It's important to buy the best cat toys for your feline friend. After all, playtime is vital for a cat's physical and mental wellbeing, helping to banish boredom and reduce destructive behavior. It's no surprise, then, to see so many toys on the market. From catnip-filled mice and flapping fish to treat-filled puzzles and laser pointers, there’s a toy to suit every age and stage.
“Using toys is a great way for a cat to use up some of their energy, keep fit and healthy and keep their brain alert and active,” affirms Daniel Warren-Cummings, Cats Protection’s Central Behaviour Officer. “It’s particularly important for kittens as it teaches them the skills needed for life and lessons about the world around them.”
But what should you consider when choosing? “Cats need to exhibit hunting behaviour to avoid stress and frustration and toys can reduce a cat's motivation to seek out prey,” explains Warren-Cummings, “Toys can reduce a cat's motivation to seek out prey. Fishing rod toys can imitate their natural hunting instinct, for instance, while catnip toys will provide hours of fun.”
In this guide, we take a look at the best cat toys around today. We've also included some of the best automated cat toys so that cats can continue to play when you're out and about. You should also take a look at the best interactive cat toys, but first check this round-up and read expert insights, including advice from a highly experienced vet named Dr Jo Woodnutt, into what you should be looking for.
Daniel graduated with a degree in Zoology with Animal Behaviour from the University of Wales. He is currently working as a behaviourist for the UK’s largest cat charity - Cats Protection. Daniel has recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law from the University of Winchester and is a volunteer dog trainer for the charity Dog A.i.D which trains pet dogs to provide assistance for clients with disabilities. He has a tabby cat called Lady Bug.
Dr Joanna Woodnutt qualified as a veterinarian from the University of Nottingham where she then went on to practice companion animal medicine in the Midlands. She really took to the consulting side of things and helping clients with medical problems such as dermatology, behaviour and nutrition - anything that involved helping clients understand their pets better.
PetsRadar's pick of the best cat toys
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With an impressive 4.5 out of five, this toy – attracting more than 55,000 reviews – can easily be considered a success. Users have called it an instant hit and many seem happy to leave their cats with it while they nip out. Yes, there are some reviews suggesting cats soon get bored of it, but the vast majority appear very happy indeed.
If you're looking for a toy that will be both physically and mentally engaging, then this track toy from Petstages is sure to prove highly suitable. Designed with three levels of tracks and six brightly colored moving balls, kitties can bat, swat and pounce on the balls as they engage their natural hunting instincts.
Made from durable plastic, this toy has a sturdy construction meaning it won't topple over when in use. It also comes with a non-slip base to hold it in place during vigorous play sessions.
The unique safety bar design across the top opening will prevent your kitty from getting stuck while playing, and because it comes with multiple tiers and balls, it's a great choice if you have more than one cat. You may also want to consider some similar products including the Purrfect Feline Titan’s Tower – which is rated 4.4 out of five on Amazon – or the Pawrise Cat Toy Ball Towers Track Roller which gets a respectable rating of four.
Users have given this product 4.3 out of five on Amazon and some have gone as far to say that it's the best toy they have ever purchased. While it's deemed “as noisy as a printer”, it's certainly proving to be a solid distraction, with users also praising its solid build and value. Some don't like that it automatically activates every four hours including at night.
With feathers to hunt, balls to bat and flashing lights to attract attention, this three-in-one electronic toy from Orsda will get even the most disinterested moggie up and playing. It's programmable too, so you can set it to come on at set intervals to ensure your kitty is getting much needed distraction when you aren't there to play with them.
Featuring a ball on a circular track that your moggy will spend ages trying to catch as well as an unpredictable feather playing peekaboo from various apertures, this cat toy is hard to ignore. It does make a noise when in operation, but users have said this acts as a great signal for their cats to come running ready to catch that bothersome feather. And with various modes to choose from, including a random one where feathers pop from holes at scattered intervals, variety is guaranteed to keep them interested, and ready to exercise those hunting instincts.
Because of its constant movement in and out, the feather lasts longer than on other cat toys, and it comes with replacement feathers to ensure if it is destroyed by your crafty cat, they are easily replaced. One slight issue is that some owners have reported that the feather can get stuck inside – although it's simple enough to fix just by dislodging it with a pencil.
You can also set the toy so that it comes to life every four hours which is perfect for stimulating a cat left on its own during the day. Even when it's off, the ball on the track still works, so it can provide amusement even when unpowered. Alternatives include the PetFusion Ambush given an Amazon rating by users of 4.1.
Although awarded 3.9 out of five on Amazon, about 67 percent of people have given this item four stars or higher. It's proven to be a hit in many households, praised for being attractive to cats and easy to wash. But some have said that the balls just roll out of the holes at the side while others say their kitties couldn't reach inside.
Curious cats have an instinctual desire to hunt. That’s why they love to watch cracks and crevices, especially when they know something is hiding inside! The Smart Cat Peek-A-Prize Toy Box comes with two toys inside, and it’s designed to develop and encourage your cat’s natural, predatory instincts. Simply hide some of their toys inside the box and your cat will have fun fishing them out. Not only will this stimulate them physically but provide mental stimulation in working out how to get to the objects.
You can swap around the toys in the box although only smaller ones would work. If you wanted to treat your feline pals, you could always swap the toys for some of the best cat treats, which will be a delicious incentive.
The Smart Cat Peek-A-Prize Toy Box is ideal for when busy owners have to leave the room for a while or need to pop out. The plus side is, it’s easy to use, simple and doesn’t require batteries! It is rather expensive though (so maybe consider one by Tribal Produce), but it’s designed to be sturdy and last long. Besides, once your kitty is digging around, this will keep her occupied and amused for hours.
With a rating of 3.9 out of five on Amazon, this moving cat toy has hundreds of happy customers. It appears to work better on a smooth floor rather than carpet and the battery doesn't last as long as some users would hope, yet it seems to hold a cat's attention well. It also gets praised for stopping and turning when it hits something.
If your cat loves to chase toys, a mechanical or motorized mouse is a great pick. They’re cheap, often coming in packs of two or three, and they’re simple toys to operate, as the particular one by Vealind proves..
While the mechanical mice, with winders, will provide limited amounts of play time such as the Liddle Cats Wind Up toy, the battery-powered mice can provide decent sessions if your cat decides to stalk and chase it.
These toys are usually the size of an average mouse so they’re ideal for kittens learning to hunt. They’re inexpensive too, although spending a bit more will get you a mouse that squeaks, adding extra temptation for your kitty. Indeed, this one has a sound chip inside and the good news is that a battery is included.
Sure, it is a basic range product but Amazon customers have given it 4.5 out of five. A whopping 85% of customers rate it at least four stars and say it's a good quality toy that keeps cats engaged while also proving to be easy to clean. Some have expressed surprise that the item is as effective as it is although check the dimensions because it may be bigger than you imagine it to be.
Packed with compartments in which you can hide tasty treats, this low-cost pet activity center is designed to stimulate your cat's mind. By forcing kitties to figure ways of gaining access to any kibble or treats you've dotted around the toy, it helps to relieve boredom. It also taps into a cat's innate desire to hunt and stimulates a sense of curiosity.
By including food-based puzzles, there is an added benefit: it will help with a cat eating too fast. This is useful if you have kitties that like to gobble their food, something which can lead to indigestion problems. It also makes feeding feel more rewarding since cats will have to perform different actions to get at their food.
In the process, you may even be amazed at how intelligent your cat is, although don't worry about the puzzles being too hard. The activity centre has been designed to be as attractive and rewarding for kittens as it is for cats so nobody is going to go hungry here. Neither are you going to have to frequently replace this toy. It's made of hard-wearing polypropylene and you can keep it clean by simply wiping with a damp cloth.
There are more than 20,000 reviews on Amazon for this toy and 86 percent give it four or more stars, making for a total of 4.5 out of five. That's good going and when you delve deeper you see why. Easy to assemble and clean, it seems to hold interest for a very long time even when used daily. Some say their cats play for hours at a time with a few saying it may be better for adult cats.
One of the problems with giving a cat a ball to play with is that, with an ill-timed swipe, it's easily lost. By ensuring a ball is sent along a structured path, a cat can repeatedly enjoy all the thrill of a chase. You won't be on your hands and knees trying to rescue a ball from beneath the sofa with this toy.
Made from plastic and colored blue, the Super Roller Circuit certainly looks fun. Simply fix the eight pieces together to create a ring and the ball will zip along inside the tube. As the ball whizzes past openings, cats should attempt to put their paw on it. They won't be able to flick it out of the tube so, when they release their grip, the ball will continue on its journey, continuing the enjoyment.
As a bonus, the ball can be illuminated. This makes it more noticeable, encouraging cats to play day and night. Of course, this means you will need to power the toy in some way: in this case, it's batteries-only (and you don't get any in the box) but that at least makes the toy portable.
It's also a versatile kit, suitable for cats of all ages. Nothing stops you adding extra balls or even buying a second set and making a larger ring. Some owners have done just that, making for some impressive set-ups. You may also want to consider the Catit Senses 2.0 Super Circuit which improves on the Super Roller Circuit and tops our guide to the best interactive cat toys.
Although it's only attracted a few reviews, users have nevertheless given it 4.2 out of five on Amazon. Used in short bursts, it seems to be effective – so much so that it's advised to invest in some rechargeable batteries. Some would like it to go faster but it would seem that cats can stick with this one for prolonged play.
It's always worth having a ball of string handy for an impromptu play session with your kitty and it's among the DIY cat toys you can make at home. But this toy goes that little bit further. It provides all of the thrill of catching a piece of moving string but without any involvement on your part.
Just attach it to a door handle, pop in three AA batteries (sadly not included) and the string will wiggle around while moving in and out of the casing. It's simply like pulling a piece of string away from a cat and watching them pounce and chew.
The toy works by attaching the string to a moving elastic conveyor belt but there's no assembly required and the string is sewn for you. There are also two speeds which not only provides an additional challenge but ensures the toy doesn't become too predictable. Just be sure to keep an eye on cats while they play with the toy.
It may be an idea to use rechargeable batteries, too, because some pet owners say they drain fast. But it's good to see that the manufacturer provides free replacement parts for the life of the toy ensuring it's not going to end up being junked within a short period.
As well as attracting more than 35,000 reviews, this toy has been given 4.6 out of five on Amazon which is high praise indeed. Cats, it would seem, go crazy for this one and some users report the toy lasting for as long as a year. When a user says it's hard to get a toy off a cat, you know it's a winner. With 90 percent of people giving this four or more stars, it certainly has many fans!
Bright and brash, you won't miss the Yeowww Catnip Banana flying across the room but there's much more to this perfect plaything than its standout looks. Yeowww is a big name when it comes to catnip toys and this brilliant banana is crammed full of premium quality, organic catnip that's grown without pesticides.
Much bigger than the average catnip toy, there's plenty here for mini tigers to get their paws around so don't be surprised to see your feline holding one end and bunny kicking the other, all in the name of exercising those natural hunting skills.
You'll find that the banana is made from heavy duty cotton twill, so it should be tough enough to withstand some pretty rough play, although a few testers have reported the toy being ripped open at the seams. As with any catnip toy, damage is possible if a cat gets a little too enthusiastic so it’s always best to supervise their playtime.
Most cats will be enticed by the bright design (going someway to answering the question “Do cats see color?”), but it doesn't necessarily mimic prey (there's no mice designs here) although you can pick up a fish if that's important to you and your feline.
Yeowww also use the same 100% catnip fillings in other toys including a rainbow and a heart if you want to go cutesy with their playthings.
This subscription box is a treat for cats, or so say users on Amazon who have given it a rating of 4.2 out of five. While some say there are too many coupons, users say there are usually a few toys in each box that cats simply adore. Of course, not everyone is happy with the variety but that's the nature of sub boxes – you can't please all.
Looking to treat your feline friend with a regular array of new toys that get delivered straight to your door each month? Then this great bundle from KitNipBox could be just the ticket.
Containing a mouse toy, a fishing wand, kicker toy and tea bag sachets filled with catnip, there's plenty of variety here to tap into all of your cat's hunting instincts and keep them amused for hours.
Along with the toys, you'll also get a pack of Wellness Kittles, delicious grain-free cat treats made with salmon and cranberries that have only 2 calories per treat - the perfect light snack to reward your feline friend for good behavior.
At $26.99 per month, it's definitely an investment as opposed to just buying the odd new toy now and again, but if you want to keep that toy box overflowing with a range of entertaining options, this subscription box could be well worth considering. You should, however, also take a look at our pick of the best cat subscription boxes for more options.
How to choose the best cat toys
Before deciding on the best cat toys for your feline friend, you should assess your kitty's personality. How your cat interacts with toys and the environment will help to steer you towards more suitable products. Personality can also dictate the number of toys you need to buy to ensure a cat is suitably stimulated both mentally and physically.
“Cats that don’t have toys to display their inbuilt prey/play behaviours may start directing these behaviours on to people (particularly if owners encourage their cats with fingers or toes) and over time this can develop to be a substantial problem,” says Daniel Warren-Cummings, Cats Protection’s Central Behaviour Officer.
“Frustration-related aggression or redirected play aggression can occur when cats are under-stimulated and need an outlet. If an owner’s cat is regularly displaying ‘zoomies’, then it’s a good indicator that they might be under-stimulated and need more toy play in their life.”
Watch your cat
By watching your cat and identifying certain behaviours, you can better target your toy buying. For example, if your cat is scratching the furniture, a toy that relieves the urge to scratch would work well. Likewise, if a cat is displaying an urge to chase, a toy which includes an element of hunting is sure to go down well.
Offer cats a challenge
“Wild cats would have spent a large part of their day hunting for food, but our domestic cats get it in a bowl twice daily. Filling the rest of their time can be tricky!,” says vet Dr. Joanna Woodnutt. “If your cat spends all their time indoors, consider using a puzzle feeder to help them keep those hunting instincts honed. Some puzzle feeders are designed to be hidden around the house so your cat has to hunt for his dinner!”
Feel free to experiment
Most cat toys are inexpensive so it's worth introducing a range of toys and seeing which ones your kitty takes to the most. You shouldn't give up quickly either. Cats are fickle creatures and while they may turn up their noses at a toy today, that doesn't mean they'll ignore it tomorrow. In some cases, cats can ignore toys for months and then suddenly fall in love with them.
Go for well-made toys
Finally, on a practical level, ensure the toys are robust, unlikely to fall apart under heavy play and free of small pieces that could come away and be swallowed. As vet Dr. Joanna Woodnutt says: “A common danger is swallowed string from wand toys – if you allow your cat to ‘catch’ the toy, be sure to remove it before they chew through the elastic.”
Why does my cat not show interest in toys?
There are many reasons why a cat may not show an interest in toys and much depends on the type of feline you have. Indoor cats often react in different ways to outdoor cats, for example. “Indoor cats need more entertainment than outdoor cats who will often engage in hunting activity or will play with fallen leaves or grass blowing in the wind,” confirms Daniel Warren-Cummings, Cats Protection’s Central Behaviour Officer.
Sometimes a cat has the urge to do something but will find there is no way of expressing themselves. “Oftentimes a cat will want to play but does not have an appropriate outlet,” Warren-Cummings continues. “Some cats like to chase a feather fishing rod toy (not just have them dangled in their face), others prefer self-directed play with ping pong balls and others will prefer larger ‘kickeroo’ style toys to display more ‘bunny kicking’ behaviour.”
Boredom with toys can also set in so it's your job to ensure they are entertained without being overstimulated. “It’s important to swap toys around regularly to keep them interesting and very short games of one to two minutes are fine,” Warren-Cummings adds. “And older cats will love playing three or four times a day, while younger cats will be happy to play 10 times a day or more.”
Why do cats put toys in water?
Every now and then, you may wander over to your cat's bowl and find a toy bobbing in the water. Sometimes, you may even find one in the toilet. But why? “The reason is unknown but there are a few theories,” says Daniel Warren-Cummings, Cats Protection’s Central Behaviour Officer.
“Some cats may drop their toys into their water bowls in order to fish them out as their own form of playing. Other cats may have been reinforced for the behaviour and thus it becomes a learnt pattern. As long as the toy being in, or near, the bowl is not deterring the cat from drinking the water, there’s nothing to be concerned about and owners should just enjoy watching their weird and wonderful cats.”
