Cats may seem snobbish at first, but they can become really playful once they have opened up to you. And what better way to bond with your cats than playing with them through cat toys? Apart from allowing you to establish a good owner-pet relationship with your feline, toys can help them lead a healthier and more active lifestyle.
However, with the several kinds you can find, including stuffed ones, balls, wands, trucks, and even moving cat toys, it can be tricky to know which one to choose. To help you search for the best one, we have made a list of cat toys recommendations to buy online, and we've also prepared a buying guide, fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Franz Philip Joseph R. Ubaldo, to aid in your shopping.
Quick List - Top Cat Toys
Dr. Franz Philip Joseph R. Ubaldo is a Licensed Veterinarian practicing both Companion Animal medicine and Veterinary laboratory diagnostics. He worked in the National Laboratory for animal disease diagnostics (BAI-ADDRL) as the head of the Pathology and Rabies laboratories. He also served as a senior evaluator of Veterinary diagnostic facilities that delved into the technical layout, biosafety, and biosecurity aspects. He currently focuses on preventive medicine and general pet health.
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Although playtime may sound trivial, it can actually do wonders for your cat's overall health. After all, it's the easiest and most affordable way to keep your cat active and healthy! Still not convinced? Continue reading to learn more about how playing can be advantageous for your feline babies.
When cats play, they tend to move a lot. They run, jump, chase and pounce. And these movements can be considered an exercise to allow them to gain healthier muscles and joints and to stay physically fit. Playing can especially be helpful for older cats that tend to be less energetic.
Animals' brains are not as advanced as humans, but they are essential in harnessing their natural skills. Playtime and cat toy can help your pets develop their predatory instincts by stimulating their brains. For instance, brightly-colored and noise-producing toys can increase their curiosity and alertness.
Cats have feelings too! They want affection, especially from their respective adoptive families. But when this affection is not given, and they remain bored, it can lead to destructive behaviors, like clawing, unnecessary scratching, and excreting waste in the wrong places. This is where cat toys help! These toys can help keep your cats entertained.
Moreover, since most cat toys, like wands, feathers, and balls, require your participation, they foster bonding. And with continuous bonding, you can further strengthen your relationship with your cat. This can be especially helpful for new owners with cats that are still warming up to them.
Here are some key points to consider:
For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.
Cat toys come in different types and purposes. Some can help your cats be more physically active, while others can aid in stimulating their minds. If your budget allows, it is best to have more than just one type of toy to cater to various cats’ needs and skills. Learn more about the different kinds of cat toys below.
If you have agile cats, lure toys like wands and teasers are great. They can be used to sharpen your pet's natural chasing and pouncing skills. These toys usually have feathers, ribbons, or a mouse toy on the end that entice your cat to leap.
Catnips are also great to keep your cats moving. Felines love the catnip scent, and it stimulates their central nervous system resulting in excitement and happiness. However, keep in mind to regulate its use as excessive exposure to catnip may cause aggression, especially with tomcats.
Whether a puzzle toy to solve or a tunnel to wander, interactive cat toys like these stimulate their curiosity and mental instincts. These toys serve as a training ground for cats to be alert and more patient. They can even control eating habits, especially if these toys come with rewards, once they were able to figure them out.
Cats have a natural tendency to chew or scratch on surfaces. To combat this, you may get them chew and scratcher toys that can be an outlet for their natural instincts. With chew toys, you can prevent them from chewing on your cables and other belongings. Meanwhile, you can stop them from ruining your rugs, carpet, and furniture with scratch toys.
Cats that are given chew toys must be supervised, especially if the toys have the tendency to break apart into smaller pieces, as these may pose health risks like accidental ingestion that may lead to foreign body obstruction. Chew sticks that break off in irregular shapes may end up having sharp edges or corners that can potentially cause traumatic injuries when played with.
Aside from lure toys, cats also love plush toys that resemble other creatures. It is because these toys look like prey to them, and they stimulate their predatory instincts. Just make sure to supervise your cat while playing with a plush toy to ensure they don't devour or ingest it.
If your cats like exploring vertical spaces, you can keep them satisfied with a climbing or perching post. These can offer different heights that can also allow your cat to stretch and stay active. Aside from that, these toys can serve as a safe haven for timid cats as well.
Every cat will have a certain set of likes and dislikes. Some just want toys to bite, while others are eager for more toys that require movement and interaction. You will notice the things they prefer or reject based on their reactions.
For instance, certain cats are lazy to do physical activities or get tired quickly. Therefore, buying them toys that entail chasing or jumping may not be a good decision because they may choose to ignore it the next time around.
Always assess your cat’s behavior on different objects or consult a veterinarian, a pet trainer, or a fellow fur parent before buying them specific toys. It will surely save you money, time, and effort. Nonetheless, you still have the final say because you know your cat better than anyone so follow your pet-loving heart.
Depending on their age, cats may enjoy different things. Kittens or younger cats need stimulation toys that will allow them to develop physical and instinctive characteristics as they grow older. On the other hand, senior cats will benefit from simple toys that are easy to play with, such as chew toys.
Hence, it is vital to choose a toy that is suitable for their life stage. Make sure that the one you're choosing suits their learning and developmental pace, so you must keep in mind what they can and cannot do! After all, no two cats are 100% the same.
Breeds, environment, and health conditions also affect their growth; hence, cats' sizes vary. Therefore, their size must also be considered when getting a cat toy. Ideally, a toy's size must be proportional to the cat's size - small toys for small cats, big toys for big cats.
If you're unsure what type of toy to give your cat, consider trying a few kinds, so you'll understand which kind stimulates your cat.
Most of the time, cats treat their toys like prey, so expect them to pounce, scratch, bite and stretch these. With that said, when choosing a cat toy, brittle materials are a big no-no! Regardless of the brands and prices, choose toys with durable materials to prevent possible injuries or wounds to your munings.
Plastic is one of the durable materials used for toys, as most of them are resistant to wear and tear. Solid wood chips and blocks may also work well, but you have to ensure that their surfaces are smooth to avoid splinters.
Meanwhile, if you're going for plush toys, opt for soft, colorfast, and lint-free fabrics to prevent your cats from inhaling fluffs or licking dyes that may result in discomfort and irritation. Aside from that, you might also want to choose ones that are easy to clean.
When buying a cat toy, it is better to be safe than sorry. Like human babies and toddlers, cats tend to put toys in their mouths. Thus, before purchasing, you should check if the toy you're eyeing is non-toxic. It would also help to ensure that it doesn't come with loose parts they might ingest.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Petstages Tower of Tracks | ![]() | Features Spinning and Rolling Balls That Stimulate Their Senses | |
2 | Purreetty Wiggle Treats Leaker | ![]() | A Puzzle, Interactive Toy, and Treat in One | |
3 | Pawise Cat Play Mat | ![]() | An Interactive Playmat To Keep Them Entertained for Hours | |
4 | Pet Express 3 Tiered Tree Playground | ![]() | A Playground Haven Where They Can Play, Nap, and Perch | |
5 | Pet Cat Scratching Board | ![]() | Improve Their Clawing Skills While Saving Your Furniture | |
6 | Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick | ![]() | A Multipurpose Toy That Keeps Their Breath Minty-Fresh | |
7 | Petstages Catnip Chew Mice Cat Toy | ![]() | A Catnip-Stuffed Chew Toy That Also Cares for Their Dental Health | |
8 | Purreetty Dancing Catnip Holder | ![]() | Interactive Toy to Keep Your Feline Friend Entertained and Active | |
9 | Cat Teaser Plush Wand With Bell | ![]() | A Teaser Wand Your Cat Can Chase After | |
10 | Purreetty Rope Ball Cat Toy | ![]() | The Classic, All-Time Favorite Round Toy |
For curious and active cats, this will be a hit mental and physical game toy for them! Tower of Tracks by Petstages is sure to have your kitty running, chasing, swatting, and catching, as this toy features three levels with three balls that spin and roll as your cats play with them.
Since it has three levels, it also allows you to share the fun, so whether you only have one or multiple cats, this toy can surely keep them all busy and entertained. Apart from encouraging them to move, this game can also help enhance their senses and hunting instincts.
You wouldn't have to worry about its construction, as it is made of sturdy materials and a non-slip base that can withstand even vigorous playtimes! And to ensure your cats' safety, it comes with a small safety bar on its central top opening to prevent overly curious kitties from getting stuck.
Gracing our list is this treat leaking interactive puzzle by Purreetty! This toy allows your cats to learn patience and good habits along the way, as it dispenses one treat at a time. Since it requires them to figure out how to take the treats out of the toy, it would surely help their mental development and instincts, too.
Apart from stimulating their minds, this toy can also encourage your pet to move and be activeーthat is all thanks to its wiggling body, your feline baby would surely enjoy chasing! You wouldn't have to worry about them chewing on it well because it is made of thick, sturdy, and durable plastic that can resist cat scratches and tear.
This Pawise playmat is an innovative fusion of interactive and luring toys. Besides the mat, it also includes several furballs and mini-plush toys for enticing your cats. The lures are hung on a tent arc that can be reached by stretching or jumping, so you can also count on this toy to encourage your pet to move!
Your cats can be trained that this mat is their play area, reducing the chances of running around the house and potentially breaking things. It is also perfect for days when you are too busy to play with them, as it can surely keep them entertained for hours. The best part? It is CE-certified, so it's internationally recognized to be safe for your pet's health!
If you're looking for an excellent way to keep your cats entertained even while indoors, consider this 3-tiered tree playground. This tower offers plenty of places for cats to perch, nap, and play, making it suitable even if you have multiple playful cats at home.
It comes with a large-sized cushioned perch, so they can enjoy climbing with comfort. The woven rope posts can also be an effective outlet for your cat's instinct to scratch. To give a sense of security, it has a cubbyhole to offer a quiet place to sleep. Plus, it has hanging string toys that your cat can claw for hours of entertainment.
Save your home furniture and personal belongings from scratches by giving your pet cats this scratching board! Made with 100% recycled corrugated board material, it is durable yet lightweight. It can definitely develop your cats' clawing skills without hurting their toes.
You can lay it down on the floor or use its lacing hole to hang them on a wall or door, whichever works best for your pet. You can also change its location or position from time to time to prevent your cat from getting boredーyou can choose from its flat or curved surfaces!
Chew toys are essential for our pet cats to strengthen their teeth and improve their natural biting skills. These toys can also prevent them from developing destructive chewing behavior. In choosing such a toy, it is best to buy a multipurpose one. Hence, we recommend this Petstages stick toy that they can chew and play with.
This toy is made of mesh, so it helps remove soft plaque and tartar as your cat plays with it. It also contains sweet-smelling, dried mint as an alternative to catnip to leave your beloved kitty with a fresh minty breath. Moreover, it has durable netting that is tough to unravel, even for gnawers.
Another entry from Petstages, this toy mouse is multi-purpose. It has a mesh netting design that serves as floss to remove soft plaque and tartar off your cat's teeth. Because of this design, it's also a lot more difficult for your pet to rip it into pieces no matter how hard it bites.
This toy also massages your pet's gums as they play with it. It's suitable for teething kittens, too, because it can satisfy their urges. And since it is stuffed with dried catnip, your cats won't be able to resist it! They'll surely love to bat, bite, and toss it around.
Just like us, cats also get bored and anxious. Thus, a toy that provides multiple activities for them is good, just like this dancing catnip holder. This self-balancing toy engages your cat and keeps them entertained. It contains a catnip ball inside that gradually drops down as they play with the toy.
It is also a combination of a feather wand and an interactive cat toy that can keep your feline entertained on its own for hours. While the toy's body moves and balances, the feather lures your cat, encouraging them to run and chase. It can be an excellent toy to use if you want your pet to exercise!
Cats love chasing things around and are fascinated with colors too! So instead of you trying to play with your cats with your bare hands and fingers, this wand protects you from possible scratches and bites. It has a mouse plush, bell, and feathers attached to it, so it can be used to stimulate their prey hunting instincts while allowing them to burn off energy in a safe way.
It is one of your best picks for an interactive play. This toy can also be a reason for hours of fun and quality bonding time with your cat. With this, you can witness your little feline run, flutter, flip, jerk, and chase after the feathers and mouse plush. The bell may even excite them more and encourage them to be physically active!
You might have heard that giving yarn and ropes to cats is not advisable, as they may pose choking hazards and risks of strangulation. But if your cat is fond of those, this might be a good option. This rope toy is rolled into a ball, so there is less risk of ingesting loose fibers.
It is excellent for both physical and mental development. Apart from rolling it, your cat can chew and scratch it. You won't have to worry about it giving up midway, too, as it is made of durable and non-toxic fiber that can resist wear and tear.
Below are some of the most asked questions on the web answered by the mybest team.
Do not play with your cat using your hands. It's best to use interactive toys or wands that would mimic a cat's predatory play. Make sure that the toys are also far from your body parts, do not lure them with toys in your hand. You must also pay attention to warning signs, like tail swinging, hissing, or walking away. If you notice these, give them alone time, and do not force them to play.
It's best to avoid yarns and strings that may cause strangulation. Such long objects are also hard to spit out when swallowed since cats have tiny, backward-facing spines in their mouth. You should also avoid giving them toys with small parts, as these can pose choking hazards.
Generally, it is ideal to clean regular cat toys at least every two weeks. However, for toys that always come in contact with their mouths, like chew toys, you may want to clean them more often as these can harbor bacteria. It's also good practice to throw away toys with ripped stuffing, as these can be hazardous for your cats.
Show some more TLC to your precious pet by feeding, pampering, and keeping them entertained. Take time to read the following articles featuring various products for your feline friend that will surely earn a purr from them!
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Author: Roel Pillas Malubay
Re-editor: R. Victoriano
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
No. 1: Petstages|Tower of Tracks
No. 2: Purreetty|Wiggle Treats Leaker
No. 3: Pawise|Cat Play Mat
No. 4: Pet Express|3 Tiered Tree Playground
No. 5: |Pet Cat Scratching Board
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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