Giving our cats ways to have fun and stay happy is one of the many responsibilities we have as pet owners. While cats can seem independent, they can gain a lot from having fun. One of the ways we do so is through cat toys.
Cat toys are these simple inventions that keep a cat interested and genuinely curious. They can range from simple balls to more complex puzzles. These are not only designed to keep them entertained but to have their minds stimulated as well.
In this blog, we’ll talk about the best type of cat toys you can use with your cat, as well as a few of the top choices. But first, let’s talk about the benefits of using these toys for cats home alone.
What Are the Benefits of Cat Toys?
Cat toys provide more than just fun and stimulation. They are great for overall physical and mental health as well. Here are the benefits of these fun gadgets:
Promotes Regular Exercise
Obesity is one of the common issues cats face, especially for cats who are left at home. Active play with cats provides a lot of essential exercise, even through the use of cat toys. These toys can help promote physical movement and reduce the risk of diabetes, arthritis, and heart issues.
Boosts Mental Activity
Interactive cat toys such as puzzle feeders and electronic toys can challenge your cat’s mind, enabling them to stay curious. Mental stimulation is beneficial for cats, especially those stuck indoors while their owners are away.
This prevents boredom and depression, which are huge concerns for pets left at home alone.
Improves Behavior
Cat toys are often used to help cats remove unwanted behaviors, such as scratching furniture. Providing a variety of toys can help cats, especially kittens, slowly learn how to act. For example, if they keep scratching furniture, provide scratching posts near them.
Once they start to scratch these posts, slowly move them to a corner where your cat stays. This helps prevent any unwanted behavior.
Strengthens the Bond
Playing with your cat helps you create a strong bond with your cat. Using cat toys can be a big help to make playtime more fun and less stale. Most pet owners use simple gadgets such as laser pointers to create a fun and short play session.
Reduces Stress
Whenever you make a simple change around the house, such as new food, pets, or furniture, cats can get stressed. Counteract this by using a few engaging toys to distract them from the changes going on.
10 Best Cat Toys in 2025
For a quick guide on what to buy for your cat, here are the best cat toys to use. These are easy to use and bring out the most fun.
Catnip Toys
Catnip toys for cats remain a favorite for cats, and for a good reason. When cats smell catnip, they become instantly mesmerized. It triggers feelings of excitement, playfulness, and happiness. These interactive cat toys stuffed with organic catnip are safe and easily refillable.
The effects of catnip toys usually last for 10 to 15 minutes. When feeding catnip to your cat, be sure not to overdo it, as it can cause gastrointestinal discomfort.
Catnip toys for cats can take several forms, such as refillables, plushies, and interactive toys. Popular options include:
Yeowww! Banana Catnip Toy
Frisco Squirrel Plush Cat Toy
Wand and Teaser Toys
These are interactive cat toys that are usually long sticks with dangling feathers, plushies, or attachments that act like prey movements. By swishing and moving, cats will be fully concentrated and will tend to pounce on them.
Wand and teaser soft cat toys are also great for bond building, as the owners tend to be the ones moving the toy around. Popular examples include:
Go Cat Da Bird
MeoHui Retractable Teaser Cat Wand Set
Laser Toys
Laser cat toys are essentially just red lasers that emit a small dot on the surface they first come across. This can be directed at floors, walls, and other toys to help stimulate a cat’s instinct to chase and pounce on something moving. Some lasers also emit red light in different shapes.
Cats with laser toys can get a good workout as they always tend to pounce on the red light, even stalking on some occasions. Finish by pointing the laser at an object to give your cat a happy ending. Best lasers include:
Cowjag Cat Toys Laser Pointer
Valonii Motion Activated Laser Toy
Ball Toys
Ball toys roll and bounce when batted by a cat’s paws. This continuous movement makes it easy for them to play with themselves, as they often see the movement as something that should be chased.
These interactive cat toys come in various forms and features. Balls with rattles, bells, or unique textures add to their experience and stimulate their senses. Some also have motors to keep the fun moving. Popular choices include:
Jkanti 3rd Generation Agile Moving Cat Ball with Elastic Mesh Tail
BABORUI Interactive Cat Toy Ball
Electronic Toys
Interactive electronic cat toys move, vibrate, or make sounds, enticing cats and garnering their attention. These are great toys for cats home alone. Many options also help cats play with toys at their own pace. Common options include:
SmartyKat Loco Motion Electronic Cat Toy
MayMaw KiTiFISH Smart Interactive Cat Toy
Puzzle Feeders
Puzzle feeders and cat toys that dispense treats are good for boosting a cat’s problem-solving skills. They are challenging toys that help cats get a reward for the hard work they have done. Aside from boosting mental health, it also helps cats eat slowly and at a controlled pace.
Popular choices include:
Frisco Silicone Slow Feeder Mat with Stainless Steel Bowl
Nina Ottosson Catstages Kitty Lickin' Layers
Plush and Soft Toys
Soft cat toys such as plushies and stuffed animals are also good choices for them to cuddle or wrestle with. These also offer comfort, reduce stress, and encourage gentle play. Many soft cat toys also have catnip to provide more enrichment. Options include:
ZeyZoo Cat Toys Pink Fish
ALL FOR PAWS Heartbeat Cat Plush Toy
Track Toys
Track toys are interactive cat toys that consist of a circular or modular track with a ball inside that cats can bat around endlessly without losing it. As the ball keeps on rolling, cats will often swat at it, causing it to move more and continue along the track.
These are great for solo play, encouraging the cat to play even when alone. Popular options include:
Petstages Tower of Tracks
Catit Senses 2.0 Super Circuit
Tunnel Toys
Tunnel toys provide a mini playground for cats at home. These are collapsible or fixed tubes made from crinkle or soft fabric, giving cats a fun space to hide, dash through, and play with other toys.
These toys also encourage exercise and solo play. Coupled with other toys, these tunnels are great spaces for solo play and bonding. Popular options include:
KONG Rave Cave Cat Tunnel
Pawaboo Collapsible Tunnel
Climbing and Scratching Toys
Climbing and scratching toys, such as cat trees or tall scratching posts, let cats climb, stretch, and sharpen their claws. These toys fulfill their instincts to scratch and also provide areas where they can climb and explore.
This vertical territory allows them to feel safe, experience less stress, and become more confident. Common types include:
Go Pet Club 72-in Cat Tree
SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
Vet Tips: How to Choose the Right Cat Toys
Choosing the right cat toy is not just about its looks. It’s also about matching it to your cat’s age, personality, behavior, and accessibility. Here are some tips:
Consider Your Cat’s Age
Kittens can benefit from simple toys such as balls, wands, and tunnels that can burn off their endless energy. Adult cats typically prefer interactive cat toys such as puzzle feeders and track toys. Seniors will need soft toys and plushies that require minimal effort.
Match Your Cat’s Personality
Shy and easily stressed cats will benefit from toys that help reduce their stress. These include cat toys such as plushies, balls, and scratching posts. Confident cats can be given lasers, feather wands, or climbing toys. If you’re unsure, then you can try out a few affordable options.
Prioritize Safety and Durability
Make sure to purchase reputable toys that have been reviewed and tried out. Some cat toys can have toxic substances and fragile parts that can endanger a cat’s well-being. If you notice any damage, then be sure to replace them right away.
Use a Variety of Toys
Using more than one type of toy is beneficial to continuously stimulate a cat’s mental health. No single toy can fulfill all of their needs and prevent boredom. A couple of climbing posts, balls, puzzle feeders, and other types can do the trick.
From simple toys such as balls to more complex puzzle feeders, your cat will appreciate the gift.
“Give your cat the chance to pounce, play, and ponder over the toys that give them joy.”
- Dr. Nenad Misura
Final Thoughts
Investing in the right cat toys can go a long way in keeping your cat happy and entertained, especially if they’re home alone. These toys are designed to keep them physically and mentally stimulated, avoiding boredom and unwanted behaviors.
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