Many people are under the impression that cats are shrewd creatures that are only in it for what they can gain. With that in mind, they probably think cats don’t play or need toys as part of their socialization. But that’s not entirely true. Your furbaby needs more than just a balanced diet, occasional petting, and good grooming to thrive.
Playing keeps them mentally sharp, which in turn, richens their quality of life. That’s why you’ll discover a wide array of cat toy choices on the market. If the extent of your knowledge of cat toys only extends to laser pointers, this article will be as eye-opening as it gets.
1. Trixie Pet Products 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center
If your cat is as curious as they come, then the Trixie Pet Products 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center in White is a perfect fit. This game offers an interactive set up for you to immerse your furbaby in. It doesn’t matter how old your cat is; the game does not have any age-specific boundaries. Altogether, it offers up five activities wrapped up into one explosive experience.
The five different models include a globe, alley, peg, tunnel, and tongue, which will keep your furbabies occupied for quite some time. What makes it even better is the fact that each module targets a different sense, so your furbaby is highly unlikely to get bored. The fact that treats are incorporated into the setup makes the experience even more rewarding. In turn, the cats have to engage their tongue, nose, and paws to navigate their way to the perfect treat.
Pet parents are at liberty to change the number and placement of the treats to shake things up. In terms of design, this is a solid playset that measures 12 x 16 inches and is made of a balanced combination of plastic and rubber. The rubber component is fitted at the base to ensure that the entire playset stays in place while your cat is prancing about. To clean it up after a busy day, simply throw it in the dishwasher, and it’s good to go.
At the end of the day, this game will go a long way to ensure that ‘curiosity doesn’t kill the cat.’ Their curiosity will be satisfied and they’ll remain sharp and alert.
2. The SmartCat Peek-a-Prize Toy Box
This one is a perfect fit for all indoor cats; it’s just the thing to get their heart pumping while they are slamming it indoors. Getting the SmartCat Peek-a-Prize Toy Box is one sure way to keep your furbaby entertained for quite some time. They can even dabble while you’re out at work or running errands, which is a plus. In terms of setup, it’s quite simple, but you’ll be surprised at how simple it is.
It comprises a board filled with holes where cat owners can place little treats to keep their babies occupied. In total, there are two mini balls in the mix, the perfect size for your cat to maneuver it using their paws. Even better is the fact that you don’t have to stick to the balls; you are at liberty to substitute them with anything that fits. It could be another beloved toy or some of their favorite treats.
Pet parents can equally rotate the toys and treats to ensure that the cats remain stimulated and intrigued. It may be a simple setup, but you will be surprised at how fulfilling and wholesome your pet will find this game.
Altogether, this is one game set that is nice and modern yet taps into your cat’s primal nature to hunt their prey in the wild. That’s not all. It equally offers up an avenue to stimulate them mentally. Based on all this, your indoor cat won’t be missing much of that outside action if you’ve got this at your disposal.
3. JWShang Electric Moving Fish + Catnip Scent
It may look like a simple fish, but the electric moving fish is a lot more than that. This toy is a highly interactive one that is equally as safe as they come. The toy itself comprises a clear hued polycarbonate wand coupled with a colorful fabric that’s sure to catch your furbaby’s attention. Pet parents who have any concerns about the safety of the setup can rest easy knowing that it’s safe.
The brightly colored fabric is attached to the wand via a sturdy rubber collar that can hold more than 30 pounds of weight. Twirling and waving it around sends your pet on a hunting expedition to trap the fabric. This, in turn, gives them a great aerobic workout.
So, if your pet needs to drop a few pounds or lead a more active life, this will go a long way. For the most part, the toy simulates a sort of cat and mouse chase; once your furbaby finally traps the fabric, there’s no doubt that they’ll have a field day. What is equally remarkable is that the toy is not picky when it comes to ages, cats of all ages can indulge in some stimulating fun with the cat dancer charmer toy.
4. SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys
Here’s one that should really drive it home when it comes to stimulating felines. Unless a cat is some hybrid creation that doesn’t care much for catnip and excitement, the SmartyKat Slitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys are a great fit. In one pack, you’ll find a total of three mice carefully packed with catnip. The mice themselves are 4-inch long, which is the perfect size to mimic the real deal. Altogether, with this game, you’ll be ticking off multiple boxes at the same time.
It really taps into a cat’s primal nature to stalk and hunt their prey; it’s safe and is a great way to encourage some exercise. You’ll appreciate the fact that it’s made using organic materials that are recycled, renewable, and reclaimed. As a result, cat parents do not have to worry about the safety of their babies.
If you are not too keen on a mouse, the manufacturers equally offer catnip stuffed toys in other varieties. There are fish as well as other creatures and shapes your furbaby would be interested in hunting down. Altogether, your little one can play with catnip without getting it all over the floor thanks to SmartyKat catnip toys.
5. PetSafe Electric Automatic Cat Toy Lazer
A list of cat toys is not complete without a good old-fashioned laser pointer. But this is not your typical laser pointer. It’s another option that is sure to pique a cat’s curiosity and bring out the hunter within. With the PetSafe FroliCat Stimulating Exercise Laser Cat Toy, the fun never ends. Simply putting the device down in any direction will send your pet off on an adventure that may very well keep them occupied for quite some time. Won’t they get bored? On the contrary, this device is a boredom killer and will keep their bodies and minds alert as they look for creative ways to hunt down their elusive prey.
Fret not; this toy is safe to use for both you and your furbaby. The LED light won’t complicate things or give rise to any underlying issues. Altogether, it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for ways to incorporate some activity into their cat’s lifestyle. It equally ensures that boredom is kept at bay and your cat’s mind remains sharp.
Here, it does not matter if the cat in question is an indoor or outdoor one; a lot of fun can be had in both settings.
6. Petlinks Mystery Motion Concealed Electronic Motion Cat Toy
This battery-operated wonder is the perfect blend of fun, action, strategy, and high stakes… at least it is for your pet. The Pet links Mystery Motion Concealed Electronic Motion Cat Toy is sure to keep your feline friend occupied for quite some time. It triggers that innate need to hunt and keeps your little one busy in the process. The overall design comprises a rotating bundle of feathers concealed underneath a fabric covering. As the battery-powered device moves around, it gives your pet something to chase around. The thrill, exercise, and satisfaction involved make for a wonderful experience.
There are four different speeds for you to pick from, depending on how challenging you want it to be. Altogether, it’s the perfect toy for an only cat; you can rest assured that they’ll be occupied, even when you have to pop out for something.
Best Cat Toys Summary
The Trixie 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center is by far the best cat toy around today; it’s a great choice if you want to stimulate their different senses while keeping them active. But if you’re trying to give them a much-needed push for a more active lifestyle, then the Cat Dancer Cat Charmer Toy at Chewy is your best bet.
Altogether, you should gauge your pet’s needs, and that will help you make the best choice from our stellar collection.
What to Look For in a Cat Toy?
Prey – predator games
Thanks to their primal nature, cats need to stalk and hunt some sort of prey to get stimulated. With that in mind, you should look for games that give them this satisfaction.
If possible, it’s a good idea to always go for toys made using natural materials or some semblance of them. You see, when there’s something made with fur or similar synthetic material in the mix, it gives them the sense that they are sparring with real prey.
You could equally go for games that encourage them to hunt for items and treats, you’ll realize that this yields the same results.
Safety
This is an important one because you don’t want a session of fun to end with unnecessary complications and consequences. With that in mind, it’s essential to look for toys that don’t have too many attachments. They are more likely to have loose pieces that could be ingested by your cat. If there are attachments, ensure that they are solidly in place before letting your furbaby have a go at them. If there are any decorations glued on, then you should probably not go there.
If there are instructions to keep a toy out of your cat’s reach when not in use, do not neglect them.
Durability
Your furbaby is far from weak; they will come at that toy with everything they have got. So, you have to ensure that the toys you pick are as durable as can be. Also, when you pay for a cat toy, you should be able to get your money’s worth. To gauge durability, look at the materials and structure of any toy you have your eyes on.