I really wasn’t feeling well today, and no it wasn’t Covid19. I wasn’t sick enough to stay home. Trudging into work, dragging myself around like a tone of bricks, downing the coffee, I got a notice that someone had messaged me on Instagram. It was the craziest video of a fish flappin’ around and cats going nuts over it! I thought it was hilarious- something about just made me laugh. If you’re having one of those days check out those videos! π π Apparently, this toy is a thing: the tiny tuna cat toy. Do we love it or should we leave it?
Cat’s like to hunt. Toys that simulate the thrill of the chase and the behaviour of the prey are going to trigger your cat’s wild instincts. The more of your cat’s senses you can involve in the hunting, the better.
Is your cat toy one that makes a noise like a cat’s prey? Moves like what he/she would hunt? Smells appealing to your cat? Is soft on paws? The size and shape of a smaller critter? Then there is a good chance that your cat will like the toy. At least for a little while.
Great questions. I don’t know. Sorry, that’s really disappointing. It’s disappointing for me, too. I haven’t been able to find research out there on why cats get bored by toys, beyond basic principles.
These basic ideas are generally as follows: some toys just don’t fit your cat’s personality; your cat may not feel like he/she has ever ‘won’ the hunt, because the cat toy keeps moving around forever- they become disinterested; or, they need some variety with what they play with. To a certain extent, cats are like us in that they can just get plain bored with one item every day. Or the same items every day. Unless it is a favourite item π .
If your cat is bored by their cat toys, something that you can do is hide some of them, keeping only a few out at a time. If you rotate them in this way, you may be more likely to engage your cat. If toys are all sitting around in a pile, then they may not be as appealing to kitty.
You can also experiment with cheaper toys to find your kitty’s play style. You will soon see if your cat likes pouncing, chasing, finding hidden toys, likes shiny toys, or hitting rolling balls. You can think about this when you go to make a purchase on a more complex and expensive cat toy.
Or, think about exploring outside with your cat.Β
Well, the thing wins on a number of fronts when it comes to engaging your cat’s senses.
Sense of sound- well it doesn’t really make a ‘fish’ noise because there isn’t really a classic fish noise. So I guess we can be forgiving here. It makes the sound of a real fish, however, in a way, when it flops around and smacks the ground with its tail/body.
Sense of sight- yep! Looks like a fish and is a small fish size- not too big for your cat and not too small. Unless your cat is a huge Maine Coone! Then it might be too small!
Sense of touch- the fish is soft and made of durable material. This is important because you don’t want your cat to only have one playtime with it because it’s ripped the material apart! It is also made safe for kitty.
Sense of taste- nope, doesn’t taste like a fish. But- it has catnip in it! Which brings me to …
Sense of smell- it has a pouch that you can refill with catnip! So for that smell alone, your cat may like this toy!
Basically, you know your cat’s personality. If your cat generally likes all sorts of toys, I’m sure this one will be fine. If your cat likes toys at first but can get bored with them if they are not filled with catnip (like mine), then this toy should be okay, too. If your cat loves movement in a toy, then this one is going to be a great one, too.
However, if cat is spooked by movement or tends to only lean towards a certain type of toy- like shiny ones or rolling ones, then maybe not. However, it maybebe worth a try if you can ensure that you can return this toy if your cat doesn’t go for it.
You can have a lot of fun with your cat with this toy. It could become a favourite and keep it entertained for hours- giving it exercise and the joy it needs to be healthy and well-adjusted. It can be a real winner with kids and with entertaining company.
Don’t forget- amazing cat videos can come from this cat toy creation! They are great fun to watch and show to other people. Especially for a short brain-break at the offices.
I’ve laid out general principles here to help you pick cat toys, and to help you think about the crazy new tuna fish toy when it comes across your path. Let me know what your thoughts are on this new toy! I would be super interested to hear if it really is the miracle toy that is taking the cat world by storm.
Whatever you choose- play with your cat! Playtime is great for cat health and overall happiness. Playtime also helps you bond with your feline. Contrary to common thought, cats do need and love playtime. They are not snobby aristocrats who never want to have fun! It’s not just dogs who like and need playtime!
Feel free to leave comments below on the cat toys that your cat likes. If you write down why you think your cat likes it, this may help another cat owner who has a pet cat with similar likes.
*If you would like to purchase a floppy fish toy, there is a similar one to the Tiny Tuna brand on Amazon for a reduced price.
*If you would like more options (pack of two, different types of fish) then check out this link.
Β Affiliate Disclosure: I strive to promote great information and products on my website. Please know that if you make a purchase after reading this post, you will be purchasing as a well-informed customer! Additionally, please be aware that, if you purchase through a link on this post, I will receive a small commission as a result. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Full disclosure here.
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I like your style. Your posts all look really well designed, laid out, with great, appealing supporting pics, making it even more readable.
I quite like cats myself, so found alot of this info pretty handy, very informative too. This would be an ideal place for younger people maybe getting their first pet, this seems like a great place for them to learn all the necessary info for raising their very own feline friend.
Hi Matthew, thank you very much π I’m glad that you found it informative and helpful! I would love it if younger kids with their first pets read these articles. I’ve had that thought, too, and I hope that they jump on board one day!
All the best,
Beth
It has catnip in it! The toy would have been an instant hit with my cats. Anything with catnip sent them wild. But, like you said, I had to rotate the toys around to keep them interested. one day it would be the snake, the next the snake will have disappeared and I would have mice out.
It is so delightfully entertaining to watch the furry friends play. I too like the videos where you see them enjoy themselves, always my go-to if I’m feeling down. Let’s watch the cats play!
Hi Kelly, thanks for your response!
It is very heart-warming to watch them play. Good entertainment for them and us π
Good to have some more evidence that rotating cat toys works,
Beth
My cat is very playful. But I have realized that he doesn’t have stuff to play with. So, searching online for cool stuff to buy him, I came across your suggestion of this tuna fish. I believe it’s just a trend. But I will still buy it because I find it cool! Thank you very much for making me make up my mind to finally but a toy to my cat.
Hi Ann, thank you! I am very glad you found something for your cat to have fun with π It is a fun toy for cat and cat owners to play around with. Good bonding time with your cat π
Beth