Is There A Cat Toy That Moves On It

What makes a good cat toy?

That's really hard to answer because every cat is different. There are a couple things that I have found from my own experiences that the majority of cats like. The most important thing is that usually they want to interact with *you* the human. So feathers on a stick in the form of Da Bird or some other such toy. DaBird seems to be the best I have found because of the sound it makes when you 'whoosh' it though the air and the fact that it mimics real bird movements which plays into their instincts. Laser pointers are good for a lot a lot of cats, again you can play into their instincts by making it move like a mouse or a fly or something. One of my cats loves these springs, they are easy to pick up in his mouth, easy and light so they bat around really well and have somewhat unpredicted movement.  If you really want to build something a jungle gym/tall scratching structure would most likely be appreciated - the three major things that you want to make sure of is that it is tall enough for all of them to stretch up fully extended, its sturdy enough for them to take a running leap at it and its not going to wiggle or wobble and you use the right type of substrate for them to scratch on. Sisal rope is good, there are some carpets that are good and some that are not but again that depends on the individual cat. There are also some cats that can not make the differentiation between 'this carpet on the post ok' and 'this carpet on the living room floor is not ok'. Not many but it can happen. Adding catnip will work for a lot of cats, I am not sure about what makes Cosmic Catnip so good but a lot a lot a lot of cats that I know go nuts for that kind but not necessarily other kinds. One of the other really good toys here is just a little 1 inch by 1 inch pillow with some stuffing in it and a bunch of catnip in the middle. Again light enough to toss around easily, pick up and carry and smells great!I hope that helps, good luck!!

What are some of the best cat toys?

All of my cats have different personalities, and for the youngest one who still thinks she is a kitten, EVERYTHING IS A TOY! There's obviously the general fascination with cardboard boxes, paper bags, bottle caps, anything that can be pushed off a high flat surface etc. but the most useful toy (?) I invested in to date is this cat-tree. There hasn't been a single day since I got it that it's not been used. However, in terms of toys that don't take up so much space and actually involve engaging a kitty, here's the top 3:2nd runner upAs a lil kitten, my bin cat has spent MONTHS playing with the Catit Design Senses Play Circuit: If the cat gets bored, the toy can be reassembled into a different shape as the pieces are inter-connectable. But this toy only held fascination for 1.5 of the 3 cats. It was a complete hit with one, a complete miss with the other and the third one may or may not play with it. However as the kitten matures, I find her playing less and less with it.   Pro: it's useful since the human doesn't have to be around for the cats to stay engaged. Con: they may or may not play with it after a while.1st Runner upA very close runner up to the winner is the LASER DOT! This is fun (for me personally too) since I can slump on the sofa after a long day at work, but still have the kittehs scuttling around the house like maniacs *rubs hands in evil glee*. Con: Again, cats can only play with the dot when the human is around. I did purchase the FroliCat DART Automatic Rotating Laser Pet Toy but my experience with it has been mediocre at best. The cats just are not motivated enough with a red dot that's going around in a mostly typical and predictable manner. Would not buy again.  The hands down winner - the most successful cat toy across the board - is Go Cat Da Bird - or any variation of something dangling from a stick.It drives the cats insane. Con: This toy involves considerable input from humans. Playing with da bird requires 15-20 minutes of keeping the cats engaged, and the toy needs to be put away after. For multiple reasons (including complete demolition of the toy), it needs to be stored away after. But the cats LOVE LOVE LOVE it.

What is the best cat toy to tire your cat?

The best cat toy that I have ever had is the “Cat Dancer”. It’s cheap, you can get it on Amazon, and I have never had a cat get tired of it. In fact, it is the only toy that I have ever used that I have worn cats down with. I have actually had cats lay on the carpet, panting for air, because they have chased the end of the “Cat Dancer” so much they have exhausted themselves. Then they drag themselves up and try to catch it again. It is such a simple design. On one end of a long piece of wire there is a little roll of tough hemp or cardboard that you hold on to. Then on the other end, there are several little rolls. When you just slightly move your end, because of the way the wire has been rolled into a circle, their end moves around like an insect. You can drag it on the ground, but it is so much fun to move it in the air like a moth and watch kitties jump and leap to catch it in their mouths. As it gets worn down, it moves even more like an insect. At one point, I had seven cats in a big old-fashioned apartment with three floors and I would let them have full access to the “Cat Dancer.” One cat would take off running with one end and the others would chase the other end. I had stampeding cats 24/7. Now that I live in a small apartment with just two cats I keep the “Cat Dancer” on top of the fridge and bring it out when I want to engage them in exercise and bonding. This cat toy lasts forever and when you do need to replace it, it is so cheap! I can’t say enough good things about this cat toy. I bought my first one about twenty-five years ago and although I have bought other kinds of cat toys that have caught my eye since, the cats that I have lived with have never responded to anything like they have the tried and true “Cat Dancer.” (No, I do not own stock in the company! Ha!)

Are there any automated toys, such as a ball that moves on its own, that would be safe and entertaining for Ms. Kitty Cat?

You'll find battery operated toys that will fling a string around once activated (Frolicat flik), balls with weights and lights that claim to move in patterns that mimic prey (Trixie, among many others), rotating laser pointers (Kerbl, Petsafe) and plastic insects that scuttle about on rubber feet (zooplus).As to their safety, I wouldnt recommend leaving your cat unattended with these kinds of battery operated toy. Very few have a secure battery compartment, and even though cats are rather good at keeping themselves safe, bored kitties sometimes do unpredictable things with horrible consequences, like impulsively swallowing small battery cells.Battery operated toys can be noisy, which can deter some sensitive kitties, the cheaper toys are simply too large to be easily manipulated by small paws - the toys have to house the batteries and mechanism after all.Most importantly, despite the claims of some manufacturers, the toys don't actually mimic prey. Cats quickly learn the patterns of movement of these toys, and besides, prey doesn't always switch off after ten minutes! Most cats lose interest in these toys quickly, although Ms Kitty Cat may well adore them!One option is the Hagen Catit Senses Speed Curcuit. This is basically a track, with a ball that lights up when it's moved by hand or paw. Although the ball contains a battery (the Catit 2.0 fireballs are preferable as the battery can be replaced), the baterry is secured with a screw, and when properly assembled the ball can't leave the track, so it's a much safer option than cheaper alternatives.You can buy multiple tracks and track types to vary the circuit to maintain novelty (ours sometimes snakes under tables and sofas under which the ‘prey’ takes cover) and using raised track pieces to vary the pace and speed of the ball. It links together securely but is easy enough to take apart and clean. The toy functions well enough on its own, but it's a good choice for interacting with your cat, too. Kitty tennis is so exhilarating! The only issue with the design is that large-pawed felines may struggle to manipulate the ball through the small gaps in the curcuit, but it's perfect for most kitty paws.Apart from automated toys, Kitty would enjoy some low-tech alternatives. Hang a catnip-filled duck from a doorframe (Trixie), find some light weight foam or crinkle balls (they'll all end up in the same corner, they're not lost) and don't forget the small catnip fish (yeowww stinkies)!

Why do cats hold on to a toy and kick it at the same time?

He definitely wants the toy. Not only does he want it, but he also wants to kick the crap out of it until it “dies.” Your cat is exhibiting the instinctive Bunny Kick (or Rabbit Kick), as many like to call it. When outside cats attack their prey and can’t immediately get to the “death bite,” they may chose to bunny kick the prey to disembowel it, or at least kick it senseless, until the cat can deliver the neck-breaking bite. (I didn’t say the answer was going to be pretty.)Cats sometimes use the same move to defend themselves against predators or other cats. If you watch kittens play, they often practice the bunny kicking move but, of course, to a lesser extent. They are only playing and do not use the full force of their powerful hind legs.If your cat likes to bunny kick, their are several types of bunny kicking toys your cat may enjoy. These toys are usually longer than regular cat toys and are plush. Be sure not to try and touch your cat while he is in the middle of “killing his prey.” He may be over-stimulated and start bunny kicking your hand.