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:
Top Pick Jolynn Ball Track Tower Interactive Cat Toy
Flanagan Cardboard Scratcher Cat Toy with Catnip
$41.99
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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