Treat your feline friend with these cat toys
Which cat toys are best?
Not only are cats playful creatures, but most of them also retain a strong hunting instinct, which is why it’s vital to provide them with a range of cat toys. Playing helps channel felines’ instincts to hunt, plus it keeps their minds and bodies active, so cats are happier and healthier.
Are you unsure what type of toy to get for your kitty? Think about how they like to play, whether that’s pouncing on anything that moves or batting around every bottle cap or candy wrapper they find on the floor.
What to look for in cat toys
- Types of engagement: Many domesticated cats develop their own play preferences. Some prefer toys that encourage pouncing or trapping, such as a plush toy on a string. Others prefer to bat at their “prey,” which is why roller ball tracks can be so appealing. Some cats respond to aural stimulation, such as the crinkling of a bag or the squeak of a small rodent.
- Interactivity: Cats are known for their independent nature, but this doesn’t mean they always prefer to play by themselves. Some cat toys encourage owners to interact with their pet to maintain interest.
- Construction materials: As many owners have learned the hard way, cats aren’t always gentle when playing. This means a cat toy needs to be constructed from heavy-duty materials that still encourage interaction. Common construction materials include plastic, treated wood, natural twine, fleece and ripstop nylon.
- Toy types: There’s a dizzying array of cat toy options. Laser pointers project a small dot and encourage pouncing or stalking. Tunnels allow cats to explore a new environment or take shelter. Wand toys are interactive, with the owner providing unpredictable play action. Plush toys can appeal to a cat’s hunting instincts, while small plastic balls encourage batting.
- Catnip: Catnip is a natural herb that many cats crave instinctively, primarily because it creates a temporary sensation of euphoria followed by relaxation. Some cat toys are infused with catnip by the manufacturer, while others incorporate compartments for owners to fill on their own if they choose.
Best cat toys
Pawzone Automatic Electric Fluttering Butterfly Toy
If your cat can keep chasing balls and playing with cat dancers for longer than you’re willing to engage, this automatic toy is a great alternative. It has a track for balls below and fluttering butterflies up top to engage cats in active play.
Available at Amazon
Petstages Tower of Tracks Interactive Cat Toy
Featuring three tiers of balls that move around a track, this toy promotes hunting and pouncing instincts. It has a nonskid base that provides security during rough play. The heavy-duty material is durable and easy to clean between sessions.
Made from durable cotton twill and filled with organically grown catnip, this toy is designed to entice and entertain cats, providing them with hours of fun. The banana shape is easy for cats to grip and play with, while the potent catnip scent ensures its pride of place among favorite toys for even the most discerning kitties.
Available at Amazon
Fashion’s Talk Cat Toy Variety Pack
Great for pet parents on a budget, this multipack of small cat toys is ideal for households with multiple cats or spaces where toys tend to get lost under furniture. It includes 20 toys with varied designs to appeal to different cats. Some toys include extras, such as catnip or bells.
Available at Amazon
Cats who love to chase will adore this automatic laser toy. They can have all the fun of chasing lasers, without owners needing to dart a laser pointer around for hours. There are four options to choose from, including bolt, with its manual and automatic settings, and zoom, which has two lasers that rotate 360 degrees.
Available at Amazon
SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys
These tiny mouse-shaped toys are irresistible to cats because of their soft texture, realistic design and the included organic catnip that makes them even more appealing. They’re perfect for satisfying a cat’s natural hunting and stalking instincts, providing mental stimulation to beat boredom.
Available at Amazon
Cat Dancer Products Rainbow Cat Charmer
Pet parents who like to get hands-on when playing with their feline friends should consider this cat charmer. The long rainbow string is perfect for cats to pounce on, leap at and chase across the floor. It helps keep pets active, so it’s great for indoor cats.
Available at Amazon
Petmate Interactive Cat Crazies Cat Toys
Thanks to their irregular shape, these toys bounce and move erratically when thrown or batted about, which keeps cats interested for longer. They’re brightly colored which increases interest from some cats, plus it means you can find them more easily when they inevitably get pushed under the couch.
Available at Amazon
Potaroma Chirping Cat Toy Balls
Producing a realistic chirping sound, these fluffy balls appeal to cats’ natural hunting instincts, providing an entertaining way for your cat to exercise and relieve stress. It comes with a blend of silvervine and catnip to keep kitties coming back.
Available at Amazon
Petstages Crunchy Pickle Kicker Dental Catnip Cat Toy
This dill pickle toy is large enough for cats to grab hold of, wrestle and kick at with their back legs. Not only is it stuffed with catnip, but it also has a crinkle texture that intrigues cats and keeps them engaged for longer. The textured parts can improve your cat’s dental health when chewed on.
Available at Amazon
Other top products
- The Petlibro Automatic Cat Toy is a kind of robot mouse for cats to chase, bat at and pounce on.
- Cats who love to bat around small objects are bound to love Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls, which come in packs of 10 or 100.
- Perfect for chasing and batting about, the Hartz Just For Cats Midnight Crazies Cat Toy Balls have textured surfaces for an enticingly erratic roll.
- Not only does the Potaroma Cat Toys Flopping Fish wriggle around to encourage cats to play, but it can also be stuffed with catnip for added appeal.
- Andiker Cat Spiral Springs come in packs of 12 and are perfect for kitties who love batting and pouncing on small toys.
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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
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