How to introduce new toys to your cat and encourage playtime.
Cats are curious creatures, and nothing excites them more than a new toy to play with. However, introducing new toys to your feline friend can sometimes be a bit of a challenge. From figuring out what your cat likes to encouraging them to engage in playtime, there’s plenty that you can do to make sure that their toy collection is always fresh and exciting.
In this blog post, we’ve rounded up some tips on how you can introduce new toys to your furry companion and keep them active and entertained! So grab some treats for your kitty, sit back, and get ready for some pawsome advice on how to encourage healthy playtime with your feline pal!
What to do before you bring a new toy home
If you are bringing a new toy home for your cat, there are a few things you need to do before you bring it over.
First, make sure the toy is safe for cats. Toys that are brightly colored or moving may startle or scare your cat and could lead to violence.
Secondly, make sure the toy is large enough for your cat to play with. Some of our favorite toys are those that are about the size of a tennis ball or smaller.
Thirdly, give your cat some time to get used to the new toy. Let them play with it for a little while before trying to take it away. If they resist playing with it at first, try placing the toy down somewhere in the house and wait ten minutes before coming back and attempting to give it to them again. Let them know what is expected of them when they’re playing with the toy. For example, saying “jump” when they’re playing fetch will help remind them what behavior is required of them during playtime sessions.
If you’re bringing a new toy over that’s not meant for cats, take some precautions first. Toys designed for dogs can be dangerous if they are ingested, and can cause injury if swallowed. It’s also important to keep other pets away from the toy while it is being played with by your cat. If the toy falls apart or gets lost, your cat may become frustrated and Destructive.
Lay out the toy and explain what it does
When introducing a new toy to your cat, it’s important to take into account their personality and interests. Toy sizes, shapes, and materials can vary from cat to cat, so it’s important to find something that will both intrigue and challenge them. Some of the most popular toys for cats include:
- Toboggans: These are versatile toys that can be filled with treats or catnip for added excitement.
- Squeaky balls: Cats love getting these Throwing Toys in their paws and then pouncing on the ball to make it squeak.
- Wubbas: These brightly-colored rubber discs are bouncy and fun for cats to chase.
- Kongs: Known as ” invalids’ best friend,” these toy dogs are irresistible to cats. AAP recommends giving Kongs small pieces of food rather than entire meals so your kitty doesn’t develop unhealthy habits around toys. -Bird toys: These colorful toys can be filled with treats or used to attract birds inside the toy.
The most important thing is to give your cat a variety of toys to enjoy and keep them entertained, as this will help keep them mentally and physically healthy.
Toy Description: The Wubban is a brightly-colored rubber disc that cats love to chase and pounce on. It’s bouncy, making it a good toy for interactive play.
Toy Benefits:
- The Wubban is a versatile toy that can be filled with treats or catnip for added excitement.
- The disc is bouncy, making it a good toy for interactive play.
- The Wubban can be used as a fetch toy or to play catch.
Let your cat explore the toy
Introducing New Toys to Your Cat
Playtime is an important part of a cats’ life and should be enjoyed as much as possible. Here are some tips on how to introduce new toys to your cat and encourage playtime:
- Start by providing plenty of toys for your cat to play with in the house. This will give her options and make it easier for her to decide which toy she wants to play with.
- If you have a particularly active or adventurous kitty, consider buying her some toys that can be played with outdoors, like a ball or a wand toy. Cats love exploring new surroundings and playing fetch can provide them with hours of entertainment.
- Be sure to rotate the toys you provide so your cat doesn’t get bored. You can also add new toys sporadically throughout the day as your cat catches wind of what you’ve got stored away in the toy box!
Encouraging playtime is one of the best ways to keep your cat healthy and happy. By providing her with a variety of toys, you can help her expend energy in a fun and mentally stimulating way.
Give your cat a chance to play with the new toy
Giving your cat a chance to play with the new toy is an important part of developing a healthy relationship. By playing together, you and your cat will learn how to enjoy each other’s company and get along better. Here are some tips for introducing a new toy to your cat:
- Try putting the toy in front of your cat while you are feeding or playing with her. This will give her something new to focus on and hopefully engage her in the activity.
- If your cat doesn’t take interest in the toy, move it around and give it different shapes and textures. Cats explore their surroundings using their whiskers, so giving them a variety of textures might help get her interested.
- Talk to your veterinarian if you have any concerns about introducing a new toy to your cat. He or she can recommend specific toys or techniques that are safe for both you and your kitty.
Continue playing with your cat and let them experiment with the new toy!
If you’re considering adding new toys to your cat’s repertoire, here are some tips for encouraging exploration and playtime:
- Start with gradual introductions. Introduce the new toy one or two at a time and allow your cat to explore it thoroughly before rewarding them with a treat or play session.
- Keep things interesting for both you and your cat. Add different textures, sounds, and movement to the toy to keep things unpredictable and engaging for them.
- Let them win sometimes! Let your cat chew on the toy for a bit before playing with them; this will help to establish control over the toy and encourage playfulness in general.
- Keep an eye on their weight and health. If your cat starts to show signs of refusal (e.g., panting, pacing, becoming agitated), remove the toy immediately and consult your veterinarian. Toys that are too heavy or unsafe can be dangerous for cats and can cause serious injuries.
- Play together! Playing with your cat can be a great way to get them used to new toys and help them exercise. Toys that require some physical interaction (e.g., balls, kongs) can be helpful in helping your cat stay active and healthy.
Conclusion
Introducing new toys to your cat can help encourage playtime, but be careful not to overdo it. Overindulging your cat with too many new toys can lead to destructive behaviour and make it difficult for you to form a close bond with them. It’s important to find the right balance between introducing new toys and letting them keep their current favourites. Keep an eye on how your cat reacts when they’re given a toy that is unfamiliar, and gradually introduce more of these types of toys as their interest in playing increases.