Hello!

I just became a Persian owner and, as this is my first cat, I am not sure what kind of toys I should get for her. She is about 2 years old and I took her from shelter. Maybe you could recommend something? What are your thoughts of toys with cat nip?

The 'Yeowe' brand of catnip toys (banana, rainbow, and cigar among others) are fairly strong and seem to be popular with the cats who like catnip. It seems like maybe half the cats go crazy over catnip while the other half are indifferent. You might want to buy a little cheaper catnip toy to see if your kitty likes catnip or not.

Wand and feather toys are always popular - anything your cat can chase. You'll need a scratching post toy so you may want to get one that's in combination with a cat tree. Most cats seem to like to climb and be up high but again that will vary between cats.

You may want to get 'several' toys and trade them out periodically to keep them from getting bored.

And remember that the most popular cat toy is always a simple cardboard box

Congratulations and thank you for taking in an older persian!

Joe's suggestion are great. I would also add a kickeroo (large stuffed toy they can hold with front legs and kick with the back legs), a refillable catnip mouse (we go through 1-2 a year), and mylar crinkle balls and/or pingpong balls if you have an area of non-carpeted floor.

Catnip excites some cats, but not all. Also, if you give a cat catnip daily (or even in a toy daily), it loses some of it's effects.

The mylar crinkle balls are numero uno here, and an empty
box, the smaller the better

Don't know where Smushie-Dad is, but I'll bet he'd
vote for the springy thingy's.

The thing to remember is not to spend a whole bunch of money on a bunch of (what you think) are cool toys. Chances are, your cat will not think they are so cool! And you have to be sure she even likes toys. My Piper does not but she is a catnip addict so Stinkies (Yeeeowwww) are always great for her. She also likes the crinkle balls. I get her a lot of them as they are about $0.15/crinkleball here. She likes the texture and the sound and it's shiny.

Some of my others like the bell balls and they like the balls with the real bird feathers on them.

Scratchers are a must. Lots of them as cats have their own preferences. and for an active toy, you can't go wrong with Da Bird or Neko flies but make sure she likes toys first before buying these. Otherwise she'll just look at you like you've lost your mind.

Cats like boxes and paper bags the best though... You can't go wrong with those. Let her play with them for a day or so and then throw them out and bring her fresh ones. The fresher, the better!

Thanks for adopting a rescue kitty. What did you name your cat? Could you post a photo??? [we love photos!]

The above suggestions are all good. Above all, don't spend much. I bought perforated ping pong balls at a dollar store and put them in an empty kleenex box. They love fishing them out and knocking them around. A crumpled up piece of foil is a popular toy. Put a few dried beans in an old pill bottle and there's another one. Ribbons or sturdy strings are always fun. Lately, I have taken old toilet rolls, folded over one end completely and the other end halfway, insert treat.

If you want to splurge, the neko fly is driving my two bonkers lately.

Mine like the turbo track a lot. Laser pointer is usually a hit. I got a little remote control mouse for secret santa and they were obsessed with that for a while.

Most of the time though they will end up playing with non cat toys. Paper balls and water bottle caps are a BIG hit in this house.

Cardboard boxes. Paper bags. Aluminum foil or tissue paper wadded up in a ball. Ping pong balls in the bathtub. It doesn't take much. As long as they are loved, they are happy.

And welcome!!! Rescues are such a joy. Hope you post a picture soon!!!

Thank you for input.

My friend sent me link to this electronic toy which looks a lot of fun - http://igg.me/at/memouse/x/2484832
What do you think of this? Have you tried anything like this?

Angelpuss says cardboard Loo rolls and Springs!