Cat toy with music string component

US6883465B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Steve Telford · Livermore, US
• John Telford · Colle di Val d'Elsa, IT

Key dates

• Filing date: May 29, 2003
• Grant date: Apr 26, 2005
• Expiry date: May 29, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A01K15/025
• WIPO field: Other special machines
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A stringed cat toy to encourage playful activity and exercise in cats and healthy interaction between cat owners and their pets. The cat toy comprises an elongated music string with a small handle securely connected at one end and an object which is attractive to cats secured at the opposite end. The preferred cat toy string is selected from a group of composite strings used for instruments such as the cello, bass or violin, which are of low tensile strength and are designed for low-frequency vibration on the order of about 100 Hertz or less. The dynamic properties of the composite string facilitate interesting movements of the attractor, preferably a horse hair tassel, when the handle is rotated. The motion of the attractor appears to be a life-like and erratic movement that simulates prey and stimulates natural predatory instincts within the cat to encourage the animal to leap at the object. Such playful activity both exercises the cat and promotes beneficial interaction between cat and owner.