The 5 Best Cat Toys for Your Beloved Pet
The 5 Best Cat Toys for Your Beloved Pet
Finding the best cat toys really comes down to what kind of activities your cat gets excited about. As any cat owner knows, every cat has strong likes and dislikes – and they’re not afraid to let you know. This can make finding the right toy a little more difficult. After all, no matter how much time or thought you put into it, your cat may end up preferring the box the new toy came in over the toy, so be sure to keep the receipt.
So how do you find the best cat toys entertain your feline suzerain? We turned to the experts for help: our cats. CNET happens to have a lot cat lovers on our team, and we interviewed them to find out which toys their cats find most fascinating. Here we present a list of winners. These toys have all been attacked, run over and chased by our favorite felines. From lasers and feather dancers to catnip toys and more, these are our cats’ favorite toys. And if you too have a dog, don’t forget to consult our list of best dog toys.
walmart
This cat toy sits in the middle of my living room and I can’t bear to move it because my cats love it so much.
The fact that they can push the ball around the lane from any position – prone, upside down and the preferred jump attack – keeps them entertained for hours. My favorite part is the scratch section in the middle. My cats have a tree and lots of scratching posts all over the house, but this toy is my favorite. The inserts are really cheap and you get months of current before it fails. As a bonus, you can sprinkle catnip on the cardboard scraper to give them a good time, and keep them coming back to continue scratching there and not on your couch.
— Taylor Leamey, health and wellness writer
You receive price alerts for Coastal Pet Turbo Scratcher
Daniel Golson
So many cat trees are just plain ugly. They’re usually bulky, carpeted, and don’t usually go well with other decor. But Catit’s line of Vesper cat furniture is fantastic. The pieces have a modern wooden design with high quality rope scratching posts, mats and hanging balls. They come in many colors, sizes, and configurations, and my cats are absolutely obsessed with them. Me too, because the trees look great in my apartment. They are also very durable, having endured years of abuse from my two cats with minimal wear and tear.
— Daniel Golson, Social Media Editor
You are receiving price alerts for Vesper cat tree
Emma Wolgast
GoCat Da Bird Teaser Wand is the only toy that can entertain my 14 pound cat panther nonstop. It’s the longest feather wand toy I’ve ever come across, and the lightweight sounding feature makes it feel like a real bird is flying.
It’s easy to play with due to its length (I can just sit on the couch and wave it around for hours), as well as super non-intrusive to store because it’s a thin, super lightweight wand. There are also a ton of different accessories you can get for the end of the toy, which means you really only buy the wand once and then replace the toy as needed.
This is one of the most basic toys I’ve come across, but definitely one of the most effective, and I recommend it to new and old cat parents.
— Emma Wolgast, paid social analyst
You receive price alerts for GoCat Da Bird Rod and Feather Cat Toy
Courtney Johnson
Remy is a unique boy – he had his eyes removed as a kitten to fight off an infection. Finding toys for him was a bit difficult, as I thought they had to make noise to get his attention. I didn’t have high hopes when my sister bought her this silly stuffed pickle, but it was love at first sight. He’s filled with catnip and must have some good stuff, because he refuses any catnip toy except this one.
He should always lie close to him and will jump up if you try to pick him up. His favorite game is pretending to sleep, then attacking his sisters if they dare to touch him.
— Courtney Johnston, editor
You are receiving price alerts for Whisker City Pickle Cat Toy with Catnip
Reviews
This puzzle box is the best! I put treats in there on the days I go to the office so my girls have something to do while I’m gone. It gives them mental stimulation as they reach, dig, chase, and push the box, and they’re rewarded with a treat when they pull one out. The cardboard is super strong (my two cats can stand on it at the same time) and it has held up for three years. There’s also an even bigger Mega version that you can buy for $35.
— Elena Avis, Associate Program Manager
You receive price alerts for Cat Amazing Treat Maze and Puzzle Feeder
Best Cat Toys FAQ
Do Cats Really Need Toys?
Cats spend a lot of time sleeping and entertaining, so it’s easy to assume that toys are a luxury and not a necessity. However, just like humans, cats need exercise and mental stimulation. A bored cat is an unhappy cat, which can lead to unwanted behaviors, such as overvocalization, scratching and biting. Toys give cats an outlet for their prey-oriented behaviors and can comfort them if they feel anxious or stressed.
What kind of toys do cats prefer?
Each cat has its own preferences and energy level, so you’ll want to try different types of toys to find out which ones your cat likes. Indoor cats in particular need toys that provide mental stimulation and an outlet for scratching. Low-energy cats may prefer a plush filled with catnip, while high-energy cats enjoy dancers and teasers that allow them to mimic catching prey.
Many cats are attracted to the smell of catnip and react to it, ranging from lazily rolling around and meowing to going completely berserk. But fortunately, because it is an herb, catnip is considered safe and non-addictive.
However, keep in mind that it doesn’t take much to let your cat relax. If cats ingest too much catnip, whether fresh or dried, they can have digestive issues. If this worries you, it’s best to stick with catnip toys that are durable and won’t break.
Tech