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Best Cat Toys Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Durability
First and foremost we looked at the durability of each product. It’s no secret that pets can be destructive at the best of times, and this can be deadly in some cases. If a play product comes with attachments or small parts you may want to steer clear. At the very least, always keep a close eye on your companion and keep possibly dangerous items out of their reach when not in use. There are a few questions you should ask yourself when looking at a product to determine its durability:
Is it a choking hazard?
Will it stand up to my pet?
How destructive is my kitty?
Am I willing to replace it if it breaks?
Does it come with a warranty?
What materials is it made of?
Effectiveness
The next question we asked ourselves was: “How many uses does this have?” Essentially, we’re looking for products which have a dual-purpose and are able to provide multiple points of stimulation.
For example, let’s say we’re talking about toy mice. If they’re laced with catnip we consider that multiple points of stimulation. Adding in a crinkling paper is another point of stimulation! Essentially, you’re looking for products that have the most amount features offered. You want your pet to have plenty of options for fun! Here are some of our favorite features to see in toys for kitties
These are some great ways in which a product can provide extra stimulation:
Bright colors
Crinkling paper
Different textures
Lures
Catnip lacing
Extra attachments
Dual-purpose, as mentioned above, is a highly valuable piece of criteria. By this, we mean any product which allows a kitty to play in multiple ways. The Prosper Tunnel, for example, has three connected tunnels with a hanging ball. This allows for playing or hiding in the tunnel, and for the kitty to bat around the ball when they’re feeling frisky. Or, the Bergan Turbo Scratcher. This allows for the animal to bat around the ball on the track, or use the center portion for scratching stimulation.
Safety Hazards
Almost all products will come with an “attachment” of some sort. This general term includes anything that is sewn or glued onto the item itself. Tails on mice, lures on wands, and more are all considered attachments you should be wary of. The general rule of thumb in this area is to never let your pet use products with these attachments unless you’re watching them. Interactive playthings are an easy fix since your pet won’t use them without you, anyway. For products that aren’t interactive, it might be a better idea to steer clear.
Value
What kind of value does the product provide? Is it made for interactive play, or can your kitty go solo? How does it function? Does it properly stimulate the hunting reflex? Make sure you hit all of these points before you commit to any product. If you have little time on your hands then interactive items may prove useless to you in most cases.
Interactive:
This category includes products like wands, which require the constant interaction between pet parent and fur baby. Interactive play products are great for building a bond and encouraging better exercise. Interactive products should be used for around 20 minutes a day for best results.
Self-Soothing:
Anything which can be described as “self-soothing” allows a pet to have solo playtime. This is great for animals while you’re at work, or out and about. Catnip mice, bell balls, springs, and more all fall under this umbrella. There should always be an abundance of ways in which kitties can entertain themselves. This helps curb negative behaviors, improves mental health, and more!
Of course, you should definitely work in at least a little time (perhaps before bed?) for interactive play. Some days, however, this isn’t possible. Because of this, you should probably invest in self-soothing products first so that your kitty has a place to start, and a way to entertain themselves!
10 Best Cat Toys
1. Prosper Tunnel
Every kitty loves a good tunnel! It’s kind of like the box rule. Y’know, how they simply can’t resist popping into any box they come across? However, Prosper offers a few more features in their tunnel than other brands do. They’ve really cranked up the volume on this design and crafted a product that stands up to even the toughest reviewers. The high-quality material makes it durable against whatever your kitties can throw at it. It also features a little bell ball which hangs from one of the tunnel entrances. It’s like an extra product altogether! The possibilities are endless: both for your kitties while they play, and for you, while they’re finally occupied.
So Many Ways To Play
Your feline friend will absolutely love the different ways they’re able to play. Not only does this system come with three tunnels total, but it also features a hanging bell ball. This is great for felines since many of their behaviors are caused by their attraction to movement. Being able to self-stimulate is incredibly important, and can solve a host of bad behavior your pet might be displaying. This tunnel is also great for homes with multiple kitties! They can chase each other through this system which bolsters bonding, and keeps them out of your hair.
Offers A Place To Hide
There is little more that kitties love than finding a little hidey-hole to tuck themselves into. As with everybody, their behavior is dictated by feline psychology. Because of their place in the prey/predator totem pole, having a quiet, dark, hidden place to go gives them better security. If you don’t already have a specific product that gives them the option to hole up, then this tunnel is a great choice. Again, many behaviors are caused by not having the right supplies. A hidey-hole is absolutely one of those essentials.
Cost and Value
You might expect this product to come at a premium. You would be wrong! We absolutely rate this as one of the best values in our line up. It comes with rave reviews and is the top pick across the board. Even with all of this you can expect to pay a very reasonable amount for it. Having a tunnel is essential for mental health because of the play it provides and their ability to hide. So, we think that this product has great value for anybody who buys it. If you’re at all interested in getting this, then take the leap! We think you’ll find that you don’t regret it.
2. Dancer 101
This is definitely the brand of the day! We have found a few products which match the extreme value the Dancer 101 offers. This is quite possibly the cheapest product we’ve ever researched, and yet it has a phenomenal build. There is a lot of science that went into the process of creating these magical, bendy… things. Honestly, we aren’t really sure what to call it. Is it a stick? Is it a string? As it turns out, the answer to that is “both”. It’s a weird concept, but it really does work out beautifully. This is one of the best sellers out there, and the reasons why are clear.
Made In The USA
Tired of cheap products being shipped in en masse? Well, we have your solution. The Dancer 101 is manufactured with care right here in the USA. This means better materials, an easier time contacting customer support, and quicker shipping overall! Not only will you find incredible value with this product, but you also find multiple benefits from the place of its production. Not only is it great to support these businesses, but you also find your experience as a customer bolstered. With so many reasons to buy, we’re wondering why you haven’t yet!
The Best “Boing” Action Around!
Honestly, this is probably the most fun you’ll have with a tool for your kitty’s entertainment. We actually tried one of these out (why not?) and found the up and down action kind of mesmerizing. This makes it just as fun for the owner as it does for the kitty in question. It also means that the Dancer 101 is just irresistible to your favorite feline! The quick, whipping action this product easily provides triggers a reaction in their brain that causes their pouncing reflex to engage. You wouldn’t think such a simple product would have such a scientific reason for its design, but there you have it!
Cost and Value
This is our number one pick for value. Unsurprisingly, this means it blows the rest of the products out of the water in this arena. In fact, this might be one of the best values we’ve ever seen! No matter your budget this is an option you can easily afford. Cat Dancer has sold such a high volume of these products that it’s easy to see why they can lower the price so much. It’s a huge hit among felines everywhere and provides hours of interactive stimulation. The materials are simple, but they’re durable and long-lasting. Not only is the price super low, but the life of this product is surprisingly long! Please note that some find the general design frustrating, however, since it’s flicks around so easily and quickly. Figuring out how to use it might take a little more time than you think!
3. Petsafe Funkitty Egg Cersizer
What cat doesn’t love an interactive toy that also stimulates their mind and stomach at the same time? This toy does just that in the simplest manner. Its unique shape makes it fun to play with while also receiving a treat at the same time. It is a great way to control your cat's dieting habits as well!
Healthy Fun
Due to the rotating egg, this toy evokes healthy interactive movement on a constant basis. This allows your cat to get as much exercise as possible and it also receives a treat while doing so, which in turn motivates your cat to continue playing.
Adjustable Dispenser
This item features three oval holes which can be adjusted or closed in order to control the amount of food or treats that come out. If you have a cat that needs to lose a little weight, this is the perfect gift for them!
Cost and Value
While this is an inexpensively priced cat toy, it is priced highly on our value list because of the elements that it offers. You are getting a two in one feature while having a toy that is excellent for kittens and cats of all ages. Additionally, you have a toy that is excellent for exercising the body while maintaining a healthy diet.
4. EcoCity Feather Cat Teaser
It really is so simple: put something on the end of a rope and dangle it in front of your cat and watch them go crazy. Heck, you could put a rock on the end of a string and a cat would bat it around all day. But for some reason, feathers seem to really do the trick for all our felines that’s why we like the EcoCity Feather Teaser. We also like that it comes with four replacement feathers because kitty’s claws will inevitably put an end to these dainty teasers at some point.
Safe and Non-Toxic Construction
We’re always looking for this little bit when it comes to mass-produced products like this. You really can’t be too sure what you’re getting and when a company like EcoCity gives you a guarantee that the product is safe you can count on it.
Satisfaction Guarantee
If your cat doesn’t like it? If it doesn’t work for some reason just send it back and EcoCity promises they will give your money back with no questions asked. It seems like they ‘get’ the finicky nature of our feline pals.
Cost And Value
It’s cheap, and we like cheap when it comes to the money part of our purchasing power. But cheap doesn’t mean poorly manufactured in this case so we think you’re going to like this little toy, and we think your cat will as well.
5. Bergan Turbo Scratcher
As we’ve said before, it is incredibly important for your pet to have self-soothing options in your home. This can help solve many negative behaviors and create a stress-free environment for both you and your companion. A self-soothing toy is one that can be used without the help of a person. The Bergan Turbo Scratcher is exactly that! It features a circular track with a ball which your pet can bat around to their heart’s content. The middle of the product is covered in a scratchpad to encourage your pet to get out this natural, healthy behavior in an appropriate way. The rave reviews we found just add to the value of this product, and pretty much convinced us that we need to buy them ourselves (and some of us don’t even have kitties!).
A Self-Soothing Solution
Sometimes you simply don’t have the time for interactive play. In those times your kitty still needs a way to expend excess energy and entertain themselves. The Bergan Turbo Scratcher provides both in a neat, little package! This circular device has a little ball that for your kitty to bat around at their leisure. While this may sound endlessly boring to people, we promise you that your pet will find hours of endless entertainment,
A Scratching Post… And More!
The handiest feature that the Bergan Turbo Scratcher has to offer is its dual-purpose nature. Not only will your pet have ample playtime, and a way to distract themselves when they’re home alone, but they also have an outlet for natural urges. Scratching is a huge complaint among many pet parents. There are definitely ways around this behavior, and going to route of least resistance is best. Giving your kitty a healthy alternative to your furniture will boost your bond and give you less to stress about.
Cost and Value
This multi-use product is just as valuable as it is useful. Between the small design, potential hours of play, and relatively inexpensive price, we’ve really found a winner! Of course, every product we feature is put to the test and all of them are highly valuable. However, in some cases the more valuable a product is, the pricier it becomes. This is why we love finding products like this one that packs in great value in both versatility and price! The Bergan Turbo Scratcher is a timeless classic that you simply need for a healthier, happier animal.
6. Moody Fling-AMA-String Cat Toy
This is one of the neatest cat toys we’ve seen and we think your cat will love it as well. It’s powered electrically and basically, you just attach it to a door and turn it on and the machine flings a piece of string out of its base and then slowly withdraws it back inside its base. All you have to do is sit back and watch as your cat has hours of fun chasing the appearing/disappearing piece of string. We must admit it’s an easy and fairly genius idea and we think your cat will have fun with it.
No Hands Fun
You don’t really have to do anything once this baby is set up. Just hook it around a doorstop turn it on and let the fun begin. The string gets shot out of the base of the toy and slowly gets wound back up into the base of the machine. All you have to do is watch as your cat waits expectantly for the string to shoot out at them.
No Assembly Required
All we can say to this is Thank you. Setting up mechanical toys is often a huge pain in the neck but in this case, once this toy arrives you can set it and forget it. The only thing you’ll have to do is change the batteries from time to time.
Cost and Value
This is pretty cheap considering what you get with the toy. Watch out because batteries are not included but it’s still quite affordable.
7. Yeowww! Catnip Banana
The name says it all! Kitties go crazy for this Yeowww! Catnip Banana is sure to please even the pickiest pets around. Not only is it stuffed with irresistible cat crack, but it also has a soft cloth shell which allows your kitty to safely play with it. The bright, vibrant yellow of the banana will lure your little fur baby in, and the catnip will hold them captive! On top of this, it’s just a hilarious product. I mean, come on. If you don’t want to buy this solely based on the fact that it’s a banana for kitties then we don’t know what to say! Actually, we do. Keep reading, and we’re sure you’ll be sold by the end regardless.
A Mouthwatering Treat
No, we’re not insinuating that your kitty has some inner desire to munch on bananas. Unless they do (we don’t judge). Nonetheless, regardless of your feline’s inner desires, this banana will certainly appeal to their outer ones. It’s filled with that glorious, frenzy-inducing substance that we love breaking out whenever our kitties have been extra good. Catnip is known for its ability to make kitties go absolutely crazy! That’s part of the reason why this banana is such a great option for pet parents everywhere.
A Sight To Behold
Okay, seriously, guys. Just picture it. Just picture your pet wrestling with a banana, and running around like a lunatic clutching it in their mouth. This might not be necessarily an “interactive” toy, but it sure does feel like it! We have furry companions because of the stress relief they provide. Whenever you’re feeling down and out you can always count on your furry friends to come through for you. Having hilarious toys lying around can really pile on the comic relief, which is a welcome benefit to most.
Cost and Value
Honestly, we don’t even care how much this product costs. We just want one! In all seriousness, however, this is a SUPER affordable option as far as pet products go. It packs in a lot of playtime for your kitty, both on their own and with you. This alone makes the Yeowww! Catnip Banana appealing. On top of this, you don’t have to pay a premium for pet play. The durable cloth design and the ability to refill.
8. Fashion Talk Cat Toys
Whether you have a finicky cat that doesn't know what it likes or a super playful cat that likes all toys, this is a perfect gift. It features 20 different toys ranging from catnip to balls, ensuring that your furry friend finds something to keep them busy!
Lot's of Variety
Not all cats are the same, if you have more than one cat, you know this already. Unlike dogs, they can be very picky with what they play with and just because one cat likes a certain toy, doesn't mean another will also. This variety pack gives you and your pet lots of fun options at a low cost.
Never Bored
Cats get bored easily, and they have no problem voicing their boredom. This variety pack is perfect because it features toys that it can play with by itself, like the mouse and balls, and it also contains toys that you can enjoy together, like the feather wand.
Cost and Value
Surprisingly, with as much as this item has to offer, it is quite affordable. You get lot's of different toys to choose from and they are all designed to keep your feline friend happy and active!
9. Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center
Cats are clever, they love getting into everything as much as they can, especially if it’s a bit tricky to get into. That is where this Trixie 5-in-1 activity center will come in handy. Offering 5 different activities that were designed to stimulate your cats 5 senses, this simple game is the perfect form of getting your cat active while not having to layout multiple different toys.
5-in-1
Measuring at 12 by 16 inches and weighing 3 pounds this multifunctional toy offers 5 different sensory games. Featuring a globe that resembles a fishbowl to create a sense of digging for a treat with their paw, a row of pegs that give the cat visual access to the treat, without actually having access to it. There's also an alley that allows the cat to lay down and begin poking around creating a strategy to get to the treat as quickly as possible. Additionally, there is a tongue that is suitable for liquid treats since the slides prevent the cat from using their paw to retrieve it. And last but not least there is a row of tunnels that mimic mouse holes, ideal for hiding treats inside for further stimulation.
Suitable for multiple Cats
If you have more then one cat, do not be afraid to purchase this toy as it is perfect for multiple cats to play at once. Due to it offering multiple different sensory games this toy is great for those that want to create a bit of fun competition or bonding time between their beloved felines.
Cost and Value
Taking into regard how much you are getting from this toy, it's quite affordable. You are receiving a 5 in 1 tool that will provoke your cat to want to do more with its senses.
10. SmartyKat Electronic Cat Toy
Anyone who has ever had fun watching their cat attack their feet under their blankets should get one of these SmartyKat toys. It basically does the same thing but without you having to put your feet at risk of a nasty clawing. This circle of fabric has a moving wand that will attract a cat-like catnip.
Double the Fun
Not only does the wand move underneath the fabric, but the plush toy also moves around the base of the fabric circle so your cat has two things to make its playday. The movable wand also has lights that will attract your kitty.
Tested for Child Safety
Like we said we’re always on the lookout for products that do their best to ensure safety not only for your cat but also for you and your kids. SmartyKat makes a promise to test all their products for child and animal safety.
Cost And Value
We’re happy with the Price on this one. Just about right in the middle and considering you can set it and forget it, we’re big fans.
Sources
- , The Conscious Cat , Cat Website
- , Animal Wellness, Pet Website
