Cats love to play, and the best cat toys can help keep our pets happy and healthy. Toys are more than just a way to have fun—they keep our cats active, curious, and mentally sharp. From feather wands to bouncy balls, the right toy can give our cats hours of entertainment and help them avoid boredom.
There are many different cat toys to choose from. Some let our cats chase and pounce, while others have treats hidden inside or make sounds to grab their attention. Not every cat likes the same type of toy, so it can take a little trial and error to find the ones that work best for each pet.
When picking out toys for our cats, it is important to think about materials, size, and durability. We want toys made from safe, non-toxic materials that can stand up to sharp claws and teeth. Small pieces that can break off or be swallowed are a risk, so we always check for sturdy construction and make sure the size fits our own cat’s needs. We researched and tested a variety of popular cat toys to find the ones that best balance fun, safety, and durability.
Best Cat Toys
We’ve put together a list of the best cat toys to help keep your cat active and happy. Our picks include options for all kinds of play styles and preferences.
Interactive Cat Toys for Indoor Cats,The 3rd Generation Agile Moving Cat Ball with Elastic Mesh Tail,Automatic Kitten Toys for Bored Indoor Adult Cats,Motion Activated
Anyone looking for a durable, motion-activated cat toy that keeps cats moving and interested should consider this option.
Pros
- Reliable motion activation engages cats quickly
- Two modes make it great for both shy and active cats
- Comes with two replaceable tail accessories
Cons
- Not waterproof, so cleaning takes care
- Can slow down on thick carpets if not maintained
- Some cats may need time to warm up to the moving ball
We found the Jkanti Interactive Cat Ball works well for keeping our indoor cats entertained. The motion-activated feature made setup fast, and within seconds, the rolling ball had our cats chasing it all over the house. The surface is soft and pleasing to touch, so our cats loved batting and carrying the toy around.
Using the two different speed modes, we could customize play for each of our cats. Shy or older cats seemed relaxed with the slower setting, and the quiet mode didn’t make them nervous. Energetic cats in our group were much more interested in the faster setting, especially with the mesh tail attached, which really ramped up the excitement.
Cleaning the ball is simple with the included cloth, but since the toy can’t get wet, we have to be careful. We’ve noticed that if hair builds up, it can slow down, but giving it a quick wipe keeps everything running smoothly. We appreciated the long battery life and the fact that we could recharge it instead of having to find new batteries. This is a solid pick for anyone searching for an engaging, adaptable toy for different kinds of cats.
Potaroma Cat Toys Flapping Bird (No Flying), Lifelike Sandpiper Chirp Tweet, Rechargeable Touch Activated Kitten Toy Interactive Cat Exercise Toys for All Breeds Cat Kicker Catnip Toys 4.0″
We recommend this cat toy for anyone who wants to keep their cat entertained and active without a lot of effort.
Pros
- Quiet, realistic bird action draws lots of attention
- Works both as an interactive and self-play toy
- Rechargeable and easy to clean
Cons
- Can be noisy in a quiet house
- Catnip pouch is not replaceable
- Instructions are a bit unclear
We found that the Potaroma Flapping Bird Cat Toy is a simple way to bring some excitement to our cats’ playtime. It’s soft and safe, so we don’t have to worry when cats wrestle or bite it. The flapping motion and bird sounds catch their interest almost every time, especially when they’re bored or restless.
It’s handy that the toy can flap on its own when touched or be attached to a wand for extra interaction with us. The built-in catnip gives most cats an extra burst of energy, making them chase or cuddle with the toy. Charging the toy is straightforward, and we prefer this over swapping out batteries.
A couple of small drawbacks stand out. The toy’s chirping noise is noticeable, so it might not be the best fit if we need a quiet space. Some of us struggled at first with the different play modes because the instructions were a little hard to follow. Also, when the catnip loses its potency, we can’t easily refill it.
Overall, the Potaroma Flapping Bird Cat Toy is a useful choice for keeping most cats entertained, active, and happy.
Andiker Cat Spiral Spring, 12 Pc Cat Creative Toy to Kill Time and Keep Fit Interactive Cat Toy Sturdy Heavy Plastic Spring Colorful Springs Cat Toy for Swatting, Biting, Hunting Kitten Toys
Anyone looking for a simple and fun way to keep their cat active should consider the Andiker Cat Spiral Spring Toy for its bright colors and lasting design.
Pros
- Cats stay engaged and active with these lightweight springs
- Durable material stands up to gnawing and swatting
- Bright colors make them easy to spot around the house
Cons
- Easy to lose under furniture due to their small size
- Springs sometimes arrive tangled together in the package
- A few can crack with very rough play
Playing with these spring toys, we quickly noticed how much cats get drawn in by the bright colors. Bouncing one across the floor instantly gets their attention. Cats bat and chase the springs with real excitement. The soft, flexible plastic gives them an easy grip and bite, and they hold up to daily play.
Our cats tended to lose a few under the couch, so having extras is a big plus. While a few springs might crack if stepped on, most survive plenty of enthusiastic batting and pouncing. It was easy to pull the springs apart when they arrived coiled together, though separating them took a bit of effort.
We especially like that these springs are a low-fuss toy—no batteries or setups, just toss and play. They’re great for encouraging our cats to chase, jump, and burn energy. For households with active cats or playful kittens, these springs deliver simple, long-lasting entertainment.
Buying Guide
When we look for cat toys, we want to make sure they are safe and durable. Cats can chew or scratch their toys, so we check if the materials are non-toxic and if the parts will not break easily.
Interactive toys help keep our cats active and curious. We pay attention to toys that move or make sounds, as these often encourage play. Wand toys and puzzle toys are a good choice for mental and physical exercise.
Size is important. We pick toys that are not too small, to avoid choking risks, and not too big, so our cats can easily play with them.
Some cats like soft toys to cuddle, while others prefer toys for hunting or chasing. We watch our own cats to see what type of play they enjoy before buying.
Older cats and kittens have different needs. Kittens often like lightweight and simple toys, while adult cats may enjoy more complex or challenging ones. We choose based on our cat’s age and activity level.
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Safe, non-toxic materials | Reduces health risks |
| Sturdy construction | Lasts through rough play |
| Right size | Prevents choking, easy handling |
| Interactive elements | Encourages mental stimulation |
| Matches play style | Makes playtime more rewarding |
If we are not sure, we can start with a variety of basic toys. Watching how our cats play helps us decide which types they enjoy most.
