Toys!

Image courtesy of Arina Krasnikova

If your best friend is a feline, you probably own more cat toys than you own… well, anything else. What's important is that your cat is satisfied—and yes, even spoiled—with the best toys out there. So, what better way to add to their collection than by offering some of our top picks?

Pop-Open Tunnel

A favorite of many is the pop-open tunnel. Cats seek the security of closed-in spaces, making a tunnel the perfect hiding spot. Plus, they’re great for interactive play! Cats are encouraged to pounce and hunt from the tunnel’s shadows, with the bonus of stashing their favorite toys there.

If you’re looking for the coziest experience, consider a tunnel with a soft interior!

Cardboard House

We get it: cardboard boxes are everything. After all, they serve as a resting spot for a much-needed break from socialization. Wouldn’t you love boxes, too, if you were a cat?

But allow us to suggest a worthwhile upgrade from the cardboard box: the cardboard *house*. They come in all shapes, too! Perhaps, it’s not a “house” you’re looking for, but rather an ice cream truck? Or, how about a TV set?

An added plus if they come included with scratching boards!

Scratching Post

Speaking of scratching… cats like to scratch! You’ve probably got a piece of furniture somewhere in your home that’s fallen victim to this. Cats scratch to strengthen their claws, as well as to stretch their bodies. The remedy? A scratching post!

A sisal (rope) post is ideal, and it’s not as messy as cardboard scratchers. You can invest in a small one, or go all out with a cat tower that includes installable scratching posts!

Remote-Controlled Mouse

If it’s not scratching they’re doing, it’s chasing. They’ll chase moths, leaves, balls of tinfoil—anything. But perhaps the most iconic target of their chasing ventures has to be the mouse.

If you browse through the mouse-shaped plushes out there, you *might* just find one with wheels and a remote controller.

With this toy, you are in control of where the mouse goes! Cats can chase their robotic friend as it moves across the floor and hides under tables. More stimulating than an inanimate toy, a remote-controlled mouse is the perfect choice for any cat!

Catnip

Now, this one is a given. What cat hasn’t gotten themselves into catnip before?

As we’ve covered in one of our older blogs[https://www.chicagolandanimalrescue.org/blog/what-is-catnip], catnip is safe for use with our feline friends! You can either offer the plant directly, or you can look for toys with catnip in them. Often, you will find this in plushes, pillows, and wands!

Also, you can add catnip to any of your cat’s other toys (including some of our top picks) to make things more fun!

Written by Anna

Image courtesy of Arina Krasnikova