There are the right toys, and there are the wrong toys. Which ones does your cat play with?

Your playful pussycat may turn everything from a ball of newspaper to a paper grocery sack into a toy, but that doesn't mean she doesn't appreciate the real thing. You can keep your pet active and safeguard her health by picking the proper toys.

The advantages: Your feline friend will stay healthy both mentally and physically, she'll hone her social skills and coordination, and she'll get the exercise she needs to help prevent health problems like obesity. Plenty of play also keeps her entertained, which can head off behavior problems that stem from boredom.

The Wrong Toys

String, rubber bands, ribbon, needles and thread, and twine all make tempting toys for your cat, but they aren't safe. If these types of objects lodge in her stomach or intestines, surgery could be required to save her.

Household objects like buttons and wads of aluminum foil are also dangerous because they sometimes wind up in your cat's stomach, causing perforation or blockages. Bottles and bottle caps that previously contained chemicals, cleaning products, or other dangerous substances can be toxic or otherwise harmful.

If your cat stalks the electrical cords in your house, invest in cord protectors or small PVC piping so she can't chew on the cords, which could burn her mouth - or worse.

Finally, don't ever use your hand as a toy; this encourages aggressive behavior toward people and could lead to an accident if she nibbles too hard on a guest. Plus, contact with your cat's teeth and claws can hurt.

Use a stuffed animal or toy instead when you play with her. This way she can still "attack" without hurting you, and she won't learn that it's okay to play rough with people.

The Right Toys

Your cat may enjoy balls, mice, and stuffed toys, but she likes playing with you the best, so use your cat's toys to play with her. Try play sessions once or twice a day, and stop if your pet seems bored or uninterested.

Interactive toys, like plastic fishing poles or balls with bells inside, make the best choices - especially with older cats, who lose interest in objects that just lie around.

Don't leave interactive toys out after playtime. Your pet will be less entertained by the toy come playtime if she always has access to it. What's more, these playthings sometimes have small parts that you don't want your cat to consume.