I, for one, love cat toys. Living a life of luxury appeals to many domesticated cats, including sleeping on a cozy couch or being fed on demand by their pet parent. But despite the overwhelming evidence, cats aren't wired to laze around the house all day. Introducing your furry friend to interactive cat toys, including cat toys that dispense food, is an optimal way to keep them mentally sharp and physically agile.
The Importance of Interactive Cat Toys
Multifaceted toys are popular because they present a challenge and appeal to hunting instincts. They reduce unwanted behavior toward people (biting your hands and feet) and rough-housing with other household pets, says the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Enrichment play reduces boredom — bored cats quickly become mischievous cats — and stress, which is a win-win situation for all of you.
Sedentary cats are prone to health issues, including arthritis, diabetes and obesity. So what better way to get them off the couch than with toys that keep your cat moving and grooving?
Cat Food Puzzles and Dispensers
Cat toys that dispense food are some of the more popular interactive toys because they're intriguing and provide treats! Cat food puzzles range from simple to complex, from DIY to commercially available, including a plastic container with holes filled with a portion of kibble that your cat can bat around until they "catch" the food that falls out. A cardboard box with holes works well, too. Some food-dispensing devices are stationary mazes, much like a board game for cats, or spiral towers (sometimes called cat food trees) where the food rolls down a chute.
The Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery notes that the benefits of food puzzles "include weight loss, decreased aggression toward humans and other cats, reduced anxiety and fear, cessation of attention-seeking behaviors and resolution of litter box avoidance." Creating a harmonious, stress-free environment contributes to the well-being of you and your kitty.
Cat Teaser String Wands
Cats love interactive "teaser" wands, essentially a fishing-pole-style stick with feathers or a small stuffed toy tied to the end. Your feline friend is a natural-born predator, drawn to toys that skitter, rustle and fly, so they love this challenge of stalking, jumping and pouncing. This activity enhances your cat's athletic agility and stimulates their hunting instincts. Wand toys also build your cat's trust in you because you're helping them forage for "food."
Be sure not to take the "teaser" part literally, however. Teasing is stressful for a cat, so allow your cat to catch their prey to satisfy their instinctive predatory behavior.
Tasty Tips
Mechanical Robotic Animals
It's not science fiction: Robotic mice, fish and birds are taking over the world — the cat toy world, that is. With life-like action and unpredictable movements, these critters resemble the real deal and boost your cat's confidence in their hunting abilities. "Studies have found that adult cats show more intense and prolonged play with toys that resemble actual prey items," says International Cat Care. Mechanical "prey" provides indoor cats with the hunting enrichment they need while keeping them safe from outdoor predators (and wildlife safe from cats).
Balls and Ball Towers
Although balls don't replicate the appearance of a cat's natural prey, their movement expertly mimics that of a small animal. A free-rolling battery-powered or rechargeable "smart" ball or a disc-shaped ball tower with tiered tracks are examples of ball toys that provide mental and physical stimulation. Because cats bite and nip while playing, you can protect yourself by tossing a ball across the room to redirect your cat's instinctive behavior toward the toy instead of your ankles.
Many cat toys only should be used during supervised play, advises Best Friends Animal Society, because cats can ingest the strings, feathers, cords and other potentially dangerous materials. If your cat ingests a foreign material, immediately contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet. When not in use, store the toys in a cat-proof spot.
Remember, you can be a part of your cat's playtime! Interactive cat toys are a terrific addition to the many fun things to do with your cat at home. Engaging in enrichment playtime with your kitty deepens your bond and your love for each other.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Salmon & Brown Rice Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Pollock & Barley Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary Hairball Control Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports the health of the whole urinary system with optimal levels of magnesium
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Healthy Cuisine Roasted Chicken & Rice Medley Cat Food
Delicious roasted chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce
Related articles
Interactive Cat Toys
Discover fun, interactive cat toys that will entertain your kitty, including puzzles and other cat toys that dispense food!
Why Exercise is Important to Keep Your Cat Healthy
Learn how to keep your new kitten active and playful, which can help her maintain her ideal weight.
Causes & Signs of Dental Disease in Cats
Recognize the importance of proper dental hygiene in your cat's overall health. Learn about causes of dental disease, and questions you should ask your vet.
Coccidia in Cats: Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
While coccidia in cats is a common infection, it's good to know the common symptoms, how it's treated and what you can do to prevent it. Learn more.
How to Help a Lost Cat
Learn tips for what to do if you find a lost cat, including how to determine if it's a feral cat, if it's lost or a stray cat, and how you can help.
Signs of a Rabid Cat and What to Do If Your Pet Is Exposed
Learn important information about rabies in cats, including how it's transmitted, common signs of infection and steps for preventing infection in your cat.
Preparing Your Cat for a New Baby
Learn how your cat's behavior might change if you bring a newborn baby into the home and how you can keep both baby and cat safe.
Skin Lumps on a Cat: Types, Causes & Treatment
Learn about types of skin lumps that can occur on a cat, why they happen, what each type means (i.e. fluid filled, etc.), and how they are treated.
How to Get Your Cat to Take a Pill
Wondering how to get your cat to take a pill? This guide provides you with tactics for how to give a cat a pill!
Cat Play: How to Keep Your Kitty Engaged
Keep your cat both mentally and physically active with these fun tips for play and exercise even when you're not home.
Conjunctivitis in Cats: Signs, Causes and Treatment
Learn the signs, causes and treatment methods of conjunctivitis in cats, as well as if it's a risk for you to catch it from your feline friends.
Do Cats Understand Mirrors?
Do cats understand mirrors? Find out what science can to tell us and how cats perceive their own reflections.
Diabetes in Cats: Causes, Signs & Treatments
Know the causes of diabetes in felines to better understand how to prevent it in your cat. Ask your vet for treatment options.
Cat Clicker Training for Beginners
Learn the benefits of using a clicker to help train your kitten to have good habits and follow the correct behavior.
Managing Clingy Cats: Do I Have a Velcro Kitty?
Learn reasons why some cats are excessively clingy, how you can help curtail this behavior, and considerations when potentially adopting a Velcro kitty.
Service Cats: Giving Emotional Support to Pet Parents
Read all about service cats, including how these special felines can comfort humans and provide emotional support for a number of medical issues.
Are Bananas Safe for My Cat?
Are bananas safe for your cat? Learn helpful information on whether bananas are a good treat for your cat and why other options might be better.
Why Cats Like to Pounce
Discover the science and reason behind why cats like to pounce prey or toys, as well as peculiar behaviors to let you know when she's about to pounce.
All About Your Cat's Sleeping Habits
Learn all about your cat's sleep schedule, why she seems to be most active during twilight hours and what it means to be a crepuscular kitty.
Ways to Maintain Your Cat's Healthy Coat
Learn the visual signs that your cat is healthy including what to look for in her skin, ears, and eyes, as well as as signs you should call your vet about.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.