Playing with a cat, contrary to public opinion, is not like playing with a child or another adult. It is its own experience with its own rewards and misadventures. When you play a game with a cat, whether you know it or not, it is the cat who chooses the game and makes the rules, which are subject at any moment to cat change. When it comes to diversion, however, cats are much more inventive than those of us who walk on two legs.
A piece of ribbon or string can make a cat of any age very happy for a little while. Always fascinated by movement, a sliding ribbon, even if it is the cat’s paw causing the sliding), is too strong a temptation for a cat looking for a little fun to pass up. An owner (if that is ever possible with a cat) can pitch in and throw the ribbon or string about, but the cat will have fun playing by itself even if you are not so inclined.
Even if you mean well, if you want to retain your own sanity, (and perhaps you don’t; I am making an assumption), do not buy any toys for your cat that have ringers or buzzers in them. You will have to trust me on this fact; you will be sorry of you do.
One toy that almost always works with a cat is the ubiquitous paper bag. Cats love to get inside and be covered by the bag and seem to enjoy the crinkling noises that accompany their movements.
Whichever toy you choose for your beloved pet, it can never be a substitute for playing with them. Get down with kitty and try and see things from a cat’s eye view. Some toys are interactive and require manual manipulation of kites and feathers dangling from plastic rods. These are fine. Also, peacock feathers are wonderful toys. Wait till your local peacock is not looking and then, you know what to do.
Whatever you do, have fun with your cat. Even if kitty might have nine lives, YOU only have one. Enhance it with your beloved pet. It will be fun for both of you!