Best cat toys? Huh-uh!
Do you have a bored cat? Or does your cat not want to play with you? Do you want something to engage your cat? Do you have a lot of cat toys or are planning to buy one, but you are not sure what to buy? Then, this is the right article for you. Let’s talk about 10 of the best cat toys, not only the best but also interactive.
The Importance of Keeping Feline Boredom at Bay
Cats might be picky, but they do not like boredom. Yes, they like to be left alone and secluded but trust me, they are not bored because of that. Signs of a bored cat include overgrooming, lack of curiosity, overeating, depression, and fighting or chasing other animals.
Giving your pet toys, especially interactive ones, provides mental stimulation. This makes the cat bright and alert. It helps develop its senses and cognitive behavior. Cat toys can also curb some of the bad behaviors associated with boredom. Cat toys also encourage exercise as your cat would chase, climb, and explore.
Why Should You Trust I Love Veterinary?
You should trust I Love Veterinary because they have your pet’s best interest at heart. Each product has been carefully reviewed, providing you with the best you can give to your cat.
Our favorite pick is the Youngever-Kitten-Assortments-Tunnel-Feather because it contains many variations to entertain your cat and reduce boredom.
The Best Cat Toys at a Glance
Here is a glance at the 10 best cat toys on the rating of I Love Veterinary starting from the best.
| Product | Pet Toy Type | Target Species/ Size | Rating out 5 | Best For |
| Youngever-Kitten-Assortments-Tunnel-Feather | Teaser Wand | Cat | 4.6 | Best Overall |
| Interactive-Cat-Toys-Automatic | Teaser Wand | Cat | 4.3 | Best Interactive Cat Toy |
| Potaroma-Electric-Flopping-Realistic-Interactive | Plush | Cat/Small dogs | 4.1 | Best Realistic Toy |
| Feather-Retractable-Assorted-Interactive-Exerciser | Teaser Wand | Cat | 4.6 | Best Retractable Toy |
| BENTOPAL Automatic Cat Toys | Teaser Wand | Cat | 4.1 | Best Automatic Toy |
| YOFUN-Smart-Interactive-Cat-Build | Ball | Cat | 3.8 | Best Smart Interactive Toy |
| Petstages-Tower-Tracks-Cat-Toy | Ball | Cat | 4.6 | Best for Keeping Boredom at Bay |
| SmartyKat-Skitter-Critters-Catnip-Value | Plush | Cat | 4.7 | Best Plush Toy |
| BlackHole-Litter-Mat-Interactive-Stimulate | Teaser | Cat | 3.8 | Best Feline Water Toy |
| No products found. | Laser Pointer | Cat/Dog | 4.4 | Best Laser Toy |
Your Cat Toy Shopping Guide
Benefits
Cats are generally well-adapted carnivorous predators with a remarkable ability to hunt. However, since we provide their food and take care of them every day, they do not need to hunt or strive for food independently. However, this does not mean their drive to hunt is sated.
Cat toys help stimulate their hunting experience in a convenient and relatively harmless way. These toys will help keep your cat busy, and it is an effective way to make sure your cat is truly happy. A bonus is that it will cost you nothing (not in terms of money, but for convenience).
Without the appropriate cat toys, your cat will try to turn your furniture, shoes, and other household items into scratching and chewing posts.
Cat toys also promote exercise and eliminate boredom in your cats. Good exercise can be key to ensuring your cats is not prone to heart disease, obesity, or diabetes. In addition, cat toys help you bond with your cat. Spending quality time with your cats while using these toys will help provide them with the needed stimulation and companionship.
Solo Play/Self-Interaction
Before you buy a toy, you must decide whether you want to play together with your cat or want your cat to play alone (they will have to when you are away). This would determine whether you are going for a solo/self-play or not.
Engagement
Your cat’s personality counts when you are buying a toy for them. Are they going to use them repeatedly, thus being engaged, or not? Before you buy, opt for one that you believe your cat would like and would continually play with.
Life Stage
Not all toys are suitable for all life stages. Therefore, before you buy a toy, you must be sure it is suitable for your cat’s life stage. For example, an old cat wouldn’t need a toy that requires a lot of chasing, and a young cat wouldn’t need a toy that doesn’t stimulate it to move a lot. Therefore, the age and condition of your cat are essential when buying a toy.
Activity Level
Is your cat lazy or hyperactive? Does the toy require the cat to run around all the time or to sit at a corner and play? Your cat’s activity level would determine the toy to buy because your hyper cat won’t be pleased with a toy that doesn’t fit his personality type and vice versa.
The Best Cat Toys Unpacked
Let us dive deeper into each brand, starting from our favorite:
Youngever-Kitten-Assortments-Tunnel-Feather
Best Overall
Classification
It is a manual yet interactive toy.
General Paragraph
The toy comes in different varieties, such as balls, teaser wands, feathers, a mouse, springs, and tunnels to provide long-time play by reducing boredom with one toy.
Durability
This product is very durable as it’s not automated.
Weight
It weighs 10.6 ounces (0.30kg).
Material
The toy is made from polyester and plastic.
Life Stage
It is suitable for all life stages.
Safety Concerns
- Play should be supervised to prevent swallowing of small parts.
- Also, all broken parts should be replaced quickly to prevent cuts.
- Toys contain small parts, and it is not suitable for children under three years.
What We Like
- It contains a wide variety of toys that stimulate your cat and prevent boredom.
- The cat can play with them all day as the toys are varied.
What We Don’t Like
It is not automated and thus, there is no movement to stimulate the cat to play.
Indoor or Outdoor Use or Both
Both.
What Is Included With Your Purchase?
24 different types of cat toys, including:
- Collapsible cat tunnel
- Cat teaser wand
- Fluffy mouse
- Interactive feather toy
- Crinkle balls
- Cat springs
Space Requirements
This toy does not require a lot of space to use.
Type of Exercise
Moderate to intermediate.
Is the Product Kitten-Friendly?
Yes
Is the Product Portable?
Yes
Size Dimensions
The toy is 11.42 x 10.79 x 2.83 inches (29.00 x 27.41 x 7.19 cm).
Interactive-Cat-Toys-Automatic
Best Interactive Cat Toy
Classification
Automatic
General Paragraph
The toy is 2 in 1, making it awesome for varied play. For example, tracking balls to stimulate your cat to chase and a rotating butterfly to encourage your cat to hunt.
Durability
The product is very durable as the material is resistant to a cat scratch.
Weight
This toy weighs 1.01 pounds (0.46 kg).
Material
The toy is made from ultra-strong material.
Life Stage
It is suitable for all life stages.
What We Like
- Play can be varied as the toy is 2 in 1.
- The toy is shaped like a UFO to stimulate curiosity.
- Made with ultra-strong material to resist cat scratches.
- The toy can be divided into two different toys.
- The toy can stay on all-day, allowing owners to leave their cats at home without feeling bored.
What We Don’t Like
If the owner is not at home, the toy can stay on all day even if the cat is not using it, thus wasting power.
Indoor or Outdoor Use or Both
Both.
What Is Included With Your Purchase?
- One track toy
- One automatic toy
- Two rolling balls
- Two butterfly toys
Space Requirements
This toy does not require a lot of space to use.
Type of Exercise
This toy gives moderate exercise to the cat.
Is the Product Kitten-Friendly?
Yes
Is the Product Portable?
This product is very portable and can be split into two separate toys.
Size Dimensions of Product
This toy is 9.25 x 9.21 x 4.21 inches (23.50x 23.40 x 10.69 cm) in size.
Available colors and sizes
There are six available colors – white, purple, green, air blue, black and pink.
Potaroma-Electric-Flopping-Realistic-Interactive
Best Realistic Toy
Amazon’s Choice in Catnip Toys by Potaroma
Classification
This is an automatic, interactive toy.
General Paragraph
This interactive toy gets alive as soon as your cat touches it. The fish begins to wriggle, stimulating your cat to pursue it. It also comes with catnip to soothe your cat. In addition, the fish can be cleaned to prevent your cat from getting sick.
Durability
It is very durable as it does not tear when the cat wrestles and chews it.
Weight
It weighs 3.5 ounces (0.13 kg).
Material
It is made from durable, non-toxic plush material.
Life Stage
This product is for all life stages and can be extremely useful in socialization.
Safety Concerns
Children can choke on it; hence all parts should be kept from the reach of children under eight years.
What We Like
- It comes with catnip to soothe your cat.
- The motor can be removed, and the toy can be cleaned.
- The toy comes in different fish types that the owner can choose.
- The toy goes on saver mode when your cat leaves it alone, conserving power.
What We Don’t Like
There would be a tendency for the cat to try and swallow the fish, and play should be supervised.
Indoor or Outdoor Use or Both
Both
What Is Included With Your Purchase?
- A flopping fish
- A USB cable
- A user manual
- A pouch of catnip
Space Requirements
This toy does not need a lot of space to use it.
Type of Exercise
It provides mental stimulation and moderate exercise.
Is the Product Kitten-Friendly?
Yes
Is the Product Portable?
Yes.
Size Dimensions of Product
The product is 11.65 x 5 x 1.3 inches (29.60 x 12.70 x 3.30 cm).
Feather-Retractable-Assorted-Interactive-Exerciser
Best Retractable Toy
#1 Best Seller in Cat Feather Toys
Classification
Manual
General Paragraph
The toy has multiple feathers to tease your cat and drive its hunt instinct. In addition, there is a rod that can be shortened or elongated to stimulate your cat, depending on the distance. Also, each feather comes with a clasp to hold onto the rod.
Durability
This product is durable, even though the feathers can fray off with rigorous play.
Weight
It weighs 2.39 ounces (0.07kg).
Material
The feathers are made from safe, natural materials, and the rod is made from light, elastic material.
Life Stage
This toy is suitable for all life stages.
Safety Concerns
It should be used with supervision as cats tend to chew strings and soft things.
What We Like
- Due to the length of the rod and the string, you can tease your cat from any distance.
- The rod handle is made with soft material to prevent blisters on your hands.
- The toy is lightweight.
- The feathers come in different colors to reduce boredom during play.
- It can be a good socialization tool.
What We Don’t Like
- It is not motorized; hence, it needs someone to be pulling the rod to tease the cat.
- It should be used with supervision.
Indoor or Outdoor Use or Both
Both
What Is Included With Your Purchase?
- Two pieces cat wand (rod)
- Five pieces of natural feather refilFours
- 4 pieces of squiggly worm refills
- Two extra string clasps
Space Requirements
This toy can be used in both large and small spaces, as the rod can be shortened or elongated.
Type of Exercise
It provides mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Is the Product Kitten-Friendly?
Yes
Is the Product Portable?
Yes
Size Dimensions
The rod is from 15 inches (38.1cm) to 38.9 inches (98.8cm), and the string is 23.6 inches (59.9cm) long.
BENTOPAL Automatic Cat Toys
Best Automatic Toy
Classification
Automatic.
General Paragraph
The toy has two independent, powerful motors that enable it to run irregularly to increase your cat’s exercise. It also has a large battery capacity that can work up to 8 hours under default mode. In addition, with its built-in sensors, this cat toy can avoid obstacles and turn direction automatically.
How long will the toy last if it’s automatic (motorized)
Up to 8 hours.
Durability
This cat toy is made of high-quality, non-toxic material. It is designed not to break, even if it hits the wall a couple of times.
Weight
This toy weighs 11.36 ounces (0.32kg).
Material
The ball is made of non-toxic material.
Life Stage
Kittens and young adults.
What We Like
- It has a long battery life and type.
- It has other accessories that can serve as DIY toys for your cats.
- It has built-in sensors that enable the toy to turn on its own when it hit an obstacle.
What We Don’t Like
It turns off for 1.5 hours every 10 minutes, not suitable to keep your pet active when you are away all day.
Indoor or Outdoor Use or Both
Indoor.
Does the Toy Need to be Charged?
It has a USB rechargeable battery that is fully charged in three hours and sustains the toy for 8 hours.
Space Requirements
The toy requires little space in terms of its size but ample space to allow the cat to jump, chase and play with it.
Type of Exercise
It enables them to get the needed exercise for an indoor cat.
Is the Product Kitten-Friendly?
Yes.
Is the Product Portable?
Yes.
Size Dimensions
The ball is 4.25 x 2.76 x 8.27 inches (10.80 x 7.01 x 21.00 cm).
Available Color
White
YOFUN-Smart-Interactive-Cat-Build
Best Smart Interactive Toy
Classification
It is automatic
General Paragraph
The YOFUN Smart Interactive Cat Toy is a ball-type interactive cat toy. This cat toy is rechargeable. There is, therefore, no need to replace its batteries.
Due to its shape and the self-balancing system, the ball will change direction when coming into contact with a wall, door, or chair with no extra help required.
To attract the attention of your pet, the self-rotating function of this toy will have your pet chase the ball and have fun.
How Long Will the Toy Last if it’s Automatic (Motorized)?
The toy will last up to 4 hours when fully charged.
Durability
It is designed not to break, even if it hits the wall a couple of times.
Weight
The ball is 3.5 ounces (0.10kg) in weight.
Material
The ball is made of non-toxic ABS plastic.
Life Stage
It is designed for kittens and smaller young adult cats.
What We Like
- It can be charged with a USB
- It has feather and bell attachments
- It has automatic control
- The toy has a timer function
- It increases the hunting instincts of your cat
- It is small but suitable for a cat play
What We Don’t Like
- The battery life does not last that long to facilitate quality play.
- Does not roll well on thick carpets.
- The ball automatically shuts off after 40 minutes of play, and this can’t be used to keep your pet active all day in your absence.
Indoor or Outdoor Use or Both
It is best suited for both indoor and outdoor play, provided it is a hard surface and not a thick carpet.
What Is Included With Your Purchase?
- One interactive cat toy ball
- One user manual
- 1 USB charging cable
Does the Toy Need to be Charged?
Yes, the toy needs to be charged with a USB for 1.5 hours.
Space Requirements
Due to its small size, it does not require a lot of space to keep, but it requires ample space to allow your cat to run and chase after it.
Type of Exercise
Due to the run and chase mode, it provides moderate exercise to your cat.
Is the Product Kitten-Friendly?
Yes
Is the Product Portable?
Yes.
Size Dimensions
The ball is 2.72 x 2.72 x 2.64 inches (6.91 x 6.91 x 6.71 cm).
Available colors and sizes
It is available in white and pink and only comes in one size (i.e., 3.5 oz [0.10kg].
Petstages-Tower-Tracks-Cat-Toy
Best for Keeping Boredom at Bay
Classification
Manual
General Paragraph
The toy has a three-tier rack with colorful balls in each rack that activates your cat’s instinct to hunt. Each ball is colorfully designed to attract your cat’s attention. It can be used by multiple cats successfully.
Durability
It is made of durable plastic that prevents it from breaking.
Weight
It weighs 9.6 ounces (0.27kg).
Material
It is made of durable plastic.
Life Stage
For all cat life stages.
Safety Concerns
The ball can be swallowed by children, and caution should be taken. Also, do not leave pets unsupervised with the toy.
What We Like
- It has a bar on top that prevents cats from getting stuck while fetching the ball.
- Two or more cats can use it.
- It is available for all cat ages, sizes, and breeds.
- It has a non-slip base, making it ideal for vigorous playing.
- It is not automated, so it does not run out of battery power, allowing your cat to play with it anytime.
What We Don’t Like
- It is not automated
- It can be a problem if a cat doesn’t want to share the toy
Indoor or Outdoor Use or Both
Indoor
Space Requirements
This toy doesn’t take up much space.
Type of Exercise
This toy provides both physical and mental exercise for your cat.
Is the Product Kitten-Friendly?
Yes.
Is the Product Portable?
Yes.
Size Dimensions
It is 9.75 x 9.75 x 6 inches (24.77 x 24.77 x 15.24 cm).
Available Colors
It is available in orange color with a blue tip.
SmartyKat-Skitter-Critters-Catnip-Value
Best Plush Toy
Classification
Manual
General Paragraph
This toy comes in the natural prey of the cat, which increases the hunting instinct. The colorful ears and tail attract the cat to play. The toy is stuffed with catnip, which allows the cat to come back for more.
Durability
The product is very durable.
Weight
It weighs 1.6 ounces (0.05kg).
Material
It is made from non-toxic plush material.
Life Stage
It is suitable for all life stages.
Safety Concerns
This toy was made safely to ensure that no small parts or long cords, magnets, or sharp parts are used.
What We Like
- This toy comes in the cat’s natural prey and thus needs a little work to stimulate attention.
- Each toy is stuffed with catnip to enable the cat to keep coming back to play.
What We Don’t Like
The product is not motorized; thus, it doesn’t move to entice the cat.
Indoor or Outdoor Use or Both
Both.
What Is Included With Your Purchase?
You get three mice with each purchase.
Space Requirements
This toy does not need a lot of space to be used.
Type of Exercise
It provides moderate exercise.
Is the Product Kitten-Friendly?
Yes
Is the Product Portable?
Yes
Size Dimensions
This toy is 1.5 x 5 x 7.5 inches (3.81 x 12.70 x 19.05 cm).
Available Colors
It is available in 2 colors, cream, and grey.
BlackHole-Litter-Mat-Interactive-Stimulate
Best Feline Water Toy
Classification
Automatic.
General Paragraph
The toy comes in the shape of fish made with plastic and has built-in lights. Fishes automatically turn on when placed in water and turn off when taken out of water.
How Long Will the Toy Last if it’s Automatic (Motorized)
Batteries last 20-30 minutes when used continuously.
Durability
Good durability factor.
Weight
This toy weighs 3.84 ounces (0.10kg).
Material
This toy is made from plastic.
Life Stage
This toy is recommended for young adults.
Safety Concerns
- This toy is not to be used by children.
- Toys are not to be left in the water when playtime is over.
What We Like
- It is a great tool to introduce your cat to water activities.
- It is automated to turn off when taken out of the water to save power.
- Each fish has an in-built LED light to attract your cat.
- Fish automatically start swimming as soon as they are placed in the water.
What We Don’t Like
- The cat might try to enter the water to catch the fish.
- The battery does not last long.
Indoor or Outdoor Use or Both
Both.
What Is Included With Your Purchase?
- Four pieces of fish
- Eight installed batteries
- Eight extra LR44 batteries
- One battery installation tool
General Paragraph
The toy will stimulate your cat’s attention as it tries to catch swimming fish.
Space Requirements
It does not need a lot of space to play with.
Type of Exercise
Little to moderate exercise.
Is the Product Kitten-Friendly?
No, as kittens can drown in a bowl of water in their attempt to catch the fish.
Is the Product Portable?
Yes, this product is portable and can be used in any bowl or bathtub filled with water.
Size Dimensions
This toy is 3 x 1.4 x 0.8 inches (7.62 x 3.56 x 2.03 cm).
No products found.
No products found.
Best Laser Toy
Classification
Automatic
General Paragraph
The toy has a laser that attracts cats to chase and catch. In addition, the laser has five varied distances it can cover to reduce boredom.
Durability
The product is durable but needs to be kept away from children and animals.
Weight
It weighs 7.8 ounces (0.22kg).
Life stage
This toy is suitable for all life stages.
Safety Concerns
The laser could be harmful and should be used with supervision.
What We Like
- It has five circling ranges to increase the range of play.
- It can be charged with both a USB cable and batteries.
- It can be automated to fast and slow modes.
- The toy has a silent motor; hence it doesn’t make noise during use.
What We Don’t Like
- It needs to be placed on a high surface to prevent the pet from colliding or coming close to it.
- It turns off after 15 minutes and automatically turns back on after 3 hours. Hence it can’t be used to engage your pet when you are away all day.
Indoor or Outdoor Use or Both
Both, but it is most suitable for indoor use.
Does the Toy Need to be Charged?
The toy can be charged with a USB cable or powered with 4 AA batteries.
Space Requirements
This toy does not need much space, but it does require adequate space to enable your cat to run to chase the laser.
Type of Exercise
Moderate to intense physical activity and mental stimulation.
Is the Product Kitten-Friendly?
Yes.
Is the Product Portable?
Yes.
Size Dimensions
The toy is 4.1 x 2.9 x 2.9 inches (10.41 x 7.37 x 7.37 cm).
Available color
White.
I Love Veterinary’s Final Verdict When It Comes to the Best Cat Toys
Our best pick and favorite cat toy is the Youngever-Kitten-Assortments-Tunnel-Feather . This contains a lot of varied toys to keep your pet entertained, exercised, and stimulated, and it is worth the purchase if your mind is for it.
Some cats are scared of new environments and stuff, whilst some cats are intrigued by them, so do not give up if your cat does not seem to like the toy. Once you bought the right toy using our buying guide, with time and persistence, your cat would come to love your adorable gift to them.
Akosua is a Veterinary Medical Student at the University of Ghana. She likes writing during her free time and sharing her knowledge about veterinary medicine (she found the perfect combo here 🙂 ). Her passion is to inspire Veterinary professionals and change the perspective of animal love in developing countries through her work and writing.