Mary Allen
Indoor cats need a special level of attention and entertainment. After all, they have far less space and job opportunities than their freelance counterparts. These four toys will make your cat’s eyes sparkle.
The classic: the stuffed mouse
So simple and so popular: cats are hunters at heart and mice are simply the ideal prey. It is therefore difficult for any bully to ignore a small stuffed mouse.
How do you use the toy?
You’re in good hands here, because the cat can do a lot for itself with the mouse. You may have to get the battered little animal out from under a piece of furniture once in a while, but otherwise, the toy is perfect for little hunters who are often at home alone.
What needs to be considered?
If you have a particularly fierce kitten and want it to enjoy the toy for a long time, you should look for particularly stable mice. Also, check whether small parts such as ears or eyes can be easily detached because then there is a risk of choking!
Also, be sure to pay attention to quality! It is not without reason that plastic play mice are among the toys that are dangerous for cats.
For little anglers: the Katzenangel
Cat rods are usually equipped with feathers, mice, or small balls and are particularly suitable for playing together. With a cat rod, you can easily entertain your darling without having to be afraid of getting a claw or two in between.
How do I use the toy?
The fishing line requires some personal effort but is fun for cat and owner alike. Take hold of the handle and let the bait dangle over your cat. It will certainly not be long before his hunting instinct is awakened and he enthusiastically strikes at it. If you want the game to be more interesting, you can always pull the fishing rod away or try to motivate your darling to jump.
What needs to be considered?
Make sure that the fishing rod is well made and, above all, small parts such as feathers are well glued – if they come loose quickly, your pocket tiger will quickly lose interest in the new toy. You should also avoid rubber bands, as cats can get tangled in them.
In general, you should only use the rod with your velvet paw and not just hang it up somewhere so that your little clumsy doesn’t end up catching itself with it.
A cat rod is a particularly stimulating toy. It can appeal to the cat so much that it will play until it almost can’t anymore. If you notice that the cat is panting, be sure to take a break.
For tinkerers and discoverers: the fiddle board or activity board
A fiddle board is great for cats with a lot of energy and a thirst for discovery: there are numerous vessels and containers in a play area that your darling can sniff, explore or open. This way, your velvet paw can use all its senses and train your brain at the same time.
How do I use the toy?
The great thing about this toy is that you don’t necessarily have to buy such a fiddle board, you can build it yourself. All you need is a board or box and various objects that you want to place on it. It will be particularly exciting for your house tiger if you hide small treats in the containers, install simple mechanisms, or use smells. You don’t have to keep your darling busy because he’s busy trying things out and sniffing.
What needs to be considered?
Especially with the self-made variant, you should make sure that your cat has a real chance of success. In addition, small parts that could be swallowed or harmful materials should of course also be avoided here.
For sniffers: scented sachets and catnip
Play does not always have to mean movement. It can be just as exciting for your darling to discover an interesting smell. There are special scented cushions for cats that are treated with valerian. Also affectionately referred to as “cuddly pillows”, the small fragrance bags promise a particularly pleasant play experience for all senses.
How do I use the toy?
Here, too, you can confidently leave your velvet paw to itself and may even be very grateful for it: for us, the intense valerian smell is not really pleasant. But cats love it and often play extensively with the cushions, rubbing themselves on them or licking them with relish.
What needs to be considered?
Since there is no risk of injury with the stable cushions, you don’t have to worry at all. It could just be that your cat doesn’t like the smell of valerian or that you eventually become too uncomfortable with it yourself. In this case, however, there are alternative game ideas with catnip. Your house cat can scratch extensively here, smell or even play with a small ball that is anchored to the board.