Toys Animals Enjoy
Animals, like people, are meant to be active. It is important to give animals various objects or structures that encourage movement, exploration, play, and thinking. The goal is to create stimulating environments to encourage animals to behave much like they would in the wild. This process of using objects to promote species-specific activities in animals is called environmental enrichment, which ensures animals are challenged in ways that are appropriate and healthy for their species.
Enrichment also includes perching or hiding structures, large and small play things, objects to investigate or pick apart, food dispensers that challenge an animal to search for treats, and even smelly fabrics or noise-making toys.
Dogs
Interactive dog toys (also called enrichment dog toys) are created to serve a specific purpose and to provide a unique challenge for your dog. Interactive dog toys have unique features to keep your dog’s interest high, including:
Unusual sounds – like squeakers, sound cards, or crinkled plastic in the tail of a stuffed dog toy
Unusual movements – like toys that bounce around on their own, have dangling parts, or various textures
Unusual contents – like dog treats that come out when rolled around or when a puzzle is solved
All of these features are designed to keep your dog’s attention for longer periods of time.
https://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/interactive-dog-toys/
Cats
Many cats will go after anything and everything that moves as long as it’s not so large that it would be viewed as an opponent instead of prey. That prey could be a bird or butterfly in flight, a cricket hopping along, a lizard darting around, a mouse skittering from hiding place to hiding place or a little snake inching its way out of sight. Each creature requires adjustments in how the cat would seize his intended target.
Some cats though, have preferences when it comes to the type of prey/toy. The cat may be excellent at going after birds and even getting one as it begins to fly or land. Another cat may do best sticking to prey that can only move horizontally.
In addition to knowing what toys are safest for your cat and addressing texture, size, shape and sound preferences, it’s also important to move those toys in the most enticing way.
In addition to the interactive play sessions that depend on human participation, your cat needs toys for solo playtime. For cats that enjoy in the air hunting look for puzzle feeders that connect to the door-frame and swing freely for the cat to bat with his paws. Use your cat’s love for climbing to place toys on cat tree perches, window perches, shelving, or any other vertical location where he’s allowed to go.
Cats who like to hunt by peeking into objects to look for treasure will appreciate toys hidden in paper bags or boxes. Since prey doesn’t typically lounge around out in the open, place some toys so just a little bit of them can be seen peeking out from behind furniture or under beds.
Some cats will stay more interested in playtime when there’s an actual food reward at the end. Puzzle feeders offer the dual benefit of providing playtime activity with a food reward. Food dispensing toys can also be beneficial for helping cats who tend to eat too fast or who are on a weight reduction program. The toys encourage activity and get cats moving instead of just hovering over a food-filled bowl in the kitchen.
http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/pick-toys-that-match-your-cats-play-style-preference/
Rabbits
Toys help keep bunnies from getting bored while confined, as well as help keep them from getting into the wrong things when they are out playing in the house. An older or compromise rabbit that is kept interested and entertained will generally live longer, because his mind is engaged, keeping him from getting bored and depressed.
Toys provide exercise. Bunnies need safe ways to exercise and play, which helps keep their bodies AND their minds healthy. Digging, chewing, climbing, flinging, hiding, running through tunnels – these are all things that bunnies like, want and need to do.
Toys are a diversion. They are a great way to redirect a bunny from doing damage to your home by shredding or chewing. Bunnies teeth grow continuously and they must have safe wooden toys to chew on to help keep them filed down.
Enrichment also includes perching or hiding structures, large and small play things, objects to investigate or pick apart, food dispensers that challenge an animal to search for treats, and even smelly fabrics or noise-making toys.
Interactive dog toys (also called enrichment dog toys) are created to serve a specific purpose and to provide a unique challenge for your dog. Interactive dog toys have unique features to keep your dog’s interest high, including:
Unusual sounds – like squeakers, sound cards, or crinkled plastic in the tail of a stuffed dog toy
Unusual movements – like toys that bounce around on their own, have dangling parts, or various textures
Unusual contents – like dog treats that come out when rolled around or when a puzzle is solved
All of these features are designed to keep your dog’s attention for longer periods of time.
https://dogs.thefuntimesguide.com/interactive-dog-toys/
Cats
Many cats will go after anything and everything that moves as long as it’s not so large that it would be viewed as an opponent instead of prey. That prey could be a bird or butterfly in flight, a cricket hopping along, a lizard darting around, a mouse skittering from hiding place to hiding place or a little snake inching its way out of sight. Each creature requires adjustments in how the cat would seize his intended target.
Some cats though, have preferences when it comes to the type of prey/toy. The cat may be excellent at going after birds and even getting one as it begins to fly or land. Another cat may do best sticking to prey that can only move horizontally.
In addition to knowing what toys are safest for your cat and addressing texture, size, shape and sound preferences, it’s also important to move those toys in the most enticing way.
In addition to the interactive play sessions that depend on human participation, your cat needs toys for solo playtime. For cats that enjoy in the air hunting look for puzzle feeders that connect to the door-frame and swing freely for the cat to bat with his paws. Use your cat’s love for climbing to place toys on cat tree perches, window perches, shelving, or any other vertical location where he’s allowed to go.
Cats who like to hunt by peeking into objects to look for treasure will appreciate toys hidden in paper bags or boxes. Since prey doesn’t typically lounge around out in the open, place some toys so just a little bit of them can be seen peeking out from behind furniture or under beds.
Some cats will stay more interested in playtime when there’s an actual food reward at the end. Puzzle feeders offer the dual benefit of providing playtime activity with a food reward. Food dispensing toys can also be beneficial for helping cats who tend to eat too fast or who are on a weight reduction program. The toys encourage activity and get cats moving instead of just hovering over a food-filled bowl in the kitchen.
http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/pick-toys-that-match-your-cats-play-style-preference/
Rabbits
Toys help keep bunnies from getting bored while confined, as well as help keep them from getting into the wrong things when they are out playing in the house. An older or compromise rabbit that is kept interested and entertained will generally live longer, because his mind is engaged, keeping him from getting bored and depressed.
Toys provide exercise. Bunnies need safe ways to exercise and play, which helps keep their bodies AND their minds healthy. Digging, chewing, climbing, flinging, hiding, running through tunnels – these are all things that bunnies like, want and need to do.
Toys are a diversion. They are a great way to redirect a bunny from doing damage to your home by shredding or chewing. Bunnies teeth grow continuously and they must have safe wooden toys to chew on to help keep them filed down.
- Wooden chew toys – for flinging, or those that hang from the cage for chewing, pulling & batting.
- Cardboard boxes – for crawling in & out, hopping upon and personalizing/interior decorating (chewing). Fill a box with shredded newspaper or dried leaves so bunny can jump in and dig!!
- Paper towel or toilet paper tubes – Leave some paper towels on so bunny can shred happily.
- Tissue Box – Remove plastic, stuff with hay and let bunny try to get it out. (Be sure no heads get stuck inside!)
- Paper bags – to shred, shove around.
- Untreated straw or wicker baskets – for chewing (can be filled with hay or straw for digging).
- Pine cones – washed and dried for at least 4 months.
- Phone books – without the shiny cover, for ripping & shredding
- Cat toys – can be rolled or tossed, no small, removable or chewable pieces
- Metal lids – from mayonnaise jars, etc.. Are great for flipping around and making noise!
- Baby toys – hard plastic that teeth cannot break or eat through, such as keys, stacking cups or stacking blocks that can be knocked over, fish links, rattles, etc.
- Slinkies, Tonka trucks or plastic Playskool type trucks & toys
- Quaker Oats boxes – You can cut out the other end, or not…
- Whisk brooms – made of broom straw only
- Towels – for bunching and scooting (with paws); make sure bunny does not eat the towel
- Wood branches & twigs – pesticide free & aged at least three months (apple can be chewed while fresh, but CHERRY, PEACH, APRICOT, PLUM & REDWOOD ARE ALL POISONOUS).
- Balls –Wire cat balls, plastic balls, big (light) kids’ balls-balls they can nudge, paw and/or fling
- Quik-Tubes – Cardboard tubes used for setting cement for patio posts, etc. …make great tunnels for bunnies to zip through chew, hop over and hide in. They only cost about 6 dollars at Home Depot and other similar stores!
http://www.mybunny.org/info/toys-for-rabbits/
Rabbits like to explore many textures and toys at once, and you will need to be careful about the types of toys you provide. Make sure they are made of nontoxic materials because it is likely your rabbit will chew on them. Be certain there are no small pieces that may come loose and become a choking hazard. Also, if you are allowing your rabbit some play time outside the cage, use an exercise pen, and make sure he cannot access electrical cords, heating/cooling vents, wood furniture, or anything else that might be dangerous or off-limits in your home. (Remember, rabbits think those things are just as much fun as toys.)
Every few days, it's a good idea to rotate the toys you allow your rabbit to play with to add more variety. The following are some of the toy options that rabbits love to toss, dig at, explore, or chew, and you may already have some of these items around the house.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?articleid=778
Guinea Pigs
Rabbits like to explore many textures and toys at once, and you will need to be careful about the types of toys you provide. Make sure they are made of nontoxic materials because it is likely your rabbit will chew on them. Be certain there are no small pieces that may come loose and become a choking hazard. Also, if you are allowing your rabbit some play time outside the cage, use an exercise pen, and make sure he cannot access electrical cords, heating/cooling vents, wood furniture, or anything else that might be dangerous or off-limits in your home. (Remember, rabbits think those things are just as much fun as toys.)
Every few days, it's a good idea to rotate the toys you allow your rabbit to play with to add more variety. The following are some of the toy options that rabbits love to toss, dig at, explore, or chew, and you may already have some of these items around the house.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?articleid=778
Guinea Pigs
Guinea pigs think nibbling, burrowing and sometimes tossing things about is fun. But running around or climbing anything is not.
Do not get hamster or ferret balls. The guinea pig will not know what to do and may easily suffocate. Also, do NOT get them any kind of wheel. They don't hate wheels, but they will never use them. However, they will stare at them and, very occasionally, use it as a butt-scratching device.
Think "baby" when selecting a toy for a guinea pig - anything you give the piggy will eventually go in his or her mouth. This means no toys that are made of harmful metals, questionable paint (especially lead paint) and put together with any kind of staple or toxic glue. Also, don't give them anything that you don't want them to chew.
Great toys for guinea pigs will mimic things they love to do - nibble and burrow. These things include:
Toys That Need Supervision
In the last few years, small bird and cat toys have been given to guinea pigs so they can but them around or toss them around. The hanging bird toys with bells and wooden chew sticks are reported to be safe enough to leave with a piggy, but I would remove the bell (unless it is too large to fit inside a guinea pig's mouth).
Some recent publications like Bowtie Press' Guinea Pigs, (2005) lists plastic spoons as good guinea pig toys. Like small cat toys and some bird toys, they are also of plastic. Although plastic will usually pass through a guinea pig's digestive system, it is not the best thing for the guinea pig to eat, especially if there are sharp edges or if the plastic causes an intestinal blockage.
This writer recommends reserving toys like this for floor time, when you are around to observe the guinea pigs. This only needs to be an hour or so a day, just to be sure they aren't eating their plastic toys. Guinea pigs don't need a lot of exercise, but after running about their play area for a little, they do like to sniff around and go exploring and find new things to nibble.
https://pethelpful.com/rodents/What-Toys-Can-I-Give-My-Guinea-Pig
Rats and Mice
Rats and mice are active, intelligent animals that require exercise and mental stimulation for optimal health. They enjoy climbing, flinging, hiding and running through tunnels.
Tunnels
Rats and mice, by their nature, use and make tunnels. You can provide ready-made tunnels, or let them make their own. Tunnels made of hardened plastic or PVC can be placed in the cage or hung by stainless steel wire hangers. Many of them come with elbows or Y's so you can make your own maze. PVC is easily cleaned. Be sure to select pipe with a large enough diameter to prevent the rodent from becoming stuck in the pipe. Blocks of wood can also be drilled to make tunnels, which the mice or rats may enlarge themselves by their natural tendency to gnaw.
Exercise wheels and balls
Activity wheels provide an excellent way for a rodent to exercise within the confines of his cage. Be sure to select a safe wheel, one that cannot trap the rodent's feet or tail. Solid wheels are definitely preferred over those with wire bars. Rats generally require a wheel 11 inches in diameter. Some wheels can be hung from the top or the side of the cage.
Exercise balls also provide good exercise outside of the cage. Always monitor your pet while she plays in an exercise ball to be sure she does not overheat and that she is in a safe area where the ball cannot go down the stairs or be otherwise hazardous.
Climbing toys
Ladders, ropes, branches, tubes, cement bird perches, stacked boxes (securely fastened), hammocks, and other items can provide numerous climbing activities for your pet mouse or rat. These can be attached to the top and sides of the cage to greatly increase the amount of play area in a cage. Bricks and concrete blocks can also be used, if the cage is sufficiently large.
Chewing toys
Pet rats and mice need toys they can chew. This is necessary for their dental health since their teeth keep growing and need to be constantly worn down. Good chew toys for rats and mice include rawhide chews, Nylabones, Gumabones, wood (be sure it is safe, with no preservatives), and cardboard chew toys. Paper tubes from toilet paper or paper toweling, cardboard boxes, and egg cartons make very inexpensive chew toys.
Shredding toys
You will find that mice and rats also enjoy shredding softer substances such as toilet paper, straw, sisal, and other similar items. These can provide great entertainment and also soft material with which to line their sleeping area.
Push and carry toys
Many rats enjoy small toys they can carry or push. Some sturdy hollow plastic cat toys with bells inside make good toys for rats and mice. Do not give your rats or mice toys made of soft rubber since small pieces of the toy that may be chewed and swallowed could cause an intestinal obstruction. Always monitor the habits of your pet rodent to be sure the toys he has continue to be safe.
Foraging toys
In the wild, rats and mice spend much of their waking hours in search of food. Too often we simply put out a bowl of food for our pet, and he soon can become lazy and overweight. Provide your pet rat or mouse with mental stimulation by hiding their food in specially designed toys. There are many foraging toys designed for birds that can be used for rodents as well, such as pieces of cholla or bamboo. Fill the holes with some of your pet's food and watch him work to retrieve it.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1804&aid=3455
Birds
Birds need to be taught to entertain themselves. A good place to start is with toys. Toys can help in keeping their beak nice and trim but also aid in preventing behavioral issues such as screaming, biting, and plucking.
When giving your bird a new toy, watch to see if he/she is chewing or eating the toys. Remove the toy if your bird is eating the parts. Watch for the fraying of material or rope and cut it back immediately. Your bird could get entangled (leg, wing, or their toe). Close supervision is always highly recommended.
100% Cotton Material can be cut into short strips and tied onto toys to encourage preening.
https://www.itsagreysworld.com/articles/toys.htm
Do not get hamster or ferret balls. The guinea pig will not know what to do and may easily suffocate. Also, do NOT get them any kind of wheel. They don't hate wheels, but they will never use them. However, they will stare at them and, very occasionally, use it as a butt-scratching device.
Think "baby" when selecting a toy for a guinea pig - anything you give the piggy will eventually go in his or her mouth. This means no toys that are made of harmful metals, questionable paint (especially lead paint) and put together with any kind of staple or toxic glue. Also, don't give them anything that you don't want them to chew.
Great toys for guinea pigs will mimic things they love to do - nibble and burrow. These things include:
- Paper bags
- Their water bottles (they will play with the ball inside the spout, sometimes just to hear the noise)
- Big, overturned flower pots (NOT plastic!)
- Scrunched up balls of blank computer paper (nothing with dyes on it) with a tidbit inside
- PVC pipes to hide in
- Big paper towel rolls or toilet paper cardboard rolls
- Old clothes or towels you don't want anymore
- Old socks filled with hay
- Small, empty cardboard boxes, with perhaps a side taken out, or sturdy enough for Piggy to perch on
- Treat sticks or chew sticks made for guinea pigs
- Shoeboxes with part cut out so piggy can poke his or her head out
- "Hideaways" or "igloos" made of non-toxic or edible materials
Toys That Need Supervision
In the last few years, small bird and cat toys have been given to guinea pigs so they can but them around or toss them around. The hanging bird toys with bells and wooden chew sticks are reported to be safe enough to leave with a piggy, but I would remove the bell (unless it is too large to fit inside a guinea pig's mouth).
Some recent publications like Bowtie Press' Guinea Pigs, (2005) lists plastic spoons as good guinea pig toys. Like small cat toys and some bird toys, they are also of plastic. Although plastic will usually pass through a guinea pig's digestive system, it is not the best thing for the guinea pig to eat, especially if there are sharp edges or if the plastic causes an intestinal blockage.
This writer recommends reserving toys like this for floor time, when you are around to observe the guinea pigs. This only needs to be an hour or so a day, just to be sure they aren't eating their plastic toys. Guinea pigs don't need a lot of exercise, but after running about their play area for a little, they do like to sniff around and go exploring and find new things to nibble.
https://pethelpful.com/rodents/What-Toys-Can-I-Give-My-Guinea-Pig
Rats and Mice
Rats and mice are active, intelligent animals that require exercise and mental stimulation for optimal health. They enjoy climbing, flinging, hiding and running through tunnels.
Tunnels
Rats and mice, by their nature, use and make tunnels. You can provide ready-made tunnels, or let them make their own. Tunnels made of hardened plastic or PVC can be placed in the cage or hung by stainless steel wire hangers. Many of them come with elbows or Y's so you can make your own maze. PVC is easily cleaned. Be sure to select pipe with a large enough diameter to prevent the rodent from becoming stuck in the pipe. Blocks of wood can also be drilled to make tunnels, which the mice or rats may enlarge themselves by their natural tendency to gnaw.
Exercise wheels and balls
Activity wheels provide an excellent way for a rodent to exercise within the confines of his cage. Be sure to select a safe wheel, one that cannot trap the rodent's feet or tail. Solid wheels are definitely preferred over those with wire bars. Rats generally require a wheel 11 inches in diameter. Some wheels can be hung from the top or the side of the cage.
Exercise balls also provide good exercise outside of the cage. Always monitor your pet while she plays in an exercise ball to be sure she does not overheat and that she is in a safe area where the ball cannot go down the stairs or be otherwise hazardous.
Climbing toys
Ladders, ropes, branches, tubes, cement bird perches, stacked boxes (securely fastened), hammocks, and other items can provide numerous climbing activities for your pet mouse or rat. These can be attached to the top and sides of the cage to greatly increase the amount of play area in a cage. Bricks and concrete blocks can also be used, if the cage is sufficiently large.
Chewing toys
Pet rats and mice need toys they can chew. This is necessary for their dental health since their teeth keep growing and need to be constantly worn down. Good chew toys for rats and mice include rawhide chews, Nylabones, Gumabones, wood (be sure it is safe, with no preservatives), and cardboard chew toys. Paper tubes from toilet paper or paper toweling, cardboard boxes, and egg cartons make very inexpensive chew toys.
Shredding toys
You will find that mice and rats also enjoy shredding softer substances such as toilet paper, straw, sisal, and other similar items. These can provide great entertainment and also soft material with which to line their sleeping area.
Push and carry toys
Many rats enjoy small toys they can carry or push. Some sturdy hollow plastic cat toys with bells inside make good toys for rats and mice. Do not give your rats or mice toys made of soft rubber since small pieces of the toy that may be chewed and swallowed could cause an intestinal obstruction. Always monitor the habits of your pet rodent to be sure the toys he has continue to be safe.
Foraging toys
In the wild, rats and mice spend much of their waking hours in search of food. Too often we simply put out a bowl of food for our pet, and he soon can become lazy and overweight. Provide your pet rat or mouse with mental stimulation by hiding their food in specially designed toys. There are many foraging toys designed for birds that can be used for rodents as well, such as pieces of cholla or bamboo. Fill the holes with some of your pet's food and watch him work to retrieve it.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=18+1804&aid=3455
Birds
Birds need to be taught to entertain themselves. A good place to start is with toys. Toys can help in keeping their beak nice and trim but also aid in preventing behavioral issues such as screaming, biting, and plucking.
When giving your bird a new toy, watch to see if he/she is chewing or eating the toys. Remove the toy if your bird is eating the parts. Watch for the fraying of material or rope and cut it back immediately. Your bird could get entangled (leg, wing, or their toe). Close supervision is always highly recommended.
100% Cotton Material can be cut into short strips and tied onto toys to encourage preening.
https://www.itsagreysworld.com/articles/toys.htm