There's nothing more wholesome and relaxing than coming home and seeing your pet after a long and stressful day. As your cat purrs and greets you, you can instantly feel joy.

That’s why most pawrents consider their pets a part of their family.

Now, cats are known for their quirks and antics. Cat lovers everywhere can attest to that fact. From pushing things off tables to preferring a box over their newly bought bed, these feline companions are always full of surprises.

Another most notable trait of theirs is that they enjoy playing. They have hunting instincts that are innate in them and this often comes out when you play with them.

Thus, it's essential to interact with your cats not just to coax out their instincts, but also to keep them mentally and physically active. Cat toys can help you in that regard. We’ve listed here 4 popular choices for cat owners that you can also buy for your feline friend:

1. Wand Toy - This comes in different variations and is often inexpensive. Wands are used by waiving, fluttering, or circling it around your pet. Objects such as feathers, strings, or stuffed toys are also attached to the tip of the wand. This toy also helps you from getting scratched by your cat's claws. After using it, it's best to put it away or out of your cat’s sight.

2. Ball Toy - This toy encourages your cat to give chase because it mimics the movement of prey animals like rats. You can spice up your cat's play by inserting treats, catnip, or objects that make noise. Many ball toys also have squeaky noises, making it more attention-catching for cats. However, make sure to get them out of any furniture whenever they get stuck there as this might harm your pets.

3. Catnip Toy - An overwhelming majority of cats get stimulated and excited with catnip around. You can stuff catnip into other toys, or you can pack them in balls. You can also add sprinkles of it into other items to encourage your cats to play. Catnip is also safe for your cats to ingest, especially if its organically grown without additives. However, you might want to consider being careful with handling your pets whenever they have smelled or eaten catnip because they tend to be overly excited and might bite you in the process.

4. Food-Dispensing Toy - You shouldn't give your cats free access to food all the time because it might lead to obesity. It might be convenient for you, but it might be hard for your cat to lose all the weight. Your pet might even contract some illnesses due to overeating. This is where food-dispensing toys come into the picture. Your pets will have to work for the food by playing with their toy. These toys also help in slowing down those cats who tend to eat quickly.

Giving time for your cat's play is important. Even just five minutes or ten minutes of your day can help make a difference in your pet’s fitness. If you’re unsure of what to use yet, you can always experiment with different types of toys to figure out the ones that they prefer.

But remember, you need to play with them in safer environments and places that have less distractions. You should also always keep in mind that you shouldn't give them any sharp objects to avoid them from getting hurt. 

Furthermore, you should also keep in mind that you need to engage your cat with such toys for their health. Remember, an active cat means fewer illnesses and more time to play. You'll also get closer to them as a pet-owner. If you are looking for cat toys for your pet, we at INSTACHEW offer a variety of fun items such as PETKIT Fun Tree Toys and PETKIT Cat Scratch and Play Mat. You can have endless fun and games with your feline friend with our products!