Does your cat have a toy box? Do they have a preference to little mice or balls or something that moves on its own? Do they root around in that toy box and select a toy of their choice? Try a variety of toys and see what suits their fancy. A cat can never have too many toys!
My cats love their cat toys. Their toy box is filled with balls, toys that jingle, toys that you wind up and even a remote controlled mouse! Their mouse toys are stored in a small cardboard box so that they can help themselves to the item that they want to play with.
When playing with a little mouse and it disappears under the stove or dishwasher, they will sit in front of the appliance and stare at it wearing the most pitiful look on their little faces. They will stretch their arms out trying to retrieve it until they get so tired, they often fall asleep right where they are!
It is important to rotate their play things to keep them challenged and interested in the things that their toy box holds. Whether it is a cardboard box or a plastic container, the play box should always be available to them to select a play item when they feel like playing. Encouraging your cat to play promotes healthy exercise. Cats often amuse themselves quite easily but playing with your cat is important as well. Playing with your cat not only encourages regular play but helps to create a bond of trust, loyalty and love.
Changing out their toys by rotating the selection that they have to play with will help to keep their interest in rooting around in their toy box for the right toy for the moment. Periodically take some toys from the toy box and store them where the kitties can't see or smell them. Every few weeks take those that have been stored and exchange for some that have been in the active play items. Even though they see the same items at different intervals, they think it's a new toy and play with it with the interest that they had in it when it first arrived. While new things have a new scent and will attract their attention right away. Rotating the older toys works much the same way. Store toys that are catnip scented in a zip lock bag to keep the catnip smell fresh and inviting.
If you want your feline friend healthy and happy, don't let them turn into couch potatoes. Cats that don't get enough exercise often are overweight, cute but not healthy. Cat naps are necessary and play time is equally important.
It is great exercise for them and great laugh therapy for you. Watching them play with toys is more entertaining than going to a hit movie. My cats love their cat toys and yours will too. Keep plenty of toys on hand to give them exercise and keep them healthy.
