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Toys For Declawed Cats – Keep Your Declawed Cat Stimulated

Some people think that declawed cats can’t enjoy playing with toys because they don’t have claws, but this doesn’t have to be the case. There are plenty of fun and engaging toys that are perfect for declawed cats.

Declawed cats still need toys that allow them to scratch.

Cardboard, sisal, or corrugated cardboard are some of the materials used to make cat toys that are suitable for declawed cats.

You might be surprised at this, but in a literature review (July 2019), it is suggested that the normal feline behavior of scratching is still observed in up to 78% of declawed cats, and they will continue to exhibit scratching behavior.

Related Reading – Declawing Your Cat – The Not So Rosy Facts

Suitable Types Of Toys For Declawed Cats

1. Interactive Toys – Pouncing/Chasing Toys
2. Pole/Wand Toys
3. Kicking Toys
4. Is Your Declawed Cat Always Anxious?

1. Interactive Toys

An interactive cat toy is a toy that responds to your cat’s natural behaviors in some way. It essentially mimics prey, such as birds and mice, and can be used during playtime. 

There are a wide range of cat toys on the market designed for this purpose. We commonly think of battery operated toys. Some examples include: catnip mice with tails that move when your cat plays with them, ball track toys, which allow balls to be rolled around an enclosed space or laser toys.

Here are some interactive toys for declawed cats. These two toys are highly engaging, using light, color, and sound to capture the cat audience.

PetFusion Ambush Interactive Electronic Cat Toy

interactive toy for a cat
The feather pops in and out!

This interactive toy stimulates hunting and pouncing, both traits your declawed cat still has despite having no claws.

A bright, multicolored feather will randomly pop out of one of the six holes around the edge of the toy.

The speed of the feather popping out can be adjusted. The toy lights up using LED color lighting to further encourage the cat to investigate.

Cats love this toy and some will sit by it waiting for it to turn on.  It does have to be manually turned on and it switches off atter 8 minutes automatically.  This is to preserve battery life. 

This toy is suitable for cats of any age and size. It appears to be quite durable with some more enthusiastic kitties being quite rough with the toy.

Hunting instincts are part of our cats built in DNA.  there is nothing we can do to change that.  This toy helps to satisfy that urge.  A declawed cat can still jump and pounce on the feathers in this toy.

Pros

Perfectly fine for multiple cats to enjoy this toy.

Although it cannot be said with 100% certainty that your declawed cat will love this toy to bits, it does have an 83% success rate of customer satisfaction.

Anti slip feet.

Cons

Some say that the noise is annoying, but maybe that is just for humans. Others say that some cats are just not interested in tunnels. If you already know this about your cat, give this tunnel a miss.

Specifications

The toy is powered by batteries. Four AA batteries are included, plus a replacement feather. Feathers can also be purchased separately. The toy is plastic. It lights up using LED lighting. It has anti-slip feet, so it can be placed on carpeted or hardwood or tiled surfaces. The dimensions are 6.8 x 6.8 x 2.8 inches. The feathers are soft to the touch because they are natural turkey feathers.  

Related Reading – Which Litter Is Best For A Declawed Cat?

Petlinks Twinkle Chute Lighted Cat Tunnel Toy

lighted cat tunnel toy

Most cats love tunnels. No claws are needed to use this toy. This is an interactive toy that utilizes things all cats like to do, such as crawling into small spaces. The light motion and the crinkling are extra touches to make the toy even more appealing.

Can I guarantee that your cat will love a tunnel? No, nothing about a cat is a solid guarantee unless it is sleeping on you or meowing for breakfast; however, if your cat likes boxes, there is a fair chance that a tunnel will be good.

This tunnel has touch activated lights that blink.

The tunnel does make a crackly sound, like a paper bag noise, when the cat runs through. For some cats, even brave ones, this can be too much stimulation in the beginning. Pop a catnip mouse inside to entice reluctant kitties or dangle a toy through the peephole. 

Bring the tunnel out without making any fuss at all and every now and then entice kitty through with a treat.  Your cat may leap through in bounds but some kitties need a bit of mollycoddling.

There is a peephole in the middle where cats can enter and exit.  

This tunnel is not weatherproof.

Pros

The tunnel is a good place to stop and have a snooze in private.

Makes a crinkling noise like a paper bag when the cat runs through.

Springs back into shape after some serious pouncing.

Cons

Some cats are just not interested in tunnels.  If you already know this about your cat, give this tunnel a miss.

Specifications

The dimensions of the tunnel are 35″ x 9.5″ x 9.5″.  It is made from nylon and is super lightweight at 11.68 ounces.

For safety it is recommended that your cat should be supervised when playing with the tunnel and the tunnel should be out of reach when not actively being used. 

Two 2LR41 batteries are required. The battery pack requires a Phillips head screwdriver to remove the screws in the pack.

The tunnel can be folded up for storage by pushing on it vertically until it compresses. It is then secured with the ties.

Related Reading – Which Paper Litter Is Best After Declawing?

2. Pole/Wand Toys

What are pole or wand toys for cats?

pole or wand toy for cats
This is an example of a pole/wand toy for cats

Pole/wand toys come in many different designs and styles, some manufacturers prefer solid materials such as fur, while others use feathers to tempt your cat into action.

They can range in price, but are mostly an affordable option for cat toys.

In order to get the most from a wand toy, you need to regularly play with your cat.

Entice the cat with the wand by playing around with different patterns to grab the cat’s attention and moving the wand across the floor.

A declawed cat will have more chance of catching prey if the wand is moving across the floor. If the cat does not show any interest after several minutes of play, simply store it away to use another time.

Some cats may be shy or timid with this type of product, so always stop using it if your pet becomes distressed, as they may become afraid of these toys if used incorrectly or too aggressively.

Pole or wand toys are good for declawed cats, as you can control the amount of action to suit your cat.

You can also allow your cat to catch the prey and give him a treat as a reward.

Being able to modify a pole toy also makes it one of the ideal toys for declawed cats.

Below are some ideas for using pole toys.

a cat wand toy
Another wand toy!

More Ideas For Using Wand/Pole Toys

You can make your own pole toys or enhance a pole toy you already have.

Wrap crinkled paper around the toy on the pole. Crinkled paper may be easier for your declawed cat to grab.

Tip: Don’t just wave wand toy from side to side or tantalizingly out of the cat’s reach. 

Rather, try to replicate the behavior of prey, where the toy might be dragged along the ground, then stops and freezes and moves away again.

Picture a rat and how it would run from prey! Ok, you get the idea, I’m sure.

Cats are natural hunters, which means that they love catching prey.

To keep your kitty happy and contented it’s important to give him treats once he catches a toy in his paws or mouth, after play has wound down significantly! 

Giving a treat will also signal the end of playtime – just like how cats typically treat their kills (I mean you don’t want this cute creature eating what was left behind). 

Move the wand under pillows, bedding or rugs and turn it into hide-and seek with your kitty!

When you have hidden the wand underneath something, then stop moving for minute. The cat will pounce on top of the rug or bedding. 

Move the wand away again, keeping it level with the surface.  Now stop and kitty will pounce again and catch his prey. Clever kitty!

    You can buy pole/ wand toys and add accessories, such as crinkled paper. These colourful crinkled metallic paper balls are cheap and easy to add to a wand.

    Here are a variety of cat wands

    Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

    3. Kicking Toys

    If you want your kitty to have an outlet for their innate desire to scratch, this can be accomplished with a kicking toy.

    Kicking toys can benefit your declawed cat, particularly if the cat is declawed in the front but still has rear claws. 

    Larger kicking toys will be easier for the cat to hold.

    When he catches hold of the toy, tickle your cat’s tummy. He will be prompted to hold onto the toy and bunny kick with his back legs.

    Potaroma Flopping Fish


    This is the ultimate fish simulation toy. There have been upgrades in 2022 to the battery capacity, plus the joint mechanism has been improved to improve the lifetime of the toy. 

    There are four fish to choose from, a gorgeous ‘Nemo’ Clownfish, a Carp, a Red Carp and a Rainbow Trout. 

    A vacuum sealed catnip pouch (with catnip) is included in the package. This does not have to be used if your cat does not tolerate catnip.

    This toy is USB chargeable so no batteries to replace. Batteries always seem to run out at inconvenient times.

    Pros

    This toy is a huge success with some cats. Cats love it and won’t leave it alone.  Disclaimer: No guarantees, kitties will not be swayed and will make up their own minds.

    The catnip is very popular. The quality of the catnip is a definite plus.

    Cons

    Some cats are scared of the flipping motion of the fish.

    Noisy on a wooden floor.

    Some cat owners would like the flopping time to be adjustable to suit their cat.

    Specifications

    The package includes 1 flopping fish, 1 USB cable, and 1 catnip pouch.

    There are four different fish to choose from.  The toy is made from a soft and durable plush fabric which is non toxic.

    The USB charging cable is included. The motor can be removed when the washable cover needs a clean.

    The catnip Banana Kicking Toy is another toy for declawed cats that is recommended.

    Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Cat Toy

    Yeowww! Catnip Toy, Yellow Banana

    About

    This is a simple toy. It is a catnip product made entirely of organic catnip, with no fillers.  It is made in the USA.

    The curved shape makes it easier for a cat to hold and a declawed cat can position paws to grasp the banana.

    It’s been around for a long time and is still a popular toy.

    The banana will eventually become gross from all the licking and chewing, so buy a new one. It is hard to say how long one will last, but I have seen 4 years mentioned and mended with duct tape.

    Cats will lie on it, hug it it, wrestle with it, kick it and generally just love it to death.

    Specifications

    The fabric is cotton.  The dyes used are soy or vegetable based so it is safe for your cat to chew on and bite. It is 7 inches long. The catnip is 1005 organic and no fillers are used.

    Pinterest image - how-to-choose-toys-for-declawed-cats

    Is Your Declawed Cat Always Anxious?

    Declawed cats can suffer from anxiety. 

    It is not surprising that declawed cats have anxiety problems because their main form of defense, their claws, have been removed. Not only that, because of the declawing operation, the cat may now find it difficult to hold and grab toys and may show little interest in playing with toys unless encouraged patiently.

    I take my hat off to any of you reading this blog who may have rehomed a declawed cat.

    There are some aids to help with anxiety.  

    This Purr Pillow by Petstages is a soothing and comforting cat toy.

    Purr Pillow by Petstages 

    a comforting pillow for anxious cats

    The toy has a touch activated purr to help soothe anxious cats.  The purr lasts about two minutes.

    The pillow is made from soft fabric, perfect for snoozing. This pillow is not meant to be thick or warm, and it does not go in the microwave. Petstages have other pillows to fulfill that function.

    To launder the fabric shell, the purr mechanism can be removed. If the outer shell gets grubby, I would suggest giving it a quick handwash rather than using the washing machine.  Things last longer when they are hand-washed.

    This is a soothing pillow for anxious cats (and some adults have used it also).

    Pros

    It does exactly what it is meant to do, soothes anxious cats.

    Some cat owners have used the purr pillow on their own bed at night to keep cats away from the head area.

    Cons

    Initially the purr can be too loud for some cats.  Persevere and turn it on from time to time because cats do change their minds.

    Specifications

    The purr pillow measures 8 x 2 x 13.5 inches. It weighs 1.92 ounces. It is suitable for cats and kittens. The fabric is polyester. The purr box is removable, and the cover can be washed. Batteries are supplied with the toy. The battery size is LR44; 3 are required.

    Related Reading: Nail Caps are an alternative to declawing. Read about the pros and cons. Here are some fun cat nail caps.

    Although it’s always important to be patient with your cat, never force them to do anything they’re uncomfortable with.

    If you’ve been trying to get your declawed cat to play and have yet to succeed, try switching up their toys.

    There are plenty of safe and fun options out there for cats of all ages, so find what makes your kitty happiest and go from there!

    vector - two cats reading
    Our declawed friends have a tough time of it!

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