The Top Solo Play Cat Toys

Paws-down, one of my cat's most favorite toys ever is a laser pointer, and thus one of the easiest ways to get them to calm down and be less hyper. However, one down side is that with most, you have to be actively moving the laser pointer around yourself to keep your cats entertained. Luckily, with this newer toy, the FroliCat BOLT Interactive Laser Pet Toy solves this problem. This battery-operated laser toy has the ability to be left on the floor, or some other flat surface, and will automatically move the laser beam around so you can continue about your business while your cat is thoroughly entertained. The toy will automatically turn off after 15 minutes, so there is no need to worry about your cat over exerting them self or constantly burning through AA batteries. There is also a manual mode you can use when you have time to play with your cat yourself. As always, when using a laser pointer yourself, be extra careful to never shine the beam into your cat's eyes as this could cause permanent eye damage.

Another one of my cat's favorite toys, that also happens to be quite cheap and affordable, is the Cat Dancer. It comes in two styles. The more expensive includes the original model, plus a piece of material with a sticky back that you can place on a wall to hold the toy permanently in place. However, instead of using this, since I live in a rented house and didn't know how difficult it would be to get the material off the wall, I just wrapped part of the toy's wire around a door knob and my cat's love playing with it by themselves just the same. The cats are often interested in it on their own, but if it's a lazy day and they need some exercise, I often just swing the toy back and forth a bit to get their attention and they will run up and swat at it for half an hour easily.

Here's a toy both humans and cats will enjoy! This toy does require a bit of time to put together, but that's the fun part. This toy includes plastic parts that link together to form a track and also includes a ball that your cats can bat around the track. The unique quality about this toy is that not only can you form the traditional figure 8 track, but you can manipulate or buy extra pieces to create any shape you want! The possibilities are endless and will always give your cat variety. If you build a large track, you may want to consider adding more balls, especially if you have multiple cats. For cats that love to scratch things, you can also purchase a scratch pad accessory that will fit in the figure 8 combination, which would also easily hold some catnip to get your cat even more interested. My cats love this toy and often when one gets interested, another will come up, and the two will bat the ball back and forth to each other on the track for quite some time.

For the cat owner that has some extra space, tunnels can be an item that cats love to run through and hide in. If you are limited in space, there are also shorter varieties. If your cat likes it outdoors but doesn't want to be on a leash like a dog, there are some that are designed to be placed outside or on a balcony or patio. Another fun item to give your cat a treat, but also keep them busy, is to buy a specially designed ball that you can put cat treats or food inside, that will then dispense them as your cat rolls and chases the ball. This is also a great way to help keep your cat at a healthy weight while still giving them indulging treats.

While these may not be considered a typical cat toy, I always keep at least a few of these around since they offer more than one benefit. These days most scratchers and loungers have additional pieces that your cats can play with and attack to help keep them entertained. They also can provide a safe haven for your cat to relax in, and, especially if you purchase a variety of items made in different materials, will help persuade your cat to use these items to scratch and keep their claws fresh, instead of using your furniture. Since, from my experience, my cats tend to get bored with this type of item after a while, I will sprinkle them with catnip or move their location now and then to keep things fresh. The most popular one, however, has been the SmartCat Bootsie's Bunkbed, which can house a cat on top and inside.

A variety of toys you interactively use to play with your cat can also be used for solo play. Many cats love searching for toys and then batting them around, especially when they have been tagged with the scent of cat nip. To do this, simply buy some dried catnip or catnip capsules, place in a bag or container, add toy mice or balls, seal, and wait for a few days while the toys absorb the scent. After a few days, take out some of the toys and hide them in places your cat normally stays when you would like them to keep themselves entertained. Hiding them under furniture your cat can get under, pillows, and their bedding are all good places your cat is likely to sniff out the nip. If you have a pair of shoes you don't use anymore, you may want to consider leaving a toy in them for your cat, as from my experience this is one of a cat's favorite stashing places. Also, don't forget that many cats simply like playing in an empty box or wadded up ball of foil.