Picky Cat -Cat Toys

(Ontario, Canada)

Being a cat fanatic, I've researched the web and gotten advice from other cat owners of what to buy my cat for playtime. However, I'm disappointed in the reaction of my picky cat.

I've bought him ping pong balls and also a soft toy stuffed with catnip shaped like a chicken leg. He has sniffed it, batted it a bit and walked away. Like come on....doesn't like catnip??

Beforehand I bought him a trio of Hartz Mice and he seems to love them. Since he played with them so much, he has destroyed two of them already and I never leave him home alone with them since they have attachements (bell, felt ears, tail and small string whiskers).

According to my last question, I want to buy him toys in which I can leave with him at home alone and are not hazardous. But it seems like he doesn't enjoy the balls and/or the chicken leg!! I'm running out of ideas and wasting money in the long run. I don't mind spoiling my cat but I never know what he likes (except for the mice).

What else can I do to keep my cat happy with safe toys while he's home alone?

By the way....we can't get another cat because my hubby wants a dog when we buy our own house. A cat tree seems like a good idea but I thought of getting it for him for Christmas.