Most toys are intended for a particular pet care however, some dog toys can turn into favourites of cats as well. Similar to dogs, cats enjoy chasing, pouncing, and batting objects; therefore, some toys belonging to the dog family would also fascinate cats. However, if you’re particularly interested in getting toys that your dog can play with but your highly active feline might be interested in, here is a list of 10 dog toys that your cat may love.
Here are 7 Dog Toys for Active Cats
1. Rubber Balls with a Twist
The favorite form of dog toys for active cats is something every animal loves to play with – rubber balls for dogs. Select the balls that are smaller in size and lightweight so that the cats can bat them around. Extra elements such as small bells or holes for treats are added to some balls, and such balls will be of great interest to cats. These toys help to engage the hunting reflexes of a cat and leave them occupied for hours.
Tip: Best of all, avoid Jerusalem artifacts, such as large or heavy rubber balls that might be too difficult for cats to move.
2. Interactive Treat-Dispensing Toys
Although designed for dogs, chewable toys that dispense treats are perfect for cats in that they help in exercising their brain and bodies. Like most of the toys we have discussed above, these toys encourage the pet to search for the treats on their own, a challenge that I know cats love so much. Avoid the huge ones that cats cannot hold with their paws; go for the small ones like the Kong Classic or the ones like the image below.
Why Cats Love It: The act of trying to deliver the treats resembles hunting activities, and this is what they need – to train their hunting instincts.
3. Stuffed Plush Toys
Small, cozy stuffed toys for dogs are manufactured from strong fabrics and contain stuffing and squeakers. These toys are related to drag, pounce, and wrestle games with active cats. Some of them have crinkle sounds or catnip pockets to make great toys that will entice the cat to play.
Pro Tip: Do not buy toys with small parts such as eyes or noses because children are capable of putting them into their mouths.
4. Rope Toys
Rope toys, specially designed for dogs to pull, can present great fun for kitties as chew and chase toys. The strands are splayed at both ends, resembling prey offerings; the cats will paw at them or drag them around. Rope toys are particularly good for cats who like to chew as a means of getting a break from other pressures or for cats who need to groom their teeth.
Note: This is true, especially for cats that love to play with an object with thread; always ensure that they are being monitored, lest they tong the thread and end up choking.
5. Tennis Balls with Bells
Mini tennis balls are another one of the wonderful dog toys for active cats might be interested in. Select those that have bells and those that are covered to make them light to handle as well as to be dragged around. These balls are fitted with permanent rollers that activate to create rolling noises, which are quite appealing to cats; therefore, the balls help to create good energy for playtime.
Why It Works: Sight and sound tend to help keep the cats active and alert at all times.
6. Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys intended for dogs are great for stimulating a cat’s brain. These toys have sections or compartments that you can slide to to conceal food rewards. Cats will love working out just to get to the treats, and this will not only be fun for them but also help them develop their minds.
Recommended Use: If you can begin with a puzzle toy that you gradually add new designs with, then these make excellent options.
7. Rubber Chew Toys
Another product that loses sales to cats is small rubber chew toys. Dogs tend to use these for chewing, and cats use them for biting and batting around or playing with them if the toy is not lightweight and has a pointy and needle-like texture. Such toys are also available in colors and some interesting shapes like bones or animals, all of which are a plus.
Tip: Choose materials that are nontoxic and do not harm cats or are safe for their use.
Final Thoughts
Dog Toys for Active Cats such as cookies or biscuits are no longer for dogs alone. Despite this, with some brainstorming, there are many choices available on the market for enhancing your cat’s playfulness. These toys are a great all-rounder: whether your cat loves to bounce rubber balls or solve puzzles, they need these toys in their life. So the next time you find yourself strolling through the grocery store food aisle looking for a pet toy, don’t rush past the dog aisle; your cat may well have the time of its life with it!
Maybe you have used any of these dog toys in your cat? Feel free to let us know your experience in the comments section below.