Cat Toy Ideas

Background

• Cats will play with just about anything, including many things that don't appear to be of the proper ilk. The key is motion---anything that moves can be construed as prey and thus becomes prime material for pouncing. While some toys require the owner to put the object in motion, many toys sit idle until engaged by a curious, playful cat.

Types

• Strings are one the most enduring homemade cat toys. These can be fashioned from yarn, twine, shoelaces or other substances. They can be dragged on the floor, draped over the edge of furniture or stairs, or hung from heights to facilitate play. Some cats enjoy knots or other materials fashioned to the end of string toys.

  Flashlights or laser pointers make great cat toys, but are not for the faint of heart. Cats will play with these toys for hours and sometimes become agitated or paranoid when their use is discontinued. A good way to mitigate this behavior is to put the light-source light facing downward on a hard surface and to pull back to begin play and push back to that source to signify the end of play.

  Sprinkle catnip or catmint along the edges of a cardboard box, a scratching post or other surface. While only about half of cat lineages are sensitive to it, those who do often have quite amusing and energetic reactions to it. Use it sparingly---make it an extra special treat. It can be grown easily in small planters kept in a lit side room.

  Fabric toys allow cats a chance to use their clays and teeth bar none without ripping apart furniture or limb. They provide an outlet for rougher play. They can be fashioned from just about any material, although knit toys are the most popular.

  Many cats enjoy batting around golf balls or Wiffle balls, especially on hard surfaces. This behavior isn't limited to sports materials. Often a wadded up piece of paper will suffice. Through repetition rewarded with treats, a cat can even be trained to fetch in this manner.

  Paper towel and toilet paper rolls can be cut up and used as many different types of toys. One approach entails covering the ends of a longer roll with tape and making a small hole in the side with scissors. A treat can be placed inside the roll, which will make a noise when shaken, and force the cat to spin the roll until the morsel aligns with opening.

Considerations

• The number one thing to keep in mind about cat toys is appropriate material. Cats can and will swallow a variety of strings and small parts; thus, it is imperative to avoid their use in homemade cat toys.

  Avoid using your hands or feet as toys to avoid scratching and biting. Always stop play when it becomes too rough, and only resume once the cat has calmed down and is acting appropriately.

  If using flashlights or laser pointers, never shine the light directly into the cat's eye and discontinue use if the cat becomes agitated.

  While some advocate the use of foam as toys, it poses a choking hazard and be otherwise hazardous if ingested. As such, it is not recommended.

  Because cats are creatures of habit, it's wise to set aside a specific time each day for play. Cats used to a routine often will remind their owners of this arrangement by approaching them with toys or engaging them at the appointed hour. While it is certainly acceptable to leave some toys out all day, special or favorite toys will have more play value if reserved for occasional use.