Skip to content
Danny's Cats

Home and gear

Wand toy

Also called Cat wand, Teaser toy, Fishing pole cat toy

Updated

What is a wand toy for cats?

A wand toy is a rod or springy wire with a lure, such as feathers, fur or cardboard, on the end, which you move so your cat can stalk, chase, pounce and catch it. International Cat Care lists wand toys among the toys cats enjoy. Because many have a string, they are for supervised play and get put away afterwards.

Why do cats go for wand toys?

A wand lets you move a lure the way prey moves: in short, jerky bursts, along the floor or through the air. The AAFP and ISFM environmental guidelines say cats should be able to act out as much of the hunting sequence as possible in play. International Cat Care describes that sequence as search, stalk, chase, pounce, catch and manipulate, and a wand lets the cat finish with a catch.

How do you play safely with a wand?

Stay with your cat while it plays and put the wand out of reach afterwards. VCA says never to leave a cat alone with a wand or fishing pole toy, because a cat can get tangled in the string or swallow it. International Cat Care also advises putting wand toys away when you are not playing.

Let your cat catch the lure now and then. VCA notes that a cat which never succeeds may lose interest, and International Cat Care suggests ending a laser game on a wand toy for the same reason.

What to look for

  • A lure about the size of small prey
  • A rod long enough to keep your hands away from claws
  • Replacement lures sold for the same rod

Leaving the wand out after play

A wand left on the floor is a string toy with no one watching. VCA warns that a cat can get tangled or swallow the string, so store the wand somewhere your cat cannot reach.

Questions about wand toy

How long should I play with my cat using a wand toy?

Wand toy play works best in several short sessions a day. VCA suggests that most cats benefit from several play sessions of about 10 minutes a day, adjusted to your cat's interest. Short bursts followed by rest are normal, so stop when your cat loses interest rather than at a set time.

Can a kitten play with a wand toy?

A kitten can play with a wand toy while you hold it. International Cat Care advises not leaving kittens with string toys, which can catch around a neck or leg, so put the wand away when the game ends.

Where this comes up

Sources