10 Best Cat Toys in 2022 (PetSafe, Petstages, and More)
Cats are very choosy about their toys. Some like feathers, toys that move, springs, or even like trucks. Unfortunately, they also can't read product reviews. But we can, and we did! We've scoured the bestseller lists for you, so you can find something to satisfy your picky feline, such as Jteey's Retractable Wand that is sure to keep your cat engaged.
We considered different ages, common cat likes and dislikes, and special needs cats too. This list has something for everyone! After the toy list, you'll also find a buying guide to help you choose which toys will trigger your cat's predatory instincts.
Quick List - Top Cat Toys
JTEEY
Designed With Both Cats and Their Humans in Mind
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How to Choose Cat Toys
Cats are notoriously picky about - well, everything. So many owners think they've bought the perfect toy, only to have their cat completely ignore it! While there is no one-toy-fits-all approach, there are some things you should consider before buying that can increase your chances of success and decrease your wasted money.
Think About the Type of Toy You Want
There are two main types of cat toys: toys which your cat will use by itself and toys that require you to play with the cat. We can refer to the first type as independent and the second type as interactive. It's important that regardless of your cat's age or temperament, you have both types of toys in your house and use them.
Interactive Play Should Be Fun for Both of You!
Examples of interactive toys include wand teasers, fishing rod-type toys, robotic toys, and laser pointers. Some of these can be automated, but you should still keep an eye on your cat while it's using them for safety reasons.
As far as pet owners are concerned, the things you should consider in a good interactive toy are the handle, weight, and materials.
- Handles should be a comfortable length and easy to grip. Short handles are not only less ergonomic, but it's harder to make the toy move naturally with them.
- Heavy toys will tire you out before your cat is tired of playing.
- Toys should be well-constructed of durable, safe materials.
- Also, with fishing rods toys especially, keep them out of the cat's reach when you're not watching, since the cat can easily become tangled in the line.
Independent Toys Help a Cat Practice its Hunting Techniques
Examples of independent toys include balls, mice, and kick toys. There are also track-and-ball type toys, puzzle and maze toys, and hide-and-seek toys such as a cardboard box with holes cut in it. All predators in the wild have to play to practice hunting techniques, and cats are excellent hunters and usually very avid players.
The most important thing about these toys is that they are safe for the cat to use even if you're not watching them. Make sure there are no parts that can be eaten and there is nothing that can get tangled around their legs or stuck in their claws.
You don't have to buy a ton of different toys all the time to keep your cat interested in playing with them. You can rotate them! Take out a few toys, leave them around the house, and occasionally swap them out for different toys. If you have a cat that likes to play alone at night, try hiding toys in different places so the cat can find them.
Classic Catnip for a Change in Mood
Catnip is a plant in the mint family that many cats find attractive. Some of them absolutely go insane for it. However, not all cats like it, and not all cats have the same reaction to it.
If your cat's not into it, there a couple of other herbs that you can try. Silvervine, valerian, or catmint may be more up your cat's alley. None of them are harmful, and none of them are addictive. They may make your cat playful or more mellow and help them relax.
Robotic Toys for Busy Owners
There are also various robotic toys available nowadays. Some activate with a motion sensor to play with the cat while you're away. Others can be controlled remotely using a smartphone app.
Other robotic toys have a laser, pet camera, or can even dispense treats. These won't take the place of human interaction, but they can be useful for people who have to work long hours or pets with separation anxiety.
Other Types of Toys Add to the Fun
Here are some other kinds of toys that many cats love.
- Tunnels are good for cats to chase each other, stalk "prey" toys, and for interactive play.
- Treat-dispensing toys can keep cats busy by engaging their problem-solving skills. They're also great for overeaters, so they have to work for their food.
- Dental health toys are designed to clean a cat's teeth while it bites into them. They're also good for teething kittens.
Choose a Toy Based on Your Cat's Needs
When you're shopping for a toy, think like your cat! Your cat doesn't care how cute the toy is, how many people recommended it, or what you paid for it. Only you will know what they might prefer based on their personality.
Toys That Mimic a Cat's Natural Prey
Play may be cute to us, but for a cat, it's serious business. It's practice for when they really have to hunt to kill their food. They'll be most likely to have an interest in a toy that looks like prey that they would hunt in the wild.
Materials like fur, feathers, and leather will be more attractive to most cats than things like hard plastics. The size can range from insect-sized to bird-sized, but be careful about toys that are small enough to actually ingest, especially if you have a young cat or one with pica.
Sound is important too. Cats are attracted to small, high-pitched squeaky noises and rustling noises, which are what they would listen for to find rodents. Avoid toys that make very loud noises as cats have much more sensitive hearing than humans do.
Take Special Needs or Conditions Into Account
There are flashing light-up toys and toys that make noises, which can be good for cats with sensory challenges like blindness or deafness. One of the most difficult problems to deal with is pica. This is when an animal (or human) desires to eat things that are not food.
If you suspect your cat has pica, you should start by talking with your vet. Try to avoid toys with strings or other parts that can come off and be ingested easily. Provide your pet with cat grass and toys that are safe to chew on to help them satisfy their craving.
Consider Your Cat's Age
It's important to choose age-appropriate toys for kittens, older cats, and seniors since they may benefit from different toys.
Kittens Will Play With Anything, but Supervise Them
Kittens can be teething up until they are seven months old, and even after that, they can still be a little bitey. Chew toys are good but make sure they don't have any parts that can be swallowed. It's best to supervise your kitten when it's playing especially if it tries to eat things.
Kick toys are also a good choice for kittens. They practice play fighting with their littermates, and they still enjoy this behavior even if they don't have any siblings living with them. Choose a kick toy that is about the size of a kitten itself and made of durable material.
Senior Cats May Benefit from Softer Toys
Older cats can have more sensitive teeth and oral health problems, so they can benefit from softer toys that will be more comfortable for them. If your cat doesn't like to move around so much, consider buying some cat-TV-type toys like fake fish tanks or videos of birds and mice.
10 Best Cat Toys Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | JTEEY Retractable Wand｜Includes 2 wands, 7 toys, and storage bag | | Designed With Both Cats and Their Humans in Mind | |
2 | Yangbaga Dye-Free Mylar Crinkle Balls｜20 balls | | A Very Popular Toy in a Safer Material | |
3 | Potarama Moving Cat Kicker Fish Toy | | A Kick Toy That Kicks Back | |
4 | Yeowww! Tin of Stinkies Catnip Sardines | | The Strongest Catnip Toy You Can Buy! | |
5 | Cat Amazing Sliders Treat-Hunt Puzzle Toy | | A Puzzle Box for Challenging, Rewarding Play | |
6 | Petstages Cat Pillow | | Something Soft and Soothing for Your Stressed Cat to Cuddle With | |
7 | Petstages Tons of Tails | | Satisfy Your Cat's Chewing Needs Safely | |
8 | Prosper Pet Collapsible 3-Way Cat Tunnel｜15 colors available | | Make Hide-and-Seek Fun for Cats and Their Owners | |
9 | Our Pets Play-N-Squeak Mouse Hunter Cat Toy | | A Squeaky, Realistic Mouse to Trigger Your Cat's Instincts | |
10 | PetSafe Dancing Dot - Interactive Cat Laser Toy | | A Safe Toy to Entertain Your Cat When You Can't Be Around |
JTEEY Retractable Wand ｜ Includes 2 wands, 7 toys, and storage bag
Designed With Both Cats and Their Humans in Mind
The length means it's easy to play without tiring your shoulders, but it can be retracted and comes with a storage bag, too! The invisible fishing line ends in a clip that holds toys securely and makes toys move in unpredictable ways that will entice and engage your pet. You can easily attach different things than what comes with the set.
The only complaints about this toy are its durability. Most customers have no problems, but as anyone with a cat knows, their mission is to kill their toys! Ensure that the wand parts are tightly crimped, and inspect the toys regularly for loose or missing parts.
A Very Popular Toy in a Safer Material
Crinkly mylar balls have long been popular with cats, who enjoy chasing them, and their owners, who enjoy fishing them out from under every piece of furniture in the house. Most mylar toys are colorfully dyed, which looks nice; but the dye can actually come off in your pet's mouth or water dish.
These are a safer choice with all the same fun. They will make an irresistible rustling noise, and they're so light that they easily skitter across the floor, whether you have hardwood or carpet. Cats of all ages should love batting them around by themselves.
A few reviewers said their cats tore off pieces, so they might not be good if you have a pica cat. However, most buyers loved these, saying their kitties went nuts for them and that they were relieved that they were dye-free.
A Kick Toy That Kicks Back
All cats have the instinct to kick - they do it when they're fighting each other and when they're killing prey. A good kick toy in appropriate material and size can protect your arm from becoming your cat's sparring partner. This battery-operated fish looks and moves like the real thing!
After charging with the provided USB cable, switch the toy on and touch it. It will start flopping around in one of three motion patterns and stop automatically. The charge can last days to weeks, depending on use.
Like with all toys, there's no guarantee your cat will love it. A few cat owners shared that their cat didn't like it. Meanwhile, other cats had no problems with it, noting it's an excellent toy for curious cats, said others. This toy is especially good for kittens, who would naturally engage in wrestling and kicking behavior with littermates.
The Strongest Catnip Toy You Can Buy!
So catnip isn't actually addictive or harmful to your cat, but it often has effects that they enjoy. Some get hyper, while others get calm and even sleepy. These little fabric sardines are made in the USA and stuffed full of organic catnip.
According to a few paw parents, their cats were quite unimpressed with the catnip. However, the majority had no qualms and said it was a guaranteed winner. Their small size makes them easy for cats to hold and chomp on. Buyers recommend giving the cat one at a time and leaving the others in a plastic bag, so they keep their potency.
A Puzzle Box for Challenging, Rewarding Play
Do you have an inquisitive cat who can't sit still? One who goes around the house exploring everything at best and destroying everything at worst? There are a lot of puzzle toys for cats, but this one will keep them busy for a long while.
It's made of three smaller cardboard boxes that slide in a bigger box. The varying combinations require your cat to problem-solve and use dexterity to get the rewards you hide inside: treats, toys, or dry food. The box is sturdy, and most buyers say it's easy to assemble.
According to a few paw parents, assembling the box was a nightmare. The instructions didn't help, or they ended up with flaps that didn't stick. However, many others who figured it out shared that their cats were captivated by the box. It was also durable and can withstand the weight of a cat, added reviewers.
Something Soft and Soothing for Your Stressed Cat to Cuddle With
Although called a pillow, it's rather flat, more like a small blanket, making it good for a cat to sit on while it listens to the purring. The noise turns off after two minutes, and the mechanism can be removed to wash the fabric.
Some cat owners say their felines were scared of the noise. Like with most things, it may depend on how you introduce it to your cat. Still, many reviewers said that the pillow helped their cats sleep and relax. Others said that it was also durable despite being chewed on.
Satisfy Your Cat's Chewing Needs Safely
This ball of three different fabrics is filled with catnip. The knots and tassels should be especially attractive for cats with pica symptoms, who often love chewing and sucking on cloth. It can also satisfy teething kittens.
However, some reviewers have said their cats tore it apart quickly. No toy is 100 percent indestructible, especially if your cat has pica or is just a really determined chewer, so make sure to monitor them and take it away if it shows too much damage. On a positive note, this toy was a hit among many cats, especially mouthy ones.
Prosper PetCollapsible 3-Way Cat Tunnel ｜ 15 colors available
Make Hide-and-Seek Fun for Cats and Their Owners
It comes in 15 colors to match any decor and can be collapsed when not used (although some remarked that is easier said than done). Cats will love chasing each other through the different tubes. You can hide toys inside to surprise your cat and use it with another interactive toy such as a teaser or wand toy.
Most say it's very durable, but be careful to inspect the wireframe often because a few noted that the wiring could come loose. Still, many cats loved this tunnel. Paw parents said it's a practical product that induces a lot of fun.
A Squeaky, Realistic Mouse to Trigger Your Cat's Instincts
This furry rodent has a battery-powered squeaker inside that sounds just like a real mouse. Cats are attracted to high-pitched noises. The texture, size, and realistic shape of this toy should get their attention, too.
The squeak is triggered when a cat hits it and stops after a few seconds. There is another model available which also has light-up eyes, so this is a great choice for cats with total or partial visual impairment. The battery can't be replaced, but most reviewers say it lasts a very long time (years!).
However, the battery is the main complaint people do have. If yours dies quickly, ask for a new mouse, since it was probably defective. Some have also warned that the toy can be damaged if your cat puts it in its water bowl, but it usually recovers after drying. Many cats did love this toy right out of the box. The toy is well constructed and can survive torture, added others.
A Safe Toy to Entertain Your Cat When You Can't Be Around
With no parts to come off, this laser avoids safety issues, and has a random pattern of movement to keep your house panther happy. It has two modes: One-Time-Play, which lasts 15 minutes, and Play-All-Day, which turns it on for 15 minutes every two hours. Place it on a table or cabinet, or hang it from a doorknob for wider and faster movements.
It requires three AAA batteries. Some owners were worried because their cat stared straight at the laser, but it's safety-rated and shouldn't cause eye damage. Of course, leave some "real" toys out for your cat too, since the Red Dot is frustratingly impossible to catch! Still, this toy became the favorite of many cats, even seniors.
How to Play With Your Cat
It works well to have a routine for playtimes, and your cat will learn to look forward to these sessions. A good goal is about 30 minutes per day of playtime between you and your kitty. Young cats and certain breeds will require more. This interactive play is very important, not only to drain energy but also for bonding.
Remember that your movements should try to mimic their natural prey to keep your cat engaged in the game. Make the toy go away from them or across their line of vision. You can also hide it behind furniture, in a bag, or under a blanket. This is like a prey animal trying to seek shelter from its predator.
Cats are naturally curious and very smart, so if they seem like they're getting bored with the same game every day, try to change it up! Something as simple as playing in a different room or using chairs, sofas, and cat trees as part of an obstacle course can really pique their interest.
And remember that watching before pouncing is also fun for them, so as long as they're focused on the toy, their head is in the game.
How to Introduce New Toys to Your Cat
Introducing a cat to its new toy can be as simple as opening the box, and after the cat gets done sitting in the box, it will play with the toy happily for hours. Or, it could ignore the toy completely or even be afraid of it.
It's kind of a toss-up! But there are things you can do to give yourself a better chance of success. Don't try to force a cat to like a toy immediately. Trying to force a cat to do anything is rarely a winning strategy. Let it check it out at its own pace.
If the toy lights up or makes noises, let the cat investigate with all of those functions turned off at first. Don't be disappointed if the cat shows no interest in the beginning!
Sometimes a cat can completely ignore a toy for months, and as soon as you throw it in a wastebasket, the cat digs it out and starts playing with it. Try moving the toy around the house and putting it in the cat's favorite spots, and maybe it will take a shine to it.
Raise Your Paw if You Need Some More Pet Supplies!
Toys aren't the only cat goods you can easily buy online with our recommendation. We've also got your dog's desires covered, too! Check out these related articles.
Top 5 Cat Toys
No. 1: JTEEY ｜Retractable Wand｜Includes 2 wands, 7 toys, and storage bag
No. 2: Yangbaga｜Dye-Free Mylar Crinkle Balls｜20 balls
No. 3: Potarama｜Moving Cat Kicker Fish Toy
No. 4: Yeowww!｜Tin of Stinkies Catnip Sardines
No. 5: Cat Amazing｜Sliders Treat-Hunt Puzzle Toy
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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