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21 Best Toys To Keep Cats Entertained

↯ Key takeaway points

  • Cats need toys to prevent boredom and strengthen the relationship with their owners.
  • Look for toys that are durable, sturdy, and safe for cats, considering their claws and teeth.
  • Cats often prefer toys made from "natural" materials like wool, feathers, and synthetic fur, but avoid loose or glued-on decorations.
  • Provide a variety of toys to prevent boredom and offer mental stimulation.
  • Supervise play with fishing pole toys to prevent entanglement or swallowing of the string.
Written by Jay
BsC (Hons) Animal Behaviour & Welfare graduate with a passion for advocating for misunderstood animals.
Veterinarian and veterinary microbiologist working as a veterinary science lecturer at the UVAS, Lahore.
Published on
Tuesday 28 November 2023
Last updated on
Monday 30 October 2023
21 Best Toys To Keep Cats Entertained
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As you know, your feline friend is prone to boredom. With this in mind, you want to find the best toys to keep cats entertained. Whether it’s a dangly feather wand or an automatic rolling toy, engaging with your indoor cat strengthens your relationship and keeps boredom at bay.

The best toys to keep cats busy are sturdy, durable, safe, and engage your cat’s natural instincts. So, for our top picks of the best toys to keep cats entertained, read on with us today.

Coolest Toys to Keep Your Cat Entertained and Busy

Our picks for the best toys to keep cats entertained offer plenty of variety, enrichment, and different ways to engage your cat in play. As always, be sure to supervise your cat during play. All toys also come with a risk of choking, injury, or other harm to an unsupervised cat.

1. AILUKI 31 PCS Cat Toys Kitten Toys Assortments

AILUKI’s 31 Cat Toys bundle is one of the best cat toy sets for value. This bundle includes an organic catnip fish, a teaser wand, a tumbler toy, two plush feather balls, five silvervine chew sticks, eight ball toys, three mice, one column bell toy, one cat tunnel, one spring toy, and one feather wand. Additionally, this variety pack meets your cat’s needs for play and enrichment in a number of ways. Complete with sensory enrichment and physical activity, these toys also offer plenty of ways to keep your feline friend entertained for longer.

Because this variety pack comes with so many times, some pet parents find that they need to discard a few for safety. For example, the tinsel balls and feather wands may be unsafe for young kittens due to the choking hazard associated with them. Always supervise your cat or kitten during play where possible to avoid choking hazards.

Pros

  • Great value at 31 toys in the order
  • A wide array of unique toys
  • Comes with a catnip fish
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • May be unsafe for young kittens

2. Andiker Cat Spiral Spring

Andiker’s Cat Spiral Spring is a favorite among cats for its unique shape and color. This spiral spring is made of BPA-free plastic. Many cats also love to chase these springs as they roll and bounce about the floor unpredictably. Others also enjoy swatting the springs about to watch them move. One of the best aspects of this product is that it comes as a pack of 12 springs – that’s plenty for your cat, especially if they’re prone to rolling toys under the couch. Moreover, these springs are available in blue, green, pink, and yellow.

However, the main criticism from pet parents is the size of the springs. Many critical reviews note that the springs are smaller than presumed, leading to disappointment. Others dislike how easy it is for the springs to be lost under furniture, in part due to their smaller size.

Pros

  • The package includes 12 cat spring toys
  • Available in four bright colors
  • Enticing movements encourage play
  • BPA-free plastic material
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • Smaller than expected
  • May be lost under furniture

3. AUOON Cat Scratcher Toy

AUOON Cat Scratcher Toy is a great option for cats who are enticed by chasing balls. When your cat captures the ball between their paws, it goes on to roll around the track, encouraging play and physical activity. This toy also features a corrugated cardboard pad in the middle for your cat to sharpen their claws as well as a mouse on a spring for added enrichment. So, this toy provides opportunities for your feline friend to hunt and scratch to their hearts’ content.

Some pet parents may take issue with the fact that the mouse is made with rabbit fur rather than faux fur. Several reviews also note that the toy sometimes arrives broken or missing parts. However, the toy can be returned for a replacement or refund within 30 days of receipt.

Pros

  • Multiple options for play
  • Comes with a ball, mouse, and cardboard pad
  • Provides self-initiated play
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • Rabbit fur mouse
  • Occasional broken or missing parts

4. Potaroma Chirping Cat Toys Balls with SilverVine Catnip

Potaroma Chirping Cat Toys are great companions for cats who need entertainment whilst you’re away. This toy is also unique for its three lifelike animal sounds, including the frog, bird, and cricket. Further adding to the toy’s enriching quality is the ability to add catnip to the inside. Many cats also enjoy chasing, biting, and kicking these toys with their soft texture and enticing sounds.

However, the batteries for this toy are not replaceable. As such, you will need to buy a new toy when your current one stops working. As well as this, a common complaint among critical reviewers is that one toy often arrives with no sound, while the other two in the package work.

Pros

  • Pack of three toys
  • Comes with silvervine and catnip pouch
  • Makes animal sounds when activated
  • The super soft texture is easy on your cat’s mouth
  • Available in three other varieties
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • Non-replaceable batteries
  • One or two occasionally arrive broken

5. ORSDA Cat Toys 2in1 Interactive Cat Toys for Indoor Cats

ORSDA 2 in 1 Interactive Cat Toy is an excellent way to sate your feline friend’s natural hunting instincts. This cat toy is designed to pop out a feather wand every 4 hours during daylight. To give your cat more of a challenge, the toy also offers a fast-speed mode, a medium-speed mode, a smart mode, and a feather exchange mode. If chasing a feather wand doesn’t entice your cat, they can also chase a ball around the looping track. This ball can be opened to add catnip for further enrichment.

However, the main concern among critical reviewers is that this toy can be loud. A more skittish cat may also struggle to enjoy playing with this product. Other pet parents also say the toy may stop working after one week.

Pros

  • Automatic toy activates every 4 hours
  • Several modes to control your cat’s experience
  • Offers relief for hunting instincts
  • Catnip can be added to the ball
  • Available in four colors
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • Noisy when in operation
  • May have a shorter lifespan than expected

6. Catit Senses 2.0 Digger Interactive Cat Toy

Catit Senses 2.0 Digger Toy doubles as a slow feeder and a puzzle toy to engage your cat at dinner time. Easy to disassemble and clean, this toy is secured with a rubber mat to prevent tipping as well as made of BPA-free materials. This puzzle feeder is great for cats who tend to eat when bored or alone, encouraging them to work for their food. This listing is also for one color and one size.

However, some of the main criticisms involve the rubber mat. It also comes folded in its box and may be difficult to straighten out, reducing its usefulness in supporting the feeder tubes. Furthermore, the unit may not stay anchored to the rubber mat base.

Pros

  • Slow feeder puzzle toy for dinner time
  • Great for cats who eat to cope with boredom
  • Made using BPA-free materials
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • Rubber mat may not flatten out
  • Puzzle may be too easy for some cats

7. Migipaws Interactive Automatic 7 Holes Mice Whack-A-Mole

Migipaws’ Mice Whack-A-Mole Toy is a super fun interactive toy that is sure to engage any cat or kitten. The feather component also rotates inside of the toy and pops out from one of seven holes. This also creates a sense of suspense for your cat as they await the next reveal of the feathers. Unique to this toy is its smart sensor, which detects when a cat is within five inches of it and activates accordingly. Its battery is also rechargeable for extra value.

However, the main issue with this toy is its durability. Some cats are also able to flip and break the toy’s components. It may also stop holding a charge after a few uses.

Pros

  • Interactive, automatic toy
  • Engages a cat’s hunting instincts
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • Less durable than other toys

8. Potaroma Cat Toys Flopping Fish with SilverVine and Catnip

Potaroma Flopping Fish Toy is a must-have for any fish-loving feline. This product comes with a silvervine catnip pouch and a USB charging cable for your convenience. Made with soft and durable plush, this fish-shaped toy uses its motion sensors to activate when your cat touches it. Upon activation, the toy wiggles in such a way that entrances any cat, encouraging them to kick, chase, and bite. And, for further convenience, the fish’s cover is washable once it gets dirty.

As with any toy, this flopping fish may also be a favorite or a flop for them. Some cats quickly lose interest or become nervous due to the fish’s motion sensor.

Pros

  • Available in three cute designs
  • Motion sensor activates automatically
  • Encourages pouncing, kicking, and biting
  • Washable cover
  • Rechargeable battery
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • Not all cats will retain interest
  • The sudden motion may frighten more skittish cats

9. UPSKY Cat Toy Roller 3-Level Turntable Cat Toy Balls

UPSKY Cat Toy Roller is lightweight, easy to assemble, and sturdy enough for play. It’s PP plastic stands up to cat scratching antics, while its detachable layers make for easy cleaning. The non-slip base also prevents toy rollover and keeps your cat feeling secure as they play. Unique to this toy is its ability to engage two cats at once with the option of playing with three different balls. Lastly, this toy is available in four colors.

However, some pet parents feel that this toy is too small for their cats to enjoy. Others also say that their cats lose interest quickly. As with all cats, personal preference plays a large role in this – some cats will be entertained for hours, while others may not give it a second thought.

Pros

  • Lightweight and easy to assemble
  • Durable PP plastic material
  • Non-slip base for security
  • Available in four colors
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • Might be smaller than expected
  • Sometimes arrives broken or missing parts
  • Not all cats will enjoy playing with it

10. Idepet Cat

Toy Ball

SmartyKat’s Hot Pursuit cat toy is ideal for cats who love to chase and pounce. This toy also features lights and a feather wand that zips underneath rustling fabric in unpredictable movements. This also encourages your cat to swat, pounce, and run after the toy in an exciting game of chase. As a pet parent, you also have full control of the toy’s speed to better cater to your feline friend’s play style.

However, some pet parents dislike the durability of this product, stating that it’s too easy for their cats to rip and flip over. Others note that the motor may not stand up to frequent use.

Pros

  • Unpredictable movements encourage activity
  • Adjustable speed
  • Replacement wands available
  • Made with recycled materials
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • Not as durable as some other toys
  • Motor may decline with use

11. CZPET Jump Exercise Interactive Toy

CZPET Cat Door Elastic Rope is a variety pack that is sure to keep your feline friend entertained for hours. In this pack, you and your cat receive a 6.2ft elastic rope, a cat teaser stick, a mouse, a spherical rope not, feather, catnip fish with a feather, a round pompom with catnip, a cotton ball caterpillar with a feather, and a fluffy caterpillar with a bell. Additionally, using the stickers that come with the toys, you can suspend these toys from doorframes and walls, encouraging your cat to jump and pounce.

However, the main issue among pet parents is the sturdiness of the toys. Some cats are also able to rip and break new toys with ease. You must supervise your cat during play with hanging toys, as some reviewers noted that their cats became tangled in the hanging string.

Pros

  • Variety pack of seven toys
  • Encourage your cat to jump and swat
  • Can be suspended from walls, door frames, and windows
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • The elastic rope is not very sturdy
  • Strangulation risk with elastic material

12. PetSafe Bolt Laser Cat Toy

PetSafe Bolt Laser Cat Toy is a class IIIa laser that works in an automatic mode and a manual mode. In the automatic mode, your cat can also enjoy hands-free random patterns which stop after 15 minutes. Moreover, the laser moves randomly across floors and walls which appeals to your cat’s natural hunting instinct. For safety, you can also adjust the mirror to control where the laser points.

However, some pet parents say that the laser moves too quickly for their cats to enjoy. Others say that, because of this, you may require a large room to use it in.

Pros

  • Automatic laser pointer system
  • Adjustable mirror for safety
  • Available in three other styles
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • May be too fast for some cats

13. Augegel Interactive Cat Toy

Augegel’s Interactive Cat Toy is a scratcher toy made with corrugated paper, pine, and silicone. This toy is sturdy, durable, and also interesting for cats to investigate with its many textures and features. Your cat may also scratch their claws on the cardboard, pounce on the silicone mice, and chew on the wooden paws. Additionally, with no batteries required, this toy is all the more safe and exciting for any indoor cat to engage with.

Furthermore, not all cats enjoy this interactive toy and may be able to destroy it quickly. We also note that this toy is on the more expensive side despite not being battery-operated.

Pros

  • Interactive toy with no batteries required
  • Encourages scratching and pouncing
  • Multiple options for play
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • May not engage all cats
  • Corrugated cardboard can be messy

14. SEFON Interactive Cat Toy for Indoor Cats

SEFON Interactive Cat Toy is designed to evoke your cat’s hunting instincts. This toy comes with four feather wands and one silk ribbon. By using the auto mode, the toy can also be made to move irregularly to attract your cat’s attention. It can also rotate 360 degrees, move forward, backward, and shake. It automatically moves in the other direction when it bumps into an obstacle, making it easy to keep away from underneath furniture.

Moreover, some cats might be afraid of the irregular and harsh movements of this toy. As well as this, some pet parents say that the remote gives little control over the toy’s movements.

Pros

  • Interactive and automatic toy
  • Comes with four feather wands
  • Silica wheels make it easy to move on carpet
  • Replacement or refund within 30 days

Cons

  • May be too quick for some cats

15. YOFUN 360 Degree Self Rotating Ball

YOFUN’s Smart Interactive Cat Toy is great for cats who love to amuse themselves by chasing balls. This interactive toy moves around by itself in unpredictable, rapid movements. Its self-balancing system also allows it to move freely. To add to your cat’s excitement, this toy shuts off after 15 minutes to keep them awaiting the next play session. It also features a red light when moving to attract your feline friend’s attention. Lastly, this toy is available in two colors: pink and white.

Moreover, if your cat is on the more skittish side, this toy may not appeal to them. Some critical reviewers note that the toy does not hold much battery life.

Pros

  • Automatic interactive cat toy
  • Red light attracts your cat’s attention

Cons

  • May be too fast for nervous cats
  • Occasional issues with battery life

16. Pawaboo Cat Toy with Running Mouse

Pawaboo Cat Toy with Running Mouse is the perfect toy for cats who need to hunt and stalk during play. This toy simulates a game of hide-and-seek for your cat. The mouse scuttles and dips into the many holes for your cat to chase. As well as this, the durable micro-fiber scratch mat provides a great way for your cat to maintain their claws.

However, the main issues with this toy are its sound and battery life. According to critical reviews, the batteries do not last for long. Other reviewers note that the toy makes too much noise for their cat to enjoy.

Pros

  • Interactive hide-and-seek toy
  • Offers a scratching pad for extra claw care
  • Battery-operated

Cons

  • May be too noisy for some cats
  • Low battery life

17. Petstage Mousin’ Around Hide ‘N Treat

Petstages Mousin’ Around Hide ‘N Treat Cat Toy is a treat dispensing toy for cats who like to snack throughout the day. Any cat will enjoy tossing, batting, and kicking these toys to release tasty treats. You can also rest assured that these toys are BPA, PVC, and phthalate free. These safe materials put this toy on our list of the best toys to keep cats entertained.

Moreover, some pet parents dislike the smaller holes in these toys. Some cats may struggle to free the treats as a result. As well as this, some owners say that the toy’s cover is not sturdy enough to withstand biting and scratching.

Pros

  • Treat dispensing toy
  • BPA, PVC, and phthalate free

Cons

  • Holes may be too small for bigger treats
  • Some issues with durability

18. Andiker Cat Plush Toy with Spiral Spring Plate and Funny Ball

Andiker’s Spiral Spring Plate toy is a must-have for cats who swat and bite during play. The center of this toy is made with cotton and linen cloth for claw sharpening. Meanwhile, the spring part of the toy allows your cat to grab and pull to bite and swat at the mouse at the top. Its steel wire structure also makes it durable enough to withstand your cat’s claws and teeth.

Also, some customers say that this toy is too small for an adult cat. As such, this toy may be better suited to kittens or small cats. Other reviewers also say that the spring isn’t flexible enough for their cat to pull it down.

Pros

  • Spiral spring-type toy for grabbing and pulling
  • Linen center for scratching action
  • A durable steel wire structure adds to the stability

Cons

  • May be too small for adult cats to enjoy
  • Some issues with flexibility

19. Potaroma 3 Catnip Toys Balls

Potoroma’s 3 Catnip Balls are ideal for cats who indulge in catnip. This variety pack offers your feline friend delicious catnip, silvervine, and gall fruit chews. Moreover, the practical design of these toys allows them to be stuck to walls or other surfaces, allowing your feline friend to chew and lick without worry that they will fall down.

Although the stickers are good for keeping these toys stuck to surfaces, reviewers note that removing the toys may prove a challenge. Some reviewers also say that removing the toys from walls brings drywall along with them.

Pros

  • Tasty catnip, silvervine, and gall fruit chews
  • Ideal for sticking to walls and surfaces
  • Provides your cat with free access to tasty treats

Cons

  • Stickers may be too strong for drywall

20. Sikoon Wicked Ball Automatic Companion

Wicked Ball by Sikoon is an interactive, automatic cat toy that is sure to keep your feline friend on their paws all day. This automatic ball rolls by itself when touched by your cat’s paws or nose. Using the remote control, you can set this toy to gentle, normal, or active mode depending on your cat’s play style.

Some reviews note that the ball might be too big for smaller cats. It can also be noisy, which may frighten some skittish cats.

Pros

  • Automatic cat toy
  • Three play modes allow you to adjust the speed
  • Soft but sturdy wool texture

Cons

  • May be too large for smaller cats
  • Can be noisy when in operation

21. Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls

Andiker Cat Crinkle Balls are lightweight and the ideal size for cats to bat, chase, and carry around. The crinkly sound of these toys offers sensory stimulation for your cat, while the variety of colors offers visual stimulation as well. And, with 10 pieces per pack, this is also great value for money.

However, the main concern with these toys is their lack of durability. Being so lightweight and small, these toys may pull apart and pose a choking risk to cats. As such, it’s always best to supervise your cat during play.

Pros

  • 10 pieces per pack
  • Crinkly sound is appealing to cats
  • Wide variety of colors

Cons

  • Can be a choking hazard
  • Not as durable as other toys

What to Look For in the Best Toys to Keep Cats Entertained

When looking for toys to keep your cats entertained, there are a few aspects to bear in mind. These include the toy’s durability, the variety of toys you have, and whether the material is safe for them.

Durability

As you know, your cat is equipped with sharp and powerful claws and teeth. The best toys to keep cats entertained will bear this in mind. You’ll also need to look for toys that are sturdy and durable enough to withstand your feline friend’s style of play. Does your cat have a tendency to chew? Moreover, toys with no loose or overly-fluffy parts are best for this case. Similarly, if your cat prefers to scratch, flimsy cardboard products are unlikely to stand up to their claws for long. You know your cat best, so be sure to invest in toys that will meet their specific needs.

Variety

It’s important that your cat has a wide variety of toys. This is because cats will quickly become bored of playing with the same toys all day. Moreover, playing with the same toys becomes predictable and offers little in the way of mental stimulation for them. So, to keep your feline friend active and healthy, be sure to provide them with plenty of opportunities to exercise both mentally and physically. Your cat also needs opportunities to hunt, jump, scratch, bite, and chase a variety of toys to get the most out of their latent instincts!

Material

Many cats appreciate toys made from “natural” materials. These include wool, feathers, and synthetic fur. This is because these materials mimic the feel of real prey animals. As such, you might look for toys that are well-made but without any loose pieces that may be ingested. This also means avoiding toys with glued-on decorations. Similarly, young cats and kittens should avoid feather and overly-fluffy toys due to the choking risk. Don’t let your cats play with fishing pole toys unsupervised due to the risk of them becoming entangled in or swallowing the string.

Best Toys To Keep Cats Entertained: FAQs

Have any more questions or concerns about the best toys to keep cats entertained? Feel free to check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more details. So, if in doubt about your cat’s health or play, always ask your local vet for advice!

How do you keep an indoor cat entertained?

Your indoor cat needs variety to be entertained. Be sure to rotate the toys they play with, provide some food-driven puzzles, or perhaps even install a bird feeder outside for them to watch. Your cat should have access to toys that encourage their natural hunting sequence – locate, stalk, chase, pounce, kill, dissect, and eat. Fake mice, flopping fish, and feather poles are just a few toys that can engage this natural instinct!

What causes boredom in indoor cats?

Indoor cats can and do live exciting and fulfilling lives like their outdoor counterparts. However, indoor cats depend on their owners for mental stimulation. Typically, indoor cats who do not have enough physical or mental stimulation become bored. These cats might be alone for hours without other animals or humans to interact with. An indoor cat without exciting toys to play with, objects to climb on, or something to work for will also quickly become bored.

How do you keep a high-energy cat entertained?

High-energy cat breeds do best when given plenty of mental stimulation. If you already provide plenty of interesting toys, there are of course other things you can do to entertain them. Consider training your cat to learn basic commands such as sit and wait before feeding them. You can also teach them to play fetch with you.

What are the signs that my indoor cat is bored?

A bored indoor cat will engage in several behaviors. These include over-grooming, over-eating, fighting with other animals, and becoming destructive around the house. However, while these may all be symptoms of boredom, they may also be signs of medical problems too. If you notice your feline friend doing these things, be sure to seek your vet’s advice.

The best toys to keep cats entertained are sturdy, durable, and safe for our feline friends. As always, be sure to monitor your cat during play.

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