Playtime isn't only a fun and rewarding part of a cat's daily routine, but crucial to their physical health and emotional wellbeing. There are many benefits associated with play, as discussed in this post: How to Play with Cats of All Ages: Motivation Tips and Tricks.

Some of these benefits include:

• Exercise and mobility.

• Weight management.

• Exploration of the environment.

• Sensory enrichment.

• Socialisation and bonding.

• Confidence building.

• Mental stimulation.

• Behavioural therapy.

While toys can be categorised according to a cat's age, it also helps to consider their breed and personality type. Generally speaking, playtime should focus on igniting those predatory instincts for maximum effect. Kittens have a lot of energy to burn off and play helps with the socialisation period, which is between 2-7 weeks of age. It can also have a crucial role in resolving conflict between household cats.

Related post: Feline Aggression: How to Stop Cats Fighting and Attacking Other Cats

Seniors may be more suited to sensory enrichment and mental challenges, such as puzzles to keep the mind active. However, a lot of it depends on energy levels which will vary from cat to cat, just as with people.

Head straight to the 12 types of cat toys and play games:

1. Balls

2. Feathers

3. Soft Toys

4. Laser Pointers

5. Wands or Teasers

6. Catnip Toys

7. Interactive

8. Treat Dispensers

9. Tunnels, Huts and Boxes

10. Scratch Posts

11. Videos

12. DIY

A search for cat toys on Amazon will result in pages and pages of offerings, but the truth is that almost anything can be a toy: bits of screwed up paper, string, elastic bands, shoe laces, twigs, cardboard boxes. My boys love it when I come up with new inventions, however basic they are. Cats are easily bored so variety counts - just be sure to supervise to prevent them from swallowing anything they shouldn't.

Simply, your cats will tell you what they want to play with in the same way they make all of their other demands. Cats that love to chase may favour balls, mice, laser pointers or as mentioned above, something as simple as flicking elastic bands across a room. You know cats rule the house when it's littered with bands and paper balls!

Below is a summary of the most common types of cat toys.

1. Balls

A simple option, but here's where variety counts. Texture is important to cats, whether it's toys, bedding or food - if your cat has a preference then you'll likely know about it. You can choose from crinkle balls, rubber balls, fluffy balls, plastic balls; and balls with bell, feather or string attachments.

We associate balls more with dogs, so why do cats love playing with them? They're small, fast-moving and lightweight - just like rodents. If your kitty isn't enthused by chasing and batting or prefers a more realistic prey, then ball games probably won't hold their interest. Similarly, an older cat may not be able to keep up with runaway balls that have a tendency to disappear under furniture!

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2. Feathers

Feathers are a popular choice and, again, they come in a variety of styles. From wands to ball attachments, and even mice with feather tails!

Cats are attracted to feathers for multiple reasons: they mimic natural prey, have realistic fluttering motions and are often brightly coloured. While cats don't see colours in the same way we do, it's likely that they can see a few shades due to having cones or colour receptors in their eyes. Feather toys will appeal to cats who like to stalk birds, jump and pounce.

You do need to be cautious with feathers as they're not easily digestible and can cause intestinal obstructions or choking if swallowed. This might sound scary, but all toys should be offered under supervision or replaced if damaged. Look for natural feather toys over artificial ones, and if your kitty likes to chew then feathers that aren't heavily dyed are less likely to cause toxicity.

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3. Soft Toys

Soft or plush toys such as mice, birds and fish replicate a cat's natural prey - which could be enough to get that adrenaline pumping. Or not.... but again I refer to the texture aspect. Perhaps your cat prefers a small hard mouse to a large soft bird, and some toys have a special filling that rustles or rattles when played with. Stimulating multiple senses at once provides extra enrichment for a curious kitty.

Overall, soft toys are fun to bat around, grab, scratch, chew on and even sleep with - cats enjoy their creature comforts, too! Try leaving a few poking out from behind furniture or lining the top of your sofa to arouse that kitty curiosity.

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4. Laser Pointers

This is an easy option for stimulating and controlling play, although potentially difficult for an old or blind cat to follow. It also comes with a warning, as the overuse of laser pointers carries a risk of boredom and even frustration. With nothing physical to catch, cats are lacking the necessary reward to keep them coming back for more.

Imagine sitting down to tuck into your favourite meal, only to have it repeatedly snatched away. Sooner or later, you're either going to give up or punch that person in the nose. If a cat has a lot of pent-up energy or becomes overexcited, it's going to take that out on the nearest thing.

Lasers are great for chasing and burning off energy, while interactive options make it easier than ever to entertain cats when you're away from home. Just make sure kitty has a physical toy to bat around and gnaw on if desired.

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5. Wands or Teasers

Wands and teasers never get boring and provide an array of exciting play options. From simple feather wands to retractable teasers with inter-changeable ends (feathers, fish, worms, etc). Wire, cord or spring "arms" give realistic motions and flight simulation for cats that love to jump and pounce.

Use wands and teasers to unleash the predator within, stimulate the senses and keep a kitty's mind laser sharp. Using different heights, levels and speeds encourages cats to anticipate the next move for a well-earned catch.

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6. Catnip Toys

You're probably aware of catnip and the euphoric effect it has on our furry friends. Catnip is a herb belonging to the mint family that can be bought in dried blends, sprays, licking balls or infused toys for an extra "buzz" and to encourage interaction.

In a hyperactive response, you may see cats zoom around and nuzzle toys that are either stuffed, sprayed or sprinkled with the substance. Not all cats are reactive to catnip, some may be immune or simply zone out. You can also spray or sprinkle dried catnip onto scratch mats, bedding and cat trees.

Find out more about the benefits of catnip and it's more potent competitor, silvervine.

Related post: 15 Best Catnip Toys, Blends and Sprays

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7. Interactive

Interactive or battery-operated toys come in many forms: rolling balls, fluttering butterflies, flapping fish, whack-a-feather, laser devices and so much more. These are usually high energy toys that keep cats motivated and improve cognition. It's the closest you can get to real-life prey and, again, it's best to choose one that most resonates with your cat's hunting or prey preferences.

The great thing about interactive toys is that it gives parents a break and provides hours of fun even when no one's home. Although, if your cats are anything like my wimpy duo then they're more likely to be terrified than entertained!

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8. Treat Dispensers

Treat dispensers, also known as puzzles, are designed to release a cat's favourite treat upon interaction. It encourages cats to either bat the toy around so treats fall out of the holes, or use its paw to physically pick them out. This is not only good for brain function but combines exercise and play with feeding, as the cat is effectively "hunting" for its treats.

You can also use kibble in dispensers as a feeding method to prevent cats from scoffing their food too quickly or all at once, which can cause vomiting, digestive problems and obesity. While food puzzles won't harm a kitten in moderation, a growing cat requires complete meals and won't generally need an incentive to play. Besides that, the overfeeding of treats can turn an energetic kitten into a hyperactive terror!

If you have a fussy eater or your cat isn't motivated by food, you can try an easy puzzle to start with and increase the difficulty as it shows more interest. Some just need a little helping hand!

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9. Tunnels, Huts and Boxes

We all know cats love to stalk, whether that means hunting for prey or pouncing on other cats. One of my boys' favourite games is chasing each other up and down stairs and hallways, usually beginning with a carefully planned and well-timed stalk.

Tunnels, huts and even furniture provide plenty of spying opportunities for cats that enjoy playing together. It can also help timid cats to build up confidence, especially if they live with more outgoing housemates. In the wild, cats seek out small hidden spaces for protection against predators; while darkness adds another layer of comfort and security.

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10. Scratch Posts

Scratch posts, mats and boards, while not strictly a toy, have multiple benefits for cats and parents alike. Cats scratch to sharpen their claws and will happily use your carpets or furniture to do this. Offering plenty of posts, mats and boards will deter them from causing damage to your household. They also have scent glands between the pads of their paws, thus scratching provides a way of leaving their scents and visual markings so other cats know it's their territory.

Cats use scratch posts to stretch the muscles in their arms and legs, as you may have witnessed with their little "pole dance" routines. In the wild, they'd be climbing and marking trees so it's not much different in theory. You can also get corrugated cardboard scratchers that double up as beds and resting places; and posts with hanging toys such as balls and feathers.

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11. Videos

Yes, I'm talking about YouTube - we're living with modern cats in modern times. It's not unusual to see parents sticking their children in front of a tablet for entertainment, so why not apply this to our fur babies? Though more mental stimulation than physical, it's particularly great for indoor cats. Simba loves to watch wildlife videos and it's an easy way to find out what peeks your cat's killer instinct.

You can set YouTube up on your phone, computer, tablet or TV screen for your cat's viewing pleasure. From cartoon snakes, fish and bugs to live wildlife footage - there's hours of fun to be had and, what's more, it's free!

However, don't think you can get away with treating your kitten like a child with a shiny new tablet. Similar to laser pointers, you could risk overstimulation or frustration and make them even more hyperactive. Keep that screen time limited, if at all.

12. DIY

For playtime on a budget, something as basic as a cardboard box with a couple of cut-out windows will provide entertainment for your cat. Existing toys can be modified by attaching string to mice and balls or making your own teaser wands. Toilet roll tubes are a popular choice for homemade treat puzzles: simply cover the ends with paper and make a couple of holes for the treats to fall out as kitty rolls it around.

From cardboard boxes to catnip-stuffed socks, check out this fun-filled post on cheap and easy DIY cat toys.

Does your adult cat, kitten or senior have a favourite toy or game? Let us know if any of these tips helped in the comments.