Exploring Kitten Toys: What Are The Best Kitten Toys And How To Find Kitten Safe Toys

Keeping your cat active is the key to a healthy and happy life, and cat-safe toys can be lifesavers in such cases. All cat owners have experienced cats getting bored, which can lead to spoiled moods, pent-up energy, and lethargy. Engaging and cognitively stimulating toys are effective for keeping your cat busy. However, this behavior is not limited to adult cats because kittens show even greater enthusiasm for playtime as they explore their surroundings within a few weeks of birth. Instead of cat toys, you would need unique kitten toys for playful young ones, which are safe and engaging. And don’t worry; we are here to help you find the perfect plaything for your little fur balls.

Why Do Kittens Need Toys?

Many cat owners consider kitten toys an additional gift for their feline babies; however, that is not the case. Toys for kittens are crucial as they help with the proper upbringing of young cats by assisting them to develop their cognitive and physical skills. No matter how much time you spend with your cat, you should also include interactive cat toys to level up your cat parenting. Let’s explore the benefits of feline toys to understand why you need great kitten toys.

Prevent Boredom

Cats are social animals and often have high energy levels. If left alone for too long, felines frequently show signs of boredom. According to the Humane Society of Hopkinton, “Cats, when bored, may engage in destructive behaviors such as scratching furniture, shredding curtains, or chewing on household items. Destructive behavior can be a cry for attention.” An effective way of saving your furniture from the intrusive thoughts of your feline friend is to provide them with other sources of entertainment, such as interactive toys.

Teaching Kittens Appropriate Play

Studies focused on feline psychology have shown that play provides mental stimulation, allowing cats to practice their hunting skills and engage their senses. This training is even more crucial for kittens, as they often explore the world through their mouths and are frequently seen biting their owners’ hands, fingers, and feet. Using a kitten stuffed toy can help your kitten get trained and develop its physical and mental skills without causing any self-harm or hurting their human.

Forging The Cat-Human Bonding

In his book Feline Psychology, David Sandua explores human-animal bonding. He explains that the interaction is a multifaceted connection that provides both parties with emotional support, companionship, and a sense of purpose. Using kitten-biting toys during playtime and other interactive playthings can help strengthen this bond, giving pets and their owners a greater sense of belonging and happiness.

Types of Kitten Toys

Kitten toys are available in various types, all suited for specific purposes. You can select any of the following depending on your feline friend’s favorite activity.

Kitten Teether Toys

Kitten chew toys are necessary for kittens of young age as they start to lose their baby teeth at three to 4 months. Growing new teeth can cause discomfort and a compulsion to chew anything and everything, including furniture, other toys, and hard parts of plants. To avoid health and hygiene issues, experts recommend soft kitten teether toys such as soft toys made from fabric or mesh, cat-specific dental sticks, or cardboard to chew.

Puzzle Feeders

Cat owners who have to leave their cats alone at home for extended periods often rely on automatic cat feeders. These products are also handy to stop your cat from waking you up early. However, you can make feeding more fun and exciting by using puzzle feeders. These engaging toys can be mentally stimulating, helping your cat feel the buzz of making a hunt rather than being spoon-fed. Moreover, challenging the food-eating process can help develop felines’ cognitive and physical abilities.

Interactive and Visually Stimulating Kitten Toys

You might have seen a cat trying to catch a laser light beam or playing with balls. Felines are attracted to visually appealing and interactive toys that imitate living prey’s movements. Roller balls, whack-a-moles, fluttery butterflies, and other soft toys are good options. Dr. Paul Miller, DVM, a veterinary ophthalmologist at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, says colors are less important. Still, cats may be able to see blue and yellow toys the best.

Scratching Toys and Posts

While clipping your cat’s nails as required is a natural part of the cat care guide, felines also need scratchers to sharpen and flex their claws. Scratching is natural for cats, and they enjoy having a good stretch. Providing appropriate and multiple scratching options will also help you save your furniture from the sturdy claws of your energetic kitten.

What To Look For When Getting Kitten Toys

Whether you are looking for kitten teething toys or other interactive playthings, you should consider a few factors before making the final decision.

Safety First

Choose soft toys that would not hurt your feline friend. Jelly kitten toys are famous among pet owners for their high safety levels. When choosing feline toys, opt for machine-washable ones without dangerous fillings or small, ingestible parts like plastic eyeballs or beads.

Type Of Toy

Depending on the primary purpose of your playtime, you can choose from various options. For instance, kick-back and climbing boys are a great way of maintaining your cat’s physical fitness, while soft mats with holes, cubbies, or tunnels provide an alluring environment for play and safe relaxation. This is particularly important when getting kitten teething toys as they come with a particular design to serve their purpose.

Variety

Cats are curious, and various available toys can help their attention span. Instead of choosing similar cat toys, opt for multiple options to keep your kitten entertained for extended periods.

Homemade Kitten Toys

Instead of buying toys for your feline friend, you can showcase your creativity by making feline toys as a DIY project. Using ping-pong, squash, and practice golf balls, you can entertain your cat with a chase game. For teething toys, you can rely on soft paper balls, and you can also use balled-up sock pairs for an interactive game of hunting. A big cardboard box can be practical if your cat is into hide-and-seek. These are just a few suggestions; you can develop innovative ideas independently. However, always remember to make your kitten’s safety your main priority.