(no subject)

[geminigirl]

We're rather convinced that Widget Thunderpaws needs more stimulation. Or more precisely, more toys. And while we're quite happy to play with him, and we do, I'd like to add some things that will challenge him, but that don't necessarily require constant human interaction (like the laser pointer, or the foam disk shooter.) We're thinking about a Buster Cube, a fish tank (I think he would enjoy watching the tank, quite a bit...it will end up being a large tank, with a really good lid, and well, I've wanted one for a while anyway,) and I'd love to find something in the style of a Jolly Jumper, that goes in the doorway and sort of bounces as he swats at it. (I've had a toy like that before, and I haven't seen it, so I'm trying to come up with a way to mount things-sort of like a suction cup, so I coud mount new elastic on it easily , but I want something that would mount better on the wall than a suction cup.)

Any other toy suggestions for a sort-of-smart cat who like to manipulate things with his paws?

Comments

[wait.livejournal.com]

Another kitty?

[geminigirl]

That has been mentioned as a possibility. I'm inclined to see if he outgrows it a litte, since Beta didn't competely calm down until he was about two, but the concurrent worry with waiting is that I'm afraid he'll inadvertently hurt a small child. He's rough-part of it is making sure to be better about trimming his claws, which ends up being a two person job if he gets fussy, which we can do. But I can't do anything about the fact that he tries to play with us the way he does with a cat, which sometimes means using his teeth, and though he doesn't ever break the skin, it hurts.

We're thinking about another cat though, if that might help...not until after we move though. We'd adopt a male, similar in age, and probably stature, or a younger cat. I may check with Brian (Mom and Dad's vet) who is excellent about animal behavior questions, and see what he suggests, too.

[koyote.livejournal.com]

you could get....

a cat.

[geminigirl]

We have indeeded addressed that possibility. The problem with another cat is that the cat needs to get along with Widget, as well as the other two, and that's not necessarily easy.

[wolfden.livejournal.com]

One of those balls on a track. Anything can be tied to a door knob. Then he can make it move and so could you when you open or close a door. Ummmmmmmmm.

We had a ball that was made of frames that looked like a nuclear symbol and had a small jingle ball inside. Lucky loved that one. It was hilarious to watch him run around with his head stuck in the thing.

My dogs have enjoyed the buster cube. Until Trooper (Bernese Mountain Dog) chewed through it to look for more food. THe kitties never had one.

What about one of those little weasel balls? You could turn it on when you were leaving and off when you got home and he could chase the weasel. We used one of these as a distraction at the training center when I was still working there. Made the dogs crazy.

Good Luck.

Things my cats love

[margoeve.livejournal.com]

My hair ties
Rolled up receipts - the "fax paper" kind
Scratching posts
Little furry fake mousies.
Lazer pointers.
Boxes and paper bags.

Yes, our cats are cheep dates.

We'd contemplated getting them a bird, but I think it would drive me nuts. Put a bird feader near the window he likes looking out the most.

I might talk to Elkor about getting a fishtank though. I personally like Saltwater fish a LOT since they have personality, but the upkeep is more than I have patience for. So maybe a beta or some cheep goldfish?

[redhawknflight.livejournal.com]

I got ny cats some feathered balls at Target the feathers are all natural undyed, and attach to the 100%recycled fleece ball w/velcro..they seem to provide hours of fun, and don't wind up lost under the furniture like previous rolling cat toys. My youngest two cats are both incredibly playful and do try to play bite humans, the best fix I've found for that aggrivating behaviour is to firmly pick them up by the scruff of the neck, then set them down away from me, and ignore them for about 5 minutes they have learned if they want to play with a two-legs they can't bite.