Introducing Cats to Kitty KONG®

Kitty KONG, made from our durable rubber formula, is more than just an entertaining toy—it’s a tool that sparks play and provides an outlet for cats’ instinctive behaviors like batting, pouncing, and licking. With the right approach, you can ensure your cat not only enjoys their new Kitty KONG but also benefits from playing with it. Let’s discover how to introduce your cat to Kitty KONG and other tips for creating more fun-filled moments.  

Start with Easy Wins  

Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your cat likely won’t become a Kitty KONG pro overnight. To first introduce your cat to their new favorite toy, KONG Trainer Amy Leewood suggests starting small with “easy wins” to build interest. Begin by filling Kitty KONG with loose kibble or particularly tasty dry treats that spill out with just a little movement. Demonstrate how the treats come out by dragging Kitty KONG across the floor or giving it a bounce. Not only will this cause the treats to fall out, but its erratic movement and mouse-like shape will entice your cat’s desire to hunt.  

After repeating this process a few times, encourage your cat to bat the toy themselves to shake out the treats. Leewood adds, “If you make Kitty KONG too difficult of a challenge right away, cats might get frustrated and lose interest. By getting the treat easily at first, they naturally build a positive association and muscle memory.”  

Up the Ante with Wet Food

Once your cat has mastered getting loose treats out, you may want to increase the challenge. To prolong play, fill about a third or half of Kitty KONG with dry kibble, then cap it off with feline-friendly wet food like KONG Salmon Mousse or tuna. Acting as a seal at the top, the wet food keeps the activity exciting, encouraging your cat to lick, sniff, and bat at the toy until they get every delicious morsel. It’s a great reward for their persistence while keeping them entertained for longer.  

Create the Ultimate Challenge  

For the Kitty KONG enthusiast, take things up a notch by stuffing it with a mix of wet and dry food and freezing it. Advanced Kitty KONG users may also enjoy “hunting” for their KONGs around the house. Start by setting the toy in a nearby, easy-to-spot location and gradually increase the distance and difficulty. It’s like a treasure hunt that encourages cats to use their senses and instincts to find their snacks.  

If your cat seems frustrated when you increase the difficulty, it’s likely the challenge has become too difficult. It’s important to keep these games fun and rewarding to prevent them from becoming disinterested. “Every pet is different,” Leewood reminds us. “While some may be able to do more advanced levels easily, others might not. Some might never be able to advance to a bigger challenge and others may always want more of a challenge. Find the level that works best for your cat and work off that!”  

Bonus Tips  

• Incorporate catnip: To encourage longer, more energetic play sessions, add a sprinkle of catnip inside or spray Kitty KONG with KONG Naturals Catnip Spray for a convenient way to maximize the fun.
• Destructive cat? Try this: If your cat has a knack for destroying toys, consider an extra-small KONG Classic or small KONG Extreme instead. While they may be designed with dogs in mind, they are made from tougher rubber that destructive cats have a harder time tearing apart.  
• Make it interactive: Play with Kitty KONG together by spinning, rolling, or tossing it for them to chase.  
• Get creative with the stuffing: If you’re feeling inspired, spice things up by stuffing Kitty KONG with delicious recipes like the Mother’s Day Breakfast or Chicken Pot Pie. 

If your cat loves their Kitty KONG, we want to know! Let us in on the fun by sharing your photos on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn using #CatsNeedToPlay and #KONGCat.  

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Fun Fact: Cats Need to Play® to live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. While domestic cats have their lifestyles to accommodate humans, they still need to express natural behaviors and receive daily mental and physical stimulation. Without appropriate outlets, cats may resort to undesirable behaviors such as scratching non-toy items and knocking items off shelves. Providing enrichment tools like Kitty KONG supports their overall well-being while offering a solution to their instinctive desires. Leewood says, “Providing enrichment to our cats is very important for their mental stimulation and overall well-being. Kitty KONG fulfills so many needs and instinctual desires all within just one toy!”