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 last thing you want when you’ve splashed out on a host of new cat toys is for your cat to take one look and turn their little nose up. Cats can be notoriously fussy creatures, so it’s important you hit the right notes when presenting them with new toys. And, of course, safety is of paramount importance; you don’t want little pieces falling off those toys and becoming a choking hazard. So, let’s take a look at the top factors to consider when buying new cat toys:
Safety
Safety, first. If you’re out and about all day, you don’t want to be worried that your cat is going to choke on a toy, or perhaps get tangled up in a cord or string. Having said that, many cat toys feature attached pieces and strings, so just be sure to put them away in a safe place when you head out to avoid any nasty accidents. Also, ensure that extra pieces like bells, cords, and bows are sewn on securely, as this will significantly reduce the risk of choking. It goes without saying (we hope) that your chosen cat toy should have no sharp elements, as this can harm your cat when they’re chewing and biting.
Interactive/Solo Toys
While cats can definitely entertain themselves, playing along with them can be a lovely bonding experience. So, make sure you’ve got a few solo cat toys like balls and food-dispensing toys (fun and food all-in-one!), as well as some interactive toys that you can get involved with yourself.
Size Matters
Ideally, you want your chosen cat toys to be about the size of a cat’s natural prey. So yes, we mean mouse-sized. Anything too large could be threatening to your cat, and they may see it as an opponent rather than something to chase. They’ll need to be able to get their paws around it easily, bite if they wish, and trap their toy between their legs to give them a satisfying play experience.
Every cat owner knows how much their kitties love playing with toy balls. They’re small, easy to chase, bring tons of excitement, and are easy to lose. With this tower toy you can say goodbye to the days of a ball rolling behind your fridge leaving your cat desperate to get it back.
The tower has three tracks with balls on each level, giving them the ability to swat the ball without ever losing it. It also features vibrant colors that bring even more excitement to the game.
Pros:
Cons:
Coming in at great value and with 10 toys packed in, this set will provide months of entertainment for your feline. Filled with non-toxic, chemical-free materials to keep your kitty safe, these toys are also finished with a spritz of catnip to get them all the more excited. They’re ideal for solo play or interactive play, whether with you or their furry feline friends. We particularly like the wholesome, rustic look of these cat toys, finished with twisted cord tails and cutesie little eyes.
Pros:
Cons:
Presenting endless play opportunities for your kitty, this set of cat toys is ideal for getting some quality one-on-one time with them. You’ll get 2 retractable cat wands plus a host of replacement feather attachments, so you’ll always have a few spare.
The wand and string combined make a super long toy, so you can have heaps of fun getting your cat to chase, pounce, and stalk with this one. It’s lightweight, too, so you’ll exert very little effort while giving your cat the time of their life. Encourage their hunting instincts and refine their motor skills with this cat toy set, coming in at a great price tag.
MeoHui Cat Toys for Indoor Cats, Interactive Cat Toy 2PCS Retractable Cat Wand Toy and 9PCS Cat Feather Toys Refills, Funny Kitten Toys Cat Fishing Pole Toy for Bored Indoor Cats Chase and Exercise
$11.55
Pros:
Cons:
A beautifully cuddly choice for indoor cats, this cat toy set comes infused with catnip to appeal to your cats even more. Made with cotton linen, these toys are great for playing catch, cozy cuddles, or simply keeping your cat company in their bed.
Your cats can chew these toys in absolute safety, which actually helps to keep their teeth clean and healthy; so, it’s a win-win. They’re excellent for kittens, too, since the soft chewy feel can help with teething pains. Coming in a range of cute designs (think frogs and pandas!), this set of cat toys is one for your feline’s collection.
Dorakitten Catnip Toys for Indoor Cats - 5PCS Plush Cat Chew Toys Teething Interactive Catnip Filled Kitten Toy Soft Pet Toy (Animal Shapes)
$9.99
Pros:
Cons:
Crafted from cat-safe, non-toxic materials, this rainbow chaser toy is an excellent addition to your cat’s toy box. Build your bond by playing with your kitty cat, encouraging them to chase, pounce, and stalk their brand-new toy.
We love this toy for solo cats since the playful interactions will give them a healthy, happy boost and a burst of energy—before tiring them out for a good nap, of course. Helping to keep indoor cats active and energized, this cat toy is effective, affordable, and, most importantly, super fun.
Pros:
Cons:
We love these cat toy balls, finished with chirpy sound effects to engage your kitty even more. Each ball comes with either a frog, cricket, or chirpy bird sound, which is sure to delight and captivate your kitty-cat. They’ve got built-in batteries that should last up to 10,000 individual sounds before running out of juice, so you’ll get a long life from these cat toys, too.
Highly durable and able to hold their own against boisterous play, these cat balls are great for the more raucous of cats and kittens. That said, they’re soft-as-a-cloud, so they’re totally safe for your cats to play with on their own without risk of injury. Complete with a pouch of catnip to make these toys even more tempting, we rate these balls as a great buy.
Pros:
Cons:
Frequently Asked Questions
As long as your cat toys have no attachments that may come off, you can leave them out. Simple toys like squeaky balls can be left out when you’re at work or away, since they’ll offer your cat safe entertainment until you get home. However, toys with strings, bells, and other attachments are best kept in a safe space when you’re not at home, since these little bits can come off and create a choking hazard for your feline.
Feline experts recommend changing up (or rotating) your cat’s toys every week or so. Different toys offer different entertainment and learning opportunities, so they should be switched up to keep your cat’s skills sharpened.
Cat toys are super important to give your feline the opportunity to play, hone their hunting skills, and keep them entertained and active. You can make your own DIY toys at home, or you can save time and check out our guide for the top cat toys on the market at the moment.
A good cat toy should last a good few months or even a year with regular use. Of course, the better quality and more durable the toy, the longer lifespan you’ll get from it. Toys with catnip, on the other hand, will need to be sprayed with a proper catnip spray every few weeks to keep the effects potent.
Your cat will absolutely love it if you treat them to a new toy. It’ll give them something to play with, chase, and pounce on. Not only that, but it’ll help to wear them out so they can get a good snooze in, too.
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
Naturally, as a cat owner, you want nothing but the best for your feline friend. But with so many cat food brands on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is the right choice for your beloved pet. In this post, we will delve into the unique features and benefits of the best cat food brands, as well as provide guidance on selecting the most suitable option that caters to your kitty’s age, health needs, and preferences.
Indoor cats have unique nutritional needs to maintain their health and happiness. With a vast array of indoor cat food options on the market, it’s crucial to choose the best one for your furry friend. Below, we’ll explore factors such as calorie control, moisture content, and top brands like Blue Buffalo, Hill’s Science, Royal Canin and Purina that cater specifically to indoor felines’ dietary demands. Discover the best cat food for indoor cats so that your house-dwelling companion can munch those essential nutrients while satisfying their palates.
As a cat owner, providing your feline friend with the best nutrition is essential for their overall health and happiness. With countless options available on the market, it’s challenging to choose the perfect cat food that meets all their needs. In this post, we’ll explore factors such as nutritional quality, ingredient standards, age and health requirements when selecting the ideal cat food. Additionally, we’ll review top recommended brands to make your decision-making process easier.
Are you on the hunt for the best wet cat food to keep your feline friend healthy, happy, and thriving? You’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explore the top-rated options that cater to various dietary requirements and taste preferences. We understand how important it is for cat owners like yourself to provide high-quality nutrition to your furry companions. With a list of the best wet cat foods, as recommended by vets in 2023, along with expert tips from brands like Weruva, Fancy Feast, Hill’s Science, we’ve got you covered in our guide below.
As a cat owner, you know that providing nutritious and delicious meals for your feline friend is essential to their health and happiness. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the best canned cat food, especially when top brands like Wellness, Purina, and Tiki Cat are competing for your dollar. That’s why we’ve done the research for you: in this article, we’ll discuss top vet-recommended choices based on factors such as high protein content, quality ingredients, plus organic options, and grain-free alternatives. So whether your furry companion needs low-calorie wet cat food or high-calorie treats for weight gain—we’ve got all of you covered.
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.
Thinking of updating your cat’s toy box? Consider picking up one of the best crinkle cat toys from our guide. These simple yet clever toys provide endless entertainment for your feline, helping to sharpen their instincts, keep them occupied while you’re out, and can even help with stress relief if your kitty is bored or frustrated. Crinkles toys are exceptionally beneficial for indoor cats, since they allow your comfort-loving kitty to flex their hunting instincts as they would in the wild. This is fantastic if they don’t usually get a chance to chase birds or mice in the garden. The crinkle effect imitates the sound of crunching leaves, which would, in the wild, alert your kitty to the presence of some potential prey. See? There’s a whole world of benefits that crinkle cat toys offer, so don’t let your kitty miss out. Pick up one of the best crinkle cat toys from our guide today and refresh their zest for play. Read on and browse our favorites.
Did you know the best way to deter your kitties from scratching your couch to death? The answer is simple: a great cat scratching board. With one of these beauties, your cat will have a ready-to-go spot to scratch their claws, saving your couch and other upholstery from the perils of sharp talons. These boards are essentially flat boards covered in cardboard or sisal fabric—similar to sisal rope, which is commonly wrapped around scratching posts and cat trees. You can pick one up for anywhere between $20 to $80 (and sometimes beyond), so there’s sure to be a scratching board out there to suit your budget. We’ve handpicked our favorites from some of the top online stores to help you shop wisely. Read on and check them out:
Now, we’re sure as soon as we say “cat backpacks”, some of you conjure up images of Paris Hilton-esque tiny handbags stuffed with a purebred—and very squashed—kitty cat. Well, no; that’s frankly inhumane. On the contrary, a great cat backpack can actually be a spacious, comfortable, and highly-effective way of toting your cat about, whether you travel with your pet or you need to take her to the vet. Doing just what they say on the tin, these cat carriers are worn on your back, distributing the weight afr more evenly and making carrying your kitty much, much easier. So, save the hefty lugging (and accompanying hand-ache!) and pick up one of the best cat backpacks from our guide, here:
As a dedicated cat owner, you understand that providing the best nutrition for your feline friend is essential. However, knowing which is the best dry cat food to give feed your kitty can be confusing, especially with the huge range of options on the market. So, we’ve put together a fantastic guide to talk you through the best options, with picks for all budgets. Take a look and treat your kitty to a fresh menu today:
Naturally, as a cat owner, you want nothing but the best for your feline friend. But with so many cat food brands on the market, it can be overwhelming to figure out which one is the right choice for your beloved pet. In this post, we will delve into the unique features and benefits of the best cat food brands, as well as provide guidance on selecting the most suitable option that caters to your kitty’s age, health needs, and preferences.
Indoor cats have unique nutritional needs to maintain their health and happiness. With a vast array of indoor cat food options on the market, it’s crucial to choose the best one for your furry friend. Below, we’ll explore factors such as calorie control, moisture content, and top brands like Blue Buffalo, Hill’s Science, Royal Canin and Purina that cater specifically to indoor felines’ dietary demands. Discover the best cat food for indoor cats so that your house-dwelling companion can munch those essential nutrients while satisfying their palates.
As a cat owner, providing your feline friend with the best nutrition is essential for their overall health and happiness. With countless options available on the market, it’s challenging to choose the perfect cat food that meets all their needs. In this post, we’ll explore factors such as nutritional quality, ingredient standards, age and health requirements when selecting the ideal cat food. Additionally, we’ll review top recommended brands to make your decision-making process easier.
Are you on the hunt for the best wet cat food to keep your feline friend healthy, happy, and thriving? You’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explore the top-rated options that cater to various dietary requirements and taste preferences. We understand how important it is for cat owners like yourself to provide high-quality nutrition to your furry companions. With a list of the best wet cat foods, as recommended by vets in 2023, along with expert tips from brands like Weruva, Fancy Feast, Hill’s Science, we’ve got you covered in our guide below.
As a cat owner, you know that providing nutritious and delicious meals for your feline friend is essential to their health and happiness. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming trying to choose the best canned cat food, especially when top brands like Wellness, Purina, and Tiki Cat are competing for your dollar. That’s why we’ve done the research for you: in this article, we’ll discuss top vet-recommended choices based on factors such as high protein content, quality ingredients, plus organic options, and grain-free alternatives. So whether your furry companion needs low-calorie wet cat food or high-calorie treats for weight gain—we’ve got all of you covered.
We search the web to find the best deals and products. Any items you click or buy through links on our site may earn us a commission. Your use of our website is subject to intentX's Privacy Policy, which is available here.