3 killer cat toys

1. Da Bird

Go Cat Feather Toys sports a couple dozen toy options, but you can't go wrong with the classic USA-made feather on a stick. The rod pulls apart for easy storage, so don't leave it hanging out when you're not supervising. There are also lots of different options online for refills.

dabird.com

2. Crinkle Fish

Did your cat ever go crazy for a noisy paper ball or crinkly plastic wrap? Well, match that "crinkle" sound up with a feather tail and catnip filling and, boom, it's off to the races with this KONG Naturals toy. (What makes it natural? The company says materials and dyes all come from natural, renewable resources.)

kongcompany.com

3. Twist 'n' Treat Teaser

Two problems that eagle-eyed veterinarians and team members have all associated with feline obesity are sedentary lifestyle and easy access to food. Try this toy to tackle both with a food-motivated feline. PetSafe has matched a feathery tail up with a disc-shaped toy that allows you to insert treats and tighten the halves for additional challenge.

petsafe.net

Feline expert likes toys that 'fall apart and change texture'

Cat owners know there's nothing like watching the precision engine of a wide-pupiled, butt-waving cat with its slowly rising haunches ready to pounce. And when the cat gets to its target? Woe be the toy.

Elizabeth Colleran, DVM, MS, DABVP (Feline), knows she likes watching it. And she has choice words about what's happening in that play time: "Cats play better with toys that fall apart, change texture or color or shape or all of the above. That mouse that they torture to death and then eat is interesting because it falls apart and changes texture as they eviscerate it. So there's research showing that cats prefer toys that change."

Colleran told us she likes Da Bird above, "because it changes and falls apart, and you can buy refills."

Would you share with us at firstline@ubm.com what cat toys your team recommends at your practice? If we get enough, we may feature a whole 'nother gallery!