Cats like feather toys because they are attracted to the movement of the feathers. This is because they are predators and they are used to chasing prey.
Unless you have a very large cat, a feather toy is not going to be big enough for them to play with. Some of the best cat toys are those that have small, moving parts that cats love to bat around. If you have a cat that is a little older, or if you just don't have enough space to store a lot of toys, a subscription to a pet delivery service like PetFusion can keep your cat entertained for hours on end.
Cats are known to lick things they are drawn to, which may be due to their natural behavior of grooming. See also Why is my cat sitting in the rain?
It is known that cats lick things they are drawn to because of their natural behavior of grooming. This behavior is done to keep their coat clean and healthy, and to stimulate their taste buds.
There are a few reasons why your cat may lick the feathers on her toys. One reason is that she may be trying to get more of her own scent onto the toy to mark it as hers. Another reason may be that she is trying to remove some other scent from the toy. Yet another reason may be that she simply enjoys the feeling of the feathers. See also Why do cats shake their back legs after eating?
Also, it's important to note that cats typically groom themselves much more than humans do. Consequently, their toys may not look as clean as yours, and they may be licking them to get more of their own scent onto the toy and make it more theirs. See also Why do cats dig in blankets?
Cats in the wild typically hunt and catch small birds for their feathers which are a good source of protein.
The domesticated cat, however, is typically fed a diet that consists of meat, which is not a good source of protein. This has led to some concerns that the cat's hunting instincts may be diminished if it is not given the opportunity to hunt small birds. See also Why do cats carry things in their mouths?
When cats lick feathers, they are trying to get a taste and feel of the prey they would catch in the wild. There's no need to worry if your cat licks their feathery toys; it's not a bad habit. See also Why does my cat watch me clean his or her litter?
While licking their feathery toys may not seem like a big deal, it is actually an important behavior for cats. Licking their toys helps them to learn how to catch prey in the wild. When cats lick their feathers, they are getting a taste of the prey they would catch in their natural habitat.
Cats spend a lot of time licking the feathers on their toys. Some people think that cats like the taste of feathers. Others think that cats lick feathers to clean them.
When a cat licks the feathers on its toy, it is probably cleaning it. Cats usually lick everything they touch, including their toys, to clean them.
Cats may lick their toys as a way to relax. Some cats also enjoy the texture and smell of new toys. By licking the toy, the cat is able to mark it with their scent.
While some cats enjoy the texture and smell of new toys, others may lick them to relax or mark them with their scent. Licking a toy can provide the cat with a sense of satisfaction and can help to relieve boredom or stress.
The birds like the feathers because they smell like prey and the birds are instinctively drawn to that smell. There is no harm in this unless the bird tears the feathers off and eats them.
The common crows like to gather feathers from different types of birds because they believe that the feathers can give them power. The crows will often strip the feathers from the wings and backs of their prey, often tearing the delicate material. They will then eat the feathers, believing that they will gain strength and power from them.
One of the most popular toys for cats is a wand with a large feather at the end. This toy is popular because it can be easily moved around, just like a prey animal in the wild would move.
The common misconception about cats and feather wands is that cats love to swat at the wand with their paws. In fact, cats usually only swat the wand if it's moved quickly and unpredictably. The feather on the end of the wand can be batted around, just like a real feather would, and this can be a fun game for your cat.