14 BEST AND POPULAR CAT TOYS FOR CATS

Do you want to buy cat toys? There are many options available, such as cat wands, catnip plushies, lasers, tracks, and tunnels. The variety of choices can be overwhelming but exciting for cat owners. To help you out, we have found the best cat toys in each category.

If you’re unsure where to begin, check out our guide on selecting the right toy for your specific cat, or continue reading for our top recommendations. Whether you have a playful kitten or an older cat in need of entertainment, this list is a great starting point. Find out with Petlandlove in the article below!

Best Interactive Toy: Frisco Butterfly Cat Tracks (Verified Review)

There is a wide range of interactive toys for cats available in different shapes and sizes. Some toys, such as wands and hand-held lasers, require the involvement of the cat owner, while others like cat track toys are safe for cats to play with independently. The most effective interactive cat toys are those that stimulate curiosity and engage a cat’s natural instincts, which is exactly what the popular Frisco Butterfly Cat track aims to do.

This triple-tiered tower toy features colorful rolling balls on each level. Despite its small size, it offers various elements to keep your cat entertained, including spinning movement, a fluttery butterfly, and enticing sounds. Our lively young test cats enthusiastically approved of this toy and spent plenty of time happily playing with the balls and butterflies.

Best Electronic Toy: PetLibro Mouse (Verified Review)

Electronic cat toys are a popular choice for energetic cats because of their unique movements and light displays that can keep a cat entertained for extended periods in an active play session. The best part is that these toys operate on their own, giving a break to busy pet owners.

The rechargeable wheeled mouse from PetLibro moves unpredictably around the room, changing direction when it hits obstacles and spinning to grab your cat’s interest. Its tail lights up in various colors, and it has sensors to avoid getting stuck.

PetLibro provided us with a complimentary mouse to try out on a lively kitten, and it successfully prevented our testers’ Christmas tree from being destroyed. The toy captured the cat’s attention like no other, prompting us to buy a second one for when the first mouse needed recharging.

Best Catnip Toy: Potaroma Catnip Wall Toy (Verified Review)

Many cats are attracted to catnip, a herb similar to mint that can excite even the most aloof felines. When cats come into contact with catnip and its nepetalactone pheromone, they may display various playful behaviors, such as rolling around or acting silly. Toys filled with dried catnip are a great way to capture this playful side of cats.

The Potaroma Catnip Wall Toy is a combination of treat and toy that offers a different experience compared to traditional plush catnip toys. With four different treats including catnip, silvervine, fruit of silvervine, and cat sugar, this toy aims to engage your cat, encourage licking (which can be calming), and potentially improve breath freshness.

While not all cats may enjoy this toy (some of our test cats were unsure about it), those who do like it can become very enthusiastic, as seen in videos posted by cat owners on TikTok.

Best Scratcher: SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

Scratching is a natural behavior for cats that helps them sharpen their nails, stretch their muscles, and mark their territory. However, most of us would prefer our furniture to be spared from their scratching. This is where scratching posts come in handy, providing a safe outlet for your cat’s scratching needs. Available in various sizes, shapes, and materials, scratching posts cater to different scratching styles.

This durable cat scratcher is tall enough (32 inches) for even the longest cats to fully stretch, yet compact enough for smaller living spaces. The base measures 16 by 16 inches and is constructed from engineered wood, while the scratching surface is made of tough woven sisal material.

Best Wand Toy: GoCat Da Bird Feather Teaser

Toys that imitate the movement of prey tap into our cats’ natural hunting instincts, which is why dangling wand toys are so popular. Unlike a laser pointer that can be hard for cats to catch, wand toys allow cats to experience the satisfaction of capturing their “prey.”

This classic wand toy is loved by many pet owners. JoJo and Pickles, two kittens, were captivated by the bird-like fluttering motion of the feathers on the end of the wand. While the wand itself is sturdy, the feathers may be delicate, as is common with such fluttery materials. Thankfully, replacement feathers can be purchased at an affordable price. It’s also recommended by pet parents to store the toy away when not in use.

Best Crinkle Toy: Kong Naturals Crinkle Fish

Cats have excellent hearing and are often attracted to crinkly sounds because they sound like the noises made by birds, mice, and crickets. This is why many cat toys, such as plushies and tunnels, include materials that make a crinkling noise.

This specific crinkle cat toy features a soft design infused with catnip and filled with buckwheat, creating a crunchy sound when your cat plays with it. Despite its low cost, it is surprisingly sturdy and is popular for capturing the interest of cats who may not usually be interested in toys.

Best Squeaker Toy: Our Pets Play-N-Squeak Mouse Hunter

Similar to crinkle toys, squeaky toys are attractive to our cats because of the sound they make. Some cats are drawn to the high-pitched squeak that sounds like a small prey animal.

In contrast to regular squeaky chew toys that require pressure or biting to produce a noise, this lifelike mouse toy emits an electronic squeak when tapped. Additionally, to make it even more appealing to your cat, this furry squeaky toy is scented with catnip.

Best Laser Toy: Litterbox.com Rechargeable Laser Pointer

Many cats enjoy chasing after laser beams as their eyes are skilled at detecting movement, making it a fun activity for them. Cat owners can opt for either manual or automated laser pointers to keep their feline entertained, especially when they are not around.

Although not fully automated, this laser pointer offers several conveniences that are appreciated. Firstly, it is rechargeable, eliminating the need for batteries. Secondly, it features an on/off switch, removing the need to continuously press a button. Additionally, this versatile pointer can also function as an LED flashlight or a UV blacklight, adding extra value.

Cat Toys: Frisco Foldable Crinkle Tunnel

Cat tunnels are versatile toys that provide entertainment for cats. Some cats enjoy running and chasing each other through the tunnel, while others prefer to relax and nap inside. They offer a quiet space for your cat to retreat from the busyness of your home.

The 47-inch Frisco play tunnel with lookout windows is great for households with multiple cats or playful felines. The crinkle material creates an exciting sound as your cat moves through it, and the soft suede fabric is comfortable for lounging. If you have limited space, the lightweight, collapsible frame makes it easy to store away when playtime is done.

Best Feather Toy: PetDroid Boltz Robotic Cat Toy (Verified Review)

Feather toys are excellent for encouraging reluctant cats to be active, promoting behaviors like swatting, stalking, pouncing, and chasing. Electronic toys provide entertainment for your cat when you’re busy.

This automated cat toy is made for intelligent, energetic cats. It moves unpredictably on the floor with a feathered attachment, stimulating the cat’s physical and problem-solving abilities. It is also sturdy, able to handle various obstacles.

Our tester’s cat loved this toy so much that she described it as magical and expressed gratitude to the manufacturers for creating such a captivating distraction for her pet.

Best Cat Tracks: Catit Design Senses Super Roller

Cat tracks are toys that stimulate your cat’s visual, auditory, and tactile senses. The movement and noise of the balls moving along the track captivate their interest and motivate them to engage in play.

For added excitement, the Super Roller toy includes balls that light up when in motion. The tracks are partially enclosed with openings that allow cats to touch the ball directly. To vary the experience, you can connect other Catit Design track sets as well.

Best Playmat: Snuggly Cat Ripple Rug (Verified Review)

Cat activity mats provide a designated area for your feline friend to jump and have fun. Some mats come with hidden treat compartments for interactive play, while others feature arches with dangling toys for cats who enjoy batting at objects. Additionally, these mats offer a cozy spot for your cat to rest and nap.

Although the Ripple Rug may appear unconventional at first glance, many cats enjoy it. This mat serves multiple purposes: serving as a scratching pad, a play area, and a comfortable bed for your cat. The base of the mat is insulated to provide extra warmth, and the various holes and folds create opportunities for your cat to play, hide, and exhibit typical feline behavior. A young test cat named Peaty particularly enjoyed the Ripple Rug.

Best String Toy: Moody Pet Fling-AMA-String Cat Toy (Verified Review)

There is something irresistible about a moving piece of ribbon or yarn that excites cats and makes them jump and play. Most cats enjoy playing with string because they are attracted to its movement and find it enjoyable to catch.

When we are not around to play with our cats using string, this toy can be very useful. It has a battery-operated elastic belt that spins inside a plastic channel, causing a colorful string to whip around. The string disappears and reappears at the top of the toy, keeping cats engaged in a continuous game of hide-and-seek.

Although it may be a bit expensive, this toy effectively keeps cats entertained with minimal effort from pet owners, as we observed during our testing.

Best Cat Tree: Frisco Faux Fur Cat Tree and Condo

Cats, being both hunters and hunted, value vertical space. Cat trees provide a secure vantage point for observing their surroundings and monitoring potential prey. They also offer cats a designated area to jump, climb, scratch, and rest.

This 57-inch-tall cat tree condo includes various features. It includes three enticing toys to entertain your cat, along with durable scratching posts wrapped in sisal for them to release energy. While there are more elaborate cat trees available, this reliable, simple model has earned praise from reviewers as a comprehensive solution for a cat’s housing and entertainment needs.

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