As a cat owner myself, the first thing I want to warn you of is that there is a definite possibility that your British Shorthair might destroy any toy you get for them. However, there are some interesting qualities about a British Shorthair that might help you narrow in on exactly which toy to get for them.
First off, it is important to understand that your cute and cuddly ball of fur, your British Shorthair, loves expending their energy by doing something entertaining. This cat breed is not meant to laze around whatsoever! Hence, it is best to get them a toy, which will not only keep them busy but will also stimulate them mentally!
To make it easier for you, below is a collection I have made, of the best toys for your British Shorthair.
The Best Toys For Your British Shorthair
Cat Charmer or Cat Teaser
This is one of the best and inexpensive toys for any cat, let alone a British Shorthair. For instance, I can clearly recall one of my closest friends playing with her cat with a cat charmer in her hand. The joy in both of their eyes was a sight to see!
British Shorthairs love to be around humans and love interacting with them. Hence, purchasing a cat charmer for your British Shorthair will allow you to get to know your Shorthair’s personality and will make them even more attached to you.
Furthermore, your Shorthair will not only be entertained but will also develop a stronger bond with you. Hence, in the end, seeing your Shorthair happy and entertained will surely be worth your wallet shedding some weight!
However, make sure that your British Shorthair is not left alone with a cat charmer, as it could be hazardous to your Shorthair’s health. This applies especially if you have a British Shorthair kitten!
For instance, the feather at the end of the cat charmer could prove to be a choking hazard. Moreover, the fabric at the end of the wand or stick could wrap around your kitten’s neck and suffocate it.
Hence, always ensure that your British Shorthair plays with the cat charmer while IN your presence!
Laser Pointer
This is definitely a classic and best choice as a cat toy for your British Shorthair! Again, laser pointers are inexpensive and extremely entertaining and are sure to wear out your British Shorthair. Moreover, the best news is that most laser pointers in the market today do not require you to keep pressing a button to keep it on!
Furthermore, everyone knows that cats love to chase laser points that are pointed at random spots on the floor. The question, which remains, is why do they like chasing laser points?
A simple answer to this question is that British Shorthairs, as do other cats, exhibit predatory behavior. This means that they love to chase and hunt anything that presents a challenge to them. Hence, a fast-moving laser point will be just the thing to excite your British Shorthair enough to get it going and start chasing it around!
However, it is not groundbreaking news that lasers are hazardous, especially to one’s eyes. Furthermore, since this applies to both humans and cats alike, it is important to note that you are not pointing the laser beam directly at your British Shorthair’s eyes! Keep those pretty and bright green eyes safe!
Crinkle Balls and Fur Balls
Now, these will definitely be a go-to for you and your British Shorthair!
Not only are crinkle balls and fur balls super cheap, they are easily available not only online but also at any pet store near you!
These crinkle balls and furballs can be used anytime you want to play fetch with your Shorthair, or if you want to keep them occupied. Your British Shorthair will surely enjoy hiding these around the house and then going back to find them eventually. Hence, it will turn out to be a toy that your Shorthair can play with on their own while you are away!
However, there are some cheap plastic toys in the market, which may prove harmful to your British Shorthair. For instance, anything with a bell hidden inside it, or little parts that may come off the toy, which your Shorthair may eventually swallow, are a big no.
Interactive Toy and Food Dispenser
An interactive Toy and Food Dispenser is a genius hack to get your British Shorthair some exercise, be fed, and improve its alertness!
This particular product from the brand Slim Cat is perfect as it lets your Shorthair enjoy their mealtime. Furthermore, you can also adjust the openings on the toy in order to control how much of a challenge your Shorthair has to face before the treats are expelled from it.
Hence, if you are looking for your British Shorthair to be stimulated mentally, enjoy itself, and be fed, this interactive toy and food dispenser is the best option for you!
Scratching Post
Now a scratching post is an absolute must for your Shorthair. Although this item is a bit pricier than the other toys mentioned so far, it will be a go-to for your British Shorthair.
A scratching post is a wooden post, which comes in different shapes and sizes, covered in rough material. Hence, they are used by your Shorthair to scratch themselves against if need be. And rest assured, they do love to scratch themselves!
Additionally, a scratching post that has different levels to it, or a “nest” on the top, will be perfect for them to rest on. Moreover, if you place the scratching post against a window, then your British Shorthair can enjoy their downtime on these scratching posts, and maybe even soak in some sunlight!
Furthermore, scratching posts are ideal for small to medium-sized cats. Hence, since a British Shorthair will grow to be approximately 10 inches tall, and weigh 7-15 pounds, most of the scratching posts will be suitable for them!
So, this is also the best toy for your British Shorthair to make them busy.
Anything with Catnip Will Do!
Firstly, this will prove to be the easiest little DIY project for you if you are interested, and if you have some spare catnip lying around.
You can simply place some of the herb Catnip, inside a paper bag and crumple up the bag to make a ball out of it. The smell of the catnip will be enough for your British Shorthair to want to chase and play with it for hours!
Hence, not only is this the cheapest toy for your Shorthair, but it will also be one of your Shorthair’s favorites!
Read Also:The 10 Best Cat Foods For British Shorthair Cat
Worst Toy Ideas for Your British Shorthair
The main thing to remember here is that British Shorthairs are extremely intelligent cats and look for mentally challenging and stimulating toys. Hence, if you provide them with a toy that does not present them with any challenge or mental stimulation, then they will definitely get bored very quickly.
Moreover, since British Shorthairs in general are a moderately active cat breed, you do not have to worry about them being destructive. However, as they do require some mental stimulation, they might get a little excited about any toy you provide them.
Hence, if you are planning to purchase an expensive cat toy for your British Shorthair, you may want to rethink it. As long as your British Shorthair is not at risk of choking on some spare parts due to the low quality of the toy, it is not necessary for them to get the best quality toys.
Suggestions
To keep it exciting for your Shorthair, it is best if you experiment with new toys occasionally. However, you need to know your Shorthair’s personality type before you purchase any toys.
For instance, if your British Shorthair is more reserved, they may want to play with toys like Crinkle Balls, or Catnip Toys. However, if your British Shorthair is more outgoing, then playing with a laser pointer, cat charmer, or an interactive toy and food dispenser might be their favorite pastime!
Conclusion
Once you understand your British Shorthair’s personality traits, it will be very easy for you to choose the best toy, which will give your Shorthair optimum pleasure.
Furthermore, keep in mind that they deserve the right type and quality of toys, but without you spending too much of your money on it. Because as the saying goes, your British Shorthair is as “curious as a cat”, and will most likely get bored with the toys you have provided them.
However, do make sure to spend quality time with your Shorthair, as no toy will ever be able to give your furry friend the same satisfaction as your company!
