Toy fatigue is a very real problem for indoor cats. Because they have natural hunting instincts, cats and kittens need to be regularly engaged in meaningful play, but they also need variety. Imagine living an entire life within four walls playing with the same games and the same toys, day after day, year after year. Variety is the spice of life and cats can never have too many toys. Playing often helps keep them active, stimulated, and engaged and that's one of the reasons we love wand toys so much. By simply changing how you maneuver the toy, you can provide a variety of “prey” for your feline companions.
First, check out these hunting styles to find out what type of hunter your cat is. How they like to attack can tell you a lot about what kinds of toys they will be most intrigued by. Then, try out a few different kinds to find the right toys to suit your kitty’s needs. Don't give up on one until you have tried several different ways of getting your cat to play with it. Cats who don't enjoy wand toys being dangled in front of their faces might engage if dragged along the floor instead. There are jumpers, sprinters, swatters, and squatters and cats have unique ways in which they like to play.
Cats who like to hide may want lots of play tunnels or tents. Some may prefer a blanket-style toy like our new Magic Carpet draped over a chair. But don’t feel limited to this one type of toy. A cat who loves a tunnel, like our Hide and Sneak, will love it even more if you add a wand toy or ball to the mix. Give him something to chase and hunt inside his favorite hiding space and watch a typically blasé kitty turn into a fierce hunter.
Or for cats who already love our Wiggly Wand, why not try out a new wand toy. Feathered ones seem to be a really popular choice with cats who like to hunt ground “prey” but can also be made to look like flying “prey” for cats who have birding instincts. Or you can try a wand that mimics the movement of a snake, like our Bamboozler. It’s a safe alternative to that beloved string or ribbon that kitty may be prone to swallowing.
A good rule of thumb is to have at least five different types of toys to engage your cat’s instincts and imagination. But don’t forget to constantly change up your cat’s choices so he doesn’t lose interest. Even if your kitty consistently prefers one type of toy, he could really benefit from something different. If he’s strictly a wand-toy wizard, maybe try a catnip- or silver vine-filled plush? Maybe he’s really into his Wiggly Wand’s Squid. Swap the interchangeable attachment out for the Worm. It’s a subtle difference that will seem like a whole new toy to your cat.
The point is, there’s no wrong way to try new toys. And if you find a few that don’t work for your pets, donate them to your local shelter or rescue. One kitty’s boring toy is another cat’s favorite prey.
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