Most cats love running, jumping, stalking, pouncing, hiding, chasing, and swatting, so if you have a furkid then stocking up on a few toys can be a great way to nurture their natural instincts and keep them amused for hours. And the great news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to find toys that can do that, in fact, sometimes it’s the simple things in life that are the best.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up our favorite affordable cat toys that are sure to please your paw-tner and provide hours of fun and play.
SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Mice
A cheap and cheerful toy for the catnip-crazy cat
If your cat can’t get enough of catnip, then these mice are going to have them in seventh heaven. These fiber-filled mice are made from 100% recyclable materials.
Pros:
- Multiple textures
- Soft and plush
Cons:
- Tails can catch
Spiked with pure and potent catnip, and produced without chemicals or pesticides, these are a safe choice that are the perfect size for your furkid to bat and carry. This tantalizing toy is sure to be a huge hit with your kitty. The string tails can snag on your cat's claws and are easily pulled out. But you can cut them off and have a perfectly safe toy for your cat.
UPSKY Cat Toy Roller
There are hours of amusement to be had with this colorful and interactive toy
This bright and colorful interactive cat toy will keep your kitty amused for hours. Great for both mental and physical exercise, this toy is durable with sturdy construction that will hold up well to lots of clawing and pouncing.
- Versatile
- Bells in balls
- Hard to find replacement balls
Constructed with a low center of gravity and non-slip base, it stays steady when placed on the floor, and is easily assembled in four simple steps. The six spinning balls, three of which contain bells, stimulate a cat's natural hunting instincts, and the smooth track makes the balls easy to roll. This is a great toy for preventing loneliness and boredom, perfect for those days when you’re away from home. If you lose balls it will be hard to find replacements. You can use standard ping pong balls, but they are slightly larger and won't rolls as well in this toy.
Pet Fit For Life Multi Feather Toy
A simple and fun toy to keep your furkid fit and healthy
Sometimes the simple things in life are the best, and this feather teaser-wand fulfills the natural instincts that cats have to chase after anything that moves.
- Removable soft toy
- For for pet and owner
- Feather can be pulled off or wear down
Made from safe, durable, and non-toxic materials, the wand has a soft foam handle for a comfortable grip, and at 33 inches, it’s extra-long and flexible. The reinforced fiberglass pole means this wand won’t break, and it comes with two interchangeable feathers for variety that can be easily changed using the simple lobster claw clasp. You can also purchase replacement feathers making this a toy that will give your cat years of fun.
SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy
Stimulate your cat’s natural hunting instincts
Playtime just got a whole lot more fun with this moving hidden toy and lights that your cat will love stalking and pouncing on.
Pros:
- Promotes natural skills
- Interactive
Cons:
- Batteries required
Great if you want a few moments of peace and quiet, simply press the button and the erratically moving wand will move the toy around under the durable fabric. The adjustable speed setting allows you to customize how fast the toy moves, and there are replacement wands available for when the original one starts looking a little worse for wear.
How to choose the best cat toys
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There are plenty of expensive cat toys on the market, but keeping your kitty amused doesn’t have to cost the earth. Our top pick is the SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Mice, which are the perfect size to bat and carry, and are a great budget buy. You should also consider the UPSKY Cat Toy Roller, a colorful and interactive toy that’s great for beating boredom and encouraging your cat’s natural hunting instincts.
If you’re after something simple but effective the Pet Fit For Life Multi Feather Toy is the perfect teaser wand that’ll give both you and your cat a great workout.
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