The best cat toys, tested and reviewed

The best cat toys are the closest thing a house cat gets to unleashing their inner predator — aside from the occasional housefly, of course. Whether it's a catnip kicker, crinkly ball, or feather wand, toys give cats a healthy outlet for their natural hunting instincts, making it less likely that they'll turn your hands, feet, or furniture into prey. When providing interactive play, always end the session with a small treat or meal to complete the hunting experience.

Between professionally testing cat products, fostering, cat sitting, and being a lifelong cat mom, I've handled more cat toys than I can count. Drawing on that experience, I narrowed our testing pool to 30 standout toys, recruiting a panel of Business Insider cats and their humans to help assess them all. With input from experts, the toys in this guide were chosen for their ability to spark a cat's natural hunting behavior while standing up to cat claws and teeth.

Our top pick is the SnugglyCat Ripple Rug, which features an adaptable design that caters to nearly every cat's unique play style and preferences. If you're still figuring out what kind of toy excites your cat the most, The Original Cat Dancer is also a good place to start. It comes recommended by cat behavior and retention specialist Rachel Geller for its unpredictable, bug-like movements, and costs just $3.99.

Our top picks for the best cat toys

Best overall: SnugglyCat Ripple Rug - See at Chewy

Best wand: Pet Fit For Life Interactive Wand Bundle - See at Chewy

Best mouse: Hartz Cattraction with Silvervine and Catnip - See at Amazon

Best automatic: Potaroma 3-in-1 Hide-and-Seek Cat Toy - See at Amazon

Best teaser wire: Cat Dancer Products Original Cat Dancer - See at Chewy

Best ring: Fat Cat Cat Crazies - See at Chewy

Best catnip kicker: Yeowww! Chi-Cat-a Banana - See at Chewy

Best crinkle: SunGrow Mylar Crinkle Balls - See at Chewy

Best ball: Franklin Table Tennis Balls - See at Chewy

Best puzzle overall: Nina Ottosson Rainy Day Puzzle and Play - See at Chewy

Best easy puzzle: Catit Senses Food Tree - See at Chewy

Best ball on track: Catstages Chase Meowtain Interactive 4-Tier Cat Track Toy - See at Chewy

Best tunnel: Kitty City Cat Tunnel Bed - See at Chewy

Best subscription: KitNipBox - See at KitNip

Best overall

Instead of thinking of toys as just entertainment, it can help to see these items as tools, or, as veterinary behaviorist Dr. Carlo Siracusa calls them, "the essential toolkit for cat behavior." The Ripple Rug isn't a toy in the typical sense. It's an all-in-one cat playground that taps into almost every feline instinct and hunting style: stalking, pouncing, hiding, scratching, foraging, and even lounging.

It features two layers of carpet — a bottom with a non-slip backing and a top with hidey holes. Cats or toys can pop out of the openings, or you can stash treats between the layers. My cats love slipping through the holes and bunching up the rug for rabbit kicking, which the carpet is durable enough to handle. Other than taking up nearly 12 square feet of floor space, the rug's main drawback is the need for additional toys to maximize enrichment, like a feathered teaser wand to weave through the openings.

Lily Alig, former Business Insider Reviews kitchen editor, enjoyed the rug's adaptability, using its detachable layer to create tunnels for her cats Salem and Luna. When Salem burrows inside and is jumped on by Luna, Lily can just reform the tunnel to reset the play.

Best wand

A cat without toys isn't just bored — they're missing out on an essential part of being a cat. Without a way to act out their natural hunting sequence (including stalking, capturing, and killing), cats are deprived of behaviors as essential to them as daily movement is to us. Over time, that lack of stimulation can lead to stress and unwanted behaviors. "A lot of the conflicts that we see between cats or cats and people are stress-related," Siracusa says.

Interactive wand toys are an especially effective way to satisfy your cat's instincts and get them moving. Because you control the speed and direction, you can mimic the way prey would behave, like dancing away from your cat instead of moving toward them, Geller says. She recommends the Pet Fit For Life Wand, which has a plush foam handle, a metal wand, and an extra extension piece to make the wand even longer. That added reach keeps your hands safely out of the play zone.

Different cats — and even the same cat on different days — will gravitate to different textures and movements, Siracusa says. In Geller's experience and for our tester's cats, the Pet Fit For Life feather attachment was the clear favorite, while my cats were just as excited about the worm. To cover all your bases, the Pet Fit For Life bundle comes with an easy-on/off metal clasp and four interchangeable attachments — a worm, two feather attachments, and a mouse with feathers. Always put wand toys away between play sessions to prevent accidental tangles or chewing.

Best mouse

Mouse toys are a classic choice for cat parents because they look like a cat's most iconic prey. Our experts say that toys mimicking real prey in size and texture can spark your cat's hunting instincts.

Hartz Cattraction with Silver Vine and Catnip Kitty Frenzy mice are the best mouse cat toys we tested because they're stuffed with catnip and silvervine, which trigger a burst of playful energy in many cats. After that initial excitement fades, cats often like to cuddle up with or even lick their "prey". These mice don't make a satisfying rattle when shaken, which would help to grab a cat's attention and spark their drive to chase. That said, no sound at all is often better than loud squeaks, especially for timid cats. "Loud electronic squeaks may frighten more than entice," says Dr. Aimee Warner, a veterinarian at Waggel.

Constructed from hollow plastic wrapped in soft fabric, they're sturdy yet lightweight enough for cats to carry or slide across floors. Rather than hard plastic eyes and nose that could come loose and be ingested, these mice feature soft felt pieces that are glued in place. I pulled firmly on the ears, tail, seams, and felt details, and everything stayed securely attached. "Usually cats try to grab the object, the prey, and run away with it," Siracusa says. "So it's important that it is safe."

Best automatic

Each morning, my cat Atlas waits patiently for me to switch on her favorite toy, the Potaroma 3-in-1 Hide-and-Seek Cat Toy. This has been part of her routine for over two years. We love it so much that I've gifted one to my brother-in-law's cats and recommended it to several friends.

It has a motorized butterfly that spins and flutters on top and a fluffy toy that circles unpredictably under a fabric cover. "Motorized 'prey under fabric' mats invite low-impact, extended activity — perfect for calorie burn without joint stress," Warner says. The butterfly moves realistically, and the hidden toy pops out with an element of surprise. "If the toy always moves in the same way, the cat will quickly realize it isn't real prey and lose interest," says Heather Alvey, certified cat behavior consultant and owner of Felidae Behavior Consulting.

The best automatic cat toys don't run endlessly, Siracusa says. "If you leave the game going and the cat can't grab anything, the cat will lose interest and might even become frustrated." While cats can bite the butterfly and fluffy toy, the Potaroma also stops automatically after five minutes of inactivity. It stays in standby mode for two hours, so your cat can reactivate it with a touch. I typically charge it overnight about every three days, turning it on twice daily for my cats to enjoy. Replacement toy attachments are sold separately.

Best teaser wire

Providing your cat with the best toys isn't about having the fanciest ones, Siracusa says. What matters more is finding toys that entice your cat to play and give them a chance to complete the hunting sequence. Enter the Original Cat Dancer — a $4 piece of metal wire with rolled cardboard on each end.

"Does your cat love chasing moths? Try the Cat Dancer," Alvey says. Its secret is the springy wire that makes the cardboard rods bounce unpredictably, like a real bug. For our cat tester Chowder, the Cat Dancer isn't just a toy — it's an obsession. Chowder becomes completely locked in when the Cat Dancer is in motion, like a fly buzzing around the room. When it's put away, he whines for its return.

The soft cardboard gives your cat something satisfying to bite or claw into, fulfilling the "kill" part of the hunt. Geller recommends letting your cat successfully grab the toy in their mouth or paws before starting the game again. "Real prey might lose stamina during the hunt or play dead to trick the cat," she says. These little captures are what trigger feel-good chemicals. The soft cardboard also gives your cat something satisfying to bite or claw, fulfilling the "kill" part of the hunt. Geller recommends letting your cat successfully grab the toy in their mouth or paws before starting the game again. "Real prey might lose stamina during the hunt or play dead to trick the cat," she says. These little captures are what trigger feel-good chemicals.

I've gone through several Cat Dancers over the years, since determined cats can eventually rip the cardboard off. But for its low price, it's an easy toy to replace when the old one finally gives out. For a deeper dive into what makes it a fan fave for one editor's cat, check out our Cat Dancer review.

Best ring

Some cats will turn just about anything into a toy — milk rings, bread ties, you name it. It's entertaining to see them get creative, and it might save you a few bucks on toys. But those household items aren't designed to hold up to rough play or a cat's teeth and claws. They can break into small pieces or cause an intestinal blockage. Fat Cat Cat Crazies are a safer, more durable alternative. These colorful rings skitter and slide across the floor like little bugs. I can twist and tug them without snapping them apart.

After a few years of tossing these rings across our house, I still haven't found a single broken one. My cat goes wild when they zip across the tile floor, sending her sliding after them on her furry paws. Sometimes I'll add the Ripple Rug to the mix so the ring skips over the carpet before gliding onto the hardwood. Your cat might even retrieve the ring and bring it back to you, ready for another round.

The rings will definitely end up under your stove or couch, but at around $4 for a pack of four, it's a small price to pay.

Best catnip kicker

Yeowww! is well-known for making cat kicker toys that many cats love. They use only catnip leaves and flower tops for maximum strength — a combination that revs many cats up. I especially like their rainbow and banana kickers because they have a slight curve. Warner says curved kickers hug the belly, making them easier for cats to grab and hold compared to straight ones.

Our tester Chowder was particularly enthusiastic about her banana kicker. "She likes to get super 'high' on it and bounce around the house. I'm not sure if she enjoys the catnip or the toy more, but she's having fun," says her human, Lauren Savoie, Insider Reviews deputy executive editor. While my cats might not bounce around the room the house after playing with their rainbow kicker, they certainly enjoy intense bunny kicking sessions, often pausing to bite and lick the toy between kicks.

"Kicking with the back legs is a behavior cats will use with larger prey, like if they catch a rabbit," Siracusa says. With all that kicking power, you need a kicker that's built to last. Yeowww! toys are made of sturdy twill with strong seams, and their catnip stays impressively potent. The best cat kicker toys are large enough for your cat to firmly grasp and kick with their back legs, about 8 to 10 inches, Warner says. The Yeowww! rainbow and banana kickers measure 6 and 7 inches, respectively.

Best crinkle

These crinkle balls have been a longtime favorite of our feline tester. They make a soft rustling sound and have an irresistible texture. "Papaya loves the noise these crinkle toys make! She especially enjoys when we squish them in our hands to create fun sounds before tossing them for a few minutes of batting and kicking," says her human, Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews executive editor.

According to Siracusa, short bursts of play — about three to five minutes — are ideal for cats. As soon as their interest starts to fade, it's the perfect moment to wrap up with a treat or a small meal for a satisfying "game over" in the hunting sequence.

Each pack comes with 12 brightly colored crinkle balls. Papaya has been enjoying hers for years without any shredding or damage. Each ball measures about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, meeting Warner's safety guideline to avoid any toy smaller than 1 1/4 inches across.

Best ball

When your cat prefers a ball with a little moreoomph, a ping pong ball might do the trick. I like to bounce them off the floor or send them rolling down the stairs. My cat Lyra will leap into the air trying to swat them down, and both cats love chasing them down the stairs, only for the balls to ricochet and bounce off in a new direction.

Ping pong balls aren't ideal if your cat wants to retrieve the toy, but they're a smart choice for cats who chew or try to ingest softer materials. Siracusa says if your cat happily bats and chases them, ping pong balls work well. You can also make an enrichment game for your cat by adding them to a cake pan filled with shallow water, creating an extra challenge when your cat tries to scoop them out from an unstable surface.

Best food puzzle toy overall

Daily food enrichment is essential to the emotional well-being of cats and supports their natural behaviors of hunting, foraging, and eating multiple small meals. Food puzzle toys dispense food or treats when manipulated and allow cats to think through challenges in a physically active way, says Dr. Jamie Richardson, head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Vet. Food puzzles range from beginner to expert levels, and Geller recommends the Nina Ottosson Rainy Day Puzzle and Play as an expert-level challenge — but don't let that intimidate you or your cat. What I love about this puzzle is how adjustable it is to many skill levels.

I introduced this puzzle slowly to my less food-motivated cat Atlas to keep her engaged without frustrating her, which Siracusa says can look like giving up or walking away. At first, I placed kibble in the open wells, then started covering some with the swiveling raindrops. Once she got the hang of that, I added the spinning wheel. Now she's solving the scent peg challenge, which requires her to move the peg over the well to release the food within, then shift it again to reach the prize.

There are lots of ways for your cat to use this puzzle, which is exactly what makes it such a worthwhile buy. Atlas has been working on it for a few years now, and it also works with wet food. On special occasions, we'll squeeze Churu treats into a few compartments. It has no removable parts, which can easily become lost. The shallow wells and raindrop shapes take a little extra effort to scrub with a sponge, but I find it easier to clean than other puzzles we've tried with narrow tubes or deep ridges.

Best easy food puzzle toy

Even though this puzzle is ideal for beginners or cats who get frustrated by moving parts, your cat will still have to work for their reward. The three-tiered Catit Senses Food Tree encourages them to sit up, paw, and bat for their food. They may even need to circle around it to find the best angle to reach their treats. Siracusa says some of the best food puzzles for cats are the ones that get them moving.

To use this puzzle, pour kibble or crunchy treats into the top. As the pieces fall through, they land within the staggered levels, which feature slots. It's up to your cat to reach in through small holes to pull the food out or push it downward, level by level, until it finally drops into the dish at the base.

The Food Tree doesn't work with wet food, but the openings are large enough to fit many kinds and sizes of treats and kibbles. It's easy to take apart and wash by hand.

Best ball on track

Cats often lose interest in toys when they move too repetitively or predictably. "Unpredictable movement is key," says Dr. Sarah Cortright, chief medical director of the Under Dog Community Project. Still, lower-energy adults, cats with mobility challenges, and kittens may enjoy the low impact of ball track toys — something I saw firsthand while fostering a semi-socialized cat who'd just given birth to five kittens. She was exhausted and wary of people, and no toy seemed to catch her eye. That is, until one day, I heard the rhythmic clack of the roller ball track toy.

The Catstages Chase Meowtain features four circular tiers, each with a lightweight plastic ball that circles its track. Some cats like to lie on their sides and lazily bat the balls, like my foster kitty. Others sit and paw at them, watching and waiting for the ball to circle the track for the next swat. More engaged cats might walk or sprint around the pyramid for a more active play session.

The balls aren't removable from the track, so there's no risk of losing them under the couch. In fact, there are no small or removable parts, wires, or strings, which makes this one of the best cat toys to leave out for solo play. It has non-slip feet, though it still slides around a bit on hard surfaces.

Best tunnel

In the wild, cats spend a lot of time stalking their prey and pouncing at them from under cover. A cat tunnel can create that feeling for your cat, down to the sound of tall grass subtly rustling.

As my cats race through the Kitty City Cat Tunnel Bed, it rustles just enough to mimic the thrill of sneaking through vegetation. It has two entrances, each with a dangling toy, though my cats are usually too busy stalking and pouncing on passing wands and teasers to pay them much notice.

Don't underestimate the importance of interactive play alongside the tunnel. You don't want your movement to be the only thing that looks like live prey, Siracusa says. A tunnel offers cats a place to hide and plan ambushes, but it's up to you to direct that hunting instinct toward toys — not your feet or ankles.

When the "hunt" is over, reward your cat with a treat before allowing them to curl up in the cozy bed at the tunnel's center before the next hunt. The Kitty City Cat Tunnel Bed also took top honors in the tunnel category in our guide to the best cat beds, where it won praise for its versatility and dual uses for lounging and play.

Best subscription

If you've made it to the end of this best cat toys roundup and still feel unsure where to start — or if it seems like your cat doesn't like anything you've tried — a subscription box can be a smart way to discover what excites them. "Don't give up," says Siracusa. "Don't just try one or two toys because they're popular. If your cat doesn't like them, it doesn't matter. We're all different, and cats are too." Even if you don't stick with it long-term, a few deliveries can help pinpoint your cat's play style. If you do find toys that are a hit with your cat, rotating toys every few days can help maintain novelty.

With the KitNipBox, five new cat items arrive monthly, with 5% of the proceeds supporting animal welfare. You can pick larger boxes if you'd like more toys, and cancel anytime before the next charge. The variety and quality of toys in my first box really impressed me, and my cats were instantly drawn to all of them. The second box, however, was less exciting, with fewer unique toys, though Atlas still happily purred as I unpacked it. While this suggests the boxes may lack variety some months, all the toys are designed in-house, which makes each box feel special.

Our first Happy Cat Box, intended for one cat, included a two-pack of '90s-inspired catnip-filled hair scrunchies, a sisal and raffia chew toy (Lyra went straight for this), two strong catnip kickers, and a wand with a long ribbon, bell, and sturdy wooden handle (my cats' favorite). The featured treats were Vitakraft lick treats made with salmon broth, salmon, and other meats, and just 8 calories each. A lick mat was included for serving, but you can swap the treats for an extra toy instead. The second box was packed mostly with plush kicker toys, one of them filled with catnip, plus crunchy Emerald Pet Feline Dental Treats. Despite the lack of variety in my second box, it's worth giving KitNip a chance if you're striking out elsewhere, don't know where to start, or just want to mix things up for your cat.

What to look for in cat toys

The word "toys" doesn't fully capture how important playthings are for cats. "Playful behavior is something that is part of the nature of cats themselves, because it allows them to kill animals multiple times throughout the day," Siracusa says. My experts recommend choosing toys that spark your cat's hunting instincts. This way, they can complete their "hunt" and won't seek out other, less desirable activities or outlets. Here are the key qualities of the best cat toys to help channel your cat's instincts:

Biologically appropriate features: Experts agree that the best cat toys tap into a cat's instinct to hunt. When evaluating a toy, consider:

• Movement: Does it move sporadically and realistically, or can you manipulate the toy to mimic the motion of prey? "The best automated toys move erratically, stop and start, or hide under fabric — like a mouse scurrying under a blanket," Cortright says. Automatic toys should also be designed to be caught by the cat to prevent frustration. When it comes to the best teasers and wands, look for wires that bounce or feathers that flutter. "Prey doesn't dangle in a cat's face or bop them on the side," Alvey says.

• Functionality: Does the toy inspire stalking, chasing, pouncing, biting, foraging, or hiding? These are all important activities that allow your cat to be a cat.

• Design: Does it resemble real prey in size, shape, or texture? Look for fur-like fabric, feathers, or crinkly materials.

• Surprise: Are there moving or disappearing elements, like toys that pop out from fabric or tunnels? "Predictability is a fast death for interest," Warner says.

Safety and durability: Cat toys are meant to be hunted and "killed" through chasing, pouncing, biting, and kicking, so they need to hold up to rough play. According to my experts, these safety guidelines will help keep your cat safer while playing:

• Choose toys without small parts like beaded eyes, noses, or foam pieces.
• Check seams and parts regularly by gently pulling on them. Toss any toy with loose pieces or exposed stuffing.
• Avoid toys smaller than 1 ¼ inches in diameter, Warner says. Anything smaller can be swallowed and cause choking or a blockage.
• Store anything with long strings out of reach (like wands) until supervised playtime.
• Safer options for solo play include catnip kickers, soft mice, and rubber balls.

Suitability for your cat's age and physical abilities: Siracusa says kittens prefer social play — like chasing, wrestling, and mock fighting — but few toys truly replicate that. A simple mouse toy can come close for kittens who like to retrieve. On the other hand, adult cats develop their own hunting styles and usually prefer object play, using toy objects to practice their skills.

If you have an aging cat or a cat with mobility issues, you'll likely need to adjust both the toys you choose and how you play. A senior cat with arthritis in their back legs, for example, may not want to bunny kick a catnip toy or jump after a wand. Warner says in these cases, try low-impact toys like treat balls, slow-feed puzzles, and motorized "prey under fabric" mats. You can also adapt your wand play by scooting the toy under a blanket or engaging your cat with slow, low movements of the toy so your senior isn't forced to overextend their arms.

Siracusa says a change in how often or how engaged a cat is in play can be a normal part of aging. However, any sudden changes in play or activity level should be discussed with your veterinarian. He says diseases as common as dental disease can make play painful for cats.

Enticing extras: Some plants, including catnip, silvervine, and valerian, release chemicals meant to keep plant-eating insects away. But for cats, the effect is anything but threatening. Sniffing it sends many cats into a state of joy: rubbing their heads on objects, rolling around, and purring in what scientists dub the "catnip response." Not every cat feels the same euphoria from catnip. However, our experts say fresh dried buds and cut leaves are often more exciting than powdered catnip.

Sound and texture matter, too. Crinkle materials can mimic the rustling of prey through grass, triggering a cat's hunting instincts. The texture adds tactile interest. However, loud squeakers or motors could be scary rather than fun to some cats.

How we tested the best cat toys

I'm a lifelong cat parent, including one cat with orthopedic issues, and I've fostered nearly 50 cats and kittens. I know firsthand how selective cats can be, and how rough they can be on their toys. To get a wide range of opinions, I recruited six Insider Reviews editors and reporters and their cats to help test the best cat toys. We tested over 30 cat toys, taking note of their features, our cats' level of enthusiasm, and how they held up to play. Some toys were tested in multiple households. Here's the approach we took:

Safety and Durability: We inspected every toy straight out of the box, checking for small parts, glued-on pieces, or fabric trim that could come loose. We gently tugged on any attachments to see if they detached easily. For soft or fabric toys, we pulled and twisted them to test the seams and stitching. We also bent or lightly compressed plastic components to see if they cracked, warped, or popped apart. For electronic toys, we let the battery run all the way down to measure battery life, then noted how long it took to recharge. During play, we watched closely for wear and tear.

Biologically appropriate features: Based on expert advice, we awarded points to toys that triggered a cat's hunting instincts, such as ones that wiggled, fluttered, or moved erratically. We checked each design to see if it looked like real prey in size, shape, or texture. We preferred toys with details like feathers, fur-like fabric, or a crinkly feel. Finally, we also gave high marks to toys that offered an element of surprise, like components that popped out from tunnels or disappeared under fabric.

Subscription boxes: In addition to evaluating the toys themselves, I evaluated each cat toy subscription based on ease of sign-up, customization of the plan, and ability to swap toys for other toys or treats. I also checked whether the service provided clear shipping and delivery notifications and whether you could easily pause deliveries or cancel the subscription.

Cat toys FAQs

What toys do cats like the most?

Play is all about hunting, so the best cat toys are ones that look, move, smell, and/or sound like real prey. "Wand toys, crinkle balls, and kicker toys are among the most popular cat toys," Cortright says.

What toys are best for indoor cats?

Toys that encourage your indoor cat to move and practice their natural hunting skills help keep them physically fit, and protect your feet, hands, furniture, and other pets from becoming their "prey". "Cats typically prefer soft textures like plush or felt, and movements that are fast, fluttery, or unpredictable," Cortright says.

How do I figure out what toys my cat likes?

It can take some trial and error to figure out which toys your cat likes best, but Alvey has a helpful tip: "Observe what your cat is already interested in and find toys that mimic those experiences," she says. For example, if your cat likes chasing bugs, a wand toy with fluttering feathers or a toy like the Cat Dancer might be a great fit. If they enjoy breaking into cupboards, try a challenging food puzzle. If your cat is known to shred toilet paper rolls, a catnip-filled kicker toy can satisfy their need to kick and bite. You can also explore DIY food puzzle options and see examples of commercial food puzzles rated by difficulty level through this cat food puzzle resource.

What toys make cats lose weight?

Any toy that gets your cat up and moving can help them lose weight. Wand toys, like the Pet Fit For Life wand, are a great choice because you control how vigorously the "prey" moves. Even if your cat only walks behind the toy at first, that's a good start. The Catit Senses Food Tree even encourages your cat to circle around the puzzle to bat pieces of food.

What kind of toys do senior cats like?

Even older cats enjoy playtime, but they often prefer gentler activities due to lower energy or mobility issues. Many senior cats like toys they can bat at rather than pounce on or chase. You can adapt your play style to accommodate their mobility by playing closer to the floor. Watching a toy move slowly can be just as enriching for cats as leaping through the air. Ultimately, you know your cat best. Consider their unique preferences and physical abilities when choosing the best cat toys.

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