So, when they catch their prey, they toss it in their paws a couple of times. Then, they release their injured victim and wait until they’re nearby but out of sight. This is when their sense of anticipation and excitement really sets in. Cats are natural born hunters and enjoy a challenge that will keep them occupied – however, prey can be few and far between inside your house! Games can help cats develop their skills and enhance their intelligence, as well as satisfying that natural instinct to hunt.

Just like humans, cats can also get bored, stressed or anxious. Cats have natural instincts that can be difficult to satisfy in a human household environment. This includes scratching behaviour, which can see carpets and curtains destroyed if you do not provide a suitable outlet such as a scratching tree or scratching board. Playing with toys is a great way to alleviate symptoms of depression or boredom in cats and it has also been shown that frequent playtime can reduce aggression and unwanted behaviours. Stimulating effect: if your cat requires a little bit of extra encouragement to play, there are natural oils and plants that can stimulate its senses. Catnip, for example, can be used to train your cat and attract your cat to certain toys or certain areas of your home. Valerian is another herb that can arouse the olfactory senses of your cat. Both of these herbs can help with stress relief and when contained in or sprayed on to toys or scratching posts they can promote exercise and ignite curiosity to explore. Boy, Pixie and Mary all had their favorite toys and they were never far from their favorites. They were usually the simplest of items that cost next to nothing.You should try to hide your cat’s toy behind a chair or sofa for several seconds. Make sure you make some scurrying sounds to give your kitty that feel-good experience she loves so much. Choosing the Best Cat Toys How about feathers, faux fur, and other flowy objects? When you move one across the floor, does your cat stop and take notice? If yes, that means your kitty prefers birds as her primary prey. Rodents Your cat’s meowing could be because she’s feeling insecure. Try to find the reason behind her insecurities. It could be you introduced a new animal companion or you’ve moved to a new place. 5. Teaching You How to Hunt Mary's favorite toy was a small brown stuffed mouse (filled with catnip) that squeaked when she played with it. By playing a variety of games, your cat is learning everything she needs to know about hunting. Starting from the stalking to the chasing, your cat is slowly becoming the mighty hunter she was born to be.

Cats tend to vocalize only with their babies, their sexual partners, and their rivals. They have this innate ability to change the pattern, intensity, and volume of her meows. This way, they can convey a wide variety of intentions to other cats. Because cats are amazing hunters, they love to play all types of fetch and interactive play. This is why you’ll often see your cat chasing after random things and catching them. Does your cat like to stalk and pounce across the floor, even at small treats? Then, that means she craves hunting insects and bugs.So, how do you know which one your cat prefers? One way is to set up several activities around your home. Use toys you already have or choose objects that move like any of the three types of prey. The one that keeps your cat occupied the most is the one that she loves the most. This is why your cat catches her toy and comes to you meowing. It could be she’s showing off her prize or her fetching abilities. The broad range of cat toys available here at zooplus may leave you feeling lost and confused, so we have compiled a list of handy tips of things to look out for, to help you choose the perfect toy to meet your cat’s needs. Your cat comes from a family of mighty hunters. In fact, they’re one of the best hunters in all the animal kingdom. As well as protecting your furniture from sharp claws, scratching toys satisfy your cat’s natural needs and can allow for hours of entertainment. Combine with tunnels, obstacles and other delights to keep your cat thoroughly engaged!