To keep your cat busy and happy, you need to stock up on the best interactive cat toys. Interactive toys give your cat the mental and physical stimulation they need to live happy and healthy lives.

Providing your cat with the best cat toys can help curb destructive behaviors by giving them something constructive to do instead. Luckily, there are many options when it comes to interactive cat toys. From balls to puzzles, there are endless great picks to keep your feline friend happy and entertained. But with so many choices, it can overwhelming to decide which one will be best for your cat. So we are here to help you.

Vet Dr. Joanna Woodnutt says, “Interactive cat toys provide a really good way to keep your cat entertained…In the wild, cats would spend a lot of their time hunting. Domesticated cats don’t need to hunt so they spend much of their time sleeping, but this can lead to boredom, behavioral problems, and weight gain.”

Let’s check out our top picks for the best interactive cat toys... spoiler alert, the Pawaboo Cat Tunnel Tube Toy was our absolute favorite.

The quick list

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The best interactive cat toys we recommend

Best interactive cat toy overall

My super inquisitive and playful Burmese cat, Roxy, couldn’t get into this three-way tunnel quick enough when I placed it on the floor — and it’s been a huge hit ever since! Ideal for active breeds who love to hunt, the tunnel features a peephole in the middle and two toys (a bell and a ball).

Roxy isn’t so interested in the toys that come with the tunnel, preferring a teaser wand to be waved about in the various entrance points. Still, she adores the tunnel itself and loves hiding inside and jumping out to capture her ‘prey’. She can be super fussy about what toys she’ll engage with, so the fact that she spends so much time in this tunnel speaks volumes.

As a pet parent, I love how easy the tunnel is to assemble (the tubes pop out in seconds) and it comes with an elastic band that you can use to secure it for storage - although I must admit I found it difficult to fold back up again! It’s also compact and light, so if Roxy is traveling with us, I can pop the tunnel in the car without it taking up space.

The only drawback is that the tunnel arrived with a rip at the seams (which may well be down to the courier). I did question how this would affect its long-term durability (Roxy is not a fan of gentle play!) but even with frequent use and a lot of claws being sunk into it, the tunnel is holding up beautifully two months after receiving it. It's not too expensive either, costing around $20.

Overall, If you have an active kitty who loves to hide, stalk ,and pounce, this tunnel is going to be hard to pass up. It features three entrance points, a peep hole and two toys, offering plenty of enrichment for playful and curious breeds.

If you'd prefer a toy that doesn't need assembly, we recommend one of the the other options in this guide, like the SmartyKat Bouncy Mouse.

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Best interactive cat toy runner-up

Our tester tried out the SmartyKat Bouncy Mouse with her cat and quickly found it to be a huge hit. “I hung it from the top platform of my cat tree, and my cat loves whacking it and batting at it while he's lounging in the hammock just below,” says Julie Johnson.

And we can’t say we’re surprised. Our tester found that the toy has a really realistic furry texture, just like a real mouse, and while the bouncing motion is somewhat restricted by the short cord, it still offers enough movement to bring out the hunter in your cat. If this is a deal breaker, we'd suggest the Go Cat Da Purr Peller Cat Toy instead.

Another thing we feel is really worth pointing out with this toy is that you can use it with your cat or set it up so that they can play independently. If you choose the former, simply slip the ring over your finger and let the mouse bob up and down at the end of the bungee cord. This is a great way to spend some quality time with your cat and strengthen your relationship.

Our tester found this toy to be very durable and states that it’s holding up well. While it may show signs of wear and tear sooner rather than later with very active breeds who like to engage in lots of rough play, on the whole, the SmartyKat Bouncy Mouse offers excellent value for money at under $6.

We also love that it can be used independently for solo play or together with you, which is great for strengthening your bond.

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Best budget interactive cat toy

If you have an indoor cat and are looking for a toy that mimics the prey they’d find in the great outdoors, these catnip-filled mice from Frisco are a real winner. Our pet parent tester, Julie Johnson, tried out this toy with her feline friends and found it got their enthusiastic paws up.

“It's the same size and shape as a real mouse, and my cats love anything that's got catnip in it. They are entirely indoors, so they could use a little exercise, and they love zipping across the floor, batting and chasing this toy.”

Packing triple the fun into one little package (a fuzzy texture to grab and bite, string tails to chase, and an infusion of catnip to go wild over), these mice are a super affordable way to provide your cat with the enrichment and stimulation they need each day to thrive. They're under $10 for 10 toys!

Just be mindful that the tails on these mice do come loose easily, so we recommend supervising your cat when they’re playing to avoid them being swallowed. Also, as Julie discovered, they’re quite small, so be prepared to be fishing them out from under furniture on a frequent basis if your cat loves them as much as Julie’s do!

If your cat doesn't react to catnip but loves chasing mice, try the Pawaboo Cat Toy with Running Mouse instead.

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Best interactive cat toy for independent play

This toy is a real game changer if you’re looking for a few moments of peace and quiet! Roxy isn’t really a fan of independent play, which can be challenging when I’m trying to get work done, but I’ve found popping this on the floor on a slow setting keeps her engaged for 10 minutes, helping to release excess energy.

You can also increase the speed at which the mouse moves too fast, which may appeal to some cats, but I found this setting tended to frustrate Roxy so I’ve stuck to the slower option. She seems to love how the mouse hides and then pops out of the different openings and the way the toy reverses offers a nice dose of unpredictability.

I’m a huge fan of how well this toy works on any surface (we have a mix of hardwood flooring and carpets and many interactive toys don’t do so well on the latter) and it’s very safe to use. I was worried Roxy might get her paws stuck while trying to capture the mouse, but it’s paw-friendly, which means I don’t have to watch her the whole time.

The one downside to this toy is that the repetitive movements didn’t keep Roxy engaged for as long as I had hoped. Because she likes to play with people rather than on her own, this toy didn’t offer enough to hold her attention for very long. If your cat's the same, we'd recommend the SmartyKat Bouncy Mouse instead. However, I do feel that more independent breeds with lower energy levels would really take to this toy.

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Best smart interactive cat toy

When I opened the box, I was surprised to discover just how tiny this smart ball actually is — but then again, most of our feline friends have petite paws and the small design has clearly taken that into account, making it easy for them to touch and bat about.

The Cheerble has three interactive modes — passive, normal, and gentle — which allow for lots of unpredictable fun. You can set it to bounce on contact, have it roll and bounce, or select a slower roll with no bouncing or shaking. This is a great feature that ensures the ball caters to the needs of all cats, regardless of their age or stage.

Soft yet durable, the ball works beautifully on wooden floors but I found it to be ineffective on carpeted surfaces. While the automatic obstacle avoidance feature does work well, you want to use this ball on a fairly uncluttered piece of flooring to save you having to fish it out from tight spaces on a frequent basis. If you want a toy that works on all surfaces, the Pawaboo Cat Toy with Running Mouse is a better choice.

I love that this ball can be charged via a USB cable and even better, that a full charge can be reached in just an hour. Roxy wasn’t a huge fan of the Cheerble ball but I don’t attribute that to the toy not being engaging — she’s simply very picky with what she’ll play with and smart balls don’t make her limited list. But if you have a cat that loves ball toys that offer unpredictable movements (and you have wooden floors), the Cheerble could well be a hit in your home.

Our editor, Georgia, also tested it and was super impressed with how busy it kept her cat, Annie, while encouraging her to run around. She recommends it for playful cats and kittens.

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Best interactive cat toy for encouraging exercise

Bring out the tiger in your cat with this fun toy that features a propeller of feathers that spin when flung through the air. Great for capturing and holding a cat's interest, our pet parent tester, Alisa Partlan, described the Go Cat Da Purr Peller as being one of her favorite interactive cat toys — something her feline friend strongly agrees with!

“With a flick of the wrist, the Da Purr Peller flies like a bird and fascinates my cat. With most wand toys, I have to drag it slowly across the floor or do some elaborate tricks to get her playing, but this one made it easy and fun to play with my cat,” she said.

And if your cat tends to really go for it, you'll be relieved to learn that if the feathers start to look worn and tired, you can swap them out with a brand spanking new attachment. “The toy can detach from the wand, so I was easily able to replace it with another attachment without buying a whole new wand.”

Made from all-natural pheasant feathers, this realistic toy is great for bringing out your cat’s natural hunting instincts, although just bear in mind that the feathers can come off, which our tester felt may pose a choking hazard. She also felt it may not hold up for long periods of time with certain cats. “If your cat is weirdly into attacking the wand itself, which mine is, this style of wand is not the sturdiest. It can break.” If you're concerned about the feathers, opt for the SmartyKat Bouncy Mouse instead.

Those small issues aside, our tester (and her kitty!) felt that this toy was fun, fascinating and definitely a huge hit in her home – especially for under $14!

We also tested

We recently tested the Enabot ROLA PetPal. While this is an AI robot pet camera, it does dispense treats through an app on your phone. The only downside is that to be able to use the treat dispenser, you have to purchase the accompanying attachment which runs about $49 (available on Amazon).

While this is an excellent product, our tester Megan finds it quite expensive, especially given that there are more affordable interactive options available.

How we tested the best interactive cat toys

There's a lot that goes into how we test products. We shopped around for the best interactive cat toys and then gave them to our team of testers to make sure these would be products that a cat would genuinely enjoy playing with. Here's what we took into consideration when we shortlisted these products:

• Durability/safety: Buying toys that are going to be durable enough to be played with multiple times is really important. We looked for products that could hold up to lots of biting and scratching and also assessed whether they were safe enough to be played with independently, or whether a cat would require supervision.
• Budget: Wherever possible, we've made sure that the toys included in this guide fall in the low to medium price category, offering options to suit all cat owners.
• Variety: It's good to mix things up with your cat and offer them a range of different types of playthings to keep them interested and entertained. With that in mind, we made sure to test out a variety of different options.

Meet our testers

How to choose the best interactive cat toy

When selecting the best interactive cat toy, there is one key consideration: your cat. It's important to select a product that will suit your kitty's personality and this means quickly assessing how your cat currently behaves and reacts to toys.

For example, curious and active felines will want toys that will keep them on the go while catnapping kitties will prefer something they can paw at every now and then with minimal effort. You should therefore consider whether or not a toy is fast-moving and eye-catching or slow and quiet while bearing a cat's age in mind – the older a cat is, the less active they are going to be.

Consider a cat's natural instinct, too. Cats like to hunt, climb, scratch, groom, hide, mark their territory and play so opt for interactive toys that tap into one or more of these. Toys which look like a cat's prey will often prove attractive which is why many mimic real-life animals or contain feathers. Sound is important, too. Kitties will usually wander over to anything making a noise.

Of course, you will also want a toy to last. Those made of hard, durable plastic or wood are more likely to withstand a cat's claws and teeth than anything soft. Just make sure there are no small parts which could become loose and potentially be swallowed. A good rule of thumb is to opt for toys from big brands with a track record of delivering high-quality products.

How much interactive play do cats need?

Cats love to have fun so it's vital that you know how to play with a cat. You should also understand why your cat wants to play all the time – often it's because they are bored, lonely, and craving attention. To that end, you're likely wondering how much play is sufficient, particularly if you're looking at how to entertain indoor cats who will naturally rely on your help for mental and physical stimulation to a greater degree than those who are able to roam outside.

According to vet Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, it may take less time than you think. “It’s a good idea to try to encourage your cat to be physically active in several short bursts each day,” she affirms. “For most adult cats, 10 to 15 minutes of play three to four times a day is perfect. Interactive cat toys can help with encouraging this physical activity even when you’re out of the house or busy.”

Of course, much depends on how active, old, and healthy your cat is. If your kitty is struggling to play for 10 to 15 minutes, simply seek to reduce the recommended length of time but increase the number of sessions each day.

How long can you leave a cat with an interactive toy?

It's advisable to stick to the 10 to 15 minute rule. If you allow a cat to play with an interactive toy for much longer than that, then it's likely your pet will become bored or frustrated with it.

Not only does that defeat the purpose of having the toy, you will be wasting money. The idea is to encourage your cat to engage in an activity without becoming overstimulated and you should not see an interactive toy as a permanent substitute for some human-cat playtime.

Want to learn more? Discover your cat's play personality and how to stop cat play aggression.

Edited by: Alexis De Leaver, Megan Milstead and Georgia Guerin.

Life can get busy, which is why having the best automated cat toys can be a real lifesaver. While they shouldn't replace interactive playtime with your feline altogether, they're super handy for keeping your kitty entertained when you have other things to do.

In comparison to the best cat toys, electronic ones can be a little more expensive, which is why it's important to do your research first. As someone who tests pet products for a living and has had cats for over 20 years, I have a great understanding of what makes a good toy and have rounded up my six top picks below for all types of cats and owners.

When curating this list, I looked for toys that stimulate natural behaviors and keep your cat engaged – but without breaking the bank! Below, you'll find a rolling ball for active cats, a mouse toy for high-prey-drive cats, and a teaser toy which is my top choice for all. These toys have been tested by our review panel and received their stamp of approval, so you can feel confident they will be worth your money.

Best automated cat toys

The best automated cat toys we recommend

Best automated cat toy overall

If you're looking for a fun way to encourage your cat to exercise more, the SmartyKat Loco Motion Electronic Cat Toy is our top pick. Most cats love teaser toys, but this one goes a step further by automatically moving around in unpredictable patterns.

This battery-powered device has two different speed settings, allowing you to customize it to your cat's preferences and switch things up if they get bored. You can program it for up to two hours of continuous play, making it a great choice for solo sessions and allowing you to get on with your own tasks while they have fun.

Our tester Janet says: "It usually keeps one or both of my cats engaged while it's moving. It's like an automated wand toy and they interact with it that way, chasing and pouncing the wand which has feathers on the end. Additionally, Rufio likes to detach the wand to play fetch.

"The base of the toy is quite durable. The wand is also fairly sturdy, but the feathers on the end take a beating. There are replacement wands you can get and we are on our third. The noise is a bit like a whirring motor, not loud enough to scare them or drown out the humans' conversations.

"My cats have stuffed mice and crinkly balls and plenty of other toys to keep them busy and entertained, but when I push the button on this one, they typically drop what they're doing to play with it. The toy was a gift from my sister and it is definitely one we appreciate!"

If you think the noise with bother you, the Cheerble M1 Smart Interactive Cat Toy has the option to be quieter if you put it on 'gentle' mode.

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Best automated cat toy runner-up

Our freelance writer, Kathryn, is a huge fan of this toy after trying it out with her cat, Roxy. She says it's been a game-changer for independent play, keeping her cat entertained for around 10 minutes when she needs to get on with other things.

Switch it on, and the little mouse will dip in and out of the toy, encouraging your cat to swat and pounce after it for mental and physical stimulation. Kathryn was initially concerned about Roxy's paws getting trapped inside, but thankfully, it has a paw-friendly design, so you don't have to worry.

There are two different speed settings to choose from to suit your cat's play style, but Roxy likes the slow option best. Unlike other automated cat toys we've tested (like the Petchain Mouse), this one works well on all surfaces, which Kathryn was very happy about.

This toy is heaps of fun, but Kathryn notes that it does get a little repetitive after a while, so if you have a cat who is easily bored, you might want to opt for the Enabot ROLA PetPal instead!

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Best automated cat toy with catnip

Catit Groovy Fish is a motion-activated toy that's sure to keep your cat engaged. When pressed on the stomach, the fish springs into action and wriggles about just like the real thing – perfect for tapping into their natural hunting instincts!

The padded cover is soft to the touch and features a special pocket where you can insert catnip, making it even more irresistible for your kitty to play with. You'll receive a tube of catnip with the toy, which is excellent value for money considering it's under $20! I've been testing this toy for months and still have three-quarters of the tube left.

You won't need to worry about buying batteries – simply recharge it using the USB-C cable that comes with it. The battery life is pretty good, lasting for 250 movement cycles before it needs a recharge, and I think I've only had to do this around two to three times in total.

While the manufacturer says there are three different movement modes to choose from, they all look pretty similar to me, though this certainly hasn't a deal breaker.

The toy is really easy to set up and use – simply turn on the switch, tap the belly, and you're good to go! Sometimes the noise can get a little bit annoying, so I’m happy it has an on/off switch, allowing my cats to enjoy it with or without the automated feature. If this is a deal breaker, I'd recommend the Cheerble M1 Smart Interactive Cat Toy instead, which doesn't make a noise.

My cat Chilli comes back to this toy time and time again – it's definitely the best one I've ever given him. He's the sort of cat who gets bored of toys really quickly, but he plays with this one a few times a week and has had it for months now!

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Best remote control automated cat toy

Enabot ROLA PetPal is a robot companion that does it all. Whether you want to use it as a cat toy, a treat dispenser, or a pet cam, it can do all three – and it even has a two-way talk feature!

To get started, you'll need to download a free app. Once connected to the robot, you can control its movements and actions through your phone. This might sound a little intimidating, but I promise it's easier than it seems (and that's coming from someone who hates reading instructions!)

There are lots of fun features to explore, like a laser for your cat to chase, a treat dispenser, and a camera to watch your kitty play. You have to buy the toy attachment separately, but for $49, I don't think it's worth it and is slightly disappointing that it's not already included. Instead, I recommend DIYing your own toy attachment by tying on a cheaper teaser toy (like this one from Amazon).

When you're in separate rooms, you can talk to your pet using the two-way communication feature, and watch their reaction on the camera. You can even play pre-recorded messages and other noises, like duck squeaks and meows.

While this toy is a bit pricey compared to others, I've had so much fun with it – it truly is a unique purchase. However, if the cost is putting you off, I'd recommend the SmartyKat Loco Motion Electronic Cat Toy instead, which costs considerably less.

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Best rolling automated cat toy

This toy is super convenient – simply charge for one hour using a USB cable and it will provide up to four hours of play.

The ball – given its natural shape – can roll 360-degrees but it does so erratically to keep your cat alert. It has three interaction modes (normal, passive and gentle) and when it's turned on, it will automatically move, shake or bounce depending on the mode it's been set to.

The surface of the Cheerbe cat ball is made of synthetic fiber that's furry to the touch, making it comfortable to play with. There are three modes to choose from and we love that one of them offers 10 minutes of active play and then goes in to rest mode for 30 minutes to ensure your cat has a good play-rest balance and doesn't become overstimulated.

Thanks to the built-in intelligent motion sensor, the Cheerble light up ball is able to reverse itself and move away when hitting an obstacle or tight spots, so you don't need to worry about it becoming stuck, and while we don't recommend it for use on carpets, it works beautifully on wooden flooring.

Our tester Georgia says: "It’s been great for Annie because it keeps her busy while I’m working and serves as a great distraction. She’s been running around all over the place, so I’d recommend this Cheerble for kittens and playful cats.

"It’s loud on hard flooring, but if you’re leaving it out while you’re out of the house then that’s not an issue. It's easy to charge – I love that it’s not battery – with a micro USB as everyone has one of those chargers hanging around."

If you're looking for a toy that works well on all surfaces, the SmartyKat Loco Motion Electronic Cat Toy is your best option.

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Best automated cat toy for high-prey drive cats

From the moment we got this toy out of the box, we were very impressed by its build. Although it uses an abundance of plastic, it's sturdy, well-created and has no sharp edges which makes it a toy that is sure to last while also proving to be very safe.

Our admiration for the Cheese Teaser extended to its use. Although the batteries are not included (which seems typical with many cat toys), once we located a trio of AAs and inserted them, it was clear our cats were in for a good time.

To save battery power and, more importantly, to prevent your kitty from becoming overstimulated and over-familiar with the toy to the point of boredom, each session lasts for between just 10 and 15 minutes. If you decide to program the device, then you can have it set off every couple of hours for that length of time, and we would have no problems leaving a cat unsupervised with this one.

PetSafe has really thought this toy through; the rubber feet prevent it from slipping around when a cat is attempting to claw at the mice. And, since the button needs to be firmly held down to turn on and off, your cat is going to struggle to accidentally activate and deactivate the device, putting you in control of when it gets used.

What's more, none of this comes at a particularly high price (under $27), certainly not when you consider how well it's made. As a bonus, you get a two-year manufacturer's warranty and only if we were being particularly picky would we express a need for a plug option and some sort of smartphone integration. If that's important to you, we'd opt for the Enabot ROLA PetPal instead.

Our tester Allie said: "My cats love watching the mice poke in and out of the toy. It's good for cats] who need more mental stimulation - or cats who are always getting into things, as this toy keeps them nicely distracted. We use it to get them out of rooms they shouldn’t be in - they recognize the sound when we turn it on and go right to it."

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Other automated cat toys we tested

Catit PIXI Spinner
The Catit PIXI Spinner spins in circles and drops treats on the floor as a tasty reward. It features an enticing feather for your cat to chase and a light for nighttime play. While Chilli and Nala had fun with this toy at first, they lost interest over time, which is why I downvoted it from the top six.

Petchain Interactive Cat Toy
If your cat loves to chase after mice, then they'll love playing with the Petchain Interactive Cat Toy. I've been testing this for months, and while it does keep my cats entertained for four minutes or so, the movements get a little bit predictable. I'd love this if it was remote controlled so it wouldn't crash into furniture and move in unrealistic patterns. However, even if my cats don't chase it, it keeps them transfixed.

How we tested the best automated cat toys

To find the best automated cat toys, I spent hours researching different products on the market and consulted our pet parent panel to see if they had any recommendations. After reading customer reviews and checking the toys were from a reputable brand, I gave them to our testers to try out with their cats.

To ensure accuracy and consistency, I asked our testers the same set of questions:

• Does the toy move in a way that keeps your cat engaged?
• How does your cat react to the toy’s movement patterns?
• What is the noise level like?
• How well does the toy handle different surfaces?
• What's the battery life like?
• Is the toy durable enough for repeated play?

I was very particular about what made the cut for this guide, and out of all of the toys we tested, only six made it in. I also updated this page to remove outdated products where I believe there's now a better option.

To learn more about our review process, read our dedicated page on how we test.

Our review panel

How to choose the best automated cat toys

When choosing your automated cat toy there are some important things that you need to consider:

1. Personal preferences
First, it is important to remember that different cats like different things. While some might go crazy for toys that make erratic movements, other cats will prefer the mental stimulation of a hide-and-seek toy. Try and identify what games your cat likes to play with you and see if you can find something similar in an automated form.

2. Toys that stimulate natural behaviors
The best automated cat toys tend to be the ones that stimulate natural behaviors, which for cats means hunting! Cats enjoy toys that act like prey – this means sudden or unpredictable movements or toys that have a hide-and-seek feature. The reward in these games is the ability to be able to catch the prey. Toys that feature lasers can lead to frustration as there is nothing for your pet to physically get hold of at the end.

3. Physical ability
Factor your cat’s age and fitness levels into your decision-making process. An elderly, arthritic, or overweight cat may not be able to get much enjoyment out of a very fast-paced toy, leading to frustration and disinterest.

4. Safety
The other thing you need to consider when selecting your automated toy is safety. Choose a toy that comes from a reputable retailer, is robustly made, and features a secure battery compartment. This should have screws to ensure the compartment never comes open by itself, which is vital when this toy is being used by unsupervised cats.

5. Cost and ease of use
Automated cat toys will have different price points depending on their design and complexity. Equally, some will require batteries or charging, which can run out at inopportune moments. These are all things to think about when making your purchase decision.

If you're feeling unsure of which toy to pick, here's what I recommend for each type of cat:

Will an automated cat toy keep my cat entertained while I’m out?

An automated cat toy can be a useful tool for cats that are home alone. It can provide mental stimulation as well as encourage physical activity, which is important to keep your cat happy.

Cats may not play with their toy endlessly (many cats sleep 15 hours or more a day!), but it does allow them to express natural behaviors should they choose to use it. Remember that nothing can replace the social aspect of playing with you, so make sure you give your cat lots of attention when you are home again.

Are automated cat toys good for cats?

It is generally agreed that yes, reputable automatic cat toys are. Whilst they do not replace you and your interaction with your cat (usually their favorite form of cat play and connection) they provide a myriad of mental stimulation, playful fun and opportunities to keep cats satisfied. They're super handy if your cat wants to play all the time!

Both physical and mental activity are required daily to consistently maintain a happy, stress free and healthy cat. As well as that, automatic toys help to maintain movement, healthy joints, ideal weight and, if they are on a weight reduction diet, support weight loss. They also prevent you from stressing and worrying about them being alone as you work, run errands, and generally live life.

You should tailor the type of toy to your cat's personality too. “It is also important to consider which natural behavior it is encouraging and what your cat prefers." explains Dr. Lily Richards. So, if you cat likes stalking and playing with prey then they may prefer a teaser toy, while cats who like to pounce might enjoy a pop-up toy more.

Dr. Richards recommends keeping a variety of toys on hand too, as "offering a range of toys that encourage different play types, stimulating both body and mind, is a good idea.”

We all love playing with our feline friends, but we can’t keep them entertained all the time. As Dr. Lily Richards explains, “Cats are natural hunters, active, and playful animals but can get bored easily.”

Bored cats are more prone to undesirable behaviors, such as furniture scratching, so keeping their minds and bodies active is a necessity and automated cat toys are perfect for this. They’re also a great way to keep your kitty fit and active, contributing towards healthy weight loss for cats, which can be a struggle for house cats especially.

Do cats get bored of automatic cat toys?

Cats can quickly get bored of doing the same thing over and over, just like us, and this includes playing with the same toys. Automated toys can be more stimulating than regular cat toys, but that won’t stop your furry friend from tiring of their high-tech toys after a while.

Overexposure is the main reason that cats get bored of toys, and while an automated toy might keep them engaged for longer, they aren’t immune to this issue. Dr. Richards notes that an “abundance of prey can lead to a lazy cat”, noting that an automatic toy that’s always available, or too many choices of toys can lead to them feeling overwhelmed or even apathetic.

There are some tricks you can use to keep your kitty entertained though. “Toy rotation is a useful tool to ensure that buying new toys to entertain our feline friends doesn’t get out of hand”, explains our expert vet Dr. Lily Richards. “Simply put away some of their toys and bring them back out a couple of months later, it will be like they are brand new all over again.”

Want more recommendations? Read our guides on the best catnip cat toys, best interactive cat toys, and best cat toys for indoor cats.

Edited by Georgia Guerin.

The ORSDA Electronic Cat Toy is designed to mentally and physically stimulate moggies when they're only able to have fun alone. Rather than offer a single method of play, this great-looking device adds variety, by not only allowing cats to try and catch a ball that's spinning around a circular track but by also sending a colorful feather out of its side at random moments. When we were putting the best cat toys to the test, it definitely captured our imagination.

The idea is that your cat has to be on constant alert, with the electronic toy tapping into a feline's innate desire to hunt, stalk and pounce. Indeed, cats will be seeking to ambush the feathers one minute and batting at the balls the next. And because there are five different speed modes, it can be adapted to suit any cat while lessening the chance of them becoming bored. 

• Best fish cat toys: Keep your feline friend happy, fit and amused
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ORSDA Electronic Cat Toy : Features

Although the premise behind this toy is simple enough, the manufacturer has to be commended for going the extra mile – a hallmark of many of the best interactive cat toys. The company could have made do with one ball whizzing around the track but here you have a choice of two, one of which comes with a built-in bell. This has a couple of benefits: the bell can attract the attention of cats who are not responding to the soundless ball while the latter can give your ears a rest if your cat is playing nearby! Yet that is not all.

The toy also comes with six different feathers. Three of them are multicolored, one is a solid purple, another has a fluffy tail and one resembles a pheasant feather. This is good news for fickle felines since it goes some way to ensuring they won't become too familiar with one type and find their mind wandering away. It's also great to know that replacements can be bought if your cat manages to catch and excessively chew on a feather. It should ensure the toy remains in use for longer.

As we mentioned earlier, there are five speed modes. For kittens, the fastest speed is said to be most suitable while older cats tend to favor the medium settings. In line with lots of the best automated cat toys, however, you can play around, stepping things up and down to see how well a cat takes to the device. The toy can also be slipped into a smart mode so that it will power down after 10 minutes. Four hours later, it will switch on again and hopefully get kitty running over.

Helping to attract a cat's attention is a set of LED lights on top (but imagine if it also fired off a beam of light like with the best laser toys for cats – that would certainly have been cool!). The noise of the unit also encourages cats to investigate and these two things mean you don't necessarily have to do anything to introduce your cat to the toy.

What's more, it's very safe too. The device is made from ABS plastic and it's curved so there are no jutting edges to dig into a cat's paw. As a relatively heavy toy, a cat is also unlikely to knock it across the room. For those worried about entertaining a cat when they're away, this toy could well be a great solution for you.

ORSDA Electronic Cat Toy: User reviews

Cats are curious little things and users find their furbabies tend to immediately wander over to this toy once it starts to move. “From the moment I set it up and pushed the button, this had my cat's curiosity,” affirmed one customer reviewer. “She recognizes the sound of it turning on from another nearby room and races to it.”

Users suggest the device is particularly successful in tapping into a cat's prey drive. “My cat has a large instinct to hunt and this, by far, has been her favorite toy,” a user says. Of course, this means it could encourage some rough play but some are at least thankful that the feathers are sturdily held in place given how strongly cats can get a hold of them. “They're actually threaded on to the actuator arm,” a user explained.

Sometimes, however, the feather gets stuck. “I was able to stick a pen inside one of the holes and push the mechanical arm to get it unstuck but I let it run for about five minutes and lo and behold, it was jammed up again,” a user said. This is likely to be frustrating for both cat owner and cat, but a user reporting this problem did say, “once it started operating properly, my cat instantly became obsessed with it.” 

And that’s the thing. In many cases, it would seem people are more than willing to put up with such niggles. So while, “the mechanical component that makes the feather go in and out is also LOUD”, said one, other suggest the noise helps to attract a cat's attention. Some do wish the manufacturer hadn't put the on/off button on top, though. “Where do cats like to perch on things?,” asked a user. “On top.” D’oh!

Should you buy the ORSDA Electronic Cat Toy ?

There is no getting around the fact that this product has its flaws: the sound, the position of the on/off button and the fact the feathers can get stuck being the prime ones. Yet the good stuff really does outweigh the bad and many users have put most problems to one side because of the most important thing – many cats that get introduced to this toy appear to become totally infatuated with it, to the point where they'll pester their owner to switch it on. To that end, it is one that all cat owners should consider, particularly if you are out and about for much of the day and want to keep your pet stimulated.

If you're looking for exciting dog enrichment ideas for your pooch, then these top tips and inspiring activities are sure to do the trick. 

Coming up with new ways to satisfy a canine's eager mind can be challenging, but the good news is it doesn't have to cost the earth to pull off. In fact, many can be achieved with good quality dog toys you have already in the home.

It's likely you already know how important canine enrichment is for our dogs. ‘Enrichment’ means improving an animal’s environment to make it more interesting. It’s something that’s done in zoos, on farms, and even in homes – you may even be doing some of these things without realizing.

Dogs are intelligent and social animals with great puzzle-solving abilities that they rarely get to use day-to-day. Providing them with more enrichment opportunities gets them to stretch their mental muscles and enjoy their environment, and is thought to be very fulfilling for them.  

1. Increase playtime 

Social interaction is key for dogs, and play forms an important part of bonding. If you have time, playing with your dog is one of the best types of dog enrichment you can offer. However, if adding in a daily play session isn’t feasible, consider investing in a few toys that your dog can play with on his own. 

Interactive toys for dogs are increasingly available, and you’re bound to find an option that might excite your dog. Some reward the return of a ball with a treat, whilst others move of their own accord to get your dog chasing and catching his ‘prey’.

2. Try puzzle feeders 

The benefits of using puzzle feeders cannot be overstated. Dogs are highly intelligent, and descended from wolf-like creatures that used that intelligence to hunt and scavenge for their foods. In fact, a large portion of a wild dog’s day was hunting. Now, we give them dog food and, although it’s nutritionally excellent, it’s eaten in a matter of minutes, leaving them unsure how to spend the rest of their day.

Try adding puzzle feeders to your dog’s day. There are designs for wet and dry food, beginners and experts, so you’re sure to find something to entertain your dog and provide them with mental stimulation and enrichment.

3. Rotate toys regularly 

Whether it’s puzzle feeders, interactive toys, or simply the best dog toys that your dog loves, rotating them is a way to ensure they remain fresh and exciting. Since dog enrichment is all about improving your dog’s environment, don’t allow it to get boring by leaving all the toys out, all the time.

Instead, try to keep a third of your dog’s toys out of sight, and swap them for some of the ones in the basket from time to time. This enrichment idea can actually save you money, as you don’t need to buy a new toy to entertain your dog! Switching your dog’s toys also allows you to assess them for damage and remove any that are starting to become dangerous. 

4. Add in some new toys 

Rotating toys is certainly a good way to keep the costs down, but there does come a time when adding new toys is best. One option is to make DIY dog toys that your furry friend will enjoy but that don’t cost a fortune. You may also be able to pick up toys second hand – just make sure they’re clean, and there’s no damage. Lastly, consider using toys made from natural materials or recycled plastic in order to minimize your impact on the environment. 

5. Treasure hunts 

A creative and affordable dog enrichment idea for those on a budget, try setting up a ‘treasure hunt’ for your dog. To do this, hide your dog’s kibble around the house or garden before letting them go to find it. As you would for small children, make sure all kibble is accessible by your dog, and leave it in obvious places until your dog gets the hang of the game! It’s best to start with not too much food and only in one room of the house so you know it’s all been found! 

7. Change of walk 

Try changing where you walk your dog to spice things up a little for both of you! Take a drive to a new area, or do the usual walk in reverse. You can also change what you do on the walk – instead of just marching around the route, try letting your dog stop to sniff more, or sit on a bench and see who passes. Changing your dog’s routine is good mental stimulation and is another cheap way to provide easy dog enrichment. 

 8. Set up a playroom or garden zone 

If you really want to spoil your dog, one option is to set up a room or space just for your dog to enjoy. The room (or space in the garden) should be designed around what your dog loves to do. You might include a sandpit, long grass for sniffing and chewing on, a cosy den, or even a giant snuffle mat rug on the floor. If you’ve ever wondered are snuffle mats good for dogs, rest assured they get the thumbs up from our vet expert!

Think about your dog as a wild animal – design them a ‘zoo enclosure’ that mimics their natural habitat and their interests. For those with the space and time, dedicating a space to your dog is the ultimate exercise in love! 

9. Make a ball pit  

Try setting up a ball pit for your dog to play with. If you don’t have a proper ball pit then get creative! Throw any of his toy balls in an old children’s paddling pool, plus raid your recycling bin for all of those empty water and soda bottles. 

Hide some of his kibbles in amongst the balls and bottles so that he has to try and find them. This is another good way to get your dog’s nose working and give him some great mental stimulation – plus he’ll enjoy the excitement of being surrounded by all those balls! 

10. Water play 

Many dogs love water, particularly in warm weather. Why not get a cheap kids paddling pool for the garden (sturdier paddling pools for dogs are also available) and fill it up with water. Your dog will love splashing in and out to cool off. Some dogs also love playing with jets of water. 

Playfully squirting water from the hose or a water pistol can get him excited. Some dogs try and catch the water whereas others enjoy getting properly wet. Bubbles from a bubble blower toy or wand are also a hit with some pooches. Just make sure your dog is always supervised when playing around with water! 

11. Teach your dog some new tricks 

 A great way to bond with your pet and give him some great mental stimulation is by training him to do new tricks. Even older dogs can have a go at this! This could be anything from basic commands like sit and stay, through to some doggy dance moves. You can do this yourself at home using plenty of positive praise and rewards. 

There is also lots of great inspiration out there on social media if you are stuck for ideas. Simply interacting with you will give your dog some enrichment as well as giving you a sense of pride when he learns his latest move! 

Conclusion 

It’s easy to see why our dogs can get bored in the house, especially when they’re young and inquisitive. Trying some new dog enrichment ideas is a great way to amuse them as well as tire them out. Whether it’s changing the walk routine or creating a whole playroom just for your dog, enrichment can be as simple or as complicated as you like.