With so many fun, quality pet toys available today, which pet toy makes the most sense for your pet? Which pet toy will make your cat or dog happy? Entertain him for hours on end? And be indestructible? Is there such a high-performance toy?

What is the purpose of giving your pet toys? Like toys for children, toys for pets help keep your animal friend occupied. Toys give them something to focus their minds on, or take their focus away from something else, depending on how you choose to present the toy. Toys can encourage an animal to think and to problem-solve, to interact with you or with other animals. Toys and games can teach your companion to follow rules, but only if you, the owner, put forward effort in establishing and being consistent with the rules. Toys also offer a tension release for animals who are left alone during the day.

There are many factors that can go into the purchase of a pet toy. The age of your pet should be considered when buying a toy. For example, rope toys can be wetted down, placed in the freezer overnight and given to the puppy the next day to help with relieve pain for teething, a Chuck It probably wouldn't be the best suited toy for an old arthritic dog. Some toys are more interactive or are more fun with more than one player. A tug toy wouldn't be a lot of fun with only one player. A kitty teaser lacks excitement without someone to hold it for the cat. Are you looking for something to keep your dog busy and stress free while you're at work? Kongs or Squirrel Dudes can be filled with treats and frozen plain yogurt and left out for your dog to find during the day, bones can be placed around the house. Catnip or kitty grass plants can be a treat for kitty while you're at work. Stuffed toys can offer comfort to a tired pet just as a teddy bear does a small child. When choosing a toy for you pet you should consider his activity level and personality too.

Does your dog like to chase? Balls and Frisbees are a tried and true favorite. The sound a toy makes should also be taken into consideration. Some animals are sound sensitive, and the smallest of sounds startles them, taking any joy from the toy away. On the same note, some people would prefer squeakers with less squeak. Toys need to work for everyone. Does your dog shred stuffed toys? There are toys such as Plush Puppies Egg Babies and Hide A (Bee, Bird or Squirrel) that are the perfect stuffed toy for those thinking dogs and shredding dogs. The dog can actually shred the toy (pull out the hidden toy with the squeaker located inside the toy's belly compartment) and not really shred the toy. While nothing lasts forever, these tend to last a little longer. And some dogs will actually bring you the pieces to reassemble for them, like a puzzle.

For some people choosing a toy for our pet comes down to what we like - cows, hedgehogs, ducks and how cute the toy is, a definite important consideration. After all, we need to look at it too. Many a wise pet owner has come to the realization pets need toys, if only to entertain themselves with and relieve stress. And let's be honest, most pet owners would agree it is far better to have their dog shred a stuffed toy than their favorite sweater.