We all know cats love toys. Some toys make cats go crazy and keep them busy and entertained for hours and hours. It’s natural to think why do cats like toys? What’s the science behind feline fun? Well, we are going to answer that in this article. We will explore the science behind feline fun and tell you why do cats like toys. In the later part of the article, we’ll share some of the best toys for your kitty.
Why do cats love toys?
If we were to summarize reasons for cats’ attraction to toys, we’d probably end up with 3-4 logical reasons that’d explain why cats like toys. Let’s take a detailed look at each of these reasons
Toys take out the hunting instincts of cats
Cats were once wild animals and used to hunt for their food. Although it’s been thousands of years since they were domesticated, they still retain some of their instincts in their genetic material. Cats used to chase, swat, and hunt their prey. When playing with toys, cats express these instincts and movements. This is the most accurate and logical answer to why do cats like toys.
Toys provide physical and mental stimulation
The biggest benefit of cats playing with toys is that they provide physical activity and mental stimulation that cats need for a healthy body and mind. Mental stimulation is as important for the health and happiness of your cat as physical activity. In the absence of mental stimulation, your cat is more likely to suffer from boredom and separation anxiety which may result in complicated mental health issues.
Cats love interactive playtime that comes with toys
As much as we love spending our time with our feline friends, they equally love our company. It has been established through studies that cats are the happiest when they are playing with their owners. Most of the time, toys are an essential part of the playtime. It is natural for cats to associate toys with interactive playtime. That is one of the reasons why cats love toys!
Toys satisfy the natural curiosity of cats
Cats are naturally curious animals. They like to explore and keep an eye on their environment. Toys are one of the things that provide stimuli for their curiosity and let them express their natural curiosity. The movement of a wand toy or a ball, the sound from a crinkling ball and the texture of a plush toy are all stimuli that make cats curious. That’s why cats are attracted to toys.
5 Best Cat Toys
Following are some of the best cat toys that will keep your cat engaged and entertained for hours.
SPOT by Ethical Products – Classic Cat Toys for Indoor Cats – Interactive Cat Toys Balls Mice Catnip Toys – Alternative to Wand Toys and Electronic Cat Toys – Lattice Ball Multi Pack Small
Balls are among the favorite toys of cats. The movement of balls lets cats express their hunting instincts and they chase, hit ball-shaped toys. In this toy, there’s added fun because of the catnip that gets cats excited. The balls are made up of non-toxic material and are safe for cats even if they hold them in mouth during play.
Balls have bright colors that attract cats and invite them for a play. One pack comes with multiple balls in it so it is sufficient for multiple cats.
Catstages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel Catnip Cat Toy
Dental kitty chew wheel by catstages has multiple features that make it a top toy. The rubber of the chew wheel is non-toxic for cats and helps cleanse teeth. It lets cats take out aggression on the rubber and prevents destructive behavior. Inclusion of catnip in the toy makes it enticing for cats manifold.
In short, this chew wheel not only protects teeth from periodontal issues, it also keeps cats engaged and entertained for hours.
Nerf Cat 3.5in Wiggle LED Ball with Tail -Blue/Orange
As mentioned above, cats love ball toys. You know what do cats love more than a ball? A ball with a tail! The nerf cat toy comes with two amazing features apart from its movement that make it very entertaining and attractive. These include LED light that is emitted when it is moving and second, the tail that is attached to the ball. Cats go crazy chasing the tail.
Nerf cat ball toy is suitable for cats of all ages and is durable enough to endure the swatting and biting of an excited cat.
Catstages by Nina Ottosson Melon Madness Puzzle & Play – Interactive Cat Treat Puzzle
This interactive cat treat puzzle toy by catstages is an attractive replacement for a simple treat bowl. It provides physical and mental stimulation because you can hide treats in it for your cat. Cat has to press the pegs and swat the seeds to reveal treats hidden in puzzle. It fulfills the curiosity needs of cats.
The material of the puzzle toy is food grade and safe for cats. An important safety feature of this puzzle toy ensures that there is no small breakable piece of toy that can cause choking hazard.
Catit Groovy Fish Interactive Cat Toy with Catnip, Blue
Fish interactive cat toy offers three modes of movement according to your cat’s mood and activity level. It has automatic sensor that stimulates the movement of fish when touched by cat. This movement stimulates the hunting instincts of your cat.
Addition of catnip in fish adds to excitement of cat. It can be charged using a USB cable. When needed, it can be hand washed and cleaned.
At the end of this article, we hope you now know why do cats like toys. We also hope your cat will love the toys we have mentioned in the later part of the article. Here are some toy suggestions that you may find helpful
- Best Toys for Outdoor Cats
- Best Toys for Active Cats
- Best Toys for Senior Cats
- Best Toys for Bored Cats
- Best Laser Toys
- Best Cat Toys for Nighttime Play
