You buy the latest wand toy, and your cat plays like it’s the best thing ever for one day. Then it’s dead to them.
Cats thrive on novelty, not abundance. Their hunting brain seeks challenge, not repetition. When toys stay visible, they stop being prey. The trick is to make the old feel new again through rotation, texture, and movement.
1. The “prey fatigue” factor
Cats are ambush hunters. A toy left out all the time becomes background noise. Rotating toys weekly reignites chase instinct.
2. Sensory reset
Hide toys for a week. Reintroduce with a new scent a pinch of catnip or silvervine resets curiosity.
3. Change the motion, not the toy
The same feather wand can feel brand new if you vary speed, angle, and sound. Predators crave unpredictable movement.
4. When to play
Short, focused sessions (5–10 minutes) twice daily mimic real hunting bursts. Avoid overstimulation cats prefer quality over length.
FAQs:
How often should I rotate toys?
Every 5–7 days to refresh interest.
Does my cat need daily playtime?
Yes. Even older cats benefit from short sessions to prevent obesity and boredom.
Are laser pointers good?
Yes, but always end with a physical toy catch to avoid frustration.
Do cats get bored of catnip?
They can desensitize temporarily. Switch to silvervine for variety.
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