In case you haven’t noticed, cats get bored of toys pretty quickly. First, we don’t like it because it’s new. Then we decide it’s awesome and play with it for a few days… then never look at it again. Of course there are some favorites we kitties never get tired of. But usually a cat’s home is littered with forgotten toys.
But don’t worry, I have some suggestions that will help make cat toys feel new again! And they are all pretty simple, and involve things you no doubt already have around the house.
Add Cat Treats
If your cat is a treat freak like me, they will love the addition of their favorite flavors to that tired old scratcher house or boring cube! just toss it inside and they will enjoy going for it. Make a fun game of chasing treats into the enclosure. (Don’t let your cat know, but this is a good trick for pet carriers too.) If it’s a bed that is boring them, I bet they would love to be served treats in bed like a fancy cat!
Add Catnip, or Other Feline Intoxicant
Catnip, silvervine, valerian — it makes no difference to me! I love them all. (Although my human dislikes valerian, for some reason.)
If your cat finds any of these intoxicants appealing, adding them to a toy they’ve gotten bored of will definitely bring some new life to it.
Catnip can liven up small toys too! We have a Jackson Galaxy Cat Toy Marinater (affiliate link) for those, but if you don’t mind the mess, just throw your cat’s favorite herbs into a ziplock bag with some toys and leave them there for a few days or a week. That should do the trick.
Combine It With Another Toy
What’s better than one boring toy? Adding a different, fun toy and making a game out of it!
Combining two toys, like a wand or fishing pole toy, or a small tossable toy with a cube or scratcher box, stimulates your cat’s imagination and love of the chase.
It’s fun for humans too! And it helps you guys think like a cat.
So these are my tips! Did you notice a big element to most of them? It’s the addition of human interaction! Because chances are your cat would love having you as a playmate. And you are one toy your cat will never get bored of!
Other posts you’ll enjoy:
- How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep With Your Cat: 5 Tips
- How to Bond With Your Cat – 8 Tips
- It’s Happy Cat Month – Here Are Three Tips for a Happy Cat
Furabuluss ideass Summer….
An yore rite, BellaSita Mum iss THE best toy inn THE werld when shee iss feelin guud enuff!
**purrss** BellaDharma an {{hugss}} BellaSita Mum
Great tips. TW marinates my toys and puts nip into my cat tree. I’m at the age though when I don’t really want to play. Yesterday I did jump once or twice after my Skinneezz shmousy. No nip added.
Awesome tips, Summer! Combining toys is a great idea, for sure.
Great advice Summer. I’ll try a few
I definitely like the treat idea . . . my momma should do THAT!
Those are some good tips, Summer.
P.S. Our mom says that valerian smells like dog doo. MOL!
Great tips Summer.
I had a good giggle at the Poupounttes comment! MOL!!!!
Purrs, Julie
I’ll bet Simon would love that treat toss fun!
“And you are one toy your cat will never get bored of!” I love that line, Summer!
Mom uses ziplock bags to refresh our toys.
Summer, are you actually pushing drug use????!
Purrs,
Tama and Benny
Those are all good ideas. My Trouble hates catnip. but loves silvervine. XO
Those are some great tips.
Mom wants to raise her hand and say she has done most of these! 🙂
valarian smellz like poop! mum marinatez in a tupperwarrre
Those are great ideas. I like your play cube that looks like a camping trailer.
Those are some great tips, Summer. I get tired of my toys quickly so we’re going to try these.
Great ideas Summer. My Mom puts my toys in a zip lock bag with silvervine and it sure “revitalizes” them (and me!).
Hugs, Teddy