Amusing playtime is paramount to foster the human-cat connection. Lexie Lee has a myriad of cat toys to bat around, to chew on, and to have imaginary fights with. But recently on an excursion to a pet shop to buy cat food (but to really play with the cats that are there every Saturday for adoption!), I browse the cat toy aisle. A toy that requires me to play as well attracts my attention.

The toy is simple, and the rules are easy. Quite simply, three colorful feathers suspend on a string from the end of a thin, flexible pole. I select dark blue and purple feathers. I consider orange and red feathers; maybe I will get them later for replacement feathers. It reminds me of the days I went fishing with my father using a cane fishing pole with a red round ball dangling on the end. Although I wasn't very good at fishing, I think I can master this cat game!

All I have to do is hold the pole and swing it around at varying speeds and heights while Lexie Lee feverishly tries to catch the feathers. She is quite adept at this game. Sometimes, she grabs the feathers in her mouth and pulls them to the floor. Other times, she uses her paw to capture them. Once she was so quick and strong, I dropped the pole and she ran off with it to hide under a table-- feathers in her mouth and the pole dragging along behind her! She leaps high in the air, spins around 360 degrees, and turns summersaults! We keep up these antics until she flops down to rest!

The package cautions that the toy must be hidden between play sessions or your cat will destroy it! I quickly see why, so I hide it in the pantry. Lexie Lee already knows the secret spot, so whenever I open the door, she wants to play. I can see I will be back for those orange feathers soon--probably this Saturday!

What is your cat's favorite store-bought toy?

Happy Purrs!