Playtime provides an opportunity for you and your pet to spend some quality time together. A good toy can enhance that experience by stimulating your pet’s natural curiosity and hunting instincts that are not generally put to use in a comfortable domestic home. The thrill of the hunt is part of their nature, and as their companions we should provide an outlet for this instinct.
CAT TOYS
Cats love any toy that resembles a little animal running or flying away. As you toss and dangle, make sure to let your cat “catch” it’s “prey” to give it the satisfaction of the hunt. Rotating your toys will keep interest high and prevent boredom.
Here are some simple suggestions for homemade cat toys:
Throw a crumpled piece of paper across the floor away from the cat, so it is like a little mouse running away.
Fold a small piece of paper (about 1 1/2” wide) like an accordion to make a little “butterfly”. Attach it to a piece of flexible wire and wave it over the cat’s head. They will chase it and jump to try to catch it. A commercial version of this toy is available in most pet stores.
Tie a little bell to a string and attach it to a doorknob so it hangs about six or eight inches off the floor. Your cat will bat this around for hours.
Tie a few bright feathers securely to the end of a stick or heavy wire (all materials available in craft stores). You can also buy commercial versions of this toy in pet stores.
Blow bubbles. Cats love them. Use any bubble solution from a toy or variety store or SmartyKat™ BubbleNip™, which contain catnip to entices your cat to pounce on the bubbles as they float slowly to the ground.
Catnip-filled toys. Toys filled with catnip are among cats’ favorites, for they get the delight of the catnip plus the joy of chasing a little critter. They like these toys best when you play with them, pushing the toy across the floor so it “runs” away.
Look for labels that say “catnip-filled” to be sure the toy actually has catnip in it. Some toys have little or no actual catnip in them. Never buy toys that say they are “catnip-scented” or sprayed with oil or extract. Also look for high quality catnip that is organically grown.
Toys should have a compartment to hold the catnip that can be emptied and refilled, and be made from a washable material. Synthetic fibers are often used for refillable toys because they are more durable, washable and long-lasting than natural fibers. The SmartyKat™ Refillable Catnip Toy has a patented “cat-proof” closure that opens easily and locks tight and comes with SmartyKat™ Certified Organic Catnip for refilling.
You can create your own cat toys from scraps of fabric and stuff them with high quality catnip. If you do not want to sew, simply fill a cotton baby sock with catnip and then tie a firm knot in the ankle. Decorate your toy using felt pens.
Store catnip toys in a cool dry place when not in use. Put toys in the freezer in a plastic zip-lock bag or glass jar with lid, but don’t store them in the refrigerator because it is too damp. Catnip lasts about one year from harvest when stored airtight, so storing your catnip toys properly will make the catnip last longer than if you just leave it out. When you can no longer smell the catnip, it’s time to toss the leaves.
The best way to keep your cat interested in catnip toys is to only have them out during playtime. Cats can become habituated to the sensation and smell of catnip toys if they are left lying around. They can get too much of a good thing. Give them a toy to play with, then pick it up and put it away. When you take the toy out again, scrunch it up a bit to bruise the catnip leaves and release more aromatic oils.
DOG TOYS
Dogs are more social than cats, so interaction with either their companion or a dog sibling is very important.
There isn't one universal toy that dogs love best, so you’ll need to do some experimentation to find which toys your dog enjoys the most.
Chew toys. Dog chewing is not like cat scratching – it’s not a natural behavior, but rather the result of domestic stress. Since most dogs are under this stress, most tend to chew and therefore need something to chew on if you don’t want them chewing on your furniture.
Chew toys fall into three general catagories:
Durable – these are toys they can gnaw on but they can’t eat, such as a nylon plastic resin “bone”, rope bones, and toys made from latex rubber.
Body parts – these are dog’s favorites. They are consumable within a time period from 1 hour to a couple of days, and include pig ears and snouts (considered to be doggie “potato chips”), cow knuckles, femurs, hooves and penises (“bully sticks”), and various “bones” made from carrot, cornstarch or potatoes (these can contain dyes that stain).
Rawhide – these toys are nonconsumable mummified skin intended for chewing, but not eating. You should throw them away when they get soggy and give your dog a new one. Compressed rawhide has a higher oil content and therefore lasts the longest. Basted rawhide is white rawhide that has been basted with a variety of flavorings (be careful not to feed them to your dog in areas where stains may occur). Look for the term “USA rawhide” with a little flag sticker on the label – these do not contain arsenic or formaldehyde.
As always, check labels and avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives.
Squeaky toys. These rubber or stuffed toys satisfy your dog’s hunting instinct. The little squeaky device is designed to sound like a little critter, and your dog will try to “kill” it. Choose rubber over stuffed toys as they are more durable and stuffed toys are generally made from synthetic materials.
Retreiving. Retrieving toys may be the most fun for your dog because he gets to play with YOU. Retrieving toys can be tennis balls, frisbees, a folded newspaper, or nearly anything your dog can fetch.
Brain Teasers. These toys are best for dogs who get bored easily or who are home alone a lot. “Biscuit balls” and “food cubes” require the dog to solve a type of puzzle in order to get a treat.
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