Fishing for Fun: Interactive Cat Toys
One of the best things about being owned by a cat is the delight we experience when playing with them. I get such a kick out of hanging out with my kitties using interactive toys. Not only do my cats get a workout, but so do I. Often I get tired of playing far more quickly than they do.
One of their favorite toys is the "Feline Flyer". With feathers connected with a hefty piece of string to a "fishing pole" wand, a short chain connects them. The toy perfectly mimics a bird in flight, both in sound and motion. My cats leap into the air with such determination and accuracy which I suspect would have even made Rudolf Nureyev jealous of their talent. It is indeed a breathtaking sight to watch them as they attempt to catch the unsuspecting avian.
These toys are available at any large pet store and are quite cost effective. Feather replacements are available and one should keep several on hand, since cats often catch them in their mouths which ultimately diminish their flight capability.
Of course any toy involving string should be stored where your cats can't get to it when you're not around to supervise. However, my cats remember my hiding place, therefore when I open my dresser drawer where I stow the toy and they go into "hunt" mode immediately, waiting for the fun to begin.
Warning: These toys are highly addictive to cats!
For your viewing pleasure, watch this charming video uploaded to YouTube by Lnt999. Since he is using a real fishing pole, he added this important cautionary note, "This is a cheap fishing rod, with the fishing line taken off and replaced by thicker string used in the construction of vertical blinds, with a feather on the end. I suppose you could use any toy really.
The beauty of it is that you can then "Cast" the toy as far as you want, for extra fun. And you can "Reel it in" too. Hours of fun with this! DON'T USE FISHING LINE WITH YOUR CAT, IT'S DANGEROUS!!!
Do you use "Flyers" or other interactive toys with your cats? Leave a comment and share.
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Comments (5)
Vicki April 17, 2009 2:09 PM
How cute and what an entertaining video. What an original way to entertain cats! They got sucha kick out of playing with the string. Totally amusing!
Amy April 17, 2009 3:34 PM
First of all I love gadgets that are made especially for cats. But I think that simple things around the can keep cats amused for hours on end. Take the simple ring from around a gallon of milk entertains my cats for hours on end. Oh, yes I have to clean under my stove and fridge with a 3 foot yard stick every week to get them back. But they used over and over again.
Another simple thing is a small wad of paper rolled up causes a-lot of excitement. No need for expensive store bought toys are really needed. Think simple and your cats will be very happy.
Rani April 17, 2009 6:43 PM
Once past kittenhood, neither of our cats play with anything by themselves, The toy has to move, preferably moved by ME. Feather wands give me as much of a workout as they give the cat.
Baby is partial to feather wands. If both cats are in the room, Rao won't play at all. Likie "Harrumphhhhhh, if Baby wants to play, then FINE, it's all his."
If Rao is the only one, he will play with me. But the second Baby sets paw in the room, he stops.
Min April 18, 2009 10:43 AM
Pet First Aid Month seems a perfect time to thank you, Jo, for writing that I find creative, informative & , amidst the fun, responsible. A treat!
Ruth April 18, 2009 10:59 AM
Both our boyz love playing with us with one of their many feathery toys on sticks, their most favourite game though is me on the floor playing 'pokey it out' under the doormat ! lol
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