That ol' grueling agony of finding the perfect gift is something that cat owners feel deeply. Learning the preferences of your cat, not only when you get a brand new cat into your household, but also as your cat or kitten enters new stages is essential. Simple observation can help us avoid broad-scattered attempts to find the greatest appealing pet toys and beds, which may also lead us into over-spending and an uptick in thrown out items.
Let's talk about some common mistakes cat people make when they bring home a new cat toy or cat bed, and how to avoid wasting money on undesirable items or worse … unexpected vet bills.
Assuming all cat toys are safe.
The ugly truth is there are some cat toy creators that will knowing or unknowingly sell items that are cute but unsafe for cats. One of the trending items we see commonly for sale but it is actually unsafe for cats is felt cat toys. Felt material is easy for cats to enthusiastically tear apart and ingest. However it does not digest as easily. Please be cautioned if you love these cute toys. It's not the best option for your cats. Yarn toys and fabrics with metallics in them also have similar cautions. We try to stick with cotton, cotton blends, and sturdier fabrics that can take some teeth & claws without giving up very easily.
Wrong style or size of toy or bed
Observing how your cat loves to play will help you to discover which size & shape of toy will be most engaging to your cat. Please note: young kittens are still learning every style and having different types of toys in small sizes for grip-ability is a wonderful start to a young kitten's adventurous life into developing their natural skills and confident character.
If your cat loves to pounce once then carry their toys off, they'll must likely enjoy smaller toys. The sweet victory of pouncing on prey then carrying it off to ones den (or a safer place) is a natural instants we love to encourage with toys like the Disc of Happiness.
If your cat loves to grab on and kick, then you should look for longer toys. We've made Catnip Crinkle Kickers just for these MMA ninjas.
If your cat loves to run and chase, then you're on the search for great tumbling toys. Large Catnip Blocks and Original Catnip Blocks are great tumblers without being as uncontrolled in its movements as a ball.
If your cat loves to sleep higher places, most likely you'll need cuddling beds such as a cat hammock.
If your cat sleep on ground level, you'll be searching for larger open air beds.
If your cat sleep upon your bed, definitely be searching for cubby-hole style bed or play-box to satisfy that feeling of safe & pampered.
To catnip or not to catnip?
Catnip is the most commonly known cat-loved plant. It's scent is appealing to cats and it's herbal properties allows cats to detox from everyday stressors, often creating a temporary euphoria for the cat. If your cat hasn't shown interest in catnip in the past, you might have bought stale catnip from a pet store. The answer might be a simple as organic catnip for pungency. Organic catnip has shown to be stronger more appealing scent to our Keep Up Creations cat employees. However Silvervine is an alternative that is growing popularity. It can entice cats that are not wooed by catnip, while allowing them a similar detox & euphoria experience. Catmint a hybrid plant in the USA (but in other countries a secondary name for catnip) is appealing to distinguished minority of cats.
Abrupt introductions.
What happens if you bring home a new toy or bed your pet is NOT interested? Simple answer: It's okay to wait.
If you're cat loves to play in the morning just after breakfast or in the middle of the night, it's okay to leave a toy or a bed out for your cat to find later. Letting cats discover the new toy in their own time will not take away from the joy of seeing your cat with a new toy. Any quality toy/bed will hold your cat's interest for much longer than the first play session.
Favorite spot vs Curious discovery
You might be surprise to learn that if you choose to wait in introducing your cat to their new toy/bed, then putting the item in their favorite spot might actually cause a territorial conflict or shock. Some cats will react with alarm to find their safe-place invaded by a new item. It's best introduce your pet to their new item in space where they can choose to engage openly or walk past it safely. Cats tend to be natural curious. Allow their sense of curiosity to be an opportunity to chose this new item for themselves. It's okay if you wiggle or pat the new item, showing its safety. But we don't recommend forcing interaction, especially if your cat is sleeping when you bringing home their new toys & beds.
Bonus: Quality matters
Although impulse buys are so very tempting, quality is king! Whether it's a bed or a cat toy, quality makes multiples your dollar. Not only will quality last longer, saving you from disappointment, but it will also save you from unaccepted vet bills caused by poorly designed items.
At Keep Up Creations we believe that the quality of toys and beds adds to the quality of your cats' life. Optimal playtime, leads to optimal rest, and that is an easy gateway into optimal health for all of your household.
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