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Have you ever noticed on Christmas morning how toddlers toss aside their toys but seem absolutely enthralled with the boxes, ribbons and wrapping paper? The crinkling and crackling of brightly colored paper is just too much fun to pass up. This behavior is pretty much the same with cats. Spend as much as you like on cat toys but 90% of the time they have little to no interest in your newest purchase.

Cats are hunters by nature and they love to explore. If you observe their behavior you'll soon discover that they have their own idea of what a toy is - and it won't be that lame mouse you tossed on the floor!

The best toys are the ones they feel they have discovered for themselves. For example, my cat discovered my craft box which was left open. He came running into the living room with a long string of beads dangling from his mouth, looking very much like the proud hunter bringing home his prey! Those beads provided countless hours of entertainment.

Based on years of experience with our feline friends, these are my top ten picks of the best cat toys you will find around the house:

1. Tinfoil balls. A piece of foil wrap shaped into a ball is the perfect toy. It's
light weight makes it easy to chase around the room and they can easily pick it up
with their teeth.

2. Twist ties. I like to chain 3 or 4 twist ties together and place them around the house where I know my cat will discover them. Again they are lightweight and easy to handle and cats seem to love them!

3. Cotton swabs. I made this discovery when cotton swabs kept mysteriously appearing around my house. My cat had discovered how to climb to the top of the bathroom vanity and fish them out of the jar!

4. Paper bags. Cats love the noise of paper bags and can spend hours pouncing on them or simply hiding inside of them.

5. Feather duster. Easy discovery! Every time I tried to dust there was a cat
attached to the duster. This is his enemy and he works out a lot of energy
fighting this beast!

6. Boxes. Empty boxes make wonderful hiding places. Cats love to hide in small dark places waiting to be discovered.

7. Flashlight or Laser light. This is definitely a cat favorite. Chasing the light
beam will not only exercise your cat but provide you with great entertainment
as they perform phenomenal acrobatic feats in their attempts to catch the light
beam!

8. Marbles. Although you may have hard time keeping track of them your cat will love you for it. Marbles roll so easily they make a great game of chase.

9. Ball of wool. Yes, the good old fashioned ball of wool still works. I have come
home many times to find a ball of wool tangled around the table and chair legs.
It seems my cat was having a ball... pardon the pun!

10. String of beads. A string of beads used for crafting are generally small and
lightweight, plus they won't fall apart easily. A definite winner!

Cats are generally easy to please and if you take a look around your home you are bound to come up with a thousand more ideas. From bottle caps to crushed paper
balls, it doesn't take a lot of imagination to keep you cat happy!

Learn more about this author, Dawna Sinclair.
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