Cat toys without catnip

[StreakingThroughTheSnow]

Does anyone know where I can buy some? Online if possible as I don't think I'll have time to get to a real life shop before Christmas.

[cozietoesie]

What sort of toys are you after, do you know? (I tend to go for eBay, Amazon or the local charity shop for small soft toys. )

[StreakingThroughTheSnow]

I've got some hessian ones with crinkly stuff inside, feathers for tails, that sort of thing. Also some made of wound rope. He likes something he can get his claws into. Had a look on Amazon but haven't really got time to wade through all the catnip ones to find some without. It would be great if someone could point me towards some. He's not really interested in 'toys', have tried without success.

Actually he prefers real live proper mice, but it's getting too cold for him to go out and get his own now.

[cozietoesie]

If in doubt, try him with a pair of socks rolled into each other - as you do for putting in sock drawers. The trick - if he doesn't seem too interested in toys - is to leave the offering lying around under/behind a chair or something. Cats seem to very much like 'objets trouves'. To prefer them over things which are put in front of them in fact.

PS - if you're looking for a present, you can buy some new socks. Big walking socks are the favoured ones in most cases.

[StreakingThroughTheSnow]

I've got some hessian ones with crinkly stuff inside, feathers for tails, that sort of thing. Also some made of wound rope. He likes something he can get his claws into. Had a look on Amazon but haven't really got time to wade through all the catnip ones to find some without. It would be great if someone could point me towards some. He's not really interested in 'toys', have tried without success.

Actually he prefers real live proper mice, but it's getting too cold for him to go out and get his own now.

[StreakingThroughTheSnow]

Oops! MN reposted my last message when I logged in again, sorry.

I like the look of the Kong Polter, and think TC would be keen. He's not into socks or other found bits cozie, but it's a good idea.

[cozietoesie]

It's got to be the right size and shape, Streaking. A single white socklet lying on top of a table isn't likely going to be enticing (although who can tell ) but a nice dun-coloured rolled up pair of large socks left lying behind the sofa might be just the thing!

Good luck, anyway.

[cozietoesie]

Alternatively, why not just think laterally and get a heat pad for him? (Acknowledging that winter is winter and time to be warm. There are precious few cats that can resist heat. )

[hollinhurst84]

Cat charmer - on Amazon. Apparently most cats love them
Mine will play with nothing except a tatty piece of ribbon

[cozietoesie]

hollinhurst

Seniorboy had a passion for this small ratty old white and brown toy dog. It was becoming so disreputable that fearing the ears would not survive another wash, I sourced a supply of the toy-type and imported a bagful. (From the States - he would fixate on something rare in this country, wouldn't he?)

He roundly ignored a few samples and holds true to the ratty toy dog - which is still sort of surviving the washing machine but only just.

I have a bagful of pristine toys in the laundry! Looks like they'll stay there as well.

[MrsLeighHalfpenny]

Empty toilet paper tubes are great for cats.

Also, a big cardboard box turned upside down with a few "doors" cut in the sides

[hollinhurst84]

Ribbon fascinated

[cozietoesie]

He has such eyes!

[hollinhurst84]

Thank you. I am big and fat now

[FinestGrundyTurkey]

Have a look at zooplus

m.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/cat_toys

They deliver relatively quickly (normally about 3 days, but it was 5 this week). £29 for free delivery but that's easy enough if you add some food or litter (& prices are excellent) & they use DPD so you get a text with a time slot

[FinestGrundyTurkey]

\link{http://m.zooplus.co.uk/shop/cats/cat_toys/miscellaneous/other_interactive_toys/185596\this one is genius} - it makes them fly!

[StreakingThroughTheSnow]

Oh I like that site Finest - thanks!

[FinestGrundyTurkey]

You're welcome, Streaking - it is a great site! The only thing they don't sell is medication (so no flea/worm/etc treatments) but for any other pet products they're the best by far

[timtam23]

Flying frenzy? It gets rave reviews, which is why I bought one, but unfortunately my cat is terrified of it (I think he is a mouser rather than a birder)
Laser pointer is a massive hit here, in fact every evening, once the washing up is finished, the cat hangs around expectantly as he knows it's time to get the laser pointer out .

[cozietoesie]

I bought Seniorboy a new Flying Frenzy and he was indulgent about it. Gave it a desultory paw dab (once!) and then made it clear that he'd done his duty by me and ignored it.

Maybe if he was younger - but also, some cats just aren't players. They seem to prefer attention/talking and love.

[hollinhurst84]

And don't we know if they want love
Ollie waited by the drawer for me to get his ribbon out last night

[hollinhurst84]

Action shots of him

[timtam23]

Ollie is so gorgeous. Those big round owl eyes!