Your feline family deserves the best—and that includes the best cat toys! Not only is playtime fun for your cats, it can also be fun for you. Who doesn’t love watching their cat zoom around the house chasing that elusive laser? But lasers aren’t the only toys that your cats will fancy.
An active, entertained cat will ultimately have an improved quality of life. Different toys enhance different feline behaviors, so which should you purchase? There’s no go-to toy. Instead, your cat should have a plethora of cat toy options to keep them healthy and stimulated.
What makes a good cat toy?
Keeping your cat free from boredom is an important job for a pet parent. Cats who are bored are more than eager to show you just how uninterested they are—by walking away and leaving you playing with a toy alone.
Finding a good toy that keeps them engaged will ultimately keep them healthy, so be sure to follow the cues from your cat on their likes and dislikes.
It’s important to keep in mind that the age and personality of your cat will play a large part in the toys that keep them engaged. However, our general recommendations for what to look for in a good cat toy are relevant for cats of all ages.
Material
Depending upon the toy you select, you should ensure that it is made from high-quality, safe, and durable materials. After all, you want your cat to get plenty of enjoyment out of it—not just a few hours.
Also, consider the feel of the material. Natural feeling feathers, synthetic fur, and wool all mimic prey animals. But watch out for any loose pieces like glued-on eyes or other parts that can be ingested.
Safety
Safety is a major priority. As mentioned above, you’ll want to make sure that the toy you select does not have any loose pieces that could hurt your feline. Choking hazards, intestinal blockages, and even hidden safety-pin attachments can severely harm your cat.
Herb enhancers
Catnip is by far the most popular herb stimulant for cats, but silver vine and crinkly materials are also popular toy enhancers. Be cautious when purchasing toys with these products. Not all cats react the same way.
Some cats experience euphoria, others are calm, and some even become filled with excess energy and want to pick fights with everything in sight. If your cat does not respond well to catnip triggers, it is best to avoid it and other herbs.
Movement
Last but not least, you’ll want to have a mixture of toys—some with and without movement. Cats are natural hunters, so a toy that has movement allows your cat to tap into their predatory instincts. You will also want to have a selection of toys like scratching posts that allow your cat to stretch their muscles, exercise, and keep their claws sharp.
Best cat toys for any cat
The best cat toys for indoor cats will keep you and your feline entertained for hours on end. Our list includes the best interactive cat toys and a multi-level play piece for your cat. After all, your cat will benefit from a mix of toys to keep them properly stimulated.
Rechargeable Laser Pointer
Best for: Active Cats
Ready to see your cat bounce around chasing a laser pointer? The Litter-Robot rechargeable laser pointer will keep your cat active while running up and down the halls, flipping off the walls, and doing everything possible to finally catch that elusive light.
Special features
- Rechargable
- Compact size
- 3-in-1 laser pointer: doubles as a flashlight and blacklight
Benefits
- Excellent for physical exercise
- Great bonding experience between you and your cat
- Mental stimulation
- Easy for pet parents of all ages and dexterities to use with their companions
Pricing
- $10
Litter-Robot Cat Tower
Best for: Climbing and scratching
Your cat doesn’t just want to catch prey—they need to climb, scratch, and even curl up for a nap. The Litter-Robot cat tower provides all these awesome features in one piece!
Special features
- Sturdy material
- Sisal scratch pads
- Three levels of play
Benefits
- Combine exercise with play time
- Multiple cats can interact at the same time
- Jumping from higher levels increases dexterity
Pricing
- $269
Durable Hemp Catnip Toys
Best For: Catnip addicts
Whether your cat gets super crazy or super relaxed on catnip, these hemp catnip toys are a great choice for everyday play. Even if your cat doesn’t react to catnip, many of these biodegradable hemp toys include additional feline stimulants like silver vine, valerian roots, or crinkly buckwheat hulls.
Special features
- All-natural, organic catnip
- Durable biodegradable hemp fabric
Benefits
- Natural chemical stimulation provides a great way to exercise your cat
- Catnip can help relieve stress and anxiety in cats
Pricing
- $8 and up
Litter-Robot Corduroy Cat Tunnel
Best For: Sneaky felines
What better place for your cat to practice their sneak attacks than within this corduroy cat tunnel of fun? On the outside, the durable, comfortable fabric allows your cat to cozy up against it. Then inside, your cat can quietly get ready to pounce!
Special features
- Durable material
- Multiple colors to choose from
- Designed with your cat's predatory needs in mind
Benefits
- Perfect place for cats to practice their attacks
- Doubles as a safe place to take a snooze
- Thoughtful design and color options help blend into decor
Pricing
- $22
Feather & Toy Wands
Best for: Predatory instincts
You can’t go wrong with a classic. Feather and plush toy wands are some of the best interactive cat toys. You can flick them around and watch your cat go wild as they try to pounce on the swinging object at the end of the wand.
Special features
- Perfect for cats of all ages
- Comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures
Benefits
- Special bonding time for cat and pet parent
- Taps into cats’ predatory instincts
Pricing
- Varies; generally inexpensive
Picking the best cat toys for indoor cats
Your cat is a vital part of your family, and providing them with ample places to practice pouncing, capturing prey, and exercising is important to their daily lives. Be sure that when you are picking the best cat toys for your feline that you consider all their needs. Provide them with interactive toys that not only meet their predatory instincts, but their exercise requirements as well.
Be sure to select pieces that are made out of quality, durable materials—like the selections above! Each piece is designed with your cat's safety in mind. No matter if your cat is an aggressive player or a lazy lounger, they will be happy and engaged.
