Keep your feline fit and happy with these 8 great toys
Picks that will keep Fluffy moving and keep the doldrums of indoor life at bay
People spend dozens of hours a week making sure their dogs are well-exercised and always entertained; from toy puzzles, to fancy harnesses, to daycare, the list goes on and on. What most people don't realize is that their beloved cats can be overlooked when it comes to physical and mental stimulation. In fact, obesity is one of the leading health concerns for cats today. Playing with Fluffy is a great way to help her burn those calories, but what else is out there beyond a laser pointer she can chase, or wrestling with your arm? We've rounded up 8 fun and stimulating products designed not only to to keep Fluffy fit, but to stave off the boredom that can come from a life indoors too.
Think of this as a much cooler, more sophisticated hamster wheel, designed to be cleaned easily and with materials that help claws from catching. Your cat can hop on or hop off whenever the urge arises — and don't be afraid to use treats or toys to make the game even more fun.
One Fast Cat Exercise Wheel, $199.99, onefastcat.com
Boredom and frustration are barriers to your cat's happiness. By allowing your cat to "forage" — to work hard to get food — you can alleviate much doldrum from your cat's life. Because your cat has to really try to get the food out of this nifty gadget, the access to calories is limited. If you had to walk to the store every time you wanted a cookie, you might eat fewer cookies right?
Petsafe Busy Buddy Barnacle, $12.95, amazon.ca
Every cat loves to hunt, pounce and catch their prey. This toy takes the fun to a whole new level by giving Fluffy a place to hide while she stalks her favourite cat toy. All of a sudden those old toys she hasn't looked at in years become interesting again through the sheer fabric. Hang it anywhere and watch her in action!
Sheer Fun For Cats Toy Set, $19.00, sheerfunforcats.com
With cats being indoors full-time, it's almost impossible to get them outside for some exercise. Most cats seem to despise wearing a harness, and when you finally risk your limbs and eyeballs to get them into one, they just as quickly slip out of it. This harness is ultra-comfortable but it's real claim to fame is that it's almost impossible to escape from. Perhaps now the neighbour's dog won't be the only one out for a stroll.
Kitty Holster Cat Harness, $32.99, amazon.ca
Some toys are just genius. Place your cat's food in this box and watch them immerse themselves in the instinctual world of hunting, scratching, and sniffing. Not only is it made of cardboard (which we love), but it's so simple to put together, and it allows for varying degrees of difficulty.
Cat Amazing - Best Cat Toy Ever! Interactive Treat Maze & Puzzle Game for Cats by Cat Amazing, $54.71, amazon.ca
Keeping cats healthy means stimulating their minds as much as their bodies. For many of us, training a cat seems about as easy as catching a Unicorn, and about as likely. (However, if you think your cat can't be trained, think again!) This cat training kit takes the guesswork out of the process. It includes all of the tools you'll need, along with access to video tutorials and help from a trainer.
Cat School Training Kit, $37.00, catschool.co
How could we possibly overlook the good ol' fashioned, tried and true, feather toy? Cats love to chase and pounce around the living room for hours. This one is particularly popular with cat lovers because it pulls apart for easy storage, and it outlasts the competition.
Da Bird Go Cat Pull Apart Rod and Bird Cat Feather Toys, $17.73, amazon.ca
Bring out your cat's inner hippie with some catnip! If you can't seem to get your cat interested in toys or play time, sprinkle some of this herb on his mouse stuffie and your Fluffy will seem like a kitten again.
Whisker City Organic Catnip, $5.49, Petsmart.ca
Danielle Hodges is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KA) and a Licensed Family Paws Parent Educator for Dog, baby, and toddler safety. She is co-owner of Follow the Leader Inc Dog Training School with locations in Toronto and Hamilton.