If you are a cat owner, you may have seen your cat acting lazier than usual. Like humans, cats can also experience laziness. This can be due to boredom, stress, obesity, and anxiety. To be a responsible cat owner, it is important to understand the underlying cause of laziness because it can be due to any health problem as well. Although aging can be a reason for the low energy level of your cat.
All these factors can stem from a lack of stimulation and an enriching environment. Toys play an important role in maintaining the health and happiness of cats. Providing them with the right type of toys can bring amusement and turn your lazy cat into an active and happy fur baby. In this article, we will talk about top toys for lazy cats.
Why do cats need toys?
Cats are known for their agility and playful energy, but they can become lazy and bored quickly in the absence of mental and physical stimulation. We can stimulate their senses through different toys that keep them engaged for hours, even when we are away from them. Here are the best cat toys for bored cats.
Indoor cats require more toys as they do not naturally encounter as much stimulation. It is highly recommended to spend 10 to 15 minutes several times a day on playtime. This is crucial for the overall health of your cat, as toys strongly contribute to encouraging your cat to use their intellect and stay agile.
9 Of The Top Toys for Lazy Cats
Below are some of the top toys for lazy cats, designed to keep your friend energetic effortlessly.
Feather Toys
The feather toy is the ideal tool to keep your cats’ hunting instincts activated. The unpredictable movement of feathers gives the impression of a bird, enticing cats to try their best to catch it. For a lethargic cat, the prey-like appearance of feathers attached to one end has the power to prevent laziness. This toy keeps them physically active and engaged.
Crazy circle
Cats are naturally curious creatures and love to engage themselves in toys that stimulate and satisfy their natural curiosity. The crazy circle is one of those toys that captures cats’ attention and allows them to use their intellect as they try different ways to pull the ball out.
Some cats don’t enjoy playing with crazy circles as they don’t get that ball even after trying several strategies.
Track Toys
Cats cannot resist track toys as they provide a captivating environment and encourage movement. The unpredictable movement of the ball or treat inside the track stimulates cats’ prey drive and transforms leisure time into an interactive play session.
Successfully capturing the ball also gives them a sense of accomplishment and pride. They often express their enjoyment in the form of purring. In essence, track toys significantly contribute to improving the mood of lazy cats.
Catnip Toys
Your lazy cat may not be interested in engaging in any activity, but catnip toys are irresistible to them. These toys, infused with catnip ingredients, are specially designed for lazier felines.
Cats have a stronger sense of smell than humans, and they can detect it even when it’s far away, and love it. Catnip toys serve as a source of excitement and comfort. They keep your cat occupied and encourage playtime. To avoid overstimulation, introduce it for a short time and ensure that the cat doesn’t chew it.
Ball Toys
Balls are lightweight, making them easy for lazy cats to play with. Various types of balls are available, including rubber balls, light-up balls, and balls with bells. Balls with bells are particularly interesting as they make noise and provide mental stimulation to your cats who may even jump to catch them.
Each cat has different preferences when it comes to ball toys. Some cats love light-up balls as they attract their attention and encourage them to follow.
To keep your cat active, gently roll the ball on the floor and allow your cat to chase it.
Bubble Machine
To entertain a lazy cat, the bubble machine is effective in many ways. The unpredictable movement of bubbles captures cats’ attention and triggers their chasing and hunting instincts. To make the play session more engaging, you can add a catnip solution to the bubble machine.
It is also an ideal solution for your superactive cats, as they can release their pent-up energy by chasing bubbles. The bubble machine produces a lot of bubbles simultaneously, adding an extra layer of fun.
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys are the best toys for lazy cats as they do not require much physical activity. They simply engage cats’ brains and involve slight movement of their paws. You can turn mealtime into a stimulating activity by hiding treats. Such puzzle toys have a positive impact on the mental health of cats.
Various types of puzzle toys are available that also provide the opportunity for physical exercise. Choosing the right type of puzzle toy can make a big difference in cats’ well-being.
Laser Pointers
Cats are naturally born to move and chase, but if your cat is lazy and shows no interest in any activity, laser pointers can be a source of amusement for them. Laser pointers also encourage them to move as they try to catch that elusive light. To keep the cat engaged, point the laser light at one spot and slowly move it so they can follow it.
Laser pointers can be frustrating, as even after several tries, cats cannot feel and touch them. To avoid it, you can combine this activity with treats or any other toy that your cat likes.
Cat Tree With Perches
Cats love to climb and explore their surroundings, and for this purpose, cat trees with perches are designed. Even your lazy cat can relax on a perch without the fear of falling. It also provides them with a sense of satisfaction, as they feel secure and at ease in their elevated spot where no one can reach. They can enjoy and explore their little world.
Cat trees of different sizes are available, you can select one based on your cats’ age and abilities. If you have multiple cats, you should consider choosing a large cat tree with various perches on it.
Read more here about the best cat condos.
Key Consideration for Cat Owners
- Don’t force your cat to engage in playtime.
- Lazy cats have low stamina, so prefer quality time over quantity.
- Combine play with tasty rewards to motivate your lazy cat.
- Avoid toys that are too stimulating for your lazy feline.
Although lazy cats look cute, for their well-being, it is important to engage them in activities that keep them physically and mentally active. As a caring cat owner, you should be patient and understanding if your lazy cat takes extra time to engage in playtime. We hope the above-mentioned top toys for lazy cats will be effective in making your cat more active.
