Interactive Cat Toys
From LoveToKnow Cats
Interactive cat toys are good for your cat's psyche. Find out why, as well as what to buy and where to find it.
Why Choose Interactive Cat Toys
A cat's worst enemy is boredom. A bored cat is more likely to over eat, sleep too much and become overweight. He's also far more likely to wander away from home in search of adventure. So, how do you combat boredom? Giving your cat toys is one way to generate some excitement in his life without him having to leave home to find it.
Any cat toy may interest your pet for a time, but toys that don't do much, like furry mice and scratching posts, can only keep your cat occupied for so long. Additionally, they only provide minimal opportunities for exercise. If you really want to give your cat an entertaining workout, try offering him some interactive cat toys.
Toys that either interact with your cat on their own or give you the opportunity to do so provide far greater stimulation. They engage your cat's mind as well as his body; both are necessary to keep your cat completely healthy. With that in mind, let's look at some interactive toys your cat will find it impossible to resist.
Most Entertaining Cat Toys
Miracle Beam
The Miracle Beam is a laser cat toy that will keep your cat in stitches for as long as you care to play. Simply point the beam at a spot on the floor and wiggle it until your cat takes notice. The movement triggers his predatory instincts, and he's sure to pounce on his "prey" in no time, only to find it has escaped his grasp. Move the light around the floor and your cat will chase after it. This is a good way to help a lazy cat get more exercise.
Just be careful when playing with this toy. Your cat will try to chase it wherever you point it. This can lead to broken knick-knacks, shredded upholstery and more if you're not careful where you aim. It's also not a good idea to work your cat to the point of exhaustion, so limit play sessions to about ten minutes at a time.
You can find the Miracle Beam at Petco.com for about $9.00. It's also sometimes available at Amazon.com.
Cat Spa
This item is sure to become your cat's new favorite toy. It's actually more of an activity center with physical rewards. Cats love sensory stimulation and the Cat Spa certainly provides it. The circular mat sits on the ground and is equipped with an assortment of removable brushes for your cat to rub against. It even has a hidden compartment for catnip.
You can find this innovative activity center at Doctors Foster and Smith for $25.00.
Panic Mouse
The Panic Mouse Kitty-Go-Crazy offers your cat tons of fun that you can refresh by changing attachments. This toy has a base that sits on the floor, and an arm that moves electronically to simulate a live object. Choose from pom pom or mouse attachments. This base also holds a ball for your cat to try to catch. The toy also has a talking feature for even greater stimulation.
You'll find this toy at Petco and PanicMouse.com for about $33.00.
Smarty Cat Bungee Bouncer
The Bungee Bouncer is a toy that "plays back" with your cat through its bouncing action. Simply hang this confection of fur, feathers and fleece from a door knob and watch your cat discover it. This interactive toy helps your cat work those front leg and chest muscles.
The Bungee Bouncer retails for $7.00 at Petco.
Talk to Me Cat Ball
What could be more entertaining for your cat than a ball that talks to him and shells out tasty treats? The Talk to Me Cat Ball does both. You can record your own spoken message for your cat. Every time he moves the ball it activates the sound mechanism so he can hear your voice. This is a great interactive toy for those days when you can't be at home.
This toy retails for $13.00 at Doctors Foster and Smith.
That should be enough toys to give you a good idea of what's out there, and there are plenty more where those came from. If you have a cat that just seems bored with his old toys and needs something new and exciting to spark his interest, give interactive cat toys a try. You'll both be glad you did.
This page has been accessed 119 times. This page was last modified 13:28, 5 March 2008.
© 2006-2008 LoveToKnow Corp.
