At Dog.Dog.Cat., we often hear pet parents say, "My dog lives to chase squirrels!" or "My cat is obsessed with her rabbit fur toy." Which raises a fun question: Do our pets know what they're playing with? And more importantly, are they naturally drawn to toys that resemble the animals they instinctively want to chase?
Let’s explore how dogs and cats respond to prey-mimicking toys, why real animal materials spark unique interest, and how to pick toys that tap into your pet’s primal play drive.
Do Dogs Recognize Specific Animal Toys Like Rabbits or Squirrels? Not exactly. Dogs aren’t identifying toys as "this is a rabbit" or "this is a squirrel." What they are responding to is:
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Movement (quick, jerky, like prey)
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Size and shape (small animals that fit in the mouth)
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Sounds (squeaks mimic distress calls)
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Texture (soft fur or fuzzy tails mimic live animals)
So when a dog is obsessed with a squirrel-shaped plush, it’s their prey drive that’s activated, not species recognition.
Do Dogs or Cats Know What Animal Fur or Wool Comes From? Thanks to their incredible sense of smell, dogs and cats can absolutely tell that real rabbit fur, sheepskin, or wool is different from synthetics. While they may not associate it with a live animal they’ve seen before, these materials carry natural oils and scents that trigger instinctive behaviors.
Here’s why real fur and wool matter:
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Rabbit fur has a lightweight, soft texture that flutters when tossed, triggering pouncing.
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Sheepskin and wool contain lanolin, a natural oil that cats (and some dogs) find deeply appealing—many cats will lick or knead wool repeatedly.
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Natural feathers tap into feline hunting instincts more than plastic or synthetic versions.
This is why toys made with real fur or wool often receive more attention, especially from high-prey-drive pets.
Toys That Tap into Prey Drive: Our Top Picks You’ll find a curated selection at Dog.Dog.Cat. that plays to those instincts:
For Dogs:
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VIP Mighty Rabbit – Big, floppy, and tough. Great for shaking and carrying.
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HuggleHounds Woodland Knotties – Knotted limbs and floppy ears make them ideal for tug and shake.
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Fab Dog Squirrel Rope Toy – A squeaky, tuggy squirrel that flies through the air like the real deal.
For Cats:
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Rabbit Fur Pom Pom Teaser Wand – Combines genuine rabbit fur and feathers for maximum instinctual play.
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Fur & Feather Toss Toys – Real fur, feather, and wool blends that cats stalk, bat, and carry like prey.
Why This Matters Providing toys that tap into your pet’s natural instincts is more than just fun—it’s mental and physical enrichment. Prey-style play satisfies their need to chase, pounce, chew, and shake, helping reduce boredom and stress.
Looking for something irresistible? Visit us in-store or at www.dogdogcat.com for instinct-driven dog and cat toys made with the real stuff.
🐾 Natural materials. Real instincts. Happier pets.