9 BEST KITTEN TEETHING TOYS TO HELP KEEP THEM OUT OF TROUBLE
Kitten teething toys often chew on various objects to alleviate their discomfort. This behavior can be calming for them and provide relief to their sore gums. Providing the right teething toys for kittens not only helps redirect their destructive chewing but also stimulates their mind and satisfies their natural urge to chew, keeping them mentally sharp.
Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, highlights the benefits of cat chew toys for teething kittens and shares common features of the best teething toys. With expert advice, we have compiled a list of top products to help you prevent your kitten from getting into mischief. Find out with Petlandlove in the article below!
Best for Kittens Under 2 Months: Catstages Night Time Catnip Kitten Teething Toys
When a kitten is 8 weeks old, most of their baby teeth will be fully grown. It is best to avoid hard toys that could harm their teeth and gums until then. Dr. Kong suggests using soft toys made of durable materials that can withstand your kitten’s chewing and provide relief for their sore gums.
These Catstages catnip rolls are constructed from woven nylon, making them sturdy enough for chewing. The woven material allows the kitten’s teeth to slide through easily instead of hitting a hard surface. Chewing on the rope gives a gentle massage to the gums and releases catnip for added comfort.
Dr. Kong points out that rope toys like these are not only enjoyable for kittens but also help keep their teeth clean while they chew.
Best for Kittens 3 to 4 Months: Petstages Catnip Chew Mice
Kittens grow rapidly, and by the time they reach three to four months old, they become quite energetic. Providing kitten teething toys that promote play can help them release some of their excess energy. These catnip-filled mice are an excellent option.
These small mice are just the right size for swatting around, with various textures to engage your kitten’s senses. While playing with these mice, your kitten will also be cleaning their teeth by chewing on the mesh covering the toys.
Toys like these dental chews can improve your kitten’s oral health at any stage, but they are especially helpful during teething. According to Dr. Kong, the flexibility of these toys can provide relief to your kitten, as the act of chewing helps reduce the discomfort of teething.
Best for Kittens Over 5 Months: Cat Stages Dental Kitten Chew Toy
As your kitten gets older, they will enjoy having a variety of toys that are the right size for them to play with. This collection of chew toys for kittens is big enough for your kitten to hold onto while chewing, but not too large for them to play with by batting around.
Similar to the earlier option, these toys have different textures of fabric to engage your cat’s senses. The folded design allows your cat to easily grab onto them with their paw. Additionally, these toys are filled with catnip to keep your kitten interested.
Best for Engagement: KONG Pull-A-Partz Yarnz Cat Toy
Many cats are attracted to strings, which is why cat wands and toys with string or ribbon are popular. The KONG Pull-A-Part Yarnz toy taps into this instinct to chase strings, making it a great option for teething kittens.
The toy’s intricate design keeps your cat entertained, while the soft materials provide a safe surface for chewing that won’t harm your kitten’s teeth. The pull-apart feature triggers your cat’s hunting instincts, but the plush material is also comfortable for cuddling.
It’s important to avoid giving your kitten real string or yarn to play with, as it could lead to digestive issues.
Best for Dental Health: Petstages Plaque Away Pretzel Kitten Teething Toy
It is important to start practicing good oral hygiene habits early, such as brushing your cat’s teeth and giving them dental treats. When choosing teething toys for kittens, remember to also consider their dental health. Dr. Kong advises that there are different shapes and sizes of dental toys available for cats, including options suitable for kittens.
One recommended option is a pretzel-shaped dental toy designed for kittens at various stages of development. This toy is light and small enough for kittens to play with easily, and they can even hook their paws through the loops. The mesh material helps clean their teeth while they chew on it, and the dried catnip filling keeps them entertained.
Best for Food-Motivated Kittens: SunGrow Interactive Chew Ball Treat Dispenser
Some kittens continue to chew even after they have finished teething. Dr. Kong recommends puzzle toys, especially those designed for chewing, for these kittens. Cats who are motivated by food may enjoy a treat-dispensing toy such as a chew ball.
Made of non-toxic rubber, this ball toy is durable and suitable for cats that like to chew aggressively. While your cat may not be able to fit the entire ball in its mouth, the grooves on the sides can hold food and provide a surface for your cat to chew on. You can fill the ball with kibble, cat treats, or a soft treat like Churu.
Best for Aggressive Chewers: Potaroma Natural Silvervine Stick Cage Balls
Select cat toys carefully if your kittens tend to chew aggressively, as they can quickly destroy even the most durable toys. Dr. Kong advises cat owners to avoid toys with small, detachable parts that could be a choking hazard or toys made of materials that can easily be torn apart and swallowed.
Introducing a new chew toy designed specifically for strong chewers from the same brand that created Amazon’s popular electronic flopping fish toy. These ball toys are made from silvervine sticks, which are safe for cats to chew on and ingest. Even if your cat isn’t interested in catnip toys, they may still enjoy playing with silvervine toys.
Best Plush Toy: KONG Refillable Beaver Catnip Cat Toy
Some kittens chew because it is calming for them. If you are not too worried about cleaning your kitten’s teeth, a soft toy could be a good option. Dr. Kong suggests that plush toys can provide comfort for kittens to chew on or snuggle with.
This KONG plush toy can be refilled and is designed in the shape of a beaver, complete with a long tail. The gentle materials are ideal for cats who enjoy cuddling, and since it does not have stuffing, it is safe for chewing. To make it more engaging, the toy includes a pocket where you can put dried catnip, silvervine, or treats.
Best Frozen Kitten Teething Toys: LickiMat Felix Cat Lick Mat
Many kittens chew on things to help with teething pain, but some find relief by licking. Cat lick mats have ridges and bumps that provide a soothing sensation when your cat licks them. These mats can be used with different types of foods and treats, especially soft treats that have been frozen on the mat for teething kittens.
The LickiMat comes in different sizes and shapes, with the Felix fish design being ideal for cats. It is available in green, blue, and orange colors, and has various textures on its surface. You can spread your cat’s favorite soft treat or wet food on the mat and offer it, or you can refrigerate or freeze it first for a cooling effect.
How We Chose
The products featured here were chosen after thorough testing, reviewing customer feedback from various retail platforms, and consulting with veterinary experts like Dr. Sabrina Kong, DVM, from WeLoveDoodles. Our own cats’ experiences and preferences also influenced our selection process.
We focused on selecting kitten teething toys that are tough enough to endure chewing yet gentle and flexible to safeguard your kitten’s teeth and gums. Our choices include a variety of sizes, shapes, materials, and textures to cater to different preferences.
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