The Best Cuddling Toys For Cats

Even if they aren't always the most snuggly with their owners, cats love getting cozy and comfortable on their own. Thankfully, there are cuddling toys for cats that they can snuggle up with when they take their next nap. From stuffed animals with a lifelike heartbeat to catnip-filled cuddly toys, there is sure to be something your cat will love. We've rounded up a few of our favorite cuddling toys to help you treat your furry friend.

What to Look For

After researching cuddling toys for cats, we found that the best ones are soft, calming, and durable. Based on these requirements, our top pick is the Snuggle Kitty from SmartPetLove. This stuffed animal is designed for kittens with separation anxiety and cats with nervous tendencies. The optional warming heat pad, realistic heartbeat, and soft fur imitate a cat to help them feel cozy and safe. We also love the catnip toys from Legendog because the cotton linen fabric is heavy-duty. Your cat can bite and pounce on these cuddly toys without ripping the seams. Keep reading to discover your new favorite cuddling toys for cats.

SmartPetLove Snuggle Kitty

Comforting design

After inserting the heating pad and turning on the realistic heart sounds, your cat will love cuddling up with this lifelike stuffed animal.
Best Overall

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Bringing a kitten or older cat into your home isn’t always easy. They’ll likely feel nervous after being separated from their mother and siblings, so finding ways to make them more comfortable will be a huge help. SmartPetLove’s Snuggle Kitty emulates a real cat’s warmth and heartbeat with a few simple additions. This stuffed animal includes single-use heating pads and a battery-operated device to create a lifelike pounding heart. Your cat will feel safe and secure when they cuddle up with this soothing stuffed animal.

Pros:

  • Each heating pad stays warm for 24 hours and doesn’t contain toxic ingredients.
  • You can remove the heating pad and heartbeat device once your cat is comfortable in their new home.

Cons:

  • This cuddle toy isn’t as affordable as other options.

Calmeroos Calming Cat Toy

Feels like home

Cats of all ages will feel calm when they snuggle with this warm and comforting toy.
Runner Up

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Whether your cat deals with separation anxiety or likes to snuggle, Calmeroos’ cuddly stuffed animal will provide them with the love they crave. This fuzzy cat is the perfect shape for your pet to curl up against or to use as a pillow to rest their head. And it offers realistic elements in the form of a heating pad and heartbeat device. These components imitate a mother cat to help your pet sleep soundly and relax in their new space.

Pros:

  • After removing the heating pad and battery pack, you can machine wash this stuffed animal.
  • We appreciate that batteries are included for the heartbeat device.

Cons:

  • It may take time for some cats to get used to the heartbeat.

Legendog Catnip Toys

Time for some fun

These cat toys are the perfect size for squeezing, chasing, and holding when it's finally time to take a rest.
Best For Playtime

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No matter how old a cat gets, part of them will always love playtime. These high-quality toys from Legendog are made from bite-resistant cotton linen. They’re also filled with catnip, an ingredient that is sure to get your pet riled up to play and run. But once they’ve used their energy, these soft toys are the perfect size to squeeze and snuggle with during nap time.

Pros:

  • Each toy measures almost six inches long, which is ideal for cats of all ages.
  • The fabric and seams are durable enough to withstand rough play.

Cons:

  • They don’t have a strong catnip scent, so some cats may not be interested in these toys.

Potaroma Fuzzy Tail Catnip Toys

Plush playtime

These fuzzy toys are crinkly on the inside and full of catnip, so it won't take long before your kitten is obsessed.
Best For Kittens

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As far as cat toys go, this set from Potaroma offers everything to entice playful kittens. The three fluffy pillow toys are soft and make an unexpected crinkle noise when squeezed. And they’re filled with a small amount of catnip to excite your pet. Each toy is about 10 inches long, so you won’t have to worry about your cat getting bored with them as they grow. And the plush material is bite-resistant to ensure they last through multiple play sessions.

Pros:

  • These toys look and feel like a cat’s tail to stimulate your pet’s natural hunting instincts.
  • We think this is an affordable set of cat toys.

Cons:

  • The crinkle sound is noisy and may be distracting.

Pukokal Soft Cat Pillow

Rest easy

This plush cushion will give your cat a soothing place to lay their head at the end of every play session.
Most Comfortable

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Creating spots around your home where your cat can rest is one of the best ways to show you care. Pukokal’s cat pillow doubles as a cuddling toy since it is small enough for your cat to wrap their paws around it. The U-shaped design provides a comfortable shape to snuggle up against. And the fuzzy fabric will make them feel instantly relaxed. Plus, you can throw this pillow in the washing machine whenever it needs a deep cleaning.

Pros:

  • Your cat can easily carry this lightweight pillow in their mouth if they want to use it in a different spot.
  • The high-quality material can withstand biting and scratching.

Cons:

  • It may be too small for large cats to use comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does catnip affect all cats?

Only some cats are interested in and excited by catnip. It has been determined that this tendency is genetic and that only about 60 percent of cats will respond when exposed to catnip.

How do I know if my cat has separation anxiety?

In most cases, it won’t be difficult to notice your pet’s anxiety, but there are a few signs to help you out. Lack of appetite, destructive behaviors, and excessive self-grooming are indications of anxiety. And in severe cases, anxious cats may also vomit frequently, as well as urinate and defecate away from their litter box. While cuddling toys can relieve nervous cats, we recommend you speak to your vet to get their opinion on your pet’s symptoms.

About the Author

As a self-professed animal lover, Danielle has always been drawn to furry friends of all shapes and sizes. No matter where in the world she travels, there are always cats, dogs, and other critters ready to receive her love and attention. Danielle’s goal is to provide cat owners with products that will help their pets have long and happy lives.

Why Trust Us

Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.