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Cats can be very particular and many owners will have experienced the frustration of buying a new toy only to find that kitty is not interested. Of course, cats are very intelligent animals, so it is important that they are provided with proper stimulation, especially if they spend the majority of time indoors. However, which toys will keep a cat occupied and which will be ignored? Here are just a few of the cat toys that you may like to consider for your feline friend.

Fishing/Wand Toys

Fishing or wand toys are incredibly simple; they consist of a stick with a piece of string and some fluff or feathers on the end. Despite the simplicity, a cat’s interest in this toy will last as long as you are willing to play. One of the main reasons that these toys are so effective is that they appeal to the cat’s natural instinct to hunt small mammals and birds.

Therefore, swiping, chasing and pouncing on the small toy at the end of the stick is great fun for them.

There are many wand toys to choose from, but generally it is best to go for a lightweight model, as this will provide more fun for your cat. However, depending on how rough your cat likes to play, you may find that the end of the toy gets broken and will need to be replaced.

Jingling Balls

Another very simple toy that appeals to the natural inclinations of the cat is a ball. A ball gives the cat an opportunity to chase and, as the cat’s paws bash the ball, it will roll across the room. This is the type of toy that a cat can amuse itself with, but there is an opportunity for human involvement if you care to join in.

I specified jingle balls, because cats particularly enjoy balls or bubbles that make a sound, but you may find that your cat likes an ordinary ball just as well. Small Fabric Toys

Again, typically it is the toys that do something, like make a sound or have some visual stimulation, that are most popular with cats. A small cloth or fabric toy that does nothing will not be as successful however. Unless, of course, it contains catnip, which is a real winner with the majority of cats.

Springy Toys

Like a fishing or wand toy, spring toys are incredibly popular, because they allow the cat to swipe and bat at something. If possible, it is a good idea to get a scratching post with springy toys attached, as this will also encourage your cat to use the post. Again, these types of toys are great for cats that are left indoors for the majority of the day, as it gives them an opportunity to amuse themselves.

Laser Pointing Toys

One of the more modern cat toys is the laser pointer, which is another activity designed to appeal to the cat’s natural hunting instincts. Opinion is divided over whether these toys are enjoyed by cats. Some owners claim that their cats are mesmerized by their laser toys and will play for hours at a time. On the other hand, there are cats that could not be less interested if they tried. Therefore, whether your cat will enjoy it or not is down to the individual animal.

The good news is that a small laser pointer toy can be bought relatively cheaply, which means the experiment does not have to cost a fortune. From a safety point of view, owners should never direct the laser into the cat’s eyes. It should be directed at the floor, where, if your cat is interested, he, or she, will chase it.

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• intelligent toys for cats
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Few things rival the majestic beauty of what Jacques Cousteau famously termed “The Silent World:” the mysterious world underneath the surface of the waves. Fish have a graceful poetry to their movements, and there is a certain pageantry to the Clownfish, the Angelfish, and the puffer. Many people find a tank full of swimming exotic fish to be a soothing, erudite addition to the house, and the collecting of such fish can be a great hobby.

However, keeping a plethora of fish living together in harmony can be a challenge. Many of the most attractively appointed fish tanks feature animals that aren’t native to one another, and fish, unlike dogs, are never going to be truly domesticated. Fish tanks are always going to be a matter of Survival of the Fittest, and if you’re not prepared for the eventuality of fish eating one another, an aquarium probably isn’t right for you.

However, if you are interested in caring for the beauty of underwater life, there are a few questions you’ll have to answer before you can (apologies for the pun) dive in:

Will your aquarium be freshwater or saltwater? Ocean-dwelling fish require sea water to live, whereas freshwater fish will die in such an environment. You’ll have to decide what kind of aquarium you’ll have, and what kind of fish you’ll be able to keep there. This is perhaps the most important question you’ll have to answer before you begin purchasing fish. You should talk to an expert or vet before you commit to a water type, as they will be able to give you more practical information about what this will require.

Understand the nitrogen cycle and how it affects your fish. Because many fish and other underwater organisms produce nitrogen waste (which can be dangerous to their health if the tank becomes too full of nitrogen), you will need to provide plants and nitrifiers (a type of bacteria) to reduce the presence of nitrogen in the water.
Know how many fish can be supported by your aquarium.

The general rule of thumb is that a tank can support 3 cm of adult fish per every 4 litres of water (1 inch of adult fish per gallon), or 1 cm of adult fish per 30 square cm of surface area (1 inch of adult fish per 12 square inches of surface area).

Incoming search terms:

• exotic fish as pets

Call it Halloween, Allhallows eve, or even The other halloween known as Walpurgis Night, but that’s another tale for a different time. Regardless of how you relate to it, more often than not, some folks go a little overboard on Allhallows. Putting your furry companion outside or tied down to a tree in the side yard is not a great idea. Read these ideas to keep your mutt from harm during this celebratory day.

Did you know that some people’s pets have been tormented after being bagged on halloween. Place your pets under a roof for the night.

If you don’t already know, keep sweet away from your pets. At some point during the night, your pet will approach and give you the sad eyes and nag for one of your snacks. Don’t do it. Keep in mind that feeding chocolate to animals can be deadly in any quantity. As a substitute, make some home made creature treats. When you or your kids are chewing on the Halloween junk food, give your pet one of their healthy treats. They’ll feel more included in the family and will stop them from giving you the puppy dog eyes.

The leftover plastic from the candy is hazardous. They can be deadly if they get lodged in your pet’s digestive tract. It can make them very ill, and in some cases your animal can pass away.

If you work own a pet store, or work at a pet store, or volunteer at your local Humane Society, don’t sell black cats to any person during the 10th month of the year. Not surprisingly, there are some demented individuals who will buy black cats in order to sacrifice them.

Ensure you don’t have any unattended flames around the household. That may mean finding an alternate light source for your Jack-O-Lanterns.

A dog’s tail can knock over candles and Jack-O-Lanterns just like a enigmatic cat can. Your critter could get severely burned, or worse still, cause the destruction of your home.

Putting your mutt in a costume can be a blast. Always remember that unless your pet is open to the idea of wearing a costume, don’t force them to wear one. They can be distressed, restrictive and even cause strain in a pet that doesn’t want to wear one. Keep in mind, there are a lot of folks running around and lots of loud noises. You pets are going to be under enough strain already. If your pet looks anxious or distressed in their new costume, either remove it straightaway, or remove it after you’ve taken a few photographs for family and friends to show them how ugly your pet looked.

Masks on your pet may sound like a wonderful idea…for you! Pets rely on their eyes to let them know what’s happening around them. If you constrain their vision, they may freak out or get frightened more easily, making them more apt to snap at a stranger. If you do choose to annoy your poor pet with a mask, just ensure that you give them very big eye holes so that you don’t constrain their eyesight.