The 15 Best Cat Toys (Reviews & Buying Guide)

A great toy attracts your cat’s attention and keeps it occupied for a long time (as well as improves its mood and physical condition). Many types of toys are made of various materials, such as plastic, real or artificial fur, paper, synthetic or natural wool, fabric, and metal.

What are the Best Toys for Cats? (Our Reviews)

We have identified the most popular types of toys.

1. Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy

Our top choice is a toy that is suitable for all ages and activity levels.

This is one of the most popular cat toys with a ball and track. The toy has a multi-level design with a multi-colored ball that rotates around each level. The rotation of the balls encourages cats to chase them. The toy is made of durable materials and does not contain small and sharp parts that can pose a danger to your pet.

This toy does not make loud noises while playing. Customers say that their pets play with this toy for a very long time.

Key Features:

• Gets your kitty active.
• Perfect for one or more cats.
• Designed with 3 levels of tracks.

2. PetSafe Pounce Cat Toy

Pounce is an electronic toy. The electronic mouse moves along a circular trajectory, changes direction, and hides under things – just like a real live mouse. The electric mouse’s unpredictable movements stimulate your pet’s natural instinct to chase, hunt, and pounce on prey. Pounce will automatically turn off after 10 minutes of play.

Key Features:

• Turns off automatically.
• Indoor exercise.
• You can use it for multiple cats or kittens.

3. K-berho Cat Toys Interactive

Interactive toys can replace many toys, thus saving you a lot of money. This automatic toy has more than 7 kinds of gradient LED lights that glow in different colors, stimulating interest.

Key Features:

• Provides many types of fun play.
• Safety material.
• LED color-changing lamp.

4. Cat Dancer Jungle Cat Wand

If you prefer more straightforward entertainment for your pet, here are great options for wands.

Jungle cat wand is an interactive toy that encourages your pet to run and jump. These polycarbonate sticks are durable and will not break while playing with your pet. With this toy, your pet will be provided with physical activity. The safe, interactive toy is suitable for all kittens.

Key Features:

• Provides excellent exercise.
• Made in the USA.
• Made from durable and safe material.

5. Pet Fit For Life 5 Piece Worms Teaser and Exerciser For Adult Cat and Kitten

The set includes 2 sticks, about 3 feet (0.91 m) in length, along with a cord. 5 colored ribbons and a sharp stick will ensure excellent interaction between you and your pet. Soft toys are attached to the wand with a neat, strong clasp. With these wand toys, your kitty will get its needed physical exercises. 

Key Features:

• Durable wand toy.
• Provides healthy exercise for indoor cat.
• Made from high-quality carbon fiber.

6. Frisco Plush Mouse Cat Toy

This set of toys is made in the form of mice with long tails. The toys are made of a material with a fuzzy texture so that the cat can grab the toy and bite it. Inside the toy is Canadian Catnip to attract the attention of cats more. With these toys, you can stimulate natural hunting instincts while providing your furry friend with necessary daily exercise. Also, playing helps strengthen the bond between you and your pet. ^[2]

Key Features:

• Soft texture.
• Infused with Canadian catnip.
• Stimulates your cat’s natural hunting instincts.

7. Frisco Scratch & Roll Scratcher Toy with Catnip   

This toy will attract your pet’s attention; it is made of durable material, so your furry friend can scratch and bite it for a long time. The corrugated cardboard from which the toy is made is an ideal material for sharpening the claws. Also, this toy helps keep their claws healthy and clean.

Key Features:

• Includes scratching component.
• Contains a rolling ball.
• Consists of a packet of catnip.

8. Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Chew Toy

It is important to pay sufficient attention to the health of teeth. Because owners often feed their soft food and treat, cats don’t get to bite hard objects that help clean tartar from teeth.

Key Features:

• Helps enhance dental health.
• Smells of mint and freshens the cat’s breath.
• Meets the chewing instinct.

9. Catit EcoCat Sisal Fish Cat Toy

Made from all-natural materials, this eco-friendly toy will stimulate hunting instinct. Your pet will be able to chase the toy, pounce, and play with it.

This fish-shaped toy is made of laminated, corrugated cardboard wrapped in tightly wound sisal. The toy is also decorated with feathers for additional entertainment.

Key Features:

• Made from all-natural materials.
• Does not cause allergies.
• Helps to engage your cat’s natural instincts.

10. JW Pet Cataction Rattle Ball Cat Toy

Balls are the most suitable toys for humans and cats for sure! Here are our top picks.

The popular mini rubber ball, Hol-ee Roller, is designed to entertain your pet. The cat will run after the ball, attack it, bite and scratch, thus satisfying its natural instincts.

Key Features:

• Able to withstand challenging play.
• Made from durable and safe material.
• Provides entertainment for cats.

11. Jackson Galaxy Spiral LED Ball

A set of two bright LED balls in this toy will help you attract your pet’s attention. The Galaxy Spiral LED bulb lights up on impact and then turns off after 30 seconds of inactivity.

Key Features:

• Internal LED lights.
• Quickly switched out or replaced.
• Does not cause allergies.

12. Petlinks System Pure Commotion Electronic Activity Cat Toy 

The outstanding options of toys for occupied parents who want to keep their kitty busy and entertained.

The beautiful feathers that adorn this toy will mesmerize your pet. Thanks to this toy, your furry friend will meet its physical activity needs. The toy is perfect for busy owners and their playful pets and encourages exercise at the touch of a button.

Key Features:

• Engages your cat’s natural instincts.
• Ideal for busy pet owners.
• Provides exercises.

13. Leaps & Bounds Seek & Swat Snake Cat Toy

A toy in the form of a snake will definitely interest your pet. The toy can move independently and imitate the appearance of a living creature. Using optical sensors, this mechanical toy starts moving when your cat enters the room, drawing its attention to the mobile games they crave. ^[4]

Key Features:

• Charges via a USB port.
• USB charging cable.
• It will reverse itself when it detects an obstacle.

14. FroliCat BOLT Laser Cat Toy

FroliCat BOLT Automatic Laser Toy promotes healthy physical exercise by entertaining your pet in an attractive, exciting way. The automatic timer is set for 15 minutes and provides your pet with continuous play. An adjustable mirror allows the laser to pass over different surfaces.

Key Features:

• Promotes healthy exercise.
• Hold BOLT for interactive play.
• Contains an automatic timer.

15. Leaps & Bounds Crinkle Cat Tunnel

This large tunnel has a bright color scheme. The soft material will move when the cat is playing the game and attracts its attention even more. The tunnel frame folds, and you can put the toy behind the wardrobe or under the bed when you don’t need it. 

The fabric in this tunnel is very soft and durable, and it helps feel comfortable when it is playing or lying in the tunnel. This tunnel is slightly larger, making it big enough for all sizes. Also, this tunnel has four exit holes that give your family friend enough room to exit. You can combine two tunnels into one large one by linking them together.

Key Features:

• Soft, plush exterior.
• Includes a hanging toy inside.
• Helps to engage your cat’s natural instincts.

*All ratings are formed by the article’s author based on own research and combined with customer reviews.

Buying guide on choosing best cat toy

Every cat needs a minimum set of toys for physical activity. Before buying activity toys, you need to pay attention to some things.

• Your cat’s preferences. Pet with different characters, of course, prefer different types of toys. This must be taken into account before buying the most suitable toy.
• Age and size. This aspect plays a crucial role when choosing a toy for your cat since large breeds can accidentally choke or swallow too small a toy. No one wants that, of course.
• Security. A toy must be made of high-quality materials that do not contain toxic or other harmful elements that can harm your pet. It is recommended to purchase toys from certified manufacturers.
• Durability. Toys made from natural materials will last much longer. Natural materials will not cause undesirable allergic reactions from your family friend and will not lead to harmful consequences. Natural materials do not have an artificial smell, unlike plastics and other materials. ^[2]

Materials

Soft

Soft indoor toys are usually made of artificial or natural fur. They look like mice, rats, hedgehogs, or other small animals. They are as safe as possible for playful cats and have a strong case that can be washed and used for years.

Plastic

The appearance of plastic toys for cats is usually a ball or a synthetic bone with a hollow frame. There are also plastic mesh toys so your pet can grab the toy with its claws. To attract its attention, even more, put some catnip inside! Plastic toys can also be combined with scratching posts. This is an excellent solution since this toy solves two problems at once and saves you money. There are also plastic toys in the form of springs, which your cat can roll on the floor and play with.

Sticks and Wands

A toy in the form of a stick looks very similar to a fishing rod — only this rod can be safely played with your cat. Attached to the stick’s end is a fishing line or thread, and a soft toy with feathers or other strings is attached to that, making this toy more attractive. The advantage of these toys is that you play with your furry friend, and you may also like them.

Cardboard

Cardboard toys are made in the form of a small box with holes for your cat’s paws. Inside the box is various paper, fabric, or plastic elements that your cat will deftly scratch, play, and rustle.

Electronic

These are motorized or battery-operated toy mechanisms in which your cat can ride on its own or with the help of remote control. They can be equipped with a laser pointer and balls to create a rustling effect during movement to attract attention and promote self-play.

Fabric

These can be made in the form of a pipe or tunnel with multiple entrances and exits. Your pet will be excited to hide and run through such a tunnel. In any case, it will be a place of privacy and tranquility for your cat. ^[1]

Combined material

These toys can be made using a variety of materials at the same time. They are made in the form of a dome with toys hanging from them. This toy can be equipped with soft bedding made of natural or artificial wool. Toys on the frame can be independently replaced with ones you need or those that are more to the liking of your pet. Such toys are the right choice because they simultaneously perform a double role: a toy’s role and a sleeping place for your family friend.

Many types of toys guarantee that one will fit the characteristics and preferences. You can use various kinds of interactive toys for more play and more extended entertainment. After all, the activity of your cat is the primary indicator of its physical health.

READ MORE: How Much Exercise Does a Cat Need?

Why do we need Toys for Cats?

Despite their domestication, cats are still predators. It is recommended that they play with toys to avoid unwanted actions. This is how they realize their inner energy. The game improves the condition of your cat’s bones and joints, as, during the game, it can run, jump or roll on the floor with a toy in its teeth or claws. The cat also clings to the toy with its claws, thus hones its claws even more.

The boredom of your pet without the necessary games can lead to diseases. Also, the lack of physical activity can lead to excess weight and obesity, leading to other health problems.

While playing with your furry friend, you get closer, and your relationship becomes stronger. The cat clearly understands that it can spend time with you excitingly and playfully. Its interest in playing games with you will only increase and take your interactions to a new level with each game. Showing attention is an excellent compliment for the cat.

Playing with your furry friends is necessary, and a playful pet will not be bored, remain healthy for a long time, and show great affection for its owner. ^[5]

READ MORE: Signs your cat loves you

FAQs

Article Sources:

1. Bateson, Patrick. “The Development of Play in Cats.” Brill, 1 Jan. 1978, brill.com/view/journals/beh/66/1-2/article-p106_4.xml.
2. “Aggression in Cats.” ASPCA, aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/aggression-cats
3. “Catnip | Herb.” Encyclopedia Britannica, britannica.com/plant/catnip.
4. “How to Get My Cat to Play — Modern Cat.” Modern Cat, 24 Oct. 2019, moderncat.com/articles/how-to-get-a-cat-to-play/.
5. “Cat Play, How It Keeps Them Fit and Healthy.” WHISKAS®, whiskas.co.uk/1-plus-years/cat-play.