Five of the Best Cat Toys to Fulfill Your Cat’s Desire to Hunt

Did you know that cats who have no way to express their innate behaviors such as scratching and hunting may act out in other ways such as litter box issues, aggression, marking, or other behavioral problems? To help combat these issues from materializing I suggest five of the following toys (my friend, Del, is enjoying one such toy above!) that will give your cats the opportunity to hunt and "kill" their prey:

1. Feather Wands — Feather wands can entice even the most discerning kitty because they resemble birds. My friend Simon loved how I inched it along slowly while twitching it into the air. Landing the wand on a treat for your him to discover made him pounce on it!

Avoid hanging the feather right in front of your cat’s face, as real prey would rarely make such a bold (and unwise) move! 

2. Treat-Dispensing Toys and No-Bowl Feeding Systems — Balls, mice and feeder toys designed to release a treat or two in response to your cat’s pouncing and batting are great because they reward your cat with something to eat — a natural result of targeting prey in the wild. Even a simple soda bottle filled with treats with a hole in the cap for your cat to "bat" out will give your cat hours of entertainment! 

3. Catnip-Filled Mice — Mice toys give your cat a chance to catch, carry, and “kill” their prey. Some mice cat toys come filled with catnip for an extra treat, but you can also sprinkle in some of your own. 

4. Puzzle Toys — Toys designed to make your cat chase and bat at a ball help to stimulate and engage his hunting instinct. Look for options that simulate what your cat would encounter in the wild like the Catit Senses Digger shown above with my friend, Del, that requires him to reach in the tubes to pull out “prey.”

5. Visual Stimulation — Give your cat the chance to view the birds or squirrels on video or the pet channel or consider investing in an aquarium that my friend, Fifi, is enjoying here! 

If you try at least one of these toys I guarantee that your cat will be entertained and fulfilled in his or her desire to hunt and catch and will be much happier because of your efforts!