Cats are certainly curious and active creatures. It is this curiosity and love of action that fuels their desire to play. Anything from a rustling paper sack to a darting leaf becomes a plaything to a cat, and a wide variety of cat toys have been manufactured based on this observation. The best toys that cats love to play with must have moveable parts, or at least an aspect of them that can be manipulated by the cat or the owner.
It may not be manufactured specifically as a toy, but a piece of yarn is a favorite plaything of cats. Just wiggle some yarn over a cats head and watch its eyes widen and the batting begin. Drag some yarn along the ground and your cat will pounce on it and grasp it like a cherished prize. The toy mouse was designed with this action in mind. Cats love to send toy mice spinning across the floor, following in hot pursuit. The skittering tail on the plush mouse is an invitation for the cat to hunt prey even inside the house. Toy mice filled with catnip provide a little treat to playful felines.
Another cat toy that stems from a practical object is the laser pointer. Originally intended to direct viewers attention to specific information on a screen or board, the pointer now captures cats attention as well. Just press the button on the pointer and swing the little red dot around the walls and floor and you will send your cat into a frenzied chase. There are automated versions of laser pointers that you simply turn on and leave your cat to play.
Some of the best toys that cats love to play with help their owners as well. Toys such as the Turbo Scratcher allow cats to sharpen their claws in between play sessions. This trinket consists of a circular scratching pad surrounded by a track that contains a plastic ball. The cat swats at the ball, sending it rolling around the track at high speed. Around the track it goes, the kitty in hot pursuit. Once the cat catches up to the ball, it is sent careening around the track once again. The scratch pad is a much better option for sharpening claws than couches and chairs.
Cats love to play with toys. The more mobile parts they have, the better. Toys keep your furry friend active and happy.