With so many different types on the market, shopping for a cat toy can sometimes be a daunting task; there are some no-brainers in the pet store, however. For instance, a scratching post is always a good investment. Some people prefer the more durable ones, made of wood, carpet, sometimes rope. It's a valid choice for those who are looking for something low maintenance. I recommend the cardboard ones, though; they come in regular and double wide, and often come with a packet of catnip to sprinkle over it (It's a rare cat that doesn't have a soft spot for catnip). They're made with recycled material, so they're good for the planet as well as for your furry friend.

Another item that is sure to please is the Cats Claws Feline Flyer, an interactive teaser made of sturdy feathers (The feathers are very realistic, but not real) suspended from a thin but durable rope at the end of a plastic wand. The feathers rotate as they soar through the air, sounding much like a bird in flight. My cat gets quite an exercise chasing after it, and I get a laugh watching her leap through the air in pursuit. Also, I do rescue work on the side and have trapped stray and feral cats, using this toy as bait; as far as I can see, it's irresistible.

Speaking of irresistible, you can't go wrong with a pack of fur (faux fur) mice. My cat gives them two paws up, sometimes four. She readily plays with the mice on her own, enthusiastically slapping them around the house. She also enjoys when I throw them for her to chase. The only downside is that they sometimes end up under the furniture, but that can happen with any small toy. Besides, my cat quite likes it when the mice play hard to get. She enjoys the challenge of stalking and capturing her prey.

A close second to the fur mice, are balls with bells enclosed. Your cat might prefer a soft, shaggy ball or one that's filled with catnip. My cat gravitates to the plastic lattice balls, because she can get a good grip on them using her claws, and her claws don't get stuck inside, like they do with fabric. She's also pretty fond of the TLC Cat-N-Mouse Cat toy, a circular device with a mouse inside that the cat bats at, making it "run" around the track. This type of toy is made by various companies and sometimes includes a scratching post, so it's best to comparison shop for this item.

All cats are different with unique tastes, but the toys listed above have extremely good track records and, as an individual who works closely with animals, I highly recommend them. For those of you who have pressing financial concerns in these difficult times, I suggest you buy some catnip and pour a good amount into an old sock. Tie the open end off and give it to your cat. I am confident that they will appreciate the gesture, catnip being their "drug" of choice. Remember, the best gifts are the ones that come from the heart.