--- title: How to choose the most suitable toys for your cat description: How to choose the most suitable toys for your cat image: https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/gatto-gioca-gomitolo-5.jpg --- [![almonature-logo-4](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/almonature-logo-4.svg) ](https://www.almonature.com/en/?hsLang=en-gb) ![EN](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/country_flags/gb.svg) [![almonature-logo-4](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/almonature-logo-4.svg) ](https://www.almonature.com/en/?hsLang=en-gb) - Products - [Companion for Life](https://www.almonature.com/it/companion-for-life?hsLang=en-gb) - Call for Projects - About us - [Where to buy](https://www.almonature.com/it/trova-un-negozio?hsLang=en-gb) Products - Cat Food - Dog Food - Cat Litter Cat Food - [All Cat Food](https://www.almonature.com/it/prodotti-per-gatti?hsLang=en-gb) - [Functional](https://www.almonature.com/it/alimenti-funzionali?hsLang=en-gb) - [Kibble](https://www.almonature.com/it/gatto-crocchette?hsLang=en-gb) - [Wet food](https://www.almonature.com/it/gatto-umido?hsLang=en-gb) - [Snack](https://www.almonature.com/it/gatto-snack?hsLang=en-gb) [![bio-diversity-menu-icon](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/bio-diversity-menu-icon.png) Impact on biodiversity ](https://www.almonature.com/it/impatto-sulla-biodiversit%C3%A0?hsLang=en-gb) [![nutritional-advice-menu-icon](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/nutritional-advice-menu-icon.png) Cat nutrition advice ](https://www.almonature.com/it/consiglio-nutrizionale-gatto?hsLang=en-gb) Dog Food - [All Dog Food](https://www.almonature.com/it/prodotti-per-cani?hsLang=en-gb) - [Kibble](https://www.almonature.com/it/cane-crocchette?hsLang=en-gb) - [Wet food](https://www.almonature.com/it/cane-umido?hsLang=en-gb) - [Snack](https://www.almonature.com/it/cane-snack?hsLang=en-gb) [![bio-diversity-menu-icon](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/bio-diversity-menu-icon.png) Impact on biodiversity ](https://www.almonature.com/it/impatto-sulla-biodiversit%C3%A0?hsLang=en-gb) [![nutritional-advice-menu-icon](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/nutritional-advice-menu-icon.png) Dog nutrition advice ](https://www.almonature.com/it/consiglio-nutrizionale-cane?hsLang=en-gb) Cat Litter - [All Litter](https://www.almonature.com/it/lettiere?hsLang=en-gb) - [Soft Texture](https://www.almonature.com/it/catlitter-soft-texture?hsLang=en-gb) - [Grain Texture](https://www.almonature.com/it/catlitter-grain-texture?hsLang=en-gb) Call for Projects - [Home Page](https://www.almonature.com/it/re-community?hsLang=en-gb) - [Participating projects](https://www.almonature.com/it/companion-for-life/projects?hsLang=en-gb) - [International commission](https://www.almonature.com/it/companion-for-life/re-community-giuria?hsLang=en-gb) - [FAQs](https://www.almonature.com/it/companion-for-life/faqs-domande-frequenti?hsLang=en-gb) - [Download the call for projects](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/re-community-projects/UK-Companion-for-Life-Call-for-Project-Annex-1-and-2.pdf?hsLang=en-gb) About us - [Brand Profile](https://www.almonature.com/it/manifesto?hsLang=en-gb) - [Our history](https://www.almonature.com/it/la-storia?hsLang=en-gb) - [The company](https://www.almonature.com/it/rendicontazione?hsLang=en-gb) - [Reintegration Economy](https://www.almonature.com/it/reintegration-economy?hsLang=en-gb) ![How to choose the most suitable toys for your cat](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/gatto-gioca-gomitolo-5.jpg) Spending time with **a cat** is always surprising thanks to the many different sides to its nature: the domestic feline is a sleepyhead; it captivates with the hypnotic movements of its tail and communicates with us through its expressive eyes.However you are in for a real treat if you are present when **it's time for a game**, an essential part of being a cat. But with so many shops stocking such a wide assortment of cat toys, **which toys and games do you pick to best satisfy their needs**? Not all toys on the market suit every cat, as **Dr Maria Grazia Calore**, veterinary surgeon, and expert in pet behaviour, explains. ### **The importance of games for a cat: how to satisfy its playful inclinations** Playtime is of great importance to **a lazy housecat**: it decreases stress, disperses energy and keeps it physically and mentally active. If our four-legged friend does not want to play however, perhaps the problem lies in the games we have provided.First, we need to remember that cats by their **very nature are part wild**; and are inclined to **hunt**. Some cats prefer to hunt animals that fly, like birds or butterflies, while others are more attracted to ground animals like lizards or mice. The former will probably play more happily with objects that hang and dangle like feathers on a stick, while the later will be more attracted to balls or mice. **The movement and noise of prey** are also elements of fascination for the little feline. That's why some toys are equipped with wind-up mechanisms so they can move independently: in this case, we need to assess if the cat is scared, annoyed or amused by its clockwork plaything. ### **A multitude of games for the multifaceted cat** No self-respecting feline would finish a hunt without **consuming its prey**; this is therefore something consider when choosing a game for your cat. Catering for this hunter-killer instinct, **balls or toys that distribute food** might be a good option. The feline will relish solving **complex puzzles** just like in nature, where to capture prey they must understand their target's habits, lie in wait, stalk with stealth, and sometimes search inside dens or shelters. Games created specifically to stimulate **this cognitive area of the cat**, range from simple ball and box dispensers, specially designed with holes so the cat can grab the hidden kibble, to more complex mazes that the cat has to move the kibble from level to level before being able to access the food reward. It is important, however, that **the game of mental activation** is solvable by the cat so it is probably a good idea to have the owner close by, at least for the first few attempts, this will make the game a source of satisfaction and not frustration in case it fails to master the enigma.Last but not least, you can buy toys that stimulate a cat's senses – in particular toys that prompt behaviour like facial marking. Products that contain catnip made from the catmint plant work in this way and can prove irresistible to your feline.Are you newly inspired to stimulate **your kitty with an overwhelming number of toys**? It is probably best to restrain your enthusiasm and opt to rotate **2-3 toys or games a week** while keeping the others hidden, so they will always appear new and interesting for your cat! #### Related Articles [![Do dogs hear like humans? A study from Eötvös Loránd University explored](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/cane-attento1-5.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/do-dogs-hear-like-humans-a-study-from-eotvos-lorand-university-explored?hsLang=en-gb) Companion For Life, [Project stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/project-stories) April 28,2015 ###### [Do dogs hear like humans? A study from Eötvös Loránd University explored](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/do-dogs-hear-like-humans-a-study-from-eotvos-lorand-university-explored?hsLang=en-gb) They prick up their furry ears and discern sounds just like we do. Yes, we are talking about dogs sharing a sensory human characteristic. Not in the way they move, or... [![The cat predator: the study](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/gatto1140-5.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/the-cat-predator-the-study?hsLang=en-gb) Companion For Life, [Project stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/project-stories) April 28,2015 ###### [The cat predator: the study](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/the-cat-predator-the-study?hsLang=en-gb) Is a ** cat still a predator **in this day and age? Yes, the domestic feline has retained many elements of its [wild nature](https://www.almonature.com/en/reads/the-wild-nature-of-cats-the-truth-is-in-their-dna/?hsLang=en-gb) and this has had repercussions on all aspects of... [![Tiffany Two: the world's oldest cat is 27 years old](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/gatto-piu-vecchio-del-mondo-tiffany-5.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tiffany-two-the-worlds-oldest-cat-is-27-years-old?hsLang=en-gb) Companion For Life, [Project stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/project-stories) April 28,2015 ###### [Tiffany Two: the world's oldest cat is 27 years old](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tiffany-two-the-worlds-oldest-cat-is-27-years-old?hsLang=en-gb) Celebrating 27 years of life as well as a spot in the **Guinness Book of Records** is **Tiffany Two**, the ‘world's oldest cat'. This elderly **tortoiseshell**, born 13 March 1988,... [![Pet and owner: 5 key elements of their relationship](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Dog-3.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/pet-and-owner-5-key-elements-of-their-relationship?hsLang=en-gb) [Dogs,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/dogs) [Cats,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/cats) [Lifehacks,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/lifehacks) [Insights](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/insights) April 28,2015 ###### [Pet and owner: 5 key elements of their relationship](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/pet-and-owner-5-key-elements-of-their-relationship?hsLang=en-gb) Relationships between pets and their owners are quite different from those established between humans. **Dr Maria Grazia Calore**, veterinary doctor and expert in pet... [![How to take care of cats in winter](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/gattoinverno1140-5.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/how-to-take-care-of-cats-in-winter?hsLang=en-gb) [Cats,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/cats) [Lifehacks,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/lifehacks) [Insights](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/insights) April 28,2015 ###### [How to take care of cats in winter](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/how-to-take-care-of-cats-in-winter?hsLang=en-gb) **Cats in winter**, like humans, are affected by the change of temperature **. Dr Maria Grazia Calore**, veterinary doctor and expert in pet behaviour, explains the physical and... [![Cats and classical music: relax at the veterinary clinic](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Piano-cat-4.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-and-classical-music-relax-at-the-veterinary-clinic?hsLang=en-gb) [Cats,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/cats) [Lifehacks,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/lifehacks) [Insights](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/insights) April 28,2015 ###### [Cats and classical music: relax at the veterinary clinic](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/cats-and-classical-music-relax-at-the-veterinary-clinic?hsLang=en-gb) “Music, I feel, must be emotional first and intellectual second": Maurice Ravel succinctly identifies the elements that melodies touch in the human soul with this... [![Why do cats purr and meow? The meaning of their vocal communication](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/GattoMiagiolioSignificato1-5.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/why-do-cats-purr-and-meow-the-meaning-of-their-vocal-communication?hsLang=en-gb) [Cats,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/cats) [Lifehacks,](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/lifehacks) [Insights](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/insights) April 28,2015 ###### [Why do cats purr and meow? The meaning of their vocal communication](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/why-do-cats-purr-and-meow-the-meaning-of-their-vocal-communication?hsLang=en-gb) At first glance (or listen), it might appear that a cat only has a small vocal repertoire of **‘meow', ‘purr' or ‘hiss'**. However, studies on cat vocalisations show that... [![The mystery of Ozzie, the country-hopping cat](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Ozzie-5.jpg) ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/the-mystery-of-ozzie-the-country-hopping-cat?hsLang=en-gb) Companion For Life, [Project stories](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/tag/project-stories) April 28,2015 ###### [The mystery of Ozzie, the country-hopping cat](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/the-mystery-of-ozzie-the-country-hopping-cat?hsLang=en-gb) A genuine ‘feline mystery' has been captivating cat lovers around the world: **Ozzie**, the cosmopolitan cat, has captured international interest thanks to an apparent,... - [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/how-to-choose-the-most-suitable-toys-for-your-cat?hsLang=en-gb) - [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/how-to-choose-the-most-suitable-toys-for-your-cat?hsLang=en-gb) - [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/how-to-choose-the-most-suitable-toys-for-your-cat?hsLang=en-gb) - [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/how-to-choose-the-most-suitable-toys-for-your-cat?hsLang=en-gb) [** ](https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/how-to-choose-the-most-suitable-toys-for-your-cat?hsLang=en-gb) ![Chat with us](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/icons/chat-icon.png) AlmoNature AI ![Close chat](https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/icons/close-icon.png) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Almo Nature", "url" : "https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/author/almonature" }, "dateModified" : "2022-02-06T03:31:39.974Z", "datePublished" : "2015-04-28T22:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "How to choose the most suitable toys for your cat", "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.almonature.com/en-gb/how-to-choose-the-most-suitable-toys-for-your-cat", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.almonature.com/hubfs/almonature-logo-4.svg" }, "name" : "Almo Nature S.p.A" } } ```