The Best Interactive Cat Toys
Finding ways to keep your cat's mind and body active will go a long way in their overall health. Interactive cat toys use movement, lights, and sounds to engage your pet, giving them a reason to pounce and play. But every cat is different and enjoys various types of daily activities. So we've rounded up a few of our favorite interactive cat toys to help you pick the perfect one for your kitty.
What to Look For
After researching interactive cat toys, we found the best ones are durable, versatile, and engaging. With these things in mind, we think the Orsda cat toy is ideal for energetic cats. The sturdy base offers multiple games, including chasing a rolling ball and catching feathers as they emerge. Plus, it features built-in lights, making it perfect for day or night. We also love Petlibro’s rolling mouse toy because it is enticing for cats of all ages. The rechargeable mouse has a glowing tail and moves quickly on the floor, changing directions as it bumps into objects. Your cat won’t be able to resist this interactive toy. Keep reading to discover your new favorite interactive cat toy.
SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Motion Toy
Running all around
Whether your cat needs to lose weight or let out pent-up energy, this toy from SmartyKat will do the trick. The small plastic disc sits on the floor while the fluffy tail whips around, partially covered by a piece of fabric. Your cat will love tracking the tail’s movement under the rustling fabric, waiting for their chance to pounce. You can easily adjust the speed to make them run faster and satisfy their instinct to hunt.
Pros:
- Lights shine through the fabric to make the game more interesting
- The fabric and motor are designed to last
Cons:
- The tail can fall off when set at the higher speed
Orsda 2-in-1 Interactive Cat Toy
Activity overload
While this interactive toy isn’t the most affordable, it offers your cat multiple engaging games that make it worth every penny. Your cat will enjoy smacking the balls around the track, seeing how fast they can hit them each time they pass. And colorful feathers poke out of the side holes at random intervals, teasing your kitty and giving them enough time to catch them if they’re quick.
Pros:
- One ball has a built-in bell to encourage active play
- The colored feathers are safe and non-toxic
Cons:
- The lightweight base shifts when cats attack the balls and feathers
Kalimdor Hanging Mouse Toy
Fanatic feline
If you’re looking for an old-fashioned cat toy that doesn’t require batteries, this one from Kalimdor is a great option. A plush mouse hangs from a long cord that you can attach to any door frame in your home. Your cat can jump and smack the mouse to their heart’s content without needing any additional help from you. The mouse is filled with small stones that rattle with every hit. And the cord is adjustable to make it the perfect height for your pet.
Pros:
- Elastic cord makes the mouse bounce and move randomly
- The mouse doesn’t light up or make electronic noises
Cons:
- The large mouse toy may scare some cats
Petstages Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play Cat Toy
Tasty surprise
Is there anything better than a game that also involves treats? This colorful treat puzzle has 16 compartments to hide your cat’s favorite treats. To find them, your pet will have to swivel and slide various pieces to get the prizes below. The durable plastic board is designed for continued use, so you can treat your cat over and over again.
Pros:
- Attached pieces won’t fall off or get lost
- Made from food-safe materials
- Useful for daily feeding and treating
Cons:
- Difficult for kittens to understand how to find the treats
Petlibro Interactive Cat Toy
Constant chase
Kittens and older cats won’t be able to get enough of this rolling mouse toy from Petlibro. The interactive toy is rechargeable and rolls freely around your home, encouraging your cat to catch it. The small mouse moves quickly and changes directions when it bumps into furniture. And the tail flashes with alternating lights, drawing your cat in to play for longer.
Pros:
- Good form of exercise for cats of all ages
- Smooth wheels can roll on carpet, tiles, and laminate without slowing down
Cons:
- Charging cable not included
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cats get bored of their toys?
Yes, it’s possible for cats to get bored with their toys. But there are a few things you can do to rid them of their boredom for good. Firstly, get rid of any toys you know they’ve never enjoyed. Doing this will make it easier to narrow down which ones they actually love. Next, only keep a few toys out at a time. Giving your cat only a few toy options will encourage them to play with ones they haven’t tried in a while. You can swap out their toys every week or two to make playtime more varied.
How do interactive cat toys work?
Interactive cat toys use movement, noise, or lights to encourage your cat to play alone. This could be chasing a moving feather or catching a toy that rolls around your home. Overactive cats can get cooped up when you leave home. So a few interactive toys will give them a reason to run around and get regular exercise.
About the Author
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.