While cats can make a toy out of anything, the best cat toys challenge your cat’s instincts, encourage them to problem solve, and overall enrich their environment. We scoured the web for the best cat toys, put them in front of our panel of board-certified veterinarians, and then tested them with our four-legged experts. From our felines to yours, here are the eight toys we found to be a perfect addition to any cat lover’s home.
With so many cat toys to choose from, it can be hard for pet parents to decide what’s worth the money. Before you shop, take a minute to match the many options with your cat’s unique needs and personality.
Just like us, cats like variety in their activities. Select toys that are colorful and engage various skills for your cat. From hunting to jumping, physical exercise will help your cat be happier and more content with their environment. Puzzle games, even simple ones with treats in a toilet paper roll and newspaper blocking either side, can keep your cat’s interest and attention, and provide enrichment.
Because of a genetic predisposition or history, some cats may be averse to certain types of toys such as motorized, fast-moving toys or those that have a wand. Read more about Midnight, a feline member of the betterpet family, for a great example of this.
One of the chief complaints that new cat owners have is how their furniture can become ruined by cat claws. Second is the need to “cat-proof” the home by removing breakables or finding creative ways to display different items. While providing an enriching environment may not fix those issues every time or all the time, it can certainly help!
A great way to entertain your cats (and yourself) is to set up an obstacle course like the one in this video. Cats will enjoy figuring out increasingly difficult challenges, and you’ll probably enjoy watching them do it.
Here are two quick, sure-fire ways to create a positive place for cats.
One of the benefits of a multi-cat household is that they can keep each other entertained. For single-cat households or ones where one cat is more interested in snoozing than playing, toys that make noise or stay in motion safely are great. The Petstages Tower of Tracks we reviewed above is a great example of this and a good way to help prevent depression.
Cats can sometimes develop cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Any change in your cat’s behavior warrants a vet visit, but if your cat is diagnosed with this age-related condition, mental stimulation can help slow the progression of this dementia-like illness.
CDS aside, cats that experience stress also benefit from regular playtime and an environment that provides a lot of stress-relieving places to hide and perch.
The writers, editors, and staff of betterpet are pet parents, and we know the value of accurate, trustworthy information. Because of this, the products we review are first approved by our vets. We tested each cat toy so that when we say a cat toy is best, it comes from firsthand experience.
The betterpet lab developed a set of criteria and then put them to the test in real-world situations. Those factors included:
I found Midnight as a stray, and it was at least six months before I could pet him, let alone play with him. He’s a black cat with gorgeous green eyes and today, he loves to sleep in the bed with me, hoard catnip, and make biscuits on my face. It’s a drastic difference from the first time he finally let me look squarely at him years ago. Despite this, I still can’t use certain toys when we play.
Anything stick-like, including a broom while sweeping, or a simple cat toy with a feather at the end, causes Midnight fear and anxiety, even after years of being indoors, safe, and loved. He doesn’t always flee the room now, but this type of play isn’t good for him. So we stick with laser pointers, springs, and stuffed toy mice.
While a stray cat’s history can never be fully known, when it comes to black cats like Midnight—and oftentimes any cat that’s spent significant measures of time outdoors— there’s always the risk of abuse. This is something cat owners need to keep in mind and approach their new, formerly stray family members with patience, grace, and understanding.
It depends! A bottle cap may be more enticing than an actual cat toy for some cats, while others may only become engaged with light-up, interactive cat toys. It’s a matter of trial and error with each cat, but use the tips above for matching your cat with the best fit.
Keeping your indoor cat entertained and healthy starts with an enriching environment. The right toys, perches, hiding holes, and obstacles will keep them stimulated, out of trouble, and entertained when you’re home or away. Dedicate time for one-on-one playtime as well.
Cats need toys to stay stimulated and entertained just like people do. Toys will help them ward off stress, anxiety, and illness, stay out of trouble and be more content in their environment overall.
Generally, yes. For your sleep routine and your cat’s play routine, it’s best to pick up noisy toys at night. For cats that play quietly, this may be less of an issue. Cats are most active at dawn and dusk, so consider picking up toys after they’ve lost interest in the evening and putting them back down before breakfast.
