Playing games with your cat is an effective way to keep them active and stimulated while strengthening the bond between you and their feline friend.
Start out simple like a box or maze until your cat masters it, making sure the toys used are non-toxic with no small parts they could swallow.
Boxes
Cats enjoy hiding under or inside various household objects, such as boxes. Hiding can provide them with hours of fun while simultaneously encouraging physical activity. Hiding also gives their owners a break from seeing them stalk and pounce, an instinctive behaviour often encouraged by catnip.
Cats enjoy toys that challenge their senses and require them to use logic and strategy when trying to access the treat tucked inside them. Making homemade cat toys can be quite inexpensive and easy if non toxic plastic types are chosen and threads or strings do not present potential choking hazards for kittens. Furthermore, these toys should be stored away when not in use in order to prolong their usefulness for as long as possible.
Your cat will love chasing after a piece of paper you move across the ground! Their irresistible crinkle sound attracts them while its movement will get them running and leaping for joy! Make this game even more engaging by hiding a small amount of catnip in it; this activity may help settle restless kittens down before bedtime!
Rods
Wild cats use stalking and pouncing techniques to hunt mice and birds, engaging in chase games with prey before pouncing upon it to catch it. At home, these instincts can be stimulated with toys such as rods with feathers or small fur mice attached, wand-like toys with feathers that move erratically or ping pong balls filled with nontoxic catnip can also provide hours of entertainment to a bored feline. Also consider hair ties, plastic milk-jug rings, ribbons or gift-wrap bows which offer endless hours of entertainment but must be used carefully due to some being easy swallowed which could potentially posing serious health issues in cats.
Stuffed animals on strings can provide your pet with hours of fun! Just be sure not to make it too large and swallowable parts don’t exist; then play hide-and-seek with your cat at dawn and dusk, when light mimics prey animal movements more effectively.
Paper bags, cardboard boxes, blankets and toy tunnels are popular hide-and-seek objects for cats to explore. Anything that rustles or makes noise will likely attract its interest; reflecting light can also be stimulating; bubbles are another popular pastime, which can either be bought commercially or made at home using just a wand and spray bottle filled with water.
Feathers
Cats tend to spend most of their time sleeping, so keeping their mind active by engaging them in games is one way you can stimulate their minds. You could try Petcube Cat Play which offers multiple games for cats to enjoy with you; additionally it includes themed holidays for an enjoyable way of keeping them occupied!
Feathers are another wonderful cat game, as they stimulate natural hunting instincts and pouncing abilities. A feather attached to a stick mimics prey movements, tempting cats to chase it around the house. You could also try laser pointer games which feature unpredictable movements and mesmerizing light projection. Start out slowly until your feline becomes more comfortable using these methods of entertainment!
Another fun game for cats is tag. This activity encourages them to come when you call, rewarding their efforts with treats! A puzzle feeder can also be used to hide treats for them to find; or you could simply give your cat some food and allow it to hunt it down themselves! Just be wary of toxic plastic or small parts toys which your cat might consume by mistake and choke on.
Balls
Cats need their prey drive as part of their mental and physical wellbeing, yet as they age they often lose this outlet resulting in lack of energy, boredom, anxiety and even weight gain. Cat toys provide your feline friend with much-needed exercise and entertainment while satisfying hunting instincts while creating a stronger connection between you and your feline friend.
There are various kinds of balls designed to entertain cats. Your choice will depend on whether it’s intended solely for solo play or is to keep your cat engaged while you are away from home – for instance a ball that rolls quickly may appeal more to cats who like chasing and batting at toys than something more static like a blanket or mouse-tail toy would. Most toys should be left alone but you should remain present to ensure it doesn’t get broken into small pieces that could pose choking hazards.
Wand toys feature strings with toys or feathers attached. You can use these toys to tempt your cat from a distance and are safer for playing than hands-on toys which could put you at risk of claw attacks. A bell on one end makes for fun play time while an interactive toy may provide greater stimulation.
Puzzle feeders
Puzzle feeders can be an excellent way to stimulate both your pet’s mind and paw dexterity. Filled with food such as kibble, canned food or treats, puzzle feeders require your pet to use his or her paws or mouth to find out how best to access their meals – these toys make mealtimes fun while slowing down fast eaters!
As a creative puzzle toy for cats, try this vinyl ball which houses kibble in pockets; when your cat rolls it around it will release bits of food! A cost-effective and simple option which may work for some pets.
A great puzzle toy that taps into your pet’s natural instincts is this clear box filled with food or treats for cats to explore is this clear container filled with food kibble or treats. Your cat can push, roll, chase and bat this toy to release its content – stimulating their movement while encouraging activity! Additionally, this toy encourages movement and activity – something important for cats.
Nina Ottosson’s adorable ladybug feeder features multiple levels of difficulty for your pet to explore, with adjustable slides and pegs on its feeder providing variable difficulty. Buyers have given this product 4 out of 5 ratings; many say it is an effective solution to slowing down mealtime for their cats while preventing them from inhaling their food too quickly.
Some pet owners worry that puzzle feeders might be too challenging for their pet; however, a recent literature review demonstrated that all dogs and cats, including elderly or disabled ones can benefit from puzzle feeders – it just takes some trial-and-error to find the ideal feeder.
Treats
Cats love treats, but it is best to use them sparingly. Too many toys can lead to stress for your fur baby and without enough exercise they may find other means of venting their energy by biting or clawing people – this could also be a telltale sign they’re bored or overexcited!
Treat your cat with new games and toys to keep him stimulated. Scratching posts, maze toys, multi-tiered climbing toys with hiding spaces for them to feel secure, as well as toys that move independently can all provide opportunities to exercise their natural instincts and feel more safe. Moving toys such as fish that swim on screens, feather twirlers or mice that run across tablets are another great way to engage your feline friend’s senses and keep him active!
Some toys allow you to place food inside them so your cat has to work to retrieve it, helping keep them active and engaged. Or you could create a treat trail near their favorite chair so they have to get up off of it in order to reach it!
Another fun treat game involves using puzzle feeders with food hidden in small spaces to keep your cat from devouring their meal too quickly. Fill them up with any variety of foods such as Temptations treats for added fun; additionally you could add circuits, tunnels and toys into these feeders.