Cat Toy Hall of Fame: $5 Cat Toys

Let's pretend you found a 20-dollar bill in the pocket of the jacket you haven't worn since last spring. Surprise! Since you've already paid the bills for the month, you figure that's twenty bucks surplus - why not treat yourself? So you go out for lunch and spend about fifteen dollars on a crazy-good pulled pork sandwich. But at the end of the day you find yourself wondering: What to do with the remaining five dollars???

How about treating your best beloved pet to a new cat toy? (Surely he or she deserves to benefit from this windfall, too.) That's a great idea! And I have some suggestions for you. These toys cost around five dollars and at least one of them is bound to make you a hero at home.

1. Boots & Barkley 4 Desserts Cat Toys. These are available at Target for just $4.99. I bought them because I just could not get over how cute that doughnut is! (At least, I think it's a doughnut.) Doughnuts are probably my second favorite thing - right behind cats, of course. The other desserts are a slice of pie, a chocolate-covered strawberry, and a cupcake. When I brought these toys home, I was a tad disappointed that my cats weren't as excited about the doughnut as I had been. The cupcake caught their attention, but they destroyed it in seconds. But the strawberry! Oh ho, that strawberry has seen a lot of action in this house, so I guess that makes the whole thing worth five bucks.

2. KONG Kitten Mice. These adorable, fuzzy, pastel-colored mice each contain a cellophane pouch of catnip, the sound and smell of which makes them irresistible to junior hunters. They're fairly durable toys; nevertheless, I can't tell you how many of these I went through when Baby was a tyke. He LOVED them. Now he's older and more mature, but we still highly recommend these mice. They are so worth $5.99; you can buy them online or in most pet stores. 

3. National Geographic Wooly Mice. I picked up these toys for $6.99 at PetSmart, seeing that they were similar to the mice from Target that my cats really enjoy. They're a bit bigger, and a little less hardy - they tend to pop up around the house missing tails and ears, but I guess that's as good an indication as any that they were enjoyed. 

4. KONG Naturals Catnip Straw Cylinder. This toy has a unique texture that makes it quite fun, I think. When I adopted Spike, it was one of the toys his foster mom sent with him, insisting he loved it so much. And he DID. But depending on your cat, you might not want to leave it laying around, as the feathers pull out very easily and might be ingested. This toy is available at PetSmart and various online retailers for around $5.50. 

5. Hartz Just for Cats Midnight Crazies. I saved the best for last today! I can't even remember where I first purchased these balls, but now I get them from Amazon for just about $5 (with shipping and handling, closer to seven or eight dollars). But, wow! You get a lot of bang for your buck with these. My cat Baby couldn't care less for them, but Spike LOVES them. There are probably thirty of them scattered throughout the house - under dressers, cabinets, and couches - you know how it is. These slotted plastic balls have a plastic jingle bell inside, and they come in many bright colors. There are a LOT of similar toys on the market, so you might find your cat enjoys those just as well. But I've tried several different types of balls on Spike, and these are hands down his favorite. I believe it's the way his teeth lock into the slots of these balls - the way they're cut is not the same as most of the 'lattice'-type balls you'll see in grocery stores. After chasing them all over the kitchen, Spike really enjoys carrying them around in his mouth like freshly caught prey. He goes crazy for them! Sometimes at midnight. Just like the name suggests.

So, the next time you have an extra five dollars on hand and would like to treat your cat, consider trying one of these great toys. My cats can vouch that these toys are a lot of fun. And if you ever happen to be in Gasport, New York, I also know a place you can get one of those crazy-good pulled pork sandwiches.

Why Playtime is Important

We interrupt this program for a word from our sponsors...

Just kidding. I don't have any sponsors. 

But I have been so busy compiling the "Cat Toy Hall of Fame" that I forgot to mention WHY I suddenly decided to discuss cat toys. It is perhaps not that out-of-place, since this is a cat blog, after all, but I actually did have a specific reason to start this thread.

I briefly touched on it in my first Cat Toy Hall of Fame post, and it is this: playing with your cats is very important. I've said it once, I'll say it again: a bored cat is an unhappy cat.

But it not just about entertaining your cat. You may be aware, but in case you're not I'll enlighten you: obesity in household pets is becoming an epidemic in America, much like with humans. Obesity contributes to a number of health issues in pets (again, similar to humans): heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and diabetes are just a few. Still, it's becoming commonplace to see dogs with swaying bellies and cats shaped like basketballs. Why?

I have given this some thought, and since our pets tend to lead the same lifestyle we do, I actually didn't have to think too hard. I've come up with two reasons: 

1. Lack of exercise. Face it, America: we're lazy. And so are our pets. I know, I know; when you get home after a hard day of work, the last thing you want to do is take the dog for a long walk, or chase your cat around the house with a cat toy. But dogs and cats were simply not designed to loaf around all day, every day. Think about their ancestors: both wild dogs and wild cats are constantly on the move, patrolling their territory, competing with others of their species, and hunting down their next meal. Our household pets have similar instincts, and it's important they be allowed to channel those drives into appropriate activities, even if it's a little inconvenient at times. If you take some time to exercise your animals, not only will they be happier, they'll be healthier, too. 

2. Unhealthy eating habits. This one is a bit trickier, so I'll probably delve into it in a later post. Every cat is different and will have different dietary needs, but for now let's just say that if your cat is shaped like a basketball, then you probably need to readdress your cat's diet. I recommend consulting your vet to create a plan that will work for your individual cat.

I have a theory that some people think food = love. We sometimes feel guilty for not spending enough time with our pets, so we compensate by filling up their food bowls. Then, because our pets are so bored, they eat it. Then we fill the bowl again - it's a cycle that benefits no one. Or, perhaps we're busy paying bills or cooking dinner or watching tv, and we just don't have the time or the energy to play, so we throw them a handful of treats to keep them out of sight and out of mind for awhile.

But we really mustn't let food be the only way to demonstrate our affection for our pets. One of the best ways to express love to them and bond with them is to play with them, one on one. I recommend playing with your cats for at least fifteen minutes a day. Do something they really love, whether it's playing fetch with a mousie or a ball, playing hide-and-go-seek, or even something as simple as playing with a laser. As long as it gets them moving, it will help them get into the shape they were meant to be in. It will also increase their affection for you.

My cats get so excited when I pull out their toy box, or open the special drawer that houses their most favorite toys and treats. They love playtime - not just because they've been sleeping all day and they finally get to burn some energy, but also, I think, because they know I'm paying attention to them and only to them. Some cats like being the center of attention, and ALL cats appreciate some degree of acknowledgement. Playing with your cats is the best way to say "Hey, you're important to me. Let's spend some time together." You'll probably discover that it's really a lot of fun for you, too.

Cat Toy Hall of Fame: Cheap Cat Toys

In my previous post I showed you just some of the cat toys you can make at home for free. Today I want to highlight five cat toys that are less than $5 apiece (read: CHEAP!). Now, I always say 'You get what you pay for,' so these toys certainly aren't going to last forever. But if you try them and your cats love them as much as mine do, I think you'll agree it balances out. So here we go!

1. Laser toy. Lasers are no longer avant-garde technology, so you can actually find keychain laser pointers for cheap at a dollar store or super center near you. This particular toy is specifically marketed as a pet toy; you can find it at Ace Hardware for $2.29, but it often goes on sale for $1. Now, not ALL cats enjoy chasing a laser, as a rule, but many younger cats, especially, will go bananas for it. It's a fantastic way to exercise your cat without having to move much yourself. Experts recommend tossing your cats a real toy throughout the chase, so they have something to 'catch.' A reward with a few treats after playtime is always nice, too. 

2. Grreat Choice Feather Tailed Catnip Mouse. I call these "mouskies", because they're so furry they must be from Russia. They are very inexpensive ($1.19), and can be purchased from the bulk toy bins at PetSmart or online. They feature a tail of feathers and rattles inside. Make sure you pick one that rattles really good. My cat Baby has always really enjoyed these mice, though he prefers the grey color over the tan color in the picture. 

3. Grreat Choice Crinkle Ball. Some cats love the crinkly sound of these foil balls, which can also be found in the bulk toy bins at PetSmart for only 0.99 - so cheap you can go ahead and buy a few. Pick some that aren't too flattened - the ball shape makes it perfect for tossing and rolling.

4. Big Ol' Catnip Sack. In store, I have only been able to find these at Pet Supplies Plus, and there may not be one of those near you. But you can buy them online at various sites for around $3.  Two things I love about this toy: one, the catnip is very potent, and two, the canvas construction is quite durable. My outdoor cat Ollie adores this toy - he slobbers all over it until the whole sack has turned green. You probably don't need to buy this specific catnip pouch. There are plenty on the market, and you may even be able to find someone locally who makes them by hand. But I recommend this one because my cats seems to prefer it over any others I've tried. 

5. SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Mice. I buy these at Target in packs of three for $1.97, but they are also available online from various retailers. They used to be made of a canvas-type material; now they're made of a furry cloth, but no matter! The cats love them anyhow. Their small compact bodies fit perfectly in a cat's mouth, just like a real mouse. They feature twine tails, sewn eyes, and fabric ears, which in my experience have never fallen off, so extra points for durability. My cats will play fetch with these mice for a long while, up until they push them out of reach under the sofa, which I'm sad to say is the fate of most of their toys. 

These are my recommendations for cheap cat toys, one tier up from free. There are SO many cat toys on the market that you may find many others. It's important to experiment and find the toys that really get your cats excited for playtime, and since most of these only cost a dollar or two, how could you go wrong???

Cat Toy Hall of Fame: Thrifty Cat Toys

Activity is a very important part of a cat's day, although some might think otherwise. It's actually not normal or healthy for a cat to nap all day and night, contrary to widely-held popular opinion. Cats have an instinctive drive to hunt; even if they have never set a toe outdoors, you may catch your cat 'hunting' stray socks, light reflections, dust bunnies, or even his own tail. It's important for your cat's hunting drive to be satisfied, or he may start acting out in inappropriate ways, such as attacking YOU or guests to your home. A bored cat is an unhappy cat. But you don't need to spend a small fortune on the latest and greatest cat toys to keep your cat happy. In fact, you probably don't need to spend anything at all. Here I have compiled a list of cats toys that are certain to keep your cat busy, and, best of all, are FREE.

1. An old shoelace. Dangle it, drag it - eventually a wiggly string will catch even the laziest cat's eye. The string in the photo was once the drawstring of one of my hoodies. It came out in the wash, and you know how impossible it is to get those things back in. Now it is now one of my cats' most favorite toys. *Note: It is not recommended to allow cats to play with strings unsupervised.

2. Wire bread ties. I call them 'twisty ties'. Call them what you will, there's just something very attrative about the way it looks coupled with the way it flies across the floor with a flick of a paw... My cat Spike in particular goes nuts for these things. He steals them when I'm making lunch. There are probably 40 under our fridge right now. For similar reasons, both of my cats also adore chenille craft sticks (pipe cleaners). *Note: It is recommended that you supervise playtime with these toys as they can pose a choking hazard.

3. A ball made from an empty toilet paper tube. Talk about up-cycling! How many of these do you throw away in a week? This doodad is so easy to make: just cut the tube into chunks and stuff them together into a ball. My cats like these so much I was hardly able to snap these photos before they swiped it.

4. An empty paper towel tube. You could go out and spend $15 on a Kong Kickeroo...OR you could just rescue one of these from the trash instead. Spike really likes sinking his claws and teeth into one of these, and I much prefer he do that than sink his claws and teeth into my arm. He also likes to lie in his side and kick it with his strong back feet. This 'thumping' (as I call it) is a hunting device used by cats in the real world, and really burns up some energy. You can variate the old paper towel tube in many ways: cut some fringe into one end, seal the ends and fill with dry rice or beans or even catnip, or even snip a few small holes throughout and fill with yummy treats. The possibilities are endless.

5. Crumpled-up paper. My cat Baby loves nothing more than a wadded up paper napkin. I guess he likes the feeling of ripping it to shreds with his teeth and claws. Regardless, it's probably the easiest (and laziest) way to keep him busy for a few moments. 

With a little creativity and a pair of scissors, you can turn all sorts of useless things into super fun cat toys. And cats DO like them, I promise! Spike and Baby had so much fun helping me make this post that I made a video to share with you - proof that cats don't care how much or how little you paid for the toy as long as they get to kill it! So, no more excuses. Have some fun with your cat today!