Toys aren't just for dogs anymore. Though cats may play differently with their toys than dogs do, toys are just as much a necessity for them. The right toys can help to keep your cat from becoming bored and give her a much-needed outlet for her prey-chasing instincts. If your cat likes to get into all sorts of trouble when left alone, like scratching your couch to shreds or jumping up on your countertops, a good toy can help to prevent some of these unwanted behaviors.

When you're selecting toys for your cat, it's important that you think of safety. Your cat's size, her activity level, and her preferences will help to determine the toys that are right and safe for her. Unsafe toys are those which can be ingested. These can include many of the things which your cat finds most appealing, like paper clips and string.

Toys that have pieces torn off or are starting to break apart should be thrown out. Likewise toys that are starting to leak their stuffing. Toys that are filled with things like polystyrene beads or nutshells should be avoided. Though rigid toys may be the most long-lasting, they're often not that appealing to cats.  

Toys can be used for a number of reasons and in a number of situations. For active cats who need active toys, any of the following will do: plastic balls, with or without bells; ping-pong balls; round plastic shower curtain rings for batting around; paper bags with the handles removed; cardboard toilet paper or paper towel tubes; and sisal-wrapped toys. Toys that are meant to be comforting can include a variety of soft, stuffed animals. Some cats like small ones that they can carry around while other cats like larger ones that they can wrestle with. Cardboard boxes can also be great comfort toys. Though not all cats are affected by catnip, many of those who do just love it, making catnip-filled toys a great option.