return to basics might be worthwhile. Many cats enjoy batting the good old ball, even more so if it has a bell inside. This classic toy will be a great source of pleasure for your cat, whether they hit it or chase it.
If your cat loves to climb higher and higher, investing in a climbing toy would seem like the perfect option. In this area, the most popular products include cat trees and perches. Many cats like to be nested up high, and a cat tree is ideal for satisfying them.
Some cat towers also have obstacles to climb. These toys are also popular because they entertain your pet while you're away and are a good place to nap.
Another option for active cats: teaser toys, a favorite among very energetic animals who love to swat and chase! Teaser toys are available in a variety of styles. Some are feathered and attached to a stick, while others are attached to a string. Whatever their form, these toys are excellent for more than one reason.
When your cat plays with them, they move naturally; they pounce, jump, and stalk, spontaneous pleasures for them. Not to mention, you forge a master-pet bond when you use this type of teaser toy. So, if your furry friend has energy to burn, opt for this toy.
Cats have a highly developed sense of hearing. So, yes, make sure the perfect toy for your cat makes noise so they can have a ton of fun! The toy obviously shouldn't be deafening or make them jump, but just noisy enough to keep their body and ears motivated. For example, a ball with a bell or a high-pitched squeaky mouse.
Now you know which toys your cat will enjoy. However, there are others that are not recommended. You know the classic ball of yarn, right? Well, that's one of the most dangerous toys for them!
If your cat plays with such a ball and swallows a piece, they could suffer serious complications. The same goes for toys with plastic parts that detach easily. If swallowed, your cat could suffer from gastrointestinal problems or worse, perforations.
If you consider safety, as well as your cat's age, size, and energy level, all the toys we've presented will get them moving. After all, choosing the right toy for your cat is essential for their development and happiness!
If you're still hesitating between different options, we have a solution for you: visit us and shop our selection of toys to see the possibilities and choose the perfect toy.
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