Types of Cat Toys to Get Your Not-So-Active Cat Going
Do you have a cat who doesn’t like to exercise? Are you looking for ways to encourage your cat to become more active and possibly lose some weight, too? Do you find it difficult to choose toys that interest your cat enough to do this?
If any of this sounds true of your situation, then you’ve come to the right place. In the article below, we’ll explore some of the most common types of cat toys you can choose from when you’ve got a less-active cat. You can use this guide to try out some new toy styles and find the right fit for your feline friend. Your pet can be entertained by many cat toys, from fancy treat dispensers to an old cardboard box, and many things in-between!
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys are designed to encourage your cat to solve mental puzzles and use physical movements to receive a reward. The reward could be a favorite treat or a piece of kibble, depending on your cat’s needs and preferences. Do not use too many treats if your cat is overweight.
Some cats take to puzzle toys very quickly, while others need some time to figure out how these types of toys work. If your cat is very intelligent and good at problem solving, they may be a good candidate for a puzzle toy like this.
Treat Dispensing Toys
Treat dispensing toys are toys that your cat can roll and chase around to make them drop treats from an interior compartment. These toys are a great way to encourage your cat to play actively, but they can be detrimental if your cat needs to lose weight.
If your cat is overweight, consider feeding them their regular meals with a treat toy instead. This way, they can chase and play with the toy for their activity needs, and they will not end up eating more than they should in a day.
Interactive Toys
Interactive toys are any type of toy that you play with along with your cat. These toys may be as simple as a feather tied to the end of a string, or they may be much more complicated. Many cats prefer playing when their human family members are involved, so try out a variety of interactive toys to see which type your cat may like the best.
If your cat does like interactive play, be sure to set aside 15 to 20 minutes per day to engage your cat in playtime. You should not be distracted during this time, as it is easier to keep your cat entertained when you’re also focused on play.
Battery-Powered Toys
If you’re not home often enough to play with your cat every day, or if your cat isn’t interested in playing when a human is involved, consider a battery-powered toy instead. There are many types of battery-powered toys you can choose from for your cat, and some cats prefer this type of hands-off playtime experience.
Just be sure to choose toys with very secure battery doors. Your cat should not be able to open the battery door, even if the toy happens to crash into a piece of furniture. Otherwise, the toy may be too dangerous for your pet.
Jumping and Climbing Toys
Sometimes, cats prefer jumping, diving, and climbing more than they like chasing toys around a room. If your cat seems to be more interested in this type of play, try some jumping and climbing toys instead.
Cat trees and cat towers are some of the most common types of jumping and climbing toys you can choose for your pet. However, you might also want to try giving your cat a pop-up tunnel to run and dive through as well. When used in combination with each other, multiple types of jumping and climbing toys can encourage your cat to get up and play.
Boxes
When it comes to cats, never underestimate the power of a box! Most cats love to dive into boxes and play in and around them, at least for a short time.
Try giving your cat some boxes to play in and consider tossing some of their favorite toys in the boxes, too. You might even want to cut some “doors” into the boxes for added playtime fun for your pet.
Choose the Best Cat Toy for Your Pet
Were you able to find some toys that may work well for your cat? With the help of this guide, you should be able to find some ideas that you may not have thought of before. Picking the right type of toy is a great way to encourage your cat to play actively rather than lay around and sleep all day, and it can be fun for you and your pet both, too.
If your cat continues to show little interest in playing even after you’ve tried the items on this list, talk to your Boston Veterinary Clinic vet by booking an appointment online. There could be an underlying health problem causing your cat’s lack of activity.