The Best Interactive Cat Toys To Help You Bond With your Feline

The Best Interactive Cat Toys To Help You Bond With your Feline

We all learn through play, right? Well, we bond through play, too. So, create a positive relationship with your feline by picking up some of the best interactive toys you can both enjoy playing with.

By Molly Wolfe May 05, 2023

Play is just as important as food and rest. So, picking up the right toys for your cat is crucial to their well-being. Interactive cat toys offer a fun, engaging, and stimulating activity for your kitty, and, depending on the type, can be used either with you or on their own. Yep, while you’re out at work all day, your cat should have some funky cat toys to get playful with! From classic favorites like hanging ball toys through to energetic toys that’ll help keep them fit and active, we’ve got a great selection of the best interactive cat toys right here in our guide:

awardImageUrl

Top Pick Jolynn Ball Track Tower Interactive Cat Toy

Flanagan Cardboard Scratcher Cat Toy with Catnip

Best Interactive Cat Toys to Consider

Just like choosing toys for your kids, picking the right cat toys can make or break playtime. Let’s take a look at what to consider when buying new interactive cat toys for your furry buddy:

Think about your cat’s interests and preferences. Does your kitty love chasing things, batting at objects, or solving puzzles? Choosing toys that align with your cat’s natural instincts will make playtime even more fun.

Consider the level of difficulty. You want a cat toy that’s challenging enough to keep your cat engaged, but not so difficult that they become frustrated or disinterested. Look for toys with adjustable difficulty settings or multiple ways to play.

Look for toys that are safe and durable. Make sure any toys you buy are made from non-toxic materials and won’t break apart easily, as this could pose a choking hazard for your cat.

Don’t forget to have fun! The whole point of interactive cat toys is to bond with your kitty and have a blast together. So don’t stress too much about finding the “perfect” toy. As long as you’re spending quality time with your furry friend, you’re doing it right.

Jolynn Ball Track Tower Interactive Cat Toy

The Jolynn Ball Track Tower Cat Toy is definitely a brilliant choice for any cat who loves interactive play, or who needs a bit of a toybox reboot. This fun-tastic toy is designed to keep your furry friend engaged and entertained for hours on end, with multiple levels for their favorite ball to zoom around. And, not only is it fun for your cat to play with, but it also encourages exercise and helps sharpen their natural hunting instincts; even better, you can leave them to it and they can entertain themselves while you’re out of the house. Of course, style matters, too: the bright colors and modern design make it a sleek addition to any home.

Top Pick
Flanagan Cardboard Scratcher Cat Toy with Catnip

Flanagan Cardboard Scratcher Cat Toy with Catnip

$41.99

Buy on Wayfair

Pros:

  • Great for solo play
  • Fun, engaging colors
  • Encourages their natural hunting instincts
  • Great price tag

Cons:

  • No cons here

Flanagan Cardboard Scratcher Cat Toy with Catnip

If you’re looking for a way to keep your feline friend occupied while you’re away at work, the Flanagan Cardboard Scratcher Cat Toy with Catnip is a must-have. This cat toy is made from eco-friendly recycled cardboard and features a unique design that’s perfect for scratching and lounging. Plus, it comes with a handy packet of catnip to entice your cat even further. Not only will it keep your cat entertained, but it also helps promote healthy scratching habits and keeps their claws in check. And when they’re all tuckered out, they can even take a nap on its cozy surface.

Runner Up
Flanagan Cardboard Scratcher Cat Toy with Catnip

Flanagan Cardboard Scratcher Cat Toy with Catnip

$45.99

Buy on Wayfair

Pros:

  • Comes with catnip included
  • Great for playing and napping
  • Cute design
  • Ideal for solo play

Cons:

  • We’d love a hanging ball toy built-on

Pet Toy Cats Loss Weight Device

OK, OK, this may not look like the most fun, but this toy is actually excellent for keeping your cat in shape. This is particularly helpful if your cat is more of an indoorsy feline (by preference or design). Made with stainless steel connections and super strong design, this cat treadmill is essentially a hamster wheel, but for your feline. Made with handy extras like a silent operation (great news if your cat is a night owl), easily-removable Velcro carpet, and solid wood construction, this cat wheel/weight loss toy is about as premium as cat accessories get.

Best for Weight Loss
Pet Toy Cats Loss Weight Device

Pet Toy Cats Loss Weight Device

$267.49

Buy on Overstock

Pros:

  • High-end design
  • Solid wood and stainless steel
  • Removable carpet
  • Silent
  • Takes 200lb

Cons:

  • Pretty high price tag

Scratcher with Hanging Ball Toy

Probably the most traditional cat toy on our guide, this scratching post is classic, tried-and-true, and comes in a well-built design that’s sure to last plenty of playtimes to come. We love the addition of the hanging ball, giving your kitties something to hone their hunting skills, even if they’re largely indoor felines. Set on a super sturdy base and with a sisal rope scratching post as the centerpiece, this cat toy is a great addition to any kitty playpen. You’ll have to assemble it yourself, but it only takes a minute or two and is super easy, even for those averse to DIY.

Best with Hanging Toy
Scratcher for Cats and Kittens with Sisal Rope and Hanging Toy Ball for Interactive Play

Scratcher for Cats and Kittens with Sisal Rope and Hanging Toy Ball for Interactive Play

$19.47

Buy on Wayfair

Pros:

  • Classic cat toy
  • Sisal rope scratching pose
  • Sturdy base
  • Hanging ball toy
  • Great price

Cons:

  • No cons here!

Whack-a-Mole for Cats

Whack-a-Mole for cats? Yes, please. Made of smooth wood and designed with your pet’s safety in mind, this interactive toy will provide hours of stimulation and fun for your cat, while definitely upgrading their toy collection. Not only will it keep them occupied when you’re out of the house, but it’s also a great way to bond with your furry friend; watch them play and give them tasty treats when they succeed (and maybe even when they don’t!). Plus, it inspires their natural instincts to explore, scratch, and hunt, helping them develop their coordination and mental alertness. And, best of all: it’s a great way to get your cat up and moving, providing much-needed exercise and excitement for your kitty-cat.

Also Consider
Solid Wood Cat Toys Interactive Whack-a-mole Catch Mice Game Toy

Solid Wood Cat Toys Interactive Whack-a-mole Catch Mice Game Toy

$81.49

Buy on Overstock

Pros:

  • Cool twist on the fairground game
  • Solid wood construction
  • Engaging and great for solo and interactive play
  • Premium cat toy

Cons:

  • Premium price tag

Frequently Asked Questions

Are interactive toys good for cats?

Totally. Interactive toys provide heaps of mental and physical stimulation for cats, keeping them engaged and entertained. These toys also help prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behavior; and of course, no one wants that. Plus, playing together with your cat using interactive toys is an excellent way to strengthen your bond with them. So, whether you’re looking for solo playtime or interactive play, investing in some great cat toys is an excellent choice for your feline friend’s overall health and happiness.

What are the benefits of interactive play for cats?

Interactive play provides endless benefits for cats, including physical exercise, mental stimulation, and emotional bonding with their owners (i.e., you). Some toys can also help prevent obesity, anxiety, and other behavioral problems. Playing with your cat using interactive toys also strengthens your relationship with them, creating a better understanding and trust between you. What’s not to like?

Why is my cat not interested in interactive toys?

Don’t worry, every cat has their unique preferences. It’s possible your cat may not be interested in interactive toys because they prefer different types of stimulation, or their new toy just isn’t for them. Try experimenting with different toys and see what piques their interest, or even experiment with catnip spray to get them a bit more excited (but don’t overdo it!). Alternatively, your cat may be more interested in spending quality time with you, so try playing together and see how they respond.

Should you leave cat toys out all the time?

Cat toys that don’t have attachments like bells or buttons are generally safe to be left out. However, if you’ve got a badly-attached bell or mouse tail on any particular toy, it’s best to stash it away until you’re around for supervised playtime.

WHY TRUST US

Since 2008, Cattime has served as a leading resource for millions of cat owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every cat and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pet a breeze.

See The Latest Articles From Cattime Editors

The Best Indoor Cat Gates For Rowdy Kittens
The Best Indoor Cat Gates For Rowdy Kittens

We all know cats love to roam their home as if they own it. However, sometimes they don’t know what’s best for them, and we, the blessed cat owners, need to step in with some tough love. One way to keep them in their room is to use an indoor cat gate. These are designed to keep pets from entering certain areas of the house. While you’re here, you can check out the best cat doors to give your kitty more space to roam outside, and the best cat jungle gyms to give them something to do inside on a rainy day. To help you find the right one for you and your cat, we’ve done some research. In our search, we found the top indoor cat gates in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Keep on reading if you’d like to learn more about them.

The 5 Best Cat Doors To Give Your Kitties More Freedom And Independence
The 5 Best Cat Doors To Give Your Kitties More Freedom And Independence

Cats love to roam the great outdoors. However, it can be a nuisance to constantly let them in and out of the house all day. The solution is to install a cat door so they can exit and enter as they please. With a good cat door, they’re free to roam inside and out, pop in for some tasty cat food or settle down for a nap in their luxe cat bed. These are relatively easy to set up, but you will have to cut into a wall or door, so you might want to hire a professional. Besides that, most doors are incredibly easy to install and simple to use. We’ve done the research and have found the top cat doors on the market. Give your kitty the freedom it craves with one of these excellent doors. Read on below to learn more.

The Best Cat Collars With Bells So You Can Hear Them Coming
The Best Cat Collars With Bells So You Can Hear Them Coming

Though a seemingly simple concept, cat bell collars actually offer a huge amount of benefits for you and your local wildlife. How? Well, by wearing a tinkling bell collar, birds, mice, and other potential prey will be alerted to the presence of your cat before they’ve had a chance to strike. In turn, this prevents your cat from ingesting any bacteria from any real-life hunted prey. So, it’s truly a win-win for everyone! After all, they can flex their hunting instincts with some fun cat toys, without the bloodshed. Not to mention, you’ll be able to hear your cat even if you can’t see them, which is great for those of us with a penchant for worrying. Oh, and of course, the collars look super cute, so there’s that. So, if you’ve got a new kitten or your adult cat simply needs some new neckwear, check out our guide to the best cat collars with bells so you can give them a chic style update and save your local wildlife in the process.

The Best Heated Cat Beds To Keep Your Feline Cozy On A Cold Day
The Best Heated Cat Beds To Keep Your Feline Cozy On A Cold Day

Cats love comfort—in fact, they’re renowned for it. And of course, a species that can sleep up to 16 hours in a single day needs a warm, cozy spot to slumber. Enter: heated cat beds. The feline equivalent of a heated blanket, the best heated cat beds will give your kitty-cat a toasty place to perch when the weather takes a turn. Naturally, it lends itself to the winter months, but you can use your heated cat bed any time of year to ensure your cat has somewhere warm to nap. These days, the cat beds tend to be energy-efficient, so you shouldn’t have to worry about your bills going through the roof. Plus, there’s usually an adjustable thermostat, so you can tailor the temperature just as your cat likes it. Alternatively, you can opt for a self-warming cat bed to skip the electricity element altogether. Depending on the brand, you may be able to remove the heater entirely and repurpose it as a regular cat bed, which is great for the warmer months. Converted? We thought so. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to our favorite heated cat beds to help you shop. Read on and check them out now.

The Best Real Wood Cat Trees For Scratching, Play, And Relaxation
The Best Real Wood Cat Trees For Scratching, Play, And Relaxation

When it comes to choosing the best cat tree, real wood is a solid option—in all senses. Wood is sturdy, reliable, and long-lasting, and of course, these are all characteristics you want from your new cat tree. Spending a little more to find the best quality wood makes a world of difference, ensuring you won’t find yourself splashing out for a new cat tree sooner than you expected. It’ll withstand your cats’ rough-and-tumble play, jumping, and scratches; not to mention, a real wood cat tree offers heaps of chic style to your space, showing your guests you only pick the best. So, if you’re replacing your old cat tree or jungle gym, or buying one for the first time, we’ve got you covered with the best real wood cat trees here. Read on and check them out—we’ve got options for all styles and budgets.

The Best Laser Pointers To Keep Your Cats Alert, Engaged, And Entertained
The Best Laser Pointers To Keep Your Cats Alert, Engaged, And Entertained

Who said cats can’t enjoy gadgets? Enter: the laser pointer. These clever kitty toys give your cat endless hours of fun, while you’re sure to be entertained teasing them. In fact, as far as cot toys go, this one requires minimal effort from yourself; you can simply sit back and point the laser all over the room, and watch while your feline scrambles to catch it (and of course, they won’t!). Sure to befuddle, amuse, confuse, and entertain all at once, the best laser pointer is a key accessory in your cat’s toy collection. Why do cats love them? Well, the fast-moving laser point actually mimics a cat’s real prey; mice, voles, and rats all move fast as lightning, so your cat can exercise their wild side with this toy. Encouraging healthy play and offering a great cardio workout, laser pointers are to cats what a soccer match is to kids. So, jump on the bandwagon and pick up the best laser pointer from our guide today.

The Best Interactive Cat Toys To Help You Bond With your Feline
The Best Interactive Cat Toys To Help You Bond With your Feline

Play is just as important as food and rest. So, picking up the right toys for your cat is crucial to their well-being. Interactive cat toys offer a fun, engaging, and stimulating activity for your kitty, and, depending on the type, can be used either with you or on their own. Yep, while you’re out at work all day, your cat should have some funky cat toys to get playful with! From classic favorites like hanging ball toys through to energetic toys that’ll help keep them fit and active, we’ve got a great selection of the best interactive cat toys right here in our guide:

The 5 Best Cat Calming Treats To Ease Anxious Cats
The 5 Best Cat Calming Treats To Ease Anxious Cats

Cats are known for their independent and often unpredictable nature. While they may seem calm and collected one minute, their behavior can quickly change if something triggers anxiety or stress. Unfortunately, feline anxiety is a common problem that many cat owners struggle to manage. If you’re looking for a way to combat this, try out a cat calming treat. These delicious delights are specially formulated with natural ingredients like chamomile, valerian root, and L-tryptophan, designed to calm your cat and reduce feelings of unease. Not only do these cat treats help to alleviate anxiety-related issues like destructive behavior or excessive meowing, but they may also promote better sleep quality by inducing feelings of serenity and tranquility. Whether you’re dealing with separation anxiety, fear of loud noises or unfamiliar environments, or just general nervousness, the best calming cat treats offer an effective way to soothe your kitty without resorting to harsh medications. With no known harmful side effects or risks commonly associated with prescription medication use in pets, these treats make it easier than ever before to keep your feline companion happy and relaxed. Keep reading to learn more.

The Best Cat Toys To Keep Your Kitty's Mind Sharp And Their Body Active
The Best Cat Toys To Keep Your Kitty's Mind Sharp And Their Body Active

There’s a treasure chest of cat toys on the market for you to snap up for your kitty-cat. Play is super important in any cat’s life, especially if they spend much of their time indoors. From classic mouse toys to catnip toys to wands, feather and ball toys, you can create quite a toy box for your feline to delve into whenever they’re feeling playful. Not only are toys super fun, but they also help you bond with your cat, sharpen their motor skills, and tap into their natural hunting instincts. So, whether you’ve got a brand new kitten or a wise, elderly cat, they’ll all benefit from having a few of the best toys for cats kicking about at home to pass those hours between breakfast and dinner. Read on for our ultimate guide; we’ve got great options to suit all budgets.

The Best Toy Mice For Cats To Tap Into Their Inner Predator
The Best Toy Mice For Cats To Tap Into Their Inner Predator

If you’ve got a cat at home, chances are you’re thinking about what the best toys are to keep them healthy, active, and entertained. Enter: toy mice. Mice tap into cats’ natural instincts, and are exactly the kind of small mammal they’re likely to hunt in the wild. Chasing and catching helps to fine-tune your cat’s hunting instincts, which they still need—despite having dinner prepared and served to them by yours truly. It’s important to keep your cat’s instincts sharp, and mice toys are one of the best ways to do that. Not to mention, playing with your cat helps to forge a solid bond and is super fun for both you and your feline! And of course, with mice toys costing very little, you won’t burn a hole in your pocket, either. So, pick up the best toy mice for cats from our ultimate guide, and you can watch your cat go all Itchy and Scratchy for hours on end.

The Best Indoor Cat Gates For Rowdy Kittens
The Best Indoor Cat Gates For Rowdy Kittens

We all know cats love to roam their home as if they own it. However, sometimes they don’t know what’s best for them, and we, the blessed cat owners, need to step in with some tough love. One way to keep them in their room is to use an indoor cat gate. These are designed to keep pets from entering certain areas of the house. While you’re here, you can check out the best cat doors to give your kitty more space to roam outside, and the best cat jungle gyms to give them something to do inside on a rainy day. To help you find the right one for you and your cat, we’ve done some research. In our search, we found the top indoor cat gates in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Keep on reading if you’d like to learn more about them.

The 5 Best Cat Doors To Give Your Kitties More Freedom And Independence
The 5 Best Cat Doors To Give Your Kitties More Freedom And Independence

Cats love to roam the great outdoors. However, it can be a nuisance to constantly let them in and out of the house all day. The solution is to install a cat door so they can exit and enter as they please. With a good cat door, they’re free to roam inside and out, pop in for some tasty cat food or settle down for a nap in their luxe cat bed. These are relatively easy to set up, but you will have to cut into a wall or door, so you might want to hire a professional. Besides that, most doors are incredibly easy to install and simple to use. We’ve done the research and have found the top cat doors on the market. Give your kitty the freedom it craves with one of these excellent doors. Read on below to learn more.

The Best Cat Collars With Bells So You Can Hear Them Coming
The Best Cat Collars With Bells So You Can Hear Them Coming

Though a seemingly simple concept, cat bell collars actually offer a huge amount of benefits for you and your local wildlife. How? Well, by wearing a tinkling bell collar, birds, mice, and other potential prey will be alerted to the presence of your cat before they’ve had a chance to strike. In turn, this prevents your cat from ingesting any bacteria from any real-life hunted prey. So, it’s truly a win-win for everyone! After all, they can flex their hunting instincts with some fun cat toys, without the bloodshed. Not to mention, you’ll be able to hear your cat even if you can’t see them, which is great for those of us with a penchant for worrying. Oh, and of course, the collars look super cute, so there’s that. So, if you’ve got a new kitten or your adult cat simply needs some new neckwear, check out our guide to the best cat collars with bells so you can give them a chic style update and save your local wildlife in the process.

The Best Heated Cat Beds To Keep Your Feline Cozy On A Cold Day
The Best Heated Cat Beds To Keep Your Feline Cozy On A Cold Day

Cats love comfort—in fact, they’re renowned for it. And of course, a species that can sleep up to 16 hours in a single day needs a warm, cozy spot to slumber. Enter: heated cat beds. The feline equivalent of a heated blanket, the best heated cat beds will give your kitty-cat a toasty place to perch when the weather takes a turn. Naturally, it lends itself to the winter months, but you can use your heated cat bed any time of year to ensure your cat has somewhere warm to nap. These days, the cat beds tend to be energy-efficient, so you shouldn’t have to worry about your bills going through the roof. Plus, there’s usually an adjustable thermostat, so you can tailor the temperature just as your cat likes it. Alternatively, you can opt for a self-warming cat bed to skip the electricity element altogether. Depending on the brand, you may be able to remove the heater entirely and repurpose it as a regular cat bed, which is great for the warmer months. Converted? We thought so. We’ve put together the ultimate guide to our favorite heated cat beds to help you shop. Read on and check them out now.

The Best Real Wood Cat Trees For Scratching, Play, And Relaxation
The Best Real Wood Cat Trees For Scratching, Play, And Relaxation

When it comes to choosing the best cat tree, real wood is a solid option—in all senses. Wood is sturdy, reliable, and long-lasting, and of course, these are all characteristics you want from your new cat tree. Spending a little more to find the best quality wood makes a world of difference, ensuring you won’t find yourself splashing out for a new cat tree sooner than you expected. It’ll withstand your cats’ rough-and-tumble play, jumping, and scratches; not to mention, a real wood cat tree offers heaps of chic style to your space, showing your guests you only pick the best. So, if you’re replacing your old cat tree or jungle gym, or buying one for the first time, we’ve got you covered with the best real wood cat trees here. Read on and check them out—we’ve got options for all styles and budgets.

HAPPY PAWS FROM CATTIME

Top Searches On Cattime