Cat toys are a form of enrichment in their daily lives. It is always nice to have a variety of things to keep them busy, whether they’re engaging in solo play, same-species play, or human play.
Toys are a way to enhance your cat’s living space, promoting healthy exercise, brain activity, and socialization skills. If you have recently bought a new toy for your cat and you want to address it to them adequately, here are a few tips to get you started.
It shouldn’t take much coaxing. Your cat should warm it up with a bit of motivation.
The 4 Tips on How to Get Your Cat to Love His New Toy
Some felines can be stubborn about accepting unfamiliar things—even if they would be entertaining to play with. Some cats are scared, others skeptical—and some don’t trust change.
But here are a few ways to pique some interest.
1. Play with Them!
If their human is interested in something, they’re more likely to give it a go. When introducing the new toy to your cat, spend several minutes playing with them so they learn it’s all fun and games.
Exercise is super important for your feline, even though they don’t require much. But more so than exercise, the time you spend playing with your cat creates a bonding experience and level of companionship. There’s not a much better way to connect with your kitty than to engage in predatory play fights.
2. Lure Your Cat with Catnip
Most cats can’t refuse the alluring power of catnip. If you rub a little catnip on the toy’s exterior, permitting it didn’t already come with some inside, it can be extra motivation for your cat to take an interest.
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3. Let them Sniff Around
Sometimes it’s best to let your feline investigate. Set a new toy or toy down on the floor where they can really get up in the nooks and crannies. They will want to sniff around and might be hesitant at first. But the more they inspect, the more curious they will become.
4. Don’t Push It
If your cat takes little interest at first, don’t try to force it. They will warm up when they’re ready. You can try again about once a day. Some cats may only warm up to a specific kind of toy. It simply doesn’t appeal to their play style.
If it is a failed toy, you’ll know better next time. You won’t have to waste your money buying anything that doesn’t trigger your feline’s play response.
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Types of Toys to Try
There are tons of toys on the market to keep most domestic house cats busy.
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Self-Play Entertainment
Self-play toys are ones your cat can bat around and operate independently. They don’t need any additional cats, pets, or people to help them out.
Cats can share lots of toys, even ones that provide solo play. But here are a few fun activities they can engage in together.
Cat trees
Exercise areas
Cat rooms
Tunnels
Hanging teasers
Human-Feline Play
There are tons of toys you can enjoy alongside your feline buddy. But be careful! If you’re playing with just any old toy, you can get scratched or bitten quite easily. It’s good to put some distance between you and those ferocious claws!
Teasers
Wands
Handheld lasers
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DIY Cat Toys
There are tons of cat toys you can make for little to no cost to you. Once you know what kind of toys your cat prefers, you can create them at home using a DIY tutorial. Plus, it’s something fun to pass the time or even an exciting project for your children.
This is an inexpensive way to really see what works for your cat, too. That way, you are spending something other than a bunch of hard-earned cash on expensive gambles that your cat will never touch. Don’t worry—you don’t have to get creative. That’s what Pinterest creators are for!
Generally, you can find DIYs to match any experience level.
Importance of Interactive Play
Interactive play is extremely good for your cat. Much more social than their wild cousins, domestic cats enjoy having other creatures, big and small, around to socialize with.
This promotes healthy mental stimulation and physical activity.
Some cats really do prefer to spend their time by themselves. Granted, that’s only true in some cases. But if you can, getting them to engage will give the old grump a refresher they didn’t know they needed.
Image By: Michelle Maria, Pixabay
Catnip Considerations
Catnip is definitely a cat favorite. It is marketed all over and has various species-specific products, but it can be a good thing. Some catnip can be harmful to cats—and some cats are totally immune to the mind-altering effects of this frenzied feline herb.
It’s always best to buy organic catnip that contains traceable ingredients when you can. Most companies advertise whether their catnip is organic and may also include where it is sourced—so pay attention to labels and fine print!
No Effect
Catnip affects roughly 80% of cats, but definitely not all of them. Certain cats are immune to the alluring aspects of this magical plant. If your cat is among them, any toy that contains catnip will not be any more motivating.
If you have a cat that is immune to catnip, you can offer other greens—like cat grass. Your cat can munch away on their own patch in a warm window. Your houseplants are safe, and your cat is getting a little roughage in its diet. Why not?
Image Credit: Anastasija Kru, Shutterstock
Final Thoughts
Most cats won’t have trouble breaking in a new toy—especially if you have a crazed feline ready to shred anything that comes their way. But sometimes, your kitty can need some convincing, and you can help soften their judgment.
Remember, you don’t always have to spend money on new toys. Check out Pinterest and other places on the web for DIY tutorials on all sorts of exercises, puzzles, and toy inventions for your cats. Who doesn’t want to craft on a rainy day? Plus, it’s usually free!
Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature she finds. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are cats and dogs....Read more
