Best Toys for American Shorthair Cats — Adeline's Top Picks

American Shorthair cats are wonderfully adaptable — they enjoy play but aren't demanding about it. They're happy to play with you when you have time and equally content to entertain themselves when you're busy. This makes them one of the easiest breeds to keep happy. **Classic Toys Work Best** American Shorthairs don't need elaborate electronic toys or specialized equipment. Classic toys — feather wands, crinkle balls, catnip mice, and cardboard scratchers — are their favorites. They're not fussy. **Scratching is Important** American Shorthairs are enthusiastic scratchers. Provide multiple scratching surfaces — a tall sisal post, a cardboard scratcher, and a horizontal scratcher. This protects your furniture and gives them essential nail maintenance and stress relief. **Moderate Play Sessions** Two 10–15 minute play sessions daily is sufficient for most American Shorthairs. They enjoy play but don't demand the 30+ minutes that high-energy breeds like Bengals require. They're excellent for owners with moderate time for play. **Solo Entertainment** American Shorthairs are independent enough to entertain themselves. A window perch with a bird feeder outside, a cardboard box, or a paper bag provides hours of self-directed entertainment. **Catnip** Most American Shorthairs respond well to catnip. Catnip toys, catnip spray on a scratcher, or fresh catnip provide excellent enrichment and encourage play.