Cat Toy Preference

[This was originally posted to the Fairmount Animal Hospital website on 1 December 2008.]

Dear Dr. Lee,

My sister’s cat loves fuzzy mice toys. When I got my new cat from the animal shelter, I bought a half dozen fuzzy mice for him, but he ignores them. Is there something wrong with him?

Puzzled in Palermo


Dear Puzzled,

Cats can have distinct prey preferences, even if they have been indoors all their lives, and this may influence his choice of play toys. Prey preference can fall into the general categories of “bird,” “mouse,” and “bug.”

“Bird” toys have feathers attached to them. Some of them fly through the air (fishing pole type toys). Peacock feathers can be the ultimate “bird” toy. Toys that make chirping sounds also fall into this category.

“Mouse” type toys can be covered with fur. Stuffed animals and balls also fall into this category. These toys move on the ground instead of flying through the air.

“Bug” toys are small and move rapidly. Examples include laser pointers, a string with a knot tied at the end, or a kibble thrown across the floor.

In order to figure out your cat’s toy preference, determine what kind of prey he prefers. If your cat spends time looking out a window, see if you can figure out what captures his attention the most. Is it the bird that lands on the branch nearby, or the bug that flies near the window pane, or the chipmunk in the garden? You can also test your cats preferences by providing toys in different categories sequentially or at the same time, and seeing what your cat chooses.

Sincerely,
Dr. Lee