I remember hearing a talk you gave where you mentioned that you are against using laser pointers as cat toys and that it is best not to bring them into the house.

I want the best for my cats. At the same time, I want to be able to play with them. Please shed light on the subject.

-- Mary Beth and her cats

Share this image

Toby will never catch the red dot. Photo byJeffreyW

Good observation! Cats seem to go crazy pointlessly chasing the elusive beam of light. Laser pointers and laser toys can frustrate cats, overstimulate them, and, in some cases, cause them to act aggressively toward playmates. In the majority of cases, lasers pointers should be left at the office where they fulfill their raison d'être -- pointing out specifics in presentations.

Most often, I discourage people from using laser pointers to play with cats. There are so many other exciting toys to use. Nevertheless, there are situations when laser pointers are the only way cats can be played with. It is either laser play or no play.

The importance of play

In addition to being a recreational activity for cats and their people, play is serious business. Kittens learn important hunting and problem-solving skills, and adult cats fine-tune their predatory prowess. Play teaches cats bite inhibition and helps them develop coordination. Cats and kittens learn boundaries and social skills while building relationships. Play also helps develop muscles and keeps cats fit and at the top of their game. It is also mentally stimulating.

Share this image

My cat Asia stalks a toy.

Neurotransmitters, including dopamine, play a very important role as well. During different phases of play, dopamine, associated with award-driven behaviors, is released in the brain. Although the acts of stalking, ambushing and chasing are intrinsically rewarding, cats need to have the satisfaction of catching prey and feeling their hard-earned prizes beneath their paws.

The problems with laser play

It's not news that lasers are hazardous. Shining laser beams into eyes -- human as well as feline can cause permanent eye damage. Recent news reports highlight the dangers of laser pointers aimed at helicopters and airplanes. Yet the problems with laser pointers are not limited to eyes and aircraft.

People typically play with cats using laser pointers in a way that frustrates and teases cats. Laser players usually point and dance the beams randomly on the floors and walls for their cats to chase. Certain of a successful catch, they pounce only to find there is nothing under their paws. The bright red dot disappears, or it lingers on the wall or settles for an instant on a paw. Cats are left frustrated, without the opportunity to feel the tactile sensation of their hard-earned prey. Felines need to have the satisfaction of the hunt -- to catch and feel their prey beneath their paws.

Share this image

My cat Sudan chases the red light but will always come up empty-pawed.

The best play techniques

Ideal play technique mimics hunting -- but without casualties. These "best play practices" encourage cats to stalk, chase, pounce, and finally catch their prize. In nature, felines do not catch their dinner at every attempt, but they ultimately do succeed.

The best toys to use for this type of play are pole-type toys. Pulling the toy away from the cat using quick starts, stops, and stutters imitates the movements of prey. Mimicking prey, the toy does not move toward the cat. In real life, prey, unless it is impaired, does not run back toward the predator. Pole-type toys should be available to cats only when there is someone around to supervise the activity.

Good play techniques involve encouraging kitties to catch the toy so that they do not become discouraged and frustrated. Immediately after the last catch of the session, their favorite people should feed their little hunters sumptuous meals.

Share this image

My cat Olivia catches her toy with a satisfying chomp.

Not everyone can drag toys around for cats to chase or to play fetch with them. Like Mary Beth, many people are unable to run around their homes pulling a pole toy or retrieving thrown toys. Sometimes there are only two choices -- using the laser pointer or not playing at all. In this case I prefer play, but play that uses the laser pointer in a way that minimizes frustration.

Laser play the right way

Before getting into action, set up the environment for the game. In addition to the laser pointer, soft cat toys and highly prized cat food are needed for the job. Before playing, place the toys strategically throughout the play zone. Have food and treats at the ready.

Begin the laser game by aiming the beam in front of the cat and zigzagging it away from her. Periodically, encourage the cat to “catch” the elusive beam by pausing the light on one of the stuffed toys that is now doubling as prey. Before moving the beam off the toy, the cat needs to feel the toy solidly under her paws.

The intensity and length of the sessions will vary and depend on the individual cat’s age, physical conditioning, and level of interest. The play session endings are as important as their beginnings. Instead of ending abruptly, gradually slow down the beam until it finally comes to rest on a soft toy. After the cat makes her final catch of the session, feed a good meal. She will eat, groom, and then take a well-earned nap.

Top photo by Catchpenny by Shutterstock.

Got a cat behavior question for Marilyn? Ask our behaviorist in the comments below and you might be featured in an upcoming column. If you suspect a behavioral problem, always rule out any possible medical issues that may be causing the behavior by first having your cat examined by a veterinarian. Marilyn can also help you resolve cat behavior challenges through a consultation.

Read more about cats and behavior:

• Help! My Cat, Puccini, Wakes Me Up Wailing at 4:30 a.m.!
• 5 Reasons Not to Punish Your Cat
• How to Deal with Play Aggression in Ninja Attack Kittens

Here are my favorite pet products from the show in Orlando, FL. Believe me, it was hard to choose just 10.

1. Samsung PetCam

Share this image

Samsung's PetCam lets you see what your kitty's up to all day. Photo: Samsung

Ever wonder what your cat is doing while you're not at home? Now you can find out. Samsung's new PetCam is a wi-fi video monitor that's super easy to set up anywhere in your home. You can access the video via your smartphone, tablet, or online. And there's two-way audio so you can chat up your kitty while you're away.

$149, nationwide in May 2013

2. Sturdi Products SturdiBox

Share this image

It's a storage tote, bath, litter box, supply holder and more. Most of all, Sturdi Products' SturdiBox is awesome! Photo: Sturdi Products

I love versatile stuff, and the Sturdi Products seven-gallon SturdiBox can be used for so many things! Store your cat's toys or food in it, use it for a litter box, or even use it as a portable cat bath! It's big (13-by-13-by-13 inches), foldable, and water-tight, so it's perfect for at home or on the road.

$32.95, available at Sturdi Products.

3. Popware for Pets KlipScoop

Share this image

With these scoop/measuring cups/bag clips, there's no excuse to overfeed. Photo: Popware for Pets

Portion control is key to keeping your cat at a healthy weight, and this KlipScoop from Popware helps make it a no-brainer. It's superb in its simplicity: a dry food scoop that's also a measuring cup, which collapses into a food bag clip! I'm not sure it gets any easier than that.

$6.99 and up, available online at Popware for Pets and at your favorite pet store this spring.

4. Frolicat Pounce

Share this image

Frolicat's new Pounce toy keeps your cat guessing...and having a blast! Photo: Frolicat

Our friends at Frolicat have done it again: developed a crazy fun, motorized toy to offer your cat hours of entertainment. The latest in its line is Pounce, a rotating hide and seek game featuring Marshal Maus, a rascally rodent who zooms sporadically through the game, hiding, twitching and enticing your cat to pounce on his prey!

$39.99 at Frolicat and other online and local pet retailers.

5. My Petchup Catchup and Meowstard

Share this image

My Petchup released some condiment supplements just for kitties: Meowstard and Catchup. Yum! Photo: My Petchup

As the condiment queen, I was immediately drawn to My Petchup's CatChup and Meowstard. These new condiments for kitties can be poured on your cat's kibble (or even wet food!) to add a delicious dose of human grade vitamins, minerals, glucosamine, prebiotic, and omega 3, 6, and 9 to your cat's diet. And the sauce adds moisture, something cats can always use. 

$15.90 for a two-pack, available online and pet retailers nationwide. 

6. Nature's Best Solution, Litter Box Deodorizing Concentrate

Share this image

Sprinkle on Nature's Best Solution and say bye-bye to litter box stink! Photo: Nature's Best

When the scientists who invented this litter box deodorizer showed me how well it works, I was impressed. And I was even more impressed when I brought home a sample and zapped the litter box in my own home.

This stuff works really well. It's environmentally friendly, nontoxic, and made of a proprietary blend of micronutrient salts, commonly found in multivitamins. Just sprinkle the powder on the litter box once a week and you'll notice a reduction in odor and moisture, resulting in longer-lasting litter.

From $4.99, available at Nature's Best Solution.

7. Bergen Turbo Grooming Arch

Share this image

Can't you just hear your cat purring as he rubs through Bergen's Turbo Grooming Arch? Photo: Caroline Golon

The Turbo Grooming Arch is one of the latest in Bergan's Turbo modules for cats. Affix the rubber, nubbed-arch accessory to the round Turbo scratcher base and give your kitty a grooming massage every time he squeezes through it. Add treat balls and toys and even grass to the system to turbo charge your cat's fun!

$9.99 at pet retailers everywhere this spring.

8. PooGoStick

Share this image

Why didn't anyone do this before? Genius pooper scooper - for the litter box! Photo: PooGoStick

The PooGoStick caught my eye immediately. It's an awesome pooper scooper that's been adapted to work wonders in the litter box, which means no more bending over and holding your breath to scoop the box. The PooGoStick features a long handle with a squeeze, scoop, and release system, which easily grabs clumps and poops, sifts litter, and deposits into the baggie of your choice.

$39.99, available online.

9. Petmate's Essential Carrier Line

Share this image

Give your cat a save haven on the road by opening up his cat carrier "sun porch" in Petmate's new carrier. Photo: Petmate

Petmate released a new line of Essential Carriers, and this one was my fave because of its expandable "sunporch," which gives your kitty some extra room when he's using his carrier as his home base. If he's at the vet, on vacation, or on the road, this gives him a bit of wiggle room.

The new carriers have padded tote straps and railroad zipper pulls for fast open and close. The carriers have coated mesh on all sides with an interior tether and a removable fleece interior floor.

From $49.99 at Petmate.com and pet retailers nationwide in April.

10. SuperCat Catnip Caves

Share this image

You may never see your cat again once he disappears into these Catnip Caves by SuperCat! Photo: Supercat

Catnip plus paper bags? What a winning combo! If your cat loves catnip and he loves paper bags, imagine how much he'd love rolling around in a paper bag of catnip! SuperCat has an awesome new line of catnip goodies, including the Catnip Cave. It's basically a brown paper bag infused with SuperCat's Nanoburst "Scratch 'n Sniff" technology. That means every time the bag is crumpled, scratched, or rubbed, the material releases gajillions of amazing catnip scent particles. Groovy, man!

$5.99 at pet retailers everywhere.

Have you tried any of these products yet? Let us know in the comments!

Share this image

Share this image

If your cat doesn’t have a sweet tooth and would prefer something savory, she might have a taste for PetCandy’s Caterpillars. At 16 inches long with quirky antennae, there’s nothing creepy crawly about these cute cat toys. Your kitty won’t be able to resist chomping on one.

Share this image

Share this image

According to the Humane Society of the United States, 50 percent of cats don’t respond to catnip. If your cat doesn’t have the “catnip gene,” there’s a good chance that she’ll respond to honeysuckle. Honeysuckle has cat-attracting qualities similar to catnip, which is what Kitty Kottage’s customers have been reporting since 1995, when the company started making these honeysuckle cat toys.

Share this image

The wood from the honeysuckle shrub is harvested and used in Kitty Kottage’s adorable assortment of honeysuckle cat toys.

With shapes including mice, octopuses, cushions, and bowties, these toys are fun and colorful -- and they’re stuffed full of heavenly honeysuckle.

With so many choices, it might be hard to pick just one toy. Luckily, Kitty Kottage offers a variety pack of honeysuckle cat toys to save you money and delight your feline friends.

Cute kitten with toy guitar by Shutterstock

Some shelter kitties are lucky enough to have a few toys, but others aren't as lucky. So we've sleuthed out a super fabulous way to not only donate toys to your favorite cat shelter, but also get your donation doubled for free!

Share this image

For a limited time, Hauspanther (formerly Moderncat) is doubling your order when you buy 20 of its ModKicker Catnip Kicker toys to send to your favorite cat rescue organization! These are the perfect size for bunny-kicking, and stuffed with ultra stinky (this is a good thing for cats!) catnip for kitties to go crazy over.

That means the shelter or rescue will get 40 ModKicker toys sent to them. That's a lot of happy kitties! 

I have some ModKicker toys that I've ordered for my two cats, and let me tell you what: When you open the box, catnip catnippyness just wafts into the air. Cats come running from all directions. There's some good stuff in these, man.

Share this image

Petie from I Have Cat loves his ModKickers!

Your order will be shipped directly to the cat rescue you choose, so be sure to put its address as the shipping address. And Hauspanther will even include a note in the box saying the presents are from you!

To take advantage of this offer, order 20 ModKicker toys here, and Hauspanther will automatically double your order! To send a note with it, write it in the "Notes to Seller" section on the checkout page.

Hopefully there will be tons of newly spoiled cats around!

I can’t count how many fun jingly or crinkly balls we’ve had that get a bit of batting action, and then nothing. Nada. I find them years later under the couch, covered in cat-fur tumbleweeds. The irony of all of this, of course, is that our cats play with everything but cat toys.

Share this image

If your cat finds a live toy, you might want to intervene. Acquaintances by Shutterstock

I began to wonder if I was alone in this, so I took to the Internet to poll my Facebook and Twitter friends about their cats’ favorite toys -- that aren't really cat toys. Here's what I found:

1. Hair accessories

Paws down, the most popular non-toy cat toys are ponytail holders. There’s something about these little round things that cats really dig. They bat them around, pick them up with their teeth, throw them in the air, and gnaw on them.

Share this image

Romeo gets ready to bat around a hair tie.

As with any toy, it’s important to keep an eye on your cat when he’s playing with ponytail holders. If you have a cat  who gets a little too enthusiastic about chewing on it, you may have a big problem on your hands if he ingests it. If your cats are like mine and enjoy just batting them around, you’ll be fine.

2. Living things 

Living, breathing things are not toys -- unless you’re a cat. Respondents told me about bugs, lizards, and mice as playthings ... and even human fingers and toes. “Especially feet hiding under duvets,” one said. Another cat parent shared that her cat simply thinks she’s the toy. “Humans, used as jungle gyms.” 

Share this image

Pugsley can spend ages playing with a dropped Q-tip.

3. Human food 

Some cat parents reported that their cats enjoy playing with human food. Ice cubes, for example, make great non-toy toys. One cat owner said her cat loves to play with dried pasta. Whenever ziti night rolls around, this cat waits for the inevitable few pieces to fall to the floor, and then pounces.

Another cat mom explained how her kitty loves “anything green and leafy we’re washing in the sink: spinach, lettuce, kale, etc.”

4. Containers 

Cats love stuff that you put stuff in. Cardboard boxes are a favorite among cats, according to their parents. And grocery bags, both paper and plastic, seem to be high on the list of kitty good times.

Share this image

Romeo enjoys a special moment with my daughter's Elmo toy.

In fact, some cats are a bit obsessed with the plastic grocery bags. One woman shared, “My cat licks bags,” and another responded, “It’s like they are making sweet love to them!” My goodness! What a racy game! 

5. Random anythings

Many people shared plastic drinking straws as a cat favorite, especially, as one cat mom reported, “when pulled from a freshly made cold drink.”   

Share this image

Many small plastic objects can become instant cat toys. Cat playing with clothes peg by Shutterstock

If your house is like mine, wine corks are abundant. Many wine-drinking cat moms reported that their cats love batting around those aromatic little corks of happiness. 

Other toys that received numerous mentions include Q-Tips, tinfoil balls, rolls of toilet paper, twist ties, and the ring from the gallon of milk. “Midnight used to play fetch with the bottle caps -- it was so cute!” recalled one wistful cat mom.  

6. Dangly stuff 

My cats love dangly stuff. Necklaces and ribbon mesmerize them. I swear Pugsley can hear a tape measure a mile away. He comes running from wherever he is in the house to play.

And my cats aren’t the only ones -- many cat parents mentioned string necklaces, neckties, ribbon, belts, and extension cords.  

7. Underwear!

Lots of cats apparently love getting into the undergarments. One cat mom reported her cat’s penchant for underwear: "Toothpick had a bout of time where he would drag my underwear around and leave it in the middle of the floor.”

Socks were also a favorite, with many cat parents sharing that random socks on the floor are always fair game. “Toby cat will paw open my sock drawer and pull out my balled-up fluffy socks, then bat and carry them around the apartment!” 

8. Holiday ... everything

I’d be remiss in not mentioning the holiday wonder-toys, having just come off weeks of shiny, fun new “toys.” My cats Romeo and Pugsley had fun with tinsel, Christmas tree ornaments, wrapping paper, ribbon, and bows. Judging from my Facebook and Twitter friends’ responses, we weren’t the only ones.  

Share this image

Pugsley loves to investigate boxes and then jump into them.

9. Little white “mice” 

At first glance, tampons fall into the (very) weird toy category, but if you think about it, it kind of makes sense. Admit it, tampons look like little mice.

As one Facebook friend explained, “My cat Oozy has been known to break into the vanity cabinet and get into the box of Tampax. He takes it out and bats it around, and then gets his paw on the wrapper and unwraps it. Separating the cardboard tubes and getting to the ‘fluffy white mouse’ buried inside!” 

The bottom line is that, really, anything can be a toy. And nothing is cuter than seeing our sweet, playful, silly little kitties having the time of their lives with a pipe cleaner.

Does your cat love toys that aren't really toys? What kinds? Let us know in the comments! 

1. Scratch 'n Shapes Scratchers

Regardless of whether your cat’s been naughty or nice, Santa can pay a visit to your home with these holiday-themed scratchers from Imperial Cat. Choose from four festive designs, including a reindeer, sleigh, Christmas tree, and the North Pole Express.

Share this image

The scratchers are made in the USA from 100 percent post-consumer recycled materials and can be recycled after use.  

2. Kitten Mitten organic cat toy

Even if it’s frosty outside, your favorite feline will feel warm and cozy with Purrfect Play’s organic Kitten Mitten. This soft cat toy features an organic fleece outer covering and an inner mitten made of organic canvas for extra durability.

Share this image

Cats definitely won’t lose these mittens because each mitten is stuffed to the brim with a half-cup of fresh organic catnip.

Purrfect Play also offers a variety of cat toys made in the USA, including snakes, mice and baby carrots. 

3. Ho Ho Hairball 

If you’re in search for a awesome stocking stuffer, look no further than the Ho Ho Hairball from West Paw Design. This fuzzy cat toy is a ball of fun topped with a festive Santa hat.

Share this image

Because it’s filled with USDA-certified organic catnip, your biggest holiday challenge will be keeping it under wraps until Christmas Day.

4. As-purr-agus cat toy

Got a tree-hugging, cat-loving foodie to shop for? The As-purr-agus from Cat Faeries may be just what you’re looking for. This foot-long cat toy is made in the USA with responsibly wild-crafted catnip.

Share this image

It’s also a gift that keeps on giving, as Cat Faeries donates 1 percent of total sales to cat rescue groups, shelters, and feral cat colony managers.  

5. Fortune Cookie cat toy gift set 

Share this image

Find out what the new year has in store for your lucky cat with Jake & Micah's fortune cookie Chinese takeout box. Each box contains three handcrafted cat toys. The cookies are made with premium organic catnip and also come with kitty-themed fortunes inside.

6. Catty Stacks 

Catty Stacks elevate the basic cardboard box into a gift that has cats jumping for joy. These modular boxes can be joined together in a variety of ways to create custom kitty condos and climbing gyms. 

Share this image

Catty Stacks are made from recycled cardboard and come in an array of colors derived from vegetable-based inks. 

7. Joe Jacket reusable coffee cup sleeve

The Joe Jacket is a reusable beverage sleeve that features fun and whimsical feline and paw-print designs. The custom cat print neoprene fabric insulates hot cups, ceramic and steel tumblers, and cold drinks, including plastic tumblers and sports drinks.

Share this image

Joe Jackets fold flat for convenient storage and help save landfills from billions of pounds of trash produced by traditional throwaway paper cup sleeves. 

8. Make Your Own Cat Toys 

Here’s the purrfect gift for eco-conscious cat lovers who are in search of more ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. This fun and cheeky book features more than 50 cat toys that can be made in minutes from old stuff lying around your home. I should know -- I wrote it! 

Share this image

As the author of Make Your Own Cat Toys, I have to warn you that with all the toy ideas inside this book, your cat might start looking in the recycling bin for presents instead of under the Christmas tree.  

 9. Cat-themed Liberty water bottles 

Help put an end to disposable water bottles by giving the gift of a cat-themed Liberty Bottleworks water bottle. Made of 100-percent super-strong recycled aluminum, this BPA-free water bottle comes in 24- and 32-ounce sizes. It’s a great gift for active cat lovers, as it features an easy quarter-turn open/close cap and a tapered neck for splash free drinking. 

Share this image

You can also customize your gift: Choose from 13 colors and add a personal name printed on the side of the bottle.

10. Kitty’s Garden 

For the discerning eco-minded cat, Petco offers Kitty’s Garden. It’s a vintage-inspired wooden box with areas to grow fresh grass, including 100-percent organic oats, wheat, rye and barley.

Share this image

While your kitty is nibbling some greens, she’ll also be going green. The box can be used again and again, as refills are available to restock your kitty’s green pantry.

What is it that we love about this Internet sensation? The cat's cheerful repetitive song? His brightly colored rainbow? His adorable kitty face? His ability to fly through outer space?

Whatever it is, it has kept Nyan Cat going strong since his inception in April 2011. He has stretched 15 minutes of Internet fame into more than a year -- which is more than 500,000 minutes. We here at Catster suspect it's because he's a cat. And who doesn't love cats?

Now you can get your own Nyan Cat.

Christopher Torres -- the accidental genius behind Nyan Cat -- has partnered with toy manufacturer Jakks Pacific Inc. to create a line of Nyan Cat plush toys and other products set to be released this fall.

Share this image

Some of the prototypes.

Share this image

All the Nyan Cats of the rainbow!

Does this mean Nyan Cat is selling out? Torres says to the contrary -- with Nyan Cat toys in people's homes, Torres believes he can more effectively carry out Nyan Cat's mission: "To spread love and joy throughout the world." Awww!

Share this image

Cats love Nyan Cat too -- and imagine if this toy were laced with catnip.

Share this image

Marty was an inspiration for Christopher Torres to create Nyan Cat. See the resemblance?

We envision a line of Nyan Cat cat-related products, such as kitty litter that turns into rainbows when soiled. Hey, we can dream, right?  

May Nyan Cat's success be as infinite as the space he inhabits.

Via Laughing Squid and The Toy Spy