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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, which makes it equally thrilling and overwhelming for cat parents. To make life easier, we’ve tracked down the best cat toys in every category.
Not sure where to start? Hop down to our explainer on how to pick a good toy for your particular kitty, or read on for our very favorites. Whether you’re shopping for a playful kitten or trying to entertain a bored older cat, this list is a good place to start.
- Best Interactive Toy: Frisco Butterfly Cat Tracks
- Best Electronic Toy: PetLibro Mouse
- Best Catnip Toy: Potaroma Catnip Wall Toy
- Best Scratcher: SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
- Best Wand Toy: GoCat Da Bird Feather Teaser
- Best Crinkle Toy: Kong Naturals Crinkle Fish
- Best Squeaker: Play-N-Squeak Mouse Hunter
- Best Laser Toy: Litterbox.com Rechargeable Laser Pointer
- Best Tunnel Toy: Frisco Foldable Crinkle Tunnel
- Best Feather Toy: PetDroid Boltz Robotic Cat Toy
- And more!
Best Interactive Toy: Frisco Butterfly Cat Tracks (Verified Review)
Interactive cat toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some require cat parent involvement (like wands and hand-held lasers), while others, like cat track toys, are safe for kitties to play with on their own. Regardless, the best interactive cat toys will spark curiosity and tap into a cat’s natural instincts—which is just what this popular Frisco Butterfly Cat track is designed to do.
Each level of this triple-tiered tower comes with a colorful rolling ball. It’s a fairly small toy but still has a number of features to keep your kitty interested—cats are drawn to the spinning movement, the fluttery, bouncing butterfly, and the sounds that both make. Our energetic young test kitties gave it two paws up and spent many absorbed minutes batting balls and butterflies around.
What we like:
- Non-skid pads keep the tower in place
- Includes replacement butterfly piece
- Available in blue or pink
- Affordable price
Things to consider:
- Extra powerful kitties might be able to finagle the balls off the tracks
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.
This rechargeable wheeled mouse from PetLibro 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, the mint-like herb that’s known to perk up even the most standoffish of felines. 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. Offering four enticing treats—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 were on the fence about it), 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:
- Not all cats go for catnip
Best Scratcher: 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.
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 ultra-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 Wand Toy: GoCat Da Bird Feather Teaser
Toys that mimic the movement of prey speak to our cats’ hunting instincts. Hence the popularity of dangling wand toys. And unlike an elusive laser, wand toys actually give cats the satisfaction of “catching” their prey.
This classic wand toy is a fan favorite. In fact, Rover kittens JoJo and Pickles found the bird-like motion of the cluster of feathers at the end mesmerizing. The wand itself is pretty durable, but the feathers are a bit on the flimsy side, like all fluttery things. Fortunately, replacements are available at a reasonable price. Pet parents also recommend putting the toy away when not in use.
What we like:
- Replaceable extensions include bumblebees, dragonflies, and more
- Pull-apart rod makes for easy storage
- Made in the USA
- Great for bonding
Things to consider:
- Some users complain that the split rod design comes apart during aggressive play
Find on Amazon Find on Petco Find on Walmart
Best Crinkle Toy: Kong Naturals Crinkle Fish
Cats have impressive hearing and are often drawn to crinkly sounds because they resemble the chatter of birds, mice, and crickets—which explains why all kinds of cat toys, from plushies to tunnels, incorporate noisy, crinkly material.
This crinkle cat toy in particular has a plush catnip-infused design filled with buckwheat, which makes a crispy, crinkly sound when your cat pounces or chews on it. It’s surprisingly durable for its affordable price and is known for enticing cats who are otherwise less enthused about toys.
What we like:
- Designed to appeal to a cat’s natural hunting instincts
- Packed with catnip for added enticement
- Made with natural, eco-friendly materials
- Lightweight (so your cat can send them flying!)
Things to consider:
- Assorted colors are chosen randomly
Best Squeaker Toy: Our Pets Play-N-Squeak Mouse Hunter
Like crinkle toys, squeaky toys appeal to our cats’ sense of hearing. 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!
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
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on Petco
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.
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 Tunnel Toy: Frisco Foldable Crinkle Tunnel
Cat tunnels are great multi-functional toys. Some cats enjoy running through them and chasing each other through both ends, while others like to take a cozy nap in the enclosed space. They’re also a smart way to provide a dedicated spot for your cat, away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of your house.
This 47-inch Frisco play tunnel with lookout windows is ideal for multi-cat households and cats that like to play hide-and-seek. Crinkle material makes for an enticing sound when your cat runs through it, and the soft suede fabric is perfect for curling up. If you don’t have a lot of space in your home, no worries! The lightweight, spring-loaded frame is easy to fold flat and stow away when playtime is over.
What we like:
- Soft suede fabric makes for a comfy feline hideout
- Long enough to accommodate multiple cats
- Features two windows and a soft toy ball
- Folds up for easy storing
Things to consider:
- Some complain that the crinkle sound is too loud
- Only comes in brown
Best Feather Toy: PetDroid Boltz Robotic Cat Toy (Verified Review)
Feather toys are great for motivating reluctant cats to exercise—encouraging feline behaviors like swatting, stalking, pouncing, and chasing. And electronic toys are great for offering a kitty entertainment when your hands are full.
This motorized cat toy is designed for smart, active cats. Moving along the floor erratically and starting and stopping unpredictably while dragging its feathered trailer, this toy hones in on cats’ physical and problem-solving skills. It’s also durable, hobbling and rolling over anything and everything.
This toy was such a big hit with our Rover tester that she called it “wizardry” and sent a thank you to the manufacturers for creating such a reliable distraction for her cat.
What we like:
- USB-rechargeable
- Automatically shuts off at 10 minutes to save battery (and keep cats from overexerting themselves)
- Good for all types of floors (carpet or hard floors)
- Three attachments included: a butterfly, plush ball, and feather toy
Things to consider:
- Probably not the best choice for nervous or easily startled cats
- A little noisy
Best Cat Tracks: Catit Design Senses Super Roller
Cat tracks are interactive toys that engage your cat’s senses of sight, hearing, and touch. The sound and motion of the balls rolling around the track grab their attention and encourage them to play.
For an extra level of interest, the Super Roller toy has motion-activated light-up balls. The tracks are mostly covered but feature large openings so cats can actually reach in and touch the ball. To change things up, additional Catit Design track sets can also be attached.
What we like:
- Replacement balls available
- Great for multi-pet homes
- A good choice for playful kittens
Things to consider:
- Some say the holes are too small for their cat’s paws
Best Playmat: SnugglyCat Ripple Rug (Verified Review)
Cat activity mats give your kitty a place to pounce and play. Some have treat pockets for games of hide-and-seek, and others include arches with dangly toys for cats who like swatting. They also offer a soft resting place for nesting and napping.
At first glance, the Ripple Rug looks a bit odd—but a lot of cats love it. The mat is multi-functional: part scratching pad, part play space, and part cat bed. Its base is thermally insulated for extra snuggling, and the holes and folds give your cat places to play, hide, and just be a cat. Young test cat Peaty was a huge fan.
What we like:
- Each rug is made with 24 recycled plastic bottles
- Large enough to accommodate multiple cats
- Nonslip backing keeps it in place
- Can be folded up for easy storage
Things to consider:
- Takes up a significant amount of floor space (the bottom rug is 47” x 35”)
- Some reviewers found it loses shape over time
Find on Chewy Find on Amazon Find on Walmart
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)
Find on Amazon Find on Walmart
Best Chase Toy: Hexbug Nano Cat Toy
Tapping into hunting behaviors, chase toys are ideal for cats with energy to spare. They’re also great for perking up more sedentary couch potatoes that need more exercise added to their days.
Propelled by vibration technology, the Hexbug Nano scurries across the floor like a real bug. The body and legs use lifelike movements to catch your cat’s attention—turning corners, avoiding other objects, and flipping over from its back to its feet.
What we like:
- A furry tail trails behind for added visual interest
- The body of the bug lights up
- Batteries included
Things to consider:
- Colors vary
- Some say it easily gets lost under furniture or appliances
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.” They 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 ultimately, 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 Box Maze: Cat Amazing Sliders Treat Maze
Another type of puzzle toy, box mazes encourage your cat’s natural foraging skills. Place treats, catnip, toy mice, or crinkle balls—whatever gets your cat going—into the compartments for your cat to hunt.
Keeping them entertained and actively moving, this maze makes it so cats must slide and shift the inner boxes to get at the goodies. Designed to continually shift and change as your kitty hunts the treats out of three inner boxes, this self-entertaining toy will keep your cat busy and mentally stimulated.
What we like:
- Can be used for both treat-loving cats and those who aren’t food-motivated
- Good for exercise and mental stimulation
- Good for solo cats and multi-cat homes
- Made with sturdy, double-walled corrugated cardboard
Things to consider:
- Not all cats will be into this type of solo play
Best Plush Toy: Frisco Refillable Catnip Squirrel Plushie
Plush toys are a timeless classic. They’re great for swatting, kicking, and pouncing—and when your kitty’s tuckered out, they’re great for snuggling, too.
This Frisco squirrel keeps the fun going with a refillable compartment for stashing catnip. A tube of dried Canadian catnip is included to get you started.
What we like:
- Catnip can be removed for more relaxed play
- Machine-washable
- Great for actively playing or snuggling
Things to consider:
- Some folks thought this toy was too small
- Not suited for cats with destructive tendencies
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 and a comprehensive look at customer reviews across various retail platforms. 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.
