Photo Source: Amazon
Key Points
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The erratic movements of the spinning ball and feathers attract your cat's attention.
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The SmartyKat Feather Whirl promotes physical exercise and mental stimulation.
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The ball has a weighted bottom, so it always comes back to an upright position.
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The automatic shutoff gives your cat a break; this is especially good for a senior cat who may tire more easily.
Indoor cats often become bored with the same old toys. Liven things up with the SmartyKat Feather Whirl.
This interactive cat toy stimulates your cat's hunting instincts while providing entertainment for you as well. Watch them bat at the moving feathers that flutter and spin at the top of the wand.
Interactive toys are good for any cat, but especially those bored and prone to destructive behaviors. They need an alternative for their instinctual desires.
Read through this review and see if it fits your cat's personality and play style.
Feather Whirl Electronic Motion Wand Cat Toy
$14.72
by SmartyKat
Buy Now
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08/18/2024 06:16 am GMT
Who Needs the SmartyKat Feather Whirl and Why
by SmartyKat
Are you a pet owner with an indoor cat? Does your cat tell you (in not so many words) that they get tired of having nothing to do? Then, you need the SmartyKat Feather Whirl.
What cat doesn't like feathers? This ball has a short feather wand for your cat to play with. Unlike other wands, this one doesn't require you to move it. The spinning ball does all the work for you.
The Pet Funny posted a YouTube video on June 11, 2023, of a cat playing with this whirling toy.
It's available in several stores and online, including Amazon, Walmart, Chewy, and Tractor Supply.
Many customers say their cats love this toy and that it keeps them engaged for long periods of time. Don't worry; they don't get worn out. This toy has an automatic shutoff to give your cat a rest.
This is also good to keep them from becoming bored. Limit their play sessions with the toy and switch it out with other types like plush toys. The variety of options helps your cat to stay curious and engaged.
Just because this toy is automatic doesn't mean you should leave them alone with it. Monitor their play with the wand and remove damaged parts. The company offers replacement feather wands when yours inevitably becomes worn out.
If you're afraid of your cat swallowing a feather, other replacement wands are available, too, including ones with a butterfly bow and streamer ribbons. These replacement wands also work for other SmartyKat toys.
You can also remove the wand entirely and turn on the spinning ball. This may be enough to interest your bored cat.
If you work from home, this electronic cat toy doesn't disturb your job. Its quiet whirring isn't as annoying as other toys with bells and bird sounds. Allow your cats to play by themselves while you keep an eye on them. The SmartyKat is a great distraction for your cat while you try to get some work done.
This toy runs on two AA batteries secured with screws so your cat can't access them. The expected battery life is 15 hours, so have new batteries on hand.
Benefits of Electronic Cat Toys
Moving objects immediately draws the attention of felines. Their eyes fixate on the fluttering movements of feathers, especially. Feathers represent one of a cat's natural prey, the bird.
The fact that this toy moves on its own makes it even more appealing. Cats are intelligent and know when your hand is at the other end of a wand or other toy. When they see this ball spinning and feathers fluttering, they have the desire to pounce and swat at it as if it's live prey.
Interactive play strengthens the bond between you and your cat, and it's good to carve out those times together. Sometimes, your cat prefers to play on their own or with other cats. The Feather Whirl creates that opportunity.
The Animal Behavior College writes about the benefits of electronic toys:
"Electronic cat toys offer cats an opportunity to play on their own or with each other and simultaneously hone their instinctive needs to pounce and hunt. There is a fabulous selection to choose from to keep felines in play mode for spurts of 10 to 15 minutes at a time."
Experts agree that a 10 to 15-minute play session twice a day is a good standard for playing with your cat. This offers the opportunity to use up stored energy but also allows for plenty of rest.
Ensure your cat receives plenty of exercise, especially when they spend most or all of their time indoors. They don't have the chance to chase birds and other prey outside, so as a responsible pet owner, it's your job to make sure they get the physical activity they need.
Staying active reduces your cat's risk of developing conditions like obesity, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and high blood pressure. A balanced diet is a great start, but you must pair that with exercise.
Pros and Cons
The SmartyKat Feather Whirl attracts your cat's attention and is an effective distraction. After a while, though, your cat may become bored with it. That's why it's important to limit their exposure to this toy.
Alternate different toys that stimulate different senses and instincts. Put this toy away and give them a plush toy to play with. When you bring out the Feather Whirl, it seems new again.
The feathers on the wand are very attractive to cats. They get them to swat and play with this toy. However, feathers are delicate and easy to destroy. Your cat may rip them out after a few play sessions.
This automated toy provides a hands-free way to play with your cat. Because of the feathers, you shouldn't leave your cat alone with it. Pieces of the feather may become choking hazards if your cat tries to swallow them.
Customers like that there's an automatic shutoff to give their cats a break. They would prefer the ball to be motion-activated so they don't have to push the button to turn it on every time.
The biggest drawback is that in response to an inquiry from Cattitude Daily, the company says that the Feather Whirl is a discontinued product, but it's still available from a few retailers. If you want to try this one out, you must act quickly. SmartyKat offers a few similar products like the Twirl 'N Peak and Silly Spinner.
by SmartyKat
Give It a Whirl
Your bored cat needs to expend some energy and act out some instinctual behaviors. Other toys may not interest them, so give this one a whirl.
Remember that all cats' preferences are unique. If your cat doesn't like this toy at first, try a different wand or put it in a box with holes in it. Some cats are more intrigued by the mystery this creates.
Give the Feather Whirl a spin and see how your cat reacts. More than likely, it catches their eye and has their head spinning.
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