Written by VenRod, interview editor of the Klitty CrewCat toys: what they are and why cats love them
Hello, VenRod here. Before I interview anyone, I study first and ask later, so I spent a few evenings at the Ole Ole Bar in Zurich with my notebook, a coffee and a pile of cat toys. Here is what I learned about choosing the right ones.
The main types of cat toys
- Balls and rattles: light plastic, felt or crinkle balls that roll unpredictably and invite chasing.
- Plush mice and kickers: small soft toys to pounce on, and longer kicker pillows a cat can hug and bunny-kick.
- Wands and teasers: a stick with feathers, ribbons or a little toy on a string, moved by you.
- Tunnels and crinkle mats: places to hide, ambush and rustle around.
- Springs and track toys: simple shapes that bounce or circle and keep paws busy.
Why cats love to play
Every house cat is a small hunter. Stalking, chasing, pouncing and "catching" are natural behaviors, and toys give that instinct a safe outlet. Play also burns energy, eases boredom and can reduce mischief like attacking ankles at night. Short, regular play sessions with you are also a great way to build trust.
How to choose good cat toys
- Size: pick toys too big to swallow but small enough to carry in the mouth.
- Materials: look for sturdy stitching, non-toxic dyes and no loose glued-on parts like eyes or bells that pop off easily.
- Variety: some cats chase rolling things, others prefer something to wrestle. Try a few textures and see what your cat chooses.
- Age and energy: kittens love fast, light toys; older cats often enjoy slower wand play and soft kickers.
Care and safety tips
Check toys regularly and throw out anything torn, chewed apart or missing pieces. String, ribbon, elastic and feather wands should be put away after supervised play, because cats can swallow strings. Wash fabric toys when they get grubby, following the label. Rotate toys every week or so: put some away and bring back "new" old ones, which keeps things interesting without buying more. If your cat ever swallows part of a toy, ask your vet right away.
One of my questions for later was: "Why does my cat ignore the fancy toy and love the box it came in?" The answer, as far as I can tell, is simple: cats choose what feels like a good hunt. So offer a little variety, play together often, and let your cat be the judge.
Happy hunting, from my notebook to your living room. VenRod
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