Cats need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. It is generally recommended that cats get 20–30 minutes of exercise each day, especially indoor cats that cannot run around outside. Cat owners will attest to the fact that spending a small fortune on cat toys does not guarantee that they will enjoy or even acknowledge the existence of the toys. Sometimes, the most enjoyable toys for cats to play with are everyday items lying around the house.
Below are eight common items cats like to play with, but every cat is different, so what one cat likes, another cat might ignore.
The 8 Common Things Cats Like to Play With
1. String
Most of us have string or a length of wool or twine lying around the house. Pull the string slowly away from your cat to get their attention. If yours is an incredibly reactive cat, you can pull it quicker.
Ideally, you will want a second piece of string so that you can continue the game without risking painful damage to the fingers when you try to retrieve the original piece. However, you shouldn’t leave the string out for your cat to play with unsupervised because if they ingest it, it can cause serious problems in their gut.
2. Crumpled Paper
Crumpled paper is another favorite, and cats like the texture and noise it makes. Crumple up a piece of paper and throw it for your cat to chase; they may be one of the few who like to retrieve the ball and drop it at your feet.
3. Balls
Table tennis balls, balls from board games, or bouncy balls are great toys for cats. They are easy to throw and inexpensive, so it doesn’t matter if they get lost under the TV cabinet or the cat destroys them. They also fit neatly into your cat’s mouth, but you should ensure the ball isn’t so small that it will easily slide down your cat’s throat and get stuck.
It isn’t just dogs that like to play fetch. You can teach your cat to play fetch with positive reinforcement and reward-based training.
4. Feathers
Feathers are soft and mimic the look and feel of a bird. You can pull the feather around if you’re confident of getting your fingers out of the way of the cat’s claws in time, or you can throw the feather in the air and let it waft down to the ground.
Some cats leap up to try and grab the feather, while others let it get close to the ground before grabbing it. Some also turn and walk away. You can tie a feather on the end of a piece of string so that you can pull it further and faster while keeping your fingers out of the way.
5. Paper Bags
Some cats love paper bags. You may even find it difficult to empty the groceries without your feline friend trying to climb into the bags. You shouldn’t let your cat play in plastic carrier bags, but fabric and paper bags should be perfectly safe.
Paper bags can be especially enjoyable for your cat if they like the sound of crumpled paper. Put the bag on a hard floor surface and throw a toy in it to see if you can encourage the cat to slide around.
6. Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes hold a similar level of appeal to paper bags, and if your cat is a fan, you’ve probably endured the heartache of buying an expensive cat toy only to find your pet playing in the box rather than what came in it. Your cat may choose to sleep in a box or jump in and out like it’s the most exciting toy they’ve ever been given.
If you’re struggling to get your cat to climb in and explore, you can always sprinkle a little catnip in a box to pique their interest.
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7. Lights
There is a debate over whether playing with laser cat toys is cruel. On the one hand, most cats love to chase the red dot around the floor. On the other hand, some pet psychologists say that you are setting them up to fail because they can never catch the light. If you’re worried, keep play sessions short and reward your cat when they touch the dot by giving them a treat or a toy.
You can also shine your watch’s or phone’s reflection onto the floor. It has a similar effect, even if it is more difficult to control the beam. Whatever light or light-based toy you use, be careful not to shine the light in your cat’s eyes.
8. Screen Objects
When it comes to cell phone screens, cats can enjoy them in more ways than just chasing their reflection. Multiple apps are available now that mimic the movement of fish and other objects. Try downloading one and having your cat chase the fish around the screen.
Again, you might consider giving your cat a little treat when they catch something. Otherwise, you run the risk of them getting bored and frustrated.
Final Thoughts
Cat toys don’t have to cost a fortune to be appealing and enjoyable. You likely have many of the items above already in the house, and what better way to use recyclable paper and cardboard than to give them a second lease on life before they go to the recycling center?
Try to play with your cat every day, ideally for around 20–30 minutes. It not only keeps them active but also helps to build and reinforce the bond between you. It also sharpens a cat’s mind, not just their body.
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Featured Image Credit: Grisha Bruev, Shutterstock
