Finding the perfect way to engage with a cat can sometimes feel like an impossible mission. Like many cat owners, I’ve experimented with countless toys, often met with apathetic blinks and feline indifference. It turns out, the secret isn’t just having toys, but choosing the right kind. My quest to discover toys that truly captivated my rescue cat led me down a path of research, similar to the deep dive I took when selecting the best cat food brand.
Inspired by the rigorous testing conducted in the PEOPLE-tested labs for that cat food guide, I decided to apply the same scrutiny to cat toys. I incorporated some of their top-performing toys into my cat’s playtime, and the results were astonishing. Toys like the Cat Dancer from their lab tests sparked a level of excitement in my cat I’d rarely witnessed. This personal “micro-test” solidified my understanding: the type of toy profoundly impacts a cat’s engagement and playfulness.
Expert Insights on Interactive Play
“Work-to-eat toys are something I highly recommend,” explains Dr. Jennifer Chu to PEOPLE. “Cats thrive on mental stimulation and physical activity, and these toys cleverly combine both, allowing them to exercise their bodies and minds simultaneously.” The Catstages Buggin’ Out puzzle, a top pick from our testing, perfectly exemplifies this principle.
To create this comprehensive guide to the very Best Interactive Cat Toys, we consulted with cat behavior specialists and veterinarians. Our aim is to present you with PEOPLE-cat-approved selections of interactive toys, feeder puzzles, scratchers, and lasers, ensuring your beloved feline friend stays happy, healthy, and thoroughly entertained.
Our Top Interactive Cat Toy Picks
- Best Teaser Toy: Cat Dancer Products Interactive Cat Toy
- Best for Kittens: Cat Dancer Cat Charmer
- Best Scratcher Toy: Catify by Best Pet Supplies Cardboard Scratcher
- Best for Multiple Cats: Catit Super Roller Circuit Toy
- Best Circuit Toy: Catit Play Massager Circuit Ball Cat Toy
- Best Dental Toy: Catstages Straw-Babies Catnip Toy
- Best Toy for Self-Play: Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy
- Best Mouse Toy: Ethical Spot Rainbow Mice Toy with Catnip
- Best Wand Toy: Frisco Bird with Feathers Teaser Wand Cat Toy with Catnip
- Best Catnip Toy: Frisco Squirrel Plush Cat Toy with Catnip
- Best Bird Toy: Leo’s Paw Bird Simulation Cat Toy Set
- Best Puzzle Toy: Nina Ottosson Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play Cat Puzzle Game
- Best Electronic Toy: SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy
- Best Value: SmartyKat Skitter Slices Plush Cat Toy with Catnip
- Best Activity Center: Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center
- Best Laser Toy: Valonii Motion Activated Laser Toy
- Best Kicker Toy: Yeowww Catnip Banana
Best Teaser Toy
Cat Dancer Products Interactive Cat Toy
PHOTO: Petco
Check Price at Amazon | View at PETCO | View at Catdancer.com
Key Features:
- Universally loved by cats in testing.
- Affordable interactive toy option.
- Comes in a pack of two.
Considerations:
- Paper tubes may degrade after prolonged use.
Sometimes, the simplest designs prove to be the most captivating. The Cat Dancer toy is a testament to this, consistently outperforming more elaborate toys in our tests. Its magic lies in its basic construction: a springy wire with paper tubes at the end. However, when dangled and moved, it creates an irresistible, unpredictable motion that instantly grabs cats’ attention, triggering their natural hunting instincts far more effectively than many complex wand toys. The reaction is often immediate and enthusiastic, with cats exhibiting playful “cat dances” that are as amusing as they are adorable.
While the design is simple, and the paper tubes may show wear after a month or two of intense play, the fact that you receive two toys for a low price point makes replacement feel less burdensome. The sheer joy and engagement this toy brings to cats makes it a worthwhile investment, even if it requires occasional refreshing.
Toy Type: Wand | Materials: Wire, paper tubes | Cleaning: Not listed
PHOTO: People / Melanie Fincher
PHOTO: People / Melanie Fincher
Best for Kittens
Cat Dancer Cat Charmer
PHOTO: Amazon
Check Price at Amazon | View at Target | View at Chewy
Key Features:
- Appeals to cats across all age groups, especially kittens.
- Durable and high-quality wand construction.
- Tear-resistant, colorful fleece ribbon.
Considerations:
- Might not be as stimulating for some cats compared to prey-like lure toys.
Wand toys are a universal favorite, and the Cat Dancer Rainbow Cat Charmer stood out, particularly with our kitten testers. The soft, flowing rainbow ribbon is less intimidating than some wire-based wand toys, making it a great interactive cat toy choice for younger or more timid cats and kittens who might be hesitant around more overtly “prey-like” toys.
The handle of this wand is exceptionally robust, rated to withstand up to 30 pounds of force, ensuring it can endure even vigorous kitten play without breaking. It feels noticeably more durable than many other wands we tested, thanks to its thick, stretchy fleece ribbon that resists tearing even when kittens sink their claws into it. While the ribbon lure might not provide the same long-lasting engagement as feather-ended wands for some cats, its sturdiness and broad appeal make it an excellent interactive cat toy for households with cats of varying ages, especially kittens.
Toy Type: Wand | Materials: Polycarbonate, fleece | Cleaning: Not listed
PHOTO: People / Andrew Whalen
PHOTO: People / Andrew Whalen
Best Scratcher Toy
Catify by Best Pet Supplies Cardboard Scratcher
PHOTO: Amazon
Key Features:
- Versatile interactive cat toy: scratcher, perch, and ball toy combined.
- Lightweight and compact compared to standard scratching posts.
- Accommodates multiple cats playing simultaneously.
Considerations:
- Lightweight design can tip over if a cat perches on top.
Cat scratcher toys are essential for protecting your furniture, and the Catify by Best Pet Supplies Cardboard Scratcher emerged as a clear favorite among the scratcher toys we evaluated. This isn’t just a basic scratching board; it’s an interactive cat toy offering multiple play features. It includes an inner section for batting whiffle balls and a top ledge that cats enjoy using as a perch. In households with multiple cats, like our testing environment, this scratcher proved to be excellent for shared play, offering varied activities to keep multiple felines engaged at once.
While sturdy enough to support a 20-pound cat on top, its lightweight nature means it can be tipped over during particularly enthusiastic perching sessions. However, its smaller size and lighter weight compared to traditional scratching posts make it ideal for smaller living spaces or for owners who want a portable scratcher that can be easily moved between rooms.
Toy Type: Scratcher | Materials: Cardboard | Cleaning: Not listed
PHOTO: People / Johanna Neeson
PHOTO: People / Johanna Neeson
Best for Multiple Cats
Catit Super Roller Circuit Toy
PHOTO: Chewy
Check Price at Amazon | View at Chewy | View at PetSmart
Key Features:
- Encourages independent and group play.
- Durable track pieces easily assemble and stay connected.
- Track extensions available for custom layouts.
Considerations:
- Less immediately intuitive for cats compared to simpler toys.
For cats with a penchant for knocking things off surfaces, the Catit Super Roller Circuit Toy offers a safe and engaging outlet for this behavior. This circuit toy provides a similar sensation to batting objects off counters but in a controlled and interactive way. Assembly is straightforward, with track pieces that snap together securely, much like toy train tracks. Once built, the track is robust enough to be moved around the house without falling apart.
After demonstrating the toy’s function by guiding the light-up ball around the track, our tester cats quickly grasped the concept and began playing, both individually and together. Interestingly, their interest in the toy seemed to grow over time, with cats frequently engaging with it independently without prompting. We highly recommend this interactive cat toy for owners looking to encourage independent play in their cats. And for cats who truly love it, additional track pieces can be purchased to create ever-larger and more complex circuits.
Toy Type: Circuit | Materials: Plastic | Cleaning: Soap and water
PHOTO: People / Elise Wang
PHOTO: People / Elise Wang
PHOTO: People / Elise Wang
Best Circuit Toy
Catit Play Massager Circuit Ball Cat Toy
PHOTO: Chewy
Check Price at Amazon | View at Chewy
Key Features:
- Multi-functional interactive cat toy: circuit, massager, batting, and catnip toy.
- More durable than previous circuit toys tested.
- Includes catnip to enhance massaging nub appeal.
Considerations:
- Ball movement within the track creates some noise.
The Catit Play Massager elevates the circuit toy concept by integrating multiple stimulating features. It’s not just a circuit for ball-chasing; it’s also a massager, batting toy, and even a catnip delivery system. Setup is incredibly quick, taking less than 30 seconds. Our tester cat immediately engaged with all aspects of the toy, batting the ball, rubbing against the massager nubs, and chewing on the spring-mounted bee – maintaining intense play for two hours straight!
While one cat did manage to remove the ball from the track, it was easily retrieved. The Catit Play Massager quickly became a top favorite, with the sound of the ball rolling becoming a常驻 soundtrack to our tester’s day and night. While the rolling ball does create some sound, we found it a welcome indicator of a happy, active cat. However, if absolute silence is a priority, this interactive cat toy might not be the best choice.
Toy Type: Circuit | Materials: Plastic | Cleaning: Soap and water
PHOTO: People / John Somerall
PHOTO: People / John Somerall
Best Dental Toy
Catstages Straw-Babies Catnip Toy
PHOTO: Chewy
Check Price at Amazon | View at Chewy
Key Features:
- Cleans teeth with an internal mesh to reduce plaque.
- Crinkling and jingling sounds for added stimulation.
- Affordable pack of three toys.
- Catnip-filled for enhanced appeal.
Considerations:
- Feathers may detach after some use.
The Catstages Straw-Babies dental toy ingeniously combines playtime with oral care. These adorable strawberry plushies, filled with catnip and topped with feathers, are designed to attract your cat’s attention while simultaneously promoting dental hygiene. The crinkling sounds produced when chewed further amplify their appeal, driving cats into a frenzy of playful excitement.
The soft fabric and internal mesh work to gently remove plaque as cats chew, contributing to better oral health. Chewing toys like these also encourage positive chewing habits, redirecting cats from inappropriate household items. The affordability of a three-pack is remarkable compared to similar dental toys. While some feather shedding was observed after play, the fact that you receive three toys at such a low price point easily outweighs this minor drawback. This is a great interactive cat toy that is also beneficial for health.
Toy Type: Plushy | Materials: Mesh, synthetic fabric, catnip | Cleaning: Not listed
PHOTO: People / Jordan Provost
PHOTO: People / Jordan Provost
PHOTO: People / Jordan Provost
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Best Toy for Self-Play
Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy
PHOTO: Amazon
Check Price at Amazon | View at Chewy
Key Features:
- Designed to encourage solo play.
- Durable construction maintains condition even after extensive play.
- Ready to use immediately, no assembly needed.
Considerations:
- Bright color may not suit all home décor styles.
For times when you can’t directly engage with your cat, interactive cat toys designed for independent play, like the Petstages Tower of Tracks, are invaluable. This toy provides hours of entertainment with its three levels and six brightly colored balls that cats can bat and chase around the tracks. It’s ready to use right out of the box, requiring no setup, and in our tests, every cat we introduced to the Tower of Tracks showed immediate interest.
Even after weeks of consistent play, the toy showed minimal wear. The balls remain securely contained within the structure, and our cats continued to enjoy it throughout the testing period. While the bright orange color might not be to everyone’s aesthetic preference, its effectiveness in engaging cats outweighs any minor design concerns. This is a fantastic interactive cat toy for keeping cats entertained when they are home alone.
Toy Type: Circuit | Materials: Plastic, polypropylene | Cleaning: Not listed
PHOTO: People / Cassidy Walter
PHOTO: People / Cassidy Walter
Best Mouse Toy
Ethical Spot Rainbow Mice Toy with Catnip
PHOTO: Chewy
Check Price at Amazon | View at Chewy
Key Features:
- Rattling sound stimulates cats’ hunting instincts.
- Bright colors distinguish toys from real rodents.
- Durable through chewing, clawing, and water exposure.
- Infused with catnip for added attraction.
Considerations:
- Outer fabric may eventually show wear with prolonged use.
The classic cat-and-mouse dynamic is perfectly captured in the Ethical Spot Rainbow Mice Toy. These catnip-filled toy mice effectively engage cats’ natural predatory instincts without involving actual wildlife. The rattling sound and pack of 12 colorful mice offer exceptional value, particularly given their durability. The bright colors are also a thoughtful touch, ensuring these toys won’t be mistaken for unwelcome houseguests.
Our kitten tester was immediately captivated by these interactive cat toys, carrying them around, playing fetch, and even dunking them in her water bowl. Despite this rough play, the mice remained in excellent condition throughout testing. While the outer fabric may eventually wear down over time, the quality and quantity for the price make this an outstanding deal.
Toy Type: Plushy | Materials: Polyester, plastic, catnip | Cleaning: Not listed
PHOTO: People / Heddy Hunt
PHOTO: People / Heddy Hunt
PHOTO: People / Heddy Hunt
Best Wand Toy
Frisco Bird with Feathers Teaser Wand Cat Toy with Catnip
PHOTO: Chewy
Key Features:
- Highly durable, maintaining condition after extensive play.
- Loved by cats of all ages during testing.
- Crinkly, catnip-filled bird lure.
Considerations:
- Requires active human participation, not suitable for independent play.
The Frisco Bird wand toy proved to be a universal hit with cats spanning a wide age range, from kittens to seniors. Our testers were so enamored with this interactive cat toy that they would carry it around and vocalize for playtime. Despite enduring hours of play with multiple cats, the toy remained remarkably durable, showing virtually no signs of wear and tear. The plush bird lure is filled with catnip and crinkly material, further enhancing its appeal.
We were particularly impressed by the wand’s sturdiness and the fact that no components detached even after rigorous play – a common issue with many wand toys. Its affordability compared to other wands on the market adds to its appeal. While wand toys require active participation from the owner, the Frisco Bird provides an engaging and durable option for interactive playtime sessions.
Toy Type: Wand | Materials: Polyester, plastic, catnip | Cleaning: Not listed
PHOTO: People / Chrissy Tassin
PHOTO: People / Chrissy Tassin
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Best Catnip Toy
Frisco Squirrel Plush Cat Toy with Catnip
PHOTO: Chewy
Key Features:
- Refillable catnip compartment to maintain freshness.
- Includes catnip refills.
- Soft, furry, and durable plush material.
Considerations:
- May become slightly stiff from cat licking over time.
For cats who are particularly sensitive to catnip, the Frisco Squirrel Plush Cat Toy is the ultimate treat. This plush squirrel is designed with a refillable catnip pouch, ensuring a consistently potent and enticing playtime experience. Setup is simple, and clear instructions are included for filling the toy with catnip. The squirrel’s soft, furry exterior makes it ideal for cuddling, and our tester cat frequently snuggled with it when it was introduced.
Due to the catnip infusion and cuddling, the toy’s fur did become slightly stiff by the end of our testing period, but no fur shedding was observed. This is a great interactive cat toy for cats who love catnip and plush toys.
Toy Type: Plushy | Materials: Polyester, catnip | Cleaning: Remove catnip and machine wash
PHOTO: People / Danielle Yersin
PHOTO: People / Danielle Yersin
Best Bird Toy
Leo’s Paw Bird Simulation Cat Toy Set
PHOTO: Leo’s Paw
Check Price at Amazon | View at Leospaw.com
Key Features:
- Suction-cup base enables independent play.
- Includes five realistic bird attachments and suction cup replacements.
Considerations:
- Higher price point compared to many other cat toys.
The Leo’s Paw Bird Simulation Cat Toy Set provides an innovative twist on the classic wand toy. It features a suction-cup base that can be mounted to floors or windows, allowing for truly independent play. The set includes five different realistic bird lures that attach to a flexible pole, creating enticing, bouncy movements when a cat swats at them. We found the suction base to be reliably sturdy on both window and floor surfaces, and our cats readily engaged with the toy in both settings.
The toy remained in excellent condition after testing, showing no signs of damage. While this set is more expensive than some of the other interactive cat toys on our list, the inclusion of five bird options and replacement suction stickers adds value and versatility, making it a worthwhile investment for dedicated cat owners.
Toy Type: Wand | Materials: Not listed | Cleaning: Not listed
PHOTO: People / Heddy Hunt
PHOTO: People / Heddy Hunt
Best Puzzle Toy
Nina Ottosson Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play Cat Puzzle Game
PHOTO: Chewy
Check Price at Amazon | View at Kohls.com
Key Features:
- Encourages problem-solving skills in cats.
- Constructed from durable, food-safe materials.
- Can help regulate eating speed for fast eaters.
Considerations:
- May become too simple for cats experienced with puzzle toys.
Puzzle toys are an excellent way to provide mental enrichment for cats, particularly during mealtimes. The Petstages Buggin’ Out toy stood out as our top puzzle toy pick. When introduced to cats unfamiliar with puzzles, they quickly became captivated. Once they understood the mechanics, our testers would engage with the toy throughout the day, prompting us to refill it with treats. Retrieving all the treats typically took around 10 minutes, effectively slowing down eating and extending playtime.
The Buggin’ Out puzzle is made from food-grade materials, and we found it easy to clean and maintain in perfect condition through weekly handwashing. While our tester cats mastered the puzzle relatively quickly, making a more challenging puzzle necessary for continued engagement in the future, this is an ideal starter puzzle for cats new to interactive feeders. This is a highly recommended interactive cat toy for mental stimulation and controlled feeding.
Toy Type: Puzzle | Materials: Wood | Cleaning: Hand wash with mild soap
PHOTO: People / Alexandra Domrongchai
PHOTO: People / Alexandra Domrongchai
Best Electronic Toy
SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy
PHOTO: Chewy
Check Price at Amazon | View at Chewy | View at Smartykat.com
Key Features:
- Automated, battery-operated play.
- Two speed settings.
- Automatic shut-off feature.
- Engages hunting instincts through concealed motion.
Considerations:
- Requires 3 AA batteries (not included).
- Wand may detach during vigorous play.
The SmartyKat Hot Pursuit toy provides automated interactive play, freeing you from constant wand waving. This electronic toy uses an internal motor to spin a wand erratically beneath a fabric cover, mimicking prey movement and activating a cat’s hunting instincts. It offers two speed settings controlled by a base button and a 12-minute auto-shutoff, preventing battery drain.
Setup is simple: attach the wand, insert batteries, and drape the fabric cover. Our tester cat was instantly captivated, pouncing at the moving lure and even meowing at the toy when desiring playtime. The wand did occasionally unscrew during intense play, likely due to the spinning motion and pouncing, but it was easily reattached. This is a great option for automated interactive cat toy sessions.
Toy Type: Electronic | Materials: Plastic | Cleaning: Not listed
PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear
PHOTO: People / Bridget Annear
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Best Value
SmartyKat Skitter Slices Plush Cat Toy with Catnip
PHOTO: Chewy
Check Price at Amazon | View at Chewy
Key Features:
- Catnip-filled toys highly appealing to tester cats.
- Simple, durable design retains shape.
- Versatile play: batting, rolling, carrying.
Considerations:
- Fabric colors may fade slightly from licking.
The SmartyKat Skitter Slices Plush Cat Toy offers exceptional value, providing multiple catnip-filled mice at a very affordable price per toy. Our tester cats thoroughly enjoyed these simple plush mice, engaging in activities like rolling, batting, and carrying them. The toys proved surprisingly durable, maintaining their shape despite hours of play, although some minor color fading was noted due to frequent licking. Overall, Skitter Slices are a fantastic, budget-friendly option for interactive cat toys, perfect for solo play.
Toy Type: Plushy | Materials: Polyester, catnip | Cleaning: Spot clean with warm water
PHOTO: People / Joe McGinn
PHOTO: People / Joe McGinn
Best Activity Center
Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center
PHOTO: Amazon
Check Price at Amazon | View at Chewy | View at PetSmart
Key Features:
- Multiple puzzle types for food and treats.
- Engages mental stimulation, ideal for fast eaters.
- Durable, sturdy plastic construction.
Considerations:
- Basic gray color may not be visually appealing to all owners.
The Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center exceeded our expectations, even with tester cats who generally favor physical play over toys. This puzzle-based interactive cat toy captivated even these more discerning felines. It’s particularly effective for food-motivated cats and those who tend to eat too quickly, as it requires them to slow down and problem-solve to access their food.
The activity center is generously sized, allowing multiple cats to play simultaneously. Constructed from robust plastic, it remained in excellent condition after two weeks of heavy use. While the plain gray color might not be the most aesthetically exciting, its functionality and cat appeal are undeniable. This is an excellent interactive cat toy for mental and feeding enrichment.
Toy Type: Puzzle | Materials: BPA-free plastic | Cleaning: Dishwasher-safe
PHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot
Best Laser Toy
Valonii Motion Activated Laser Toy
PHOTO: Amazon
Key Features:
- Triggers natural hunting instincts with laser motion.
- Motion-activated and USB rechargeable.
- Provides excellent exercise.
- Three speed modes.
Considerations:
- Laser toys can sometimes frustrate cats due to the inability to “catch” the laser.
The Valonii Motion Activated Laser Toy ignited a frenzy of excitement in our tester cats. Ready to use immediately, it instantly tapped into their predatory instincts, leading to sustained pouncing and chasing for up to ten minutes at a time. While interest may wane after longer periods, potentially due to frustration from never catching the laser, it undeniably encourages significantly more physical activity than many other toy types.
The Valonii toy is also notably durable, surviving accidental table falls without damage. Its rechargeable design with included USB cord is a significant convenience. Multiple speed modes and a motion-activated sensor further enhance its interactive capabilities, allowing for play even when you are not actively involved. This is a great interactive cat toy for promoting exercise.
Toy Type: Laser | Materials: Plastic | Cleaning: Not listed
PHOTO: People / Jeanne Geer
PHOTO: People / Jeanne Geer
PHOTO: People / Jeanne Geer
Best Kicker Toy
Yeowww Catnip Banana
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PHOTO: Amazon
Check Price at Amazon | View at Walmart | View at Chewy
Key Features:
- Perfect for bunny-kicking, tossing, and cuddling.
- Filled with potent catnip.
Considerations:
- Canvas fabric may show bite marks after rough play.
If your cat enjoys a good wrestling match, particularly with your feet, the Yeowww Catnip Banana can offer a much-appreciated diversion. This catnip-filled toy is designed for kicking and wrestling, providing a safe and appropriate outlet for this behavior.
Our tester cat immediately took to the Yeowww banana, enthusiastically bunny-kicking and wrestling with it. He also enjoyed tossing and catching the toy, which did result in some bite marks on the canvas fabric. However, despite this rough play, the toy remained intact without rips or tears after two weeks of testing. This is a great interactive cat toy for cats who love to kick.
Toy Type: Plushy | Materials: Cotton, catnip | Cleaning: Not listed
PHOTO: People / Cara Milhaven
PHOTO: People / Cara Milhaven
Things to Consider When Buying Interactive Cat Toys
Activity Type and Engagement
Cats engage with toys in diverse ways, from mind-stimulating puzzles to chase toys that trigger their hunting instincts. “For cats, play is essentially predatory behavior,” notes Stephen Quandt, a certified feline training and behavior specialist. This type of play provides crucial exercise. For chase-and-hunt play, toys like the Leo’s Paw Interactive Bird Toy, which mimic natural animal movements, are excellent choices.
Mental stimulation is equally vital for a cat’s well-being. Puzzle feeders, such as the Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play, challenge problem-solving skills while also encouraging slower eating habits. Choosing the right interactive cat toy depends on understanding your cat’s preferred play style.
Materials and Safety
Regardless of the material – plastic, fabric, catnip, etc. – safety is paramount. Ensure toys lack small, detachable parts that could be swallowed. For toys with cords or strings, Stephen Quandt advises caution, “it’s best not to leave cats unattended, as these can become entanglement hazards.”
Material choice can also influence engagement. “Feathers are ideal as they are authentic,” Quandt explains. He also recommends fuzzy textures that mimic prey like mice, such as the Ethical Pet Spot Rainbow Plush Rattling Mice Cat Toy, which offer a realistic feel without being visually disturbing to humans. Always prioritize safe materials when selecting interactive cat toys.
Cleaning and Care
Consider your cat’s play style and toy maintenance. If toys frequently end up outside, in the litter box, or not in their cat bed or cat tree, opt for machine-washable or dishwasher-safe options. Toys that cannot be thoroughly cleaned may be better suited for gentler play habits. Easy cleaning is a practical consideration for interactive cat toys.
People / Danielle Yersin
Behind the Scenes of Our Testing
To identify the most engaging cat toys, we tested 30 popular options over two weeks. PEOPLE Testing team members assessed toys with their own cats of various ages, using a standardized methodology focused on:
- Setup: We evaluated the ease of unpacking and preparing each toy, noting assembly requirements, battery needs, and overall setup time from package to playtime.
- Enjoyment: The core of our testing involved observing cat interaction with each toy. We recorded engagement duration, deviations from usual play behavior, and cues indicating repeated play desire. Long-term enjoyment was assessed through repeated use over two weeks.
- Durability: We assessed toy resilience after two weeks of play, noting fraying, tearing, battery life, and component detachment, comparing pre- and post-test conditions.
People / Cara Milhaven
Frequently Asked Questions about Interactive Cat Toys
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What is the best toy for cats?
“Ultimately,” Stephen Quandt explains, “the best toy is the one your cat enjoys, which isn’t always predictable.” Preferences vary: some cats favor chase toys like lasers or wands, while others prefer plush, catnip-filled toys for biting and wrestling. Experiment to discover your cat’s ideal interactive cat toy.
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Should I leave toys out for my cat?
Independent playtime is beneficial, but safety is key. Ensure unsupervised toys are safe for solo play. Electric toys and those with wires or strings are best used under supervision due to potential hazards.
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How do I keep my cat entertained with toys?
Cats can tire of toys quickly. Rotate toys regularly, reintroducing “old” toys to renew interest. Treat-dispensing puzzle toys can also boost engagement by adding a reward element. Variety is key for keeping interactive cat toys engaging.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Cai Cramer, a shopping writer for PEOPLE.com, specializes in home, beauty, and lifestyle product reviews. Cai frequently covers pet products, using her rescue cat Miso as a primary tester for items like litter boxes, cat toys, beds, and carriers. For this guide, Cai leveraged insights from PEOPLE Tested labs, which rigorously tested 30 cat toys with cats of all ages. She also consulted with veterinary professionals and cat behavior experts.
Meet Our Experts
What Is People Tested?
The PEOPLE Tested seal of approval signifies product excellence based on rigorous testing. Our unique methodology involves labs across the US and a network of home testers, evaluating effectiveness, durability, usability, and more. Recommendations are based purely on test results, ensuring unbiased and trustworthy advice for your purchasing decisions. We regularly re-evaluate product categories to ensure our recommendations remain current and accurate. Companies can never influence our recommendations – products must earn our approval through merit alone. PEOPLE Tested offers dependable recommendations for everyday purchases.
