The best cat toys play a huge role in your feline’s health and happiness, which is why it’s a good idea to have plenty to hand. Not only do these boredom busters keep your cat mentally stimulated, but they also help them to release pent-up energy and stay fit.
We understand that every cat is different, which is why we’ve tested a variety of toys to suit each preference, narrowing it down to just six below. If you’ve got an active cat, then they’ll love pouncing after the Frisco Teaser Wand, which we voted as our top pick overall.
For felines that enjoy mental stimulation, we’ve included a puzzle toy that will keep their brain ticking, as well as a tunnel for those curious kitties. Or, if you’ve noticed your cat is feeling a little more anxious than usual, the catnip option is great way to relax them while promoting exercise.
We've also got a guide on the best toys for indoor cats if your furry friend doesn't venture outdoors, and the best automated cat toys for independent play. Here's what we recommend:
The quick list
The best cat toy overall
This super fun teaser toy will encourage your cat to swipe, pounce, and jump, helping them stay fit and active. It's affordable, durable, and a great activity to strengthen your bond.
The best catnip toy
By far the best catnip toy we've ever tested, the Catit Groovy Fish will have your feline hooked! Its soft design is perfect for chewing, and it flips from side to side at the click of a button. Plus, it can be refilled with catnip for endless fun.
The best puzzle toy
This stimulating puzzle toy makes treat time more interesting, as your cat will need to spin the pegs and twist the leaves to retrieve their treats. It's made from food-safe materials and is easy to clean.
Best tunnel cat toy
This tunnel toy will help your cat tap into their natural hunting instincts, such as hiding, stalking, and pouncing. It's compact, lightweight, and includes bells and balls for added entertainment.
The best cat toy for interactive play
This toy is irresistible for cats that love to hunt, featuring a lifelike fluffy mouse on the end of a bouncy string. It's a great way to bond with your cat while encouraging them to stay mentally and physically active.
The best cat toy for independent play
This automated peek-a-boo toy is perfect for solo play sessions, featuring a mouse that runs around and dips in and out of the holes. Its a great way to keep your kitty entertained when you're busy.
The best cat toys we recommend
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The best cat toy overall
This teaser toy is a great way to keep your furry friend fit and active – they'll have hours of fun chasing the colorful ribbon, which is available in two colors. Not only does it encourage their natural instincts to hunt and pounce, but it’s also a fantastic chance for a bonding session.
The toy comes highly recommended by our tester Julie Johnson and her pets, Holly and Max. She suggests it for all cats, especially those who are older, kept indoors, or just need a little bit more exercise.
Julie says: “My cats both love pouncing on anything slinky that moves. I flip it around on the bed and sling the ribbon over the edge, and they jump up to attack it.”
When buying a new cat toy, durability is key. Julie was pleased to find that this one lasted well through testing and appeared to be well-made. While we also tried the Ethical Pet Feather Dangler Wand and the Multipet Lamb Chop Wand, the Frisco Teaser was by far the most durable and didn’t pose safety concerns like the other ones did.
This is the best cat toy overall, thanks to its high-quality design and how effectively it grabs a cat’s attention, encouraging them to play and stay fit. Plus, it's a total bargain for under $6!
The best catnip cat toy
If your kitty loves catnip, they’re going to adore the Catit Groovy Fish – I’ve never tested anything quite like it. My cats usually lose interest in these kinds of toys within a couple of days, but thanks to the refillable catnip pocket in this one, my cat Chilli keeps coming back to it and doesn’t seem to get bored. It also comes with a tube of catnip, which has lasted me for months and is really handy to top it up.
When the stomach is tapped or bitten into, the fish flips from side to side, mimicking the movements of prey and triggering your cat’s natural hunting instincts. While the manufacturer says there are three different movement modes to choose from, the fish appears to move in the same way every time for me, but this isn't a problem.
In the last edition of this guide, I voted the Pioneer Pet Catnip Toy Nip Nibblers and Planet Pleasures Spiral Cylinder as the best catnip toys, but I found that the catnip wore off over time. Since the Groovy Fish has a refillable pocket for the catnip, it has lasted me so much longer in comparison.
The fish makes a slightly annoying noise when it's moving around, but it doesn't stop me from using it as I love how happy it makes Chilli. If this bothers you, you can manually turn off the automated feature and give it to your cat as a regular plush toy. It comes with a USB-C charger and the battery life is pretty good, lasting up to 250 rounds.
The best puzzle cat toy
If your cat has never tried a puzzle before, the Buggin' Out toy is a great one to start with. There are eight compartments to hide their treats in, and they'll have to spin the pegs and leaves to retrieve them.
My cat Chilli hasn’t always been the biggest fan of puzzle toys, so this is a great easy option for beginners like him; he used both his nose and paws to claim the food. I store the toy in my guest room, and now and then, he’ll seek it out to play with – he's become a huge fan! My other cat, Nala, has loved this toy from day one and whenever I get it out, she follows me around, eager to give it a try.
This toy is made from high-quality materials and feels very durable. The design is BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free, which is always important for toys involving treats. It costs under $19, which I think it's excellent value for money based on the quality, durability and how much my cats enjoy playing with it.
The only drawback is that it moves around on hard flooring, but this can be resolved by placing it on carpet or some type of mat. While the manufacturer says it's possible to adapt the difficulty level, it's still pretty easy no matter how you set it up. That being said, it's never too easy and stimulates my cats each time.
In the previous edition of this guide, I voted the Nina Ottosson Rainy Day Puzzle as one of the best cat toys, but decided to narrow it down to just the Buggin' Out Puzzle, which is suitable for more abilities.
The best tunnel cat toy
Our freelance writer, Kathryn, voted the Pawaboo Cat Tunnel Tube Toy as her top pick in our interactive cat toy guide, and it's easy to see why. Like most cats, her curious kitty Roxy couldn't resist taking a peek inside and loves hiding in it before she catches her teaser toy 'prey' on the outside.
The tunnel comes with a bell, a ball, and a peep hole in the middle to make things more interesting. If you buy two, you can attach them together, giving your cat even more space to explore.
It comes with additional balls and bells, which the manufacturer claims will keep your cat entertained for hours, but Roxy wasn't too fussed about them. However, she enjoys it when Kathryn waves a teaser toy at the entrance points (you could pair it with the Frisco Teaser Wand recommended in this guide).
Kathryn says she loves how easy it is to assemble and notes that the elastic band it comes with makes it effortless to store away. The tubes pop out easily, though it can be a bit of a challenge to fold them back together again.
The lightweight and compact design is ideal for traveling and makes it easy to store away when needed. You can even pop it out in the car for some on-the-go entertainment!
While the tunnel arrived with a rip at the seam, this may have happened during transit, and Kathryn says it’s holding up well after months of frequent play. For under $24, this is excellent value for money.
The best cat toy for interactive play
The SmartyKat Bouncy Mouse is my top pick for interactive play and does a great job of tapping into your cat's natural hunting instincts. A fluffy mouse is attached to the end of a bouncy string, and it even has a ring for you to slip your finger into, making playtime more comfortable.
Our tester, Julie Johnson, loves this toy and praised its durability, saying it held up well after lots of play with her cats. Not only is it a great choice for interactive play, but surprisingly, it also works well for solo sessions. Julie hangs it over her cat tree, and her felines enjoy whacking it with their paws.
Since the string is a bit short, it limits the degree of bounce, so you might consider the Frisco Teaser Wand instead which offers a better range of motion. If you're wondering how the two compare, here's a quick breakdown:
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Frisco Fabric Teaser Wand Cat Toy | SmartyKat Bouncy Mouse |
|---|---|---|
Price | $5.99 | $5.88 |
Design | Colorful ribbon attached to a plastic wand | Fluffy mouse attached to a bouncy string. Includes ring for finger to slip into |
Why we love it | Great for chasing | Your cat can catch their 'prey' and bite into it |
What could be better | Some cats might prefer to bite into a toy as a reward | The string is a bit short |
The best cat toy for independent play
If your cat enjoys stalking and hunting their prey, they’re going to love this interactive toy by Pawaboo. It's automated and features a little mouse that runs around, popping in and out of the holes for your cat to swat and pounce on – you can even adjust the speed.
Our tester, Kathryn, was initially concerned that Roxy might get her paws stuck inside but was happy to see that it had a paw-friendly design, helping her feel more comfortable leaving her alone with it. She says it's great for independent play and keeps Roxy busy and engaged for about 10 minutes, encouraging her to release pent-up energy.
Kathryn recommends this toy for independent breeds with lower energy levels, and if your cat prefers to play with people, the Frisco Teaser Toy Wand might be a better option. She also notes that the movements can get a little repetitive after a while.
I’ve tested the Petchain Interactive Cat Toy, another mouse-style toy for cats to chase, but it doesn’t work well on carpets and sometimes gets stuck in corners or under furniture. That’s why I think the Pawaboo is the better choice for independent and automated play.
This might be the most expensive toy in the guide, costing around $30, but we think it's worth the money after giving it a go. However, if you want an automated toy that's a bit cheaper, you might want to opt for the Catit Groovy Fish instead which is around $12.
Other cat toys we tested
Since this guide was last updated, we’ve continued testing the included products. After reviewing them, we decided to replace the following items, as we felt better options are available.
Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Rainy Day Puzzle & Play Cat Toy | $19.99 at Amazon
You can't go wrong with a puzzle by Nina Ottosson; they're always entertaining, high-quality, durable, and made from food-safe materials. My cat, Nala, really enjoys playing with their Rainy Day toy, which is an excellent choice for advanced puzzle players like her. However, I found the Buggin' Out toy to be a better option for all abilities, as it's slightly easier to get the hang of.
Pioneer Pet Catnip Toy Nip Nibblers | $7.76 at Amazon
After speaking with certified cat behaviorist Joey Lasvardi, I learned that refillable catnip toys tend to last much longer, as catnip can lose its potency over time. While our tester Norah's cats had lots of fun with the Pioneer Pet Catnip Toy Nip Nibblers, I decided to replace it with the Caitit Groovy Fish which has the refillable pocket.
Planet Pleasures Spiral Cylinder with Catnip & Bell Cat Toy | $8.42 at Chew
Chilli and Nala loved playing with this toy for a month, but they got bored of it very quickly. The Catit Groovy Fish has held their attention for longer, thanks to its automated design and refillable catnip pocket.
Ethical Pet Feather Dangler Wand Cat Toy with Catnip | $7.79 at Chewy
This feather wand is a good way to keep your cat active, with feathers that mimic a bird and catnip to add excitement. Our tester Julie found that her cats enjoyed it, but she noted that it’s not very durable and “pretty easy for them to pull apart.” If you're looking for a sturdier teaser wand with a prey-style toy at the end, the SmartyKat Bouncy Mouse is a better choice – and you won’t have to keep such a close eye on playtime.
Toy | Catit Groovy Fish | Pioneer Pet Catnip Toy Nip Nibblers | Planet Pleasures Spiral Cylinder with Catnip & Bell Cat Toy | Ethical Pet Feather Dangler Wand Cat Toy with Catnip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Price | $12.87 | $7.76 | $8.42 | $7.79 |
Refillable catnip pocket | Yes, includes tube of catnip too | No | No | No |
Automated design | Yes | No | No | No |
How we tested the best cat toys
We scoured the internet for the best cat toys and gave them to our team of testers to try out. Cat play is such an important part of their life – reducing boredom, keeping them active, and providing much-needed enrichment. That’s why we’ve rounded up the top options to ensure your cat stays fulfilled and happy.
Enjoyment: When you're buying a new cat toy, you want them to actually enjoy using it. We ensured the toys were engaging, exciting and fun for our felines. We also included real pictures and videos to prove how much they loved them! Some of these toys have been tested for as long as 10 months, while others have been used for at least a month.
Fit for purpose: If your cat doesn't understand how to use a toy, then it's pretty much useless. We made sure that all of the toys in the guide are easy for cats to understand and do what they say on the tin.
Durability and safety: We asked our testers to include details on the durability and safety of the toys to ensure there are no nasty surprises for you. We tested this by looking for signs of damage after frequent play, like feathers that come off and could pose a hazard. For puzzle feeders, we ensured that they were food-safe and BPA-free, as our pet's health takes first priority. For automated toys, we ensured the motor was covered and safe for paws.
Affordability: Everyone deserves access to the best cat toys, which is why we included a variety of price points within this guide, and some are under just $6!
As a team, we’ve tested countless cat toys over the years, but many didn’t make the cut. We’ve only included the ones we truly believe are worth it.
To learn more about our review process, read our dedicated page on how we test.
Meet our review panel
How to choose the best cat toy
Wondering which toy is best for your cat? Here's what I'd recommend for each personality type:
| Header Cell - Column 0 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best for | Active cats who enjoy interactive play | Anxious cats or/and cats who react to catnip | Indoor cats or food-motivated cats | Cats with high prey drive or shy cats | Older cats who like interactive play | Cats with high prey drive or indoor cats who need a lot of attention or low-energy cats |
Before deciding on the best cat toys for your feline friend, you should assess your kitty's personality. How your cat interacts with toys and the environment will help to steer you towards more suitable products. Personality can also dictate the number of toys you need to buy to ensure a cat is suitably stimulated both mentally and physically.
“Cats that don’t have toys to display their inbuilt prey/play behaviors may start directing these behaviors on to people (particularly if owners encourage their cats with fingers or toes) and over time this can develop to be a substantial problem,” says Daniel Warren-Cummings, Cats Protection’s Central Behavior Officer.
“Frustration-related aggression or redirected play aggression can occur when cats are under-stimulated and need an outlet. If an owner’s cat is regularly displaying ‘zoomies’, then it’s a good indicator that they might be under-stimulated and need more toy play in their life.”
1. Watch your cat
By watching your cat and identifying certain behaviors, you can better target your toy buying. For example, if your cat is scratching the furniture, a toy that relieves the urge to scratch would work well. Likewise, if a cat is displaying an urge to chase, a toy which includes an element of hunting is sure to go down well.
2. Offer cats a challenge
“Wild cats would have spent a large part of their day hunting for food, but our domestic cats get it in a bowl twice daily. Filling the rest of their time can be tricky!,” says vet Dr. Joanna Woodnutt. “If your cat spends all their time indoors, consider using a puzzle feeder to help them keep those hunting instincts honed. Some puzzle feeders are designed to be hidden around the house so your cat has to hunt for his dinner!”
3. Feel free to experiment
Most cat toys are inexpensive so it's worth introducing a range of toys and seeing which ones your kitty takes to the most. You shouldn't give up quickly either. Cats are fickle creatures and while they may turn up their noses at a toy today, that doesn't mean they'll ignore it tomorrow. In some cases, cats can ignore toys for months and then suddenly fall in love with them.
4. Go for well-made toys
Finally, on a practical level, ensure the toys are robust, unlikely to fall apart under heavy play, and free of small pieces that could come away and be swallowed. As vet Dr. Joanna Woodnutt says: “A common danger is swallowed string from wand toys – if you allow your cat to ‘catch’ the toy, be sure to remove it before they chew through the elastic.”
Why does my cat not show an interest in toys?
There are many reasons why a cat may not show an interest in toys and much depends on the type of feline you have. Indoor cats often react in different ways to outdoor cats, for example. “Indoor cats need more entertainment than outdoor cats who will often engage in hunting activity or will play with fallen leaves or grass blowing in the wind,” confirms Daniel Warren-Cummings, Cats Protection’s Central Behavior Officer.
Sometimes a cat has the urge to do something but will find there is no way of expressing themselves. “Oftentimes a cat will want to play but does not have an appropriate outlet,” Warren-Cummings continues. “Some cats like to chase a feather fishing rod toy (not just have them dangled in their face), others prefer self-directed play with ping pong balls and others will prefer larger ‘kickeroo’ style toys to display more ‘bunny kicking’ behavior.”
Boredom with toys can also set in so it's your job to ensure they are entertained without being overstimulated. “It’s important to swap toys around regularly to keep them interesting and very short games of one to two minutes are fine,” Warren-Cummings adds. “And older cats will love playing three or four times a day, while younger cats will be happy to play 10 times a day or more.”
When it comes to catnip toys, some felines don’t react to them, so you might want to explore alternatives, like silvervine.
Why do cats put toys in water?
Every now and then, you may wander over to your cat's bowl and find a toy bobbing in the water. Sometimes, you may even find one in the toilet. But why? “The reason is unknown but there are a few theories,” says Daniel Warren-Cummings, Cats Protection’s Central Behavior Officer.
“Some cats may drop their toys into their water bowls in order to fish them out as their own form of playing. Other cats may have been reinforced for the behavior and thus it becomes a learned pattern. As long as the toy being in, or near, the bowl is not deterring the cat from drinking the water, there’s nothing to be concerned about and owners should just enjoy watching their weird and wonderful cats.”
If you want more expert advice, check out our guide on how to play with a cat and why your cat wants to play all the time. Or, for more product recommendations, read about the best automatic laser cat toys and the best DIY cat toys to try at home.
Megan Milstead has been Staff Writer on PetsRadar since 2023, where she creates helpful buying guides and reviews for pet parents. She has a wealth of experience caring for animals, having grown up with cats, dogs, horses, guinea pigs, and more throughout her life. At a pet mom of two tabbies, she has a particular interest in feline happiness and behavior, and is committed to helping you find the best cat toys. She graduated from the University of Westminster with a degree in BA Journalism.
Dr. Joanna Woodnutt qualified as a vet from the University of Nottingham where she then went on to practice companion animal medicine in the Midlands. She really took to the consulting side of things and helping clients with medical problems such as dermatology, behavior, and nutrition - anything that involved helping clients understand their pets better.
Daniel graduated with a degree in Zoology with Animal Behavior from the University of Wales. He is currently working as a behaviorist for the UK’s largest cat charity - Cats Protection. Daniel has recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law from the University of Winchester and is a volunteer dog trainer for the charity Dog A.i.D which trains pet dogs to provide assistance for clients with disabilities. He has a tabby cat called Lady Bug.
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
We regularly review our buying guides to ensure the products are relevant, available and up to date. This page was last updated in February 2025 by Megan Milstead.
