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Are you in the market for a new cat toy? Options abound—from cat wands and catnip plushies to lasers, tracks, and tunnels. The choices can feel endless. So to make life easier, we’ve tracked down the best cat toys in every category.
Not sure where to start? To learn what to look for when choosing cat toys, we spoke with Steve Dale, a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant, and Rachel Hinder, Director of Claims for Embrace Pet Insurance and a Registered Veterinary Technician. Hop down to our explainer on picking a good toy for your particular kitty, or read on for our favorites.
Best Electronic Toy: PetLibro Mouse (Verified Review)
Electronic cat toys are one of the most appealing options for high-energy cats, since their unconventional movements and light displays can keep a cat engaged for long minutes at a time in a physically demanding game. Best of all, they move under their own power—freeing a busy pet parent who needs a minute.
When it comes to playtime with cats, Dale emphasizes that one of the most important benefits is that “it’s an outlet for cats’ natural prey drive.” This rechargeable wheeled mouse from PetLibro fits the bill. It rolls erratically across the floor, reversing as it bumps into things and spinning to attract your cat’s attention. The light-up tail glows with all the colors of the rainbow, and the built-in obstacle-avoidance sensors keep it from getting stuck.
We were offered a free mouse by Petlibro to test on a rambunctious new kitten, and it singlehandedly saved our tester’s Christmas tree. It captured the cat’s attention like nothing else, and a second was immediately purchased for the times when the first mouse was recharging.
What we like:
- Fast, erratic movements and light displays keep cats entertained
- Obstacle-avoidance sensor reverses mouse when it hits an obstacle
- Rechargeable with USB cord
- Relatively sturdy; survives frequent collisions and cat attacks
Things to consider:
- In our experience, battery life lasted just under an hour, necessitating frequent recharges
- Limited to hard surfaces
Find on Amazon Find on PetLibro
Best Catnip Toy: Potaroma Catnip Wall Toy (Verified Review)
Many cats can’t resist catnip. Releasing a pheromone called nepetalactone, it can cause many cats (although not all) to exhibit a range of excitable behaviors, from tumbling and rolling to flat-out discombobulation. And what better way to bottle up this silliness than with toys packed with dried catnip?
Part treat, part toy, the Potaroma Catnip Wall Toy provides an alternative to plush catnip toys. With four rotating balls—catnip, silvervine, fruit of silvervine, and cat sugar—this toy is designed to entertain your cat, promote licking (which can be soothing), and potentially even freshen breath.
It’s not for every cat (our test kitties gave it mixed reviews), but those who like it go absolutely wild, as documented by the kitties of TikTok.
What we like:
- Comes with dust caps to cover treats when not in use
- Natural and non-toxic
- The company offers a full refund if your cat isn’t interested in the toy
Things to consider:
Find on AmazonBest Scratching Post: SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Scratching is a natural cat behavior that sharpens nails, stretches muscles, and gives cats a way to mark their territory. All the same, we’d prefer our couches not to be the target of kitty claws. Enter scratching posts, which provide a safe way to redirect your cat. Appealing to a wide range of scratching styles, they come in all shapes, sizes, and materials.
“For highly active or destructive cats, sturdy toys that can withstand rough play are essential,” says Hinder. “Durable scratching posts, heavy-duty toys, or those made from tough materials can help redirect their energy away from furniture or other inappropriate items.”
This basic, sturdy cat scratcher is tall enough (32 inches) for your ultra-long kitty to get in a full stretch—but it won’t take up too much space in smaller homes. The 16-by-16-inch base is made of engineered wood, and the scratching material is tough woven sisal.
What we like:
- Sturdy post keeps scratcher from wobbling
- Holds up to larger cats
- Good for toning muscle
Things to consider:
- Some cats might prefer the feel of carpet or cardboard
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on Petco
Best Mouse Toy: Pet Zone Play-N-Squeak Mouse Hunter
Like crinkle toys, squeaky toys appeal to our cats’ sense of hearing and prey drive. Some cats just can’t resist a high-pitched squeak that resembles a small prey animal.
Unlike typical squeaky chew toys that have to be pressed or chomped to make a noise, this realistic mouse toy lets out an electronic squeak whenever tapped. And, to further entice your cat, this furry squeaker has a catnip scent.
If your cat tends to get bored of toys easily, Dale suggests placing them in a different spot for your cat to discover. “Once ‘killed’ a few times, a cat may no longer be interested [in a toy],” says Dale. “Sometimes, even re-locating a toy to another room makes it an all-new toy.”
What we like:
- Gives cats a safe outlet for hunting, chasing, stalking, and pouncing
- Contains catnip
- Affordable price
Things to consider:
- There’s no off-switch
- Batteries are included but not replaceable
Best Laser Toy: Litterbox.com Rechargeable Laser Pointer
Most cats love to chase lasers. Feline eyes are great at sensing movement, so a darting red dot is bound to get them moving. Cat parents can choose from either hand-held or automated lasers, which can entertain a bored kitty while they’re away.
While it may not be automatic, this laser pointer has a list of conveniences that we love. First, it’s rechargeable, so you don’t have to worry about batteries. Second, there’s an on/off switch, meaning users don’t have to hold down a button with their thumb. And as a bonus, this multipurpose pointer can also be used as an LED flashlight or a UV blacklight.
Just remember that play sessions with lasers should end with a physical toy so your cat can get to the end of the chase cycle.
What we like:
- Recharges on a USB port
- Includes carrying case and convenient keychain strap
- Has an on/off switch
Things to consider:
- Takes two hours to fully charge
Best String Toy: Moody Pet Fling-AMA-String Cat Toy (Verified Review)
There’s just something about a wriggling piece of ribbon or yarn that gets cats jumping and swatting. Most cats love playing with string because they like the way it moves, and the material is fun to grab.
For the times we aren’t there to dangle string over our cats’ heads, this toy comes in handy. The battery-operated elastic belt rotates inside a plastic channel to whip a rainbow-colored string around. It also disappears into the back of the toy and reappears at the top, captivating cats in an unending game of hide-and-seek.
While it is a bit pricey, it does keep cats entertained with little effort from pet parents, as we discovered in our testing.
What we like:
- Won an Editor’s Choice Award from Cat Fancy Magazine and the Best New Cat Product from the Global Pet Expo
- Highly rated on Amazon
- Keeps cats entertained with little effort from pet parents
Things to consider:
- Requires supervision to make sure a cat doesn’t detach the string
- Requires three AA batteries (not included)
Best Cat Tree: Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree and Condo
As both predator and prey animals, cats are all about vertical space. Cat trees offer a safe perch for observing the world and keeping tabs on incoming “prey.” Cat trees also provide a source of entertainment and enrichment for cats.
“For those super destructive kitties, the super solution is enrichment,” explains Dale. “Providing places to climb and opportunities to ‘hunt’ for food indoors. It’s about activating the prey drive.”
Not only does this cat tree help your kitty indulge in their prey drive, it also give cats a dedicated spot to leap, climb, scratch, and nap.
This 57-inch-tall cat tree condo has a little bit of everything. It comes with three tempting dangly toys to capture your cat’s attention—plus sturdy sisal-wrapped scratching posts that let them blow off steam. You can find fancier cat trees out there, but this sturdy, basic model has won a place in reviewers’ hearts as a one-stop solution to a cat’s housing and playtime needs.
What we like:
- Easy to assemble
- Built-in dangling toys
- Provides both a cat house and play area
Things to consider:
- Not intended for large cats
Best Exercise Wheel: One Fast Cat Exercise Wheel (Verified Review)
A hamster wheel, but cat-sized—exercise wheels are ideal for high-octane pets with energy to burn. There’s certainly a learning curve to them, but if your cat is trainable (and you have the bandwidth to spend some time upfront), an exercise cat wheel could be just the thing to help entertain your restless kitty or help your cat reach their fitness goals.
We took the One Fast Cat Exercise Wheel for a spin and concluded that it’s well worth the investment if you have a smart, highly energetic cat. In fact, if your cat is easily motivated by treats or toys, they can begin using the wheel independently after just one or two training sessions. The wheel assembles easily, and the One Fast Cat support team is on hand if you run into any technical problems.
What we like:
- Shown to relieve stress in cats
- Replaceable foam traction pads are available
- A support team is available to help with technical problems
Things to consider:
- Best for trainable cats with moderate to higher energy levels
- Not for pets over 25 pounds
Best Puzzle Toy: Nina Ottosson Petstages Buggin’ Out Puzzle
Puzzle toys provide mental enrichment by channeling your cat’s natural skills like stalking, sniffing, and pouncing. Cat puzzle toys can stave off boredom, provide exercise, and prevent problem behaviors.
A popular option, this hide-and-seek style toy from designer Nina Ottosson requires cats to swivel leaves and scoot pegs to get the treats inside. The difficulty level can be adjusted, offering a versatile option for both kitties new to puzzle toys and those more familiar with this type of play. And because it can hold up to ¼ cup of kibble, this toy can also be used as a slow feeder.
What we like:
- Made with food-safe materials
- Difficulty can be adjusted
- Can be used as a slow feeder
Things to consider:
- Beginners may find these toys frustrating at first
Best Kitten Toy: KONG Active Feather Teaser Wand Toy
Kittens often enjoy lots of playtime with a variety of engaging toys. “Kittens benefit from toys that help them develop their hunting instincts and manage their high energy levels,” says Hinder. “Toys that mimic natural prey like feather wands, toy mice, or interactive toys that challenge them to ‘hunt’ for treats are particularly good choices.”
This enticing teaser toy is an excellent choice for playtime because its bright feathers and crinkling sound entice your kitten’s natural hunting instincts. Since it requires a human to play with, it also doubles as a great toy for bonding between kittens and their owners.
What we like:
- Great for play and bonding
- Stuffed with catnip
- Toy is connected to an 18.5-inch string
Things to consider:
- Available in a variety of styles; unable to choose which one you get
Best Kitten Teething Toys: Petstages Plaque Away Pretzel Kitten Teething Toy
Like human babies, kittens go through a teething period, during which kitten teething toys come in handy to provide distraction and relief. “Pet parents should avoid toys with small, detachable parts that could be swallowed and those made from toxic materials,” says Hinder. “Always supervise your cat during play to ensure they are using toys safely.”
This pretzel-shaped chew toy is good for teething relief and dental health due to the mesh material that helps clean teeth during chewing. This lightweight toy, which is filled with catnip, also doubles as an excellent toy for cats to bat at.
What we like:
- Good for cats of all ages (even soft enough for seniors)
- Dimensions: 2.5 inches by 2.8 inches
- Mesh is gentle on gums but also helps remove plaque and tartar
Things to consider:
- Not recommended for heavy chewers
Best Cat Slow Feeder: Petstages Kitty Slow-Feeder Cat Bowl
This slow-feeder bowl is a good choice for cats who instantly gobble down food (no judgment!). The zig-zag ridges make smaller portion sizes, which helps your cat slow down when they eat.
It’s designed with a non-slip base and can even double as a source of mental stimulation for your cat. It holds 3/4 cups of wet or dry food and can be cleaned in the dishwasher.
What we like:
- Made with food-safe, BPA-free plastic
- Top-rack dishwasher safe
- Dimensions: 5 inches by 5 inches
Things to consider:
- Some cats may be frustrated with the bowl at first, so it may take time for your cat to get used to
Best Kicker Toy: Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Toy
Kicker toys provide a medley of opportunities for your cat to show their true hunting abilities. Whether they enjoy batting and chasing it around or using it as a comfy pillow after playtime, this banana-shaped toy is a feline favorite with over 26,000 reviews on Amazon.
It’s made from cotton twill and stuffed with 100% organic catnip to make it even more enticing to cats. It’s also made without filler or plastic materials and hand-sewn in the USA.
What we like:
- Measures about 7 inches long
- The long curve design makes it ideal for grabbing
-
Made with soy and vegetable-based dyes that are natural and non-toxic
Things to consider:
- Catnip not refillable
Best Lick Mat: Hyper Pet IQ Treat Mat (Verified Review)
Lick mats are versatile toys that keep cats entertained and engaged, whether used to soothe, calm, distract, or reward. These mats are each divided into four textured sections that can hold wet, dry, and spreadable food.
These freezer and dishwasher-safe mats are made from non-toxic, FDA-grade thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which makes them both gentle and durable.
What we like:
- Made in the USA
- Good for cats and dogs
- Dishwasher and freezer-safe
Things to consider:
- May not be best for heavy chewers due to material
Best Chew Toy: Petstages Catnip Chew Mice Cat Toys
If your adult cat enjoys chewing, these catnip-infused chew mice toys are an excellent distraction. Like the pretzel-shaped chew toy for kittens mentioned above, these mice are designed with mesh netting that is gentle on gums and helps remove plaque and tartar build-up.
While these toy mice are lightweight enough for your cat to bat and play with, it’s essential to keep an eye on your cat’s toys to ensure they’re safe. “Regularly inspect toys for any damage and remove worn-out toys to prevent accidents,” cautions Hinder. “Follow manufacturer instructions and heed any warnings associated with the toys.”
What we like:
- Filled with catnip to entice cats
- Mesh lining helps clean teeth
- Comes in packs of two
Things to consider:
- Catnip is not refillable
Best Wand Toy: Frisco Cat Toy Bird Wand with Feathers
Wands toys are excellent cat toys that help provide a bonding experience for cats and their parents while also engaging a cat’s natural prey drive. “Cats associate the fun they’re having with one end of the toy to the person at the other end of that fishing pole type toy or wand toy,” explains Dale.
This bird wand with feathers is brightly colored to pique your cat’s attention. It is also designed with crinkle fabric that makes noise. Even better, the toy is stuffed with catnip to help encourage engagement and exercise.
What we like:
- Dimensions: The length of the string is 22 inches and the rod is 18.5 inches
- Stimulates cats natural hunting instincts
- Promotes exercise
Things to consider:
- Catnip not refillable
Best Tunnel: SmartyKat Crackle Chute Collapsible Tunnel Cat Toy
Let your cat prowl like a panther in this chute tunnel toy that encourages their natural hunting and prey instincts. The crinkly texture of the tunnel will attract your cat’s attention, and the burrow-like design will give them a place to hide out and play.
There are holes on both ends and one in the middle for your cat to pop in and out of. The tunnel easily collapses for storage when playtime is over.
What we like:
- Designed with a collapsible lightweight spring frame for easy storage
- Dimensions: 34 inches x 9.5 inches x 9.5 inches
- Promotes exercise and stimulation
Things to consider:
- Best for small to medium-sized cats
Best Cat Crinkle Toy: KONG Pull-A-Partz Bugz Cat Toy
This 4-in-1 pull-art cat toy is crafted with a soft fabric and a crinkly interior to help entice your cat to get their daily exercise. It’s an especially nice pick for older kitties. “Senior cats need toys that encourage gentle exercise and mental stimulation to keep them active and healthy,” explains Hinder. “Puzzle feeders or softer toys that are easy to manipulate can be beneficial for keeping their minds and bodies engaged without overexertion.”
The toy has a base leaf and velcro-attached little toys your cat can pull and tear off. The toys also have catnip in them.
What we like:
- Provides a multi-sensory experience for cats
- Dimensions: 1.25 inches x 10 inches x 13.75 inches
- Encourages cat’s natural prey instinct
Things to consider:
- Catnip is not refillable
Best Cat Track Toy: Catstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy
Most cat parents will agree that finding the perfect toy for their frisky feline takes time and patience. “For solo play, understand each cat has their own preference,” says Dale. “You may prefer baseball, and a friend may prefer volleyball. It’s the same with cats; each has a favorite ‘sport.'”
If your cat goes crazy for tower and track toys, this brightly colored, three-level option may become a new favorite. It features two balls on each layer that your cat can bat and play with as they spin around the tower. The bottom is also designed with a non-skid pad to keep it from sliding around during play sessions.
What we like:
- Measurements: 10 inches in diameter by 5 inches high
- Three levels with six balls total
- Easy to clean with damp towel
Things to consider:
- The simple design may not entice all cats to play with it
Best Cardboard Cat House: ASPCA Cardboard Cat House
You can give your cat a spot of their own with this cozy cottage-decorated cardboard cat house. It features a door and three windows, along with a roof and chimney, that allow your cat some privacy while still allowing them to see all the action going on around them.
The inside floor is designed with a reversible scratcher that can be removed and replaced. The house is easy to assemble and can even be collapsed for easier storage when not in use.
What we like:
- Dimensions: 13 inches x 19 inches x 17 inches
- Includes a cardboard scratching floor
- A portion of the proceeds benefit ASPCA
Things to consider:
- Does not come with catnip
Best Christmas Cat Toy: Frisco Holiday Santa Hat & Mistletoe Cat Tracks Cat Toy
When you check your list twice, don’t forget presents for special feline friends. This three-level cat track is designed in festive holiday colors and is also adorned with two interchangeable mistletoe and Santa hat teaser toys to place on top.
Each level includes a ball (three total) for your cat to bat and watch it whirl around. The balls are designed to stay inside the tracks, but if one happens to come loose, they’re easy to pop back into place.
What we like:
- Measures about 10 inches by 10 inches
- Two interchangeable top toys designed with springy sticks for extra fun
- Good for cats of all ages
Things to consider:
- Replacement balls not available
Best Halloween Cat Toy: SmartyKat Halloween Soarin’ Spider Launcher
Whether you celebrate Halloween in October or year-round, this adorable spider toy is an excellent interactive toy for cats at a reasonable price. This toy promotes exercise, stimulation, and engagement, and it can be played solo or as an interactive bonding session.
It features an elastic green band launder that can help you launch it into the air for your cat to chase. Rover writer Kelsey purchased this toy a few years ago for her all-black cat (naturally, Halloween is his favorite holiday), and it is tied to a string for him to bat around as he pleases. She’s pretty sure he’d give the toy a 5-paw rating if he could talk.
What we like:
- Includes catnip
- Elastic band works as a launcher or allows you to easily hang the toy for your cat to play with
- The body of the toy is a soft plush with stretchy fabric legs
Things to consider:
- Catnip not refillable
How To Choose a Cat Toy
With all the different kinds of cat toys out there, how do you know which type will be a success with your own cat?
We have to admit that given the nature of cats, few cat parents bat a thousand. But knowing your cat’s play style, activity levels, and temperament can help you pick winners more reliably.
For example, feisty kittens or active breeds like Bengals or Abyssinians can benefit from a toy that keeps them on their toes. Electronic cat toys that mimic the movement of prey are fun for chasing, fetching, and releasing your cat’s inner hunter. (Plus, they free up busy cat parents’ hands.)
Wands and lasers are two long-time favorites that also encourage cats to get moving. As a bonus, these interactive toys offer cat parents the chance to bond and share in the fun.
Next up we have mentally enriching puzzle toys that engage your cat’s problem-solving skills. Puzzle toys are a good way to prevent boredom and can help with feline separation anxiety. Depending on the design, puzzles can also be used as slow feeders to pace speed eaters.
Then we have scratchers, which are great for cats of all ages and temperaments. Scratching posts help cats maintain healthy nails while giving them a good arm workout. They also keep couches intact by redirecting your cat’s scratching to a more appropriate surface.
Plush toys (especially those with catnip) are great for batting, swatting, or cuddling. They’re a good standby for most cats but may not fare well with rambunctious or destructive kitties.
Of course, the best cat toy is the one the cat actually plays with—and it can take some experimentation to figure out what kind of toy your kitty gravitates toward. We recommend trying a small assortment of different types of toys, then investing more fully once you see what gets used and what gets abandoned.
How We Chose
The cat toys featured here were selected based on a combination of our hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across various retail platforms, and interviews with pet experts, including Steve Dale, a Certified Animal Behavior Consultant, and Rachel Hinder, Director of Claims for Embrace Pet Insurance and a Registered Veterinary Technician.
We prioritized safety, versatility, and practicality of use when creating this list. Additionally, we considered a range of pet parent needs, budgets, and lifestyles. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated cats, who are never stingy with their feedback.
