String and ribbon are dangerous unsupervised. Cats cannot spit out linear objects because of backward-facing tongue barbs, so swallowed string causes intestinal obstruction. Put wand toys away between sessions.

Catnip does not work on every cat. Roughly a third of cats do not respond, and the trait is genetic. Silvervine and valerian work on many cats who ignore catnip entirely.

Puzzle feeders slow eating and occupy minds. Feeding part of the daily ration through a puzzle gives an indoor cat a job. Particularly useful for overweight cats and for households out at work all day.

Laser pointers need a real ending. A dot that vanishes leaves a cat unable to complete the hunt, which builds frustration. Finish by landing the laser on a physical toy or treat the cat can actually catch.