The importance of engaging play: How innovative toys boost your cat’s overall wellness

30 April 2025

“Animals are such agreeable friends – they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms”. – George Eliot. Indeed, they are, but cats come with a dash of naughtiness! Imagine sitting in your living room while your cat is stretched out on the couch, giving you “the look”, the one that indicates “I’m so bored that I might just tip over your favourite flower vase for entertainment”. Let’s face it- cats are born explorers, always seeking new adventures, or else how will they fulfil their never-ending curiosity? Though they have earned the title of being professional nap takers, having access to engaging playtime will not only satisfy their need for stimulation but also contribute to their well-being. From cozy plush toys to scratch pads, you’ll discover a myriad of options to keep your feline companion entertained and happy.

Ready to enter the world of cat toys and unlock their full potential? Let’s dive in straight away!

Interactive play for cats: Why is it important?

While your cat has all kinds of toys for solo playtime, interactive play includes you directly engaging with them through activities and encouraging their instincts like chasing, pouncing, and stalking. Immersive play not only enhances their overall well-being but also strengthens the bond between the two of you. Your kitty deserves such playtime now and then, and here’s why:

Boosts health

Want to promote your cat’s overall physical wellbeing? From chasing feather toys to pouncing on moving lasers, such activities stimulate their “prey-like” instincts and reduce the chances of obesity by keeping them proactive. Such movements can also help improve cardiovascular health and muscle development in your cat.

Mental soundness

Since cats are predators, they have an innate desire to hunt, and cat toys can restore the mental sharpness and sense of satisfaction among your feline friends. By keeping their brain active, you’re not only capturing their interest but also preventing any issues related to mental health.

Reinforce your bond

Want to strengthen the relationship with your feline companion? Interactive play creates a unique opportunity to nurture trust and understanding between you and your pet as you spend more time together. Whether you want to deepen an emotional connection or make your cat feel loved and secure, quality playtimes are invaluable in building a strong, lasting bond.

Reduced boredom

Has your cat been very aggressive lately? Anxiety or boredom might be the underlying reason. Lack of engagement can give rise to such unwanted behavior among cats. A consistent playtime routine can give them something to look forward to, reduce stress, and provide a sense of accomplishment, keeping boredom at bay. Plus, you can maintain a peaceful and harmonious home environment for everyone.

Peaceful sleep

Want to improve your cat’s nighttime sleep schedule? Playing just before bedtime causes physical exertion, which tires them out, leading to a peaceful sleep for both of you. After all, it’s a win-win situation, as it can sort out your sleep schedules as well.

Playing with your cat: What to avoid?

Yes, spending quality time with your cat is paramount, but here are a few mistakes to avoid while engaging in interactive play:

Using your body as a toy

If you use your hand, foot, or any other body part as a toy for your cat to attack and grab, then you are teaching them to attack you. Well yes! And this is never okay as it can be pretty harmful for you, especially when you have a kitten. If your cat likes to wrestle with things, give them stuffed toys, not your hand.

Show signs of aggression

While playing with your pet, if it suddenly behaves in a threatening and inappropriate manner, stop engaging with it immediately. An overstimulated cat exhibiting aggressiveness is not playing anymore and might be in an attacking mode. In such a scenario, it's best to leave them alone for some time so that they calm down.

Ending playtime abruptly

Do you want your cat to be unsatisfied at the end of a play session? Of course, no cat parent would want that. Don’t stop playing with your feline friend suddenly just out of boredom or any other engagements. Let your cat finish catching, pouncing, or chasing, praise them a little, and if possible, give them a treat; it acts like a bonus! Doing so will ensure your cat is satisfied after an energetic and interactive session.

Leaving your cat to play alone

When it comes to smart toys like a wand or fishing toy with strings or wires and moving parts, always assist and supervise while they play. Want to ensure your cat’s safety during interactive playtime? Put the things that can be dangerous for your cat away so that they don’t chew things up, eat string or get tangled in a wire unknowingly.

What type of pet toys should you consider buying?

Did you know that dominant regions in the UAE Pet Care market include Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where urbanization and higher-income demographics have led to a significant surge in pet ownership? (uae-pet-care-market ).When it comes to pet care, cat toys Abu Dhabi have profoundly contributed to the industry. While some cats love chasing balls, some are more into hunting mice. Understanding their varied needs, temperaments, and habits will give you more clarity on what kind of interactive toys to purchase. Whenever you play with your furball, you are building trust and affection, which further solidifies the human-animal bond. Feeling confused about which toys your cat will prefer playing with? Well, here’s a guide to get you started:

Guide to cat toys

Balls	Hunting toys	Feather teasers	Soft toys
For those cats who love to chase, try buying a regular ball with a bell inside to enhance the engagement. Wool balls are also a fun option.	A toy mouse can be a great tool to keep an active cat entertained for hours. Plus, it can make the chase and pounce session more interesting.	Toys like wands, fishing poles, and feather teasers will encourage leaping, pouncing, and stalking. Ensure that your cat is playing with these toys under your supervision.	Let your pet snuggle up with their favourite soft toys for comfort, warmth, and take a power nap in one of their preferred cozy corners.

Wrapping up

Eager to discover the purr-fect way to enrich your feline’s life with interactive cat play? From smart toys to squishy ones, let your pals get the most out of their playtime. Looking for the best cat toys in Abu Dhabi? Find them only at Pets Corner Salon and pamper your furball like never before!