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15 Best Cat Toys in 2023 to Keep Your Kitty Active and Engaged

Beat pet boredom with the best chew toys for cats, stimulating catnip toys for indoor cats to hunt, and more.

Headshot of Ysolt UsiganBy Ysolt Usigan
best cat toys yeowww catnip toy banana
Yeowww!

Whether you're about to adopt a cat and want to prepare by purchasing a few of the best cat toys to help build a bond with your cat, or you have a particularly picky feline at home who just isn't excited by anything you select at the pet store, the last thing you want is more cat clutter around the house.

Cats are natural predators. In the wild, it's their instinct to hunt. Instead of "hunting" your leg, the furniture, or other objects that you may not want them to play with, help them fulfill the need to hunt prey with stimulating, interactive cat toys. A cat's prey sequence is as follows: staring, stalking, chasing, pouncing, biting, and, well, killing. The best toys for indoor cats (like this trending flopping fish) give cats the opportunity to mimic cycling through these actions.

"When cats are young, everything is a toy," says Heather Alvey, a certified cat behavior consultant and owner of Felidae Behavior Consulting. "But as they age, they may develop a prey preference. One cat may prefer toys that resemble birds, while another likes bugs, and a third prefers rodents." Cat parents, take note of what your cats are interested in or even find out your cat's breed, so you can choose the best types of toys that your cat will engage with frequently.

The best cat toys to buy in 2023:

  • 3-in-1 Automatic Interactive Kitten Toy

    Best Overall Cat Toy

    3-in-1 Automatic Interactive Kitten Toy

    $39 at Amazon
    Read more
  • Woolen Yarn Balls

    Best Cat Ball Toys

    Woolen Yarn Balls

    Read more
  • Undercover Motorized Mouse Tail

    Best Hunting Toy for Cats

    Undercover Motorized Mouse Tail

    Read more
  • Flopping Fish With SilverVine and Catnip

    Best Flopping Fish Cat Toy

    Flopping Fish With SilverVine and Catnip

    Read more
  • Interactive Moving Cat Toy

    Best Automatic Cat Toy

    Interactive Moving Cat Toy

    Read more

For more of the best products for cats, browse our top guides:

Best Cat Harnesses | Best Water Fountains for Cats | Best Cat Chew Toys

Best Overall Cat Toy

3-in-1 Automatic Interactive Kitten Toy

Editor’s Choice
3-in-1 Automatic Interactive Kitten Toy
Best Overall Cat Toy

3-in-1 Automatic Interactive Kitten Toy

$39 at Amazon
Credit: Potaroma
Pros
  • Requires little effort from cat owner
  • Versatile toy with different options for play
  • Features activated by motion or light touch
Cons
  • Requires 4 AA batteries or needs to be plugged in via USB

This 3-in-1 cat toy comes with a fluttering butterfly, an "ambush" feather, and two balls on a track. Cats can hunt, catch, and play with this toy's irregular movements giving kitty a bit of a fun challenge. You just have to turn on the base, and let it do its thing. It requires little effort from you!

Product Specs

Type of ToyAutomatic
Good ForCats of all ages
MaterialsPP resin
Best Cat Ball Toys

Woolen Yarn Balls

Woolen Yarn Balls
Best Cat Ball Toys

Woolen Yarn Balls

Credit: Retro Shaw
Pros
  • Comes with six balls
Cons
  • Can break apart with enough effort

Sometimes the simplest toys are the best ones. Cats are known to love playing with yarn. These woolen yarn balls — lightweight and vividly colored — will engage cats with solo play.

This pack comes with six. You can also interact with your kitty by grabbing the yarn strand that sticks out of three of these six balls, and pulling it for your cat to catch. The other three are perfect for tossing.

Product Specs

Type of ToyYarn ball
Good ForCats of all ages
MaterialsSoft woolen yarn and plush material
Best Hunting Toy for Cats

Undercover Motorized Mouse Tail

Undercover Motorized Mouse Tail
Best Hunting Toy for Cats

Undercover Motorized Mouse Tail

Credit: AOLIKES
Pros
  • Chargeable via USB
  • Comes with a remote control
Cons
  • Will make some noise as it spins
  • Higher price point than other toys on this list

A fake mouse hides under this tarp and spins around with the control of a button. Cats can run and pounce on it as it tracks its every move.

Select from four different speeds (slow, medium, fast and random). You can also set the timer in case you don't want to be an active participant in play. Recharge the ion battery, which can last up to 10 hours at a time.

Product Specs

Type of ToyMotorized hunting toy
Good ForCats of all ages
MaterialsPlastic and nylon
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Best Flopping Fish Cat Toy

Flopping Fish With SilverVine and Catnip

On Sale
Flopping Fish With SilverVine and Catnip
Best Flopping Fish Cat Toy

Flopping Fish With SilverVine and Catnip

Now 42% Off
Credit: Potaroma
Pros
  • Comes with catnip
  • Rechargeable via USB
  • Washable when you unzip and remove the motor inside
Cons
  • Too big for kittens to play with

When it comes to the best stimulating cat toys for indoor cats, the flopping fish is all the rage. Motion-sensored and rechargeable, this one flops around like an actual fish out of water. Cats can pounce and wrestle it as they wish as it continues to move. Plush on the outside, this toy also comes with SilverVine and catnip to entice cats to play with it if the flopping alone isn't enough.

In case you're not familiar, SilverVine (also known as Actinidia polygama) is an alternative to catnip that produces euphoria in cats that lasts up to 30 minutes.

RELATED: 21 Best Plants That Are Safe for Cats, Plus Safety Tips From a Vet

Product Specs

Type of ToyMotion-sensor cat toy
Good ForAdult cats over 1 year
MaterialsDurable plush that won't easily rip
Best Automatic Cat Toy

Interactive Moving Cat Toy

Amazon’s Choice
Interactive Moving Cat Toy
Best Automatic Cat Toy

Interactive Moving Cat Toy

Now 10% Off
Credit: PETLIBRO
Pros
  • Charge it via USB
  • Has wheels on both sides so it can go forward and reverse
  • Can go on sleep mode when not in use; reactivate by touch
Cons
  • Won't work on shag-pile rugs

Instead of "moving," we should probably say "zooming." This cat toy, which is roughly the size of a mouse, moves from point A to point B quickly like a matchbox car. Armed with an LED light, cats will also find it visually stimulating.

Cats can hunt this fast toy like their prey. Its wheels allow it to change direction and zip around your house. It's also durable enough to endure a side-swipe or pounce from your agile cat.

Product Specs

Type of ToyAutomatic cat toy
Good ForCats of all ages
MaterialsDurable PVC
Best Cat Wand Toy

Retractable Cat Wand Toys With Feather

Amazon’s Choice
Retractable Cat Wand Toys With Feather
Best Cat Wand Toy

Retractable Cat Wand Toys With Feather

Now 56% Off
Credit: MeoHui
Pros
  • Comes with two wands, plus 9 feather replacements
  • Wand is more durable than others on the market
  • Comes with an easy-grip handle
Cons
  • Cats may take the feather off wand easily, so you'll have to reattach
  • Requires participation from cat owner

Tease your cat for hours using a cat wand with a feather on the end. As you wave it around, the feather acts as cat's pretend prey. Get them to jump, run, and pounce. The object of the game is to catch the feather, so you may have to replace them or reattach if your cat grabs and successfully removes it — luckily, this pack comes with two wands, two extra strings, and nine feather refills.

Product Specs

Type of ToyCat wand
Good ForCats of all ages
MaterialsWand is made of fiberglass
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Best Toy for Kittens

Interactive Cat Toy With 2 Tiers and Sisal Rope Scratcher

Interactive Cat Toy With 2 Tiers and Sisal Rope Scratcher
Best Toy for Kittens

Interactive Cat Toy With 2 Tiers and Sisal Rope Scratcher

Credit: ABOUT CASA
Pros
  • Has plenty of play options
  • Also comes with a place to groom
  • Not made of plastic
  • Looks decorative
Cons
  • As your kitten gets bigger, this play area will be too small

Kittens are still learning to groom, scratch, and play. This interactive tower will give the little ones plenty of options that will also aid in their development. And since you don't know what your new cat will gravitate towards, this is the best way to test the waters and see what stimulates them most.

It comes with a scratching post, several wooden balls in tracks, a springy tower, and dangling balls.

Product Specs

Type of ToyInteractive scratching post
Good ForKittens under 1 year
MaterialsWood and sisal
Best Catnip Toys for Cats

Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Toy

Editor’s Choice
Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Toy
Best Catnip Toys for Cats

Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Toy

Credit: Yeowww!
Pros
  • Engages cats with 100% organically grown catnip
  • Strong material that's durable to cat claws and teeth
Cons
  • You might want to stock up, because these can become very well-loved

Your cat will love hugging and wrestling this stuffed banana that has catnip inside. It has the feel of a beanbag. Watch your feline hug and kick it for hours. They won't be able to put it down. Yeowww! also makes these feline-favorite catnip toys in other popular shapes, including a rainbow catnip toy, catnip stuffed balls, and catnip sardines.

Since kittens don't start reacting to catnip until they're older than 6 months), it's best to give this cat toy to adult cats.

Product Specs

Type of ToyBeanbag toy
Good ForCats over age 6 months
MaterialsDurable cotton twill fabric
Best Soft Cat Toy

5-Piece Catnip Toy Plush

Best Seller
5-Piece Catnip Toy Plush
Best Soft Cat Toy

5-Piece Catnip Toy Plush

Now 44% Off
Credit: Legendog
Pros
  • Durable material
  • Stuffed with catnip
  • Comes in a 5-pack
Cons
  • Some reviewers note the catnip isn't as strong as in other toys

Your cat will either treat these adorable plushes as prey or babies. Filled with soft cotton and catnip, your cat will probably carry these play kitties around, wrestle them, or take care of them.

Don't love the colors here? There are other color combinations available.

RELATED: The 60 Best Gifts for Cat Lovers

Product Specs

Type of ToySoft plush toy
Good ForCats of all ages
MaterialsSoft stuffed cotton
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Best Budget Cat Toy

Petstages Tower of Tracks Interactive 3-Tier Cat Toy

On Sale
Petstages Tower of Tracks Interactive 3-Tier Cat Toy
Best Budget Cat Toy

Petstages Tower of Tracks Interactive 3-Tier Cat Toy

Now 27% Off
Credit: Petstages
Pros
  • Provides hours of play on a budget
  • Features 3 tiers (others on the market have 2)
  • Comes with 6 balls
Cons
  • Balls can slip off the tracks, so you'll have to pop them back in

You'll see your cats paw at this for hours. They'll love watching the balls spin around. They may even find it fun to get the balls off track entirely.

If your household has multiple cats, even better. They'll love interacting with this together and pushing the balls back and forth to each other like ping pong.

Product Specs

Type of ToyTurntable cat toy
Good ForCats of all ages
MaterialsDurable plastic and a non-slip base
Best Laser Cat Toy

Cat Laser Pointer Toy

Best Seller
Cat Laser Pointer Toy
Best Laser Cat Toy

Cat Laser Pointer Toy

Now 10% Off
Pros
  • Doesn't take up space
  • Universally loved by cats of all ages
  • Charge via USB
Cons
  • Some cat behaviorists think laser pointers are not satisfying for cats because they can never truly catch it

Flash and move this USB-chargeable laser pointer to get your cat to chase it. It has three different functions for a variety of interactive play. It'll appear as a red light, but you can also switch it to different shapes to pique your cat's interest.

Type of ToyLaser pointer
Good forCats of all ages
MaterialsStainless steel shell
Best Chirping Bird Cat Toy

OurPets Play-N-Squeak Real Birds Cardinal Cat Toy

Play-N-Squeak Real Birds Cardinal Cat Toy
Best Chirping Bird Cat Toy

OurPets Play-N-Squeak Real Birds Cardinal Cat Toy

Credit: OurPets
Pros
  • Makes a light chirping sound (not too loud)
  • Filled with catnip
Cons
  • You might get annoyed with the chirp if you want silence
  • Does not have replaceable batteries

In the wild, some cats will hunt for real birds. This cardinal toy, which makes a quiet chirping sound, is almost like the real thing.

Cats can paw at it, wrestle it, pounce on it, and carry it around. You can also toss it for it to make the chirping sound. This realistic bird toy, which is also filled with 100% natural catnip, will awaken your cat's natural hunting instinct.

Product Specs

Type of ToyBird toy that makes a sound
Good ForCats of all ages
MaterialsSynthetic polyester fabric
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Best Crinkle Cat Toy

Frisco Paw & Play Crinkle Ball Cat Toy

Paw & Play Crinkle Ball Cat Toy
Best Crinkle Cat Toy

Frisco Paw & Play Crinkle Ball Cat Toy

Credit: Frisco
Pros
  • Comes in a 4-pack
  • Doesn't make too much noise
Cons
  • No toy is indestructible — discontinue use if damaged
  • Supervise your pet when using since small parts can present a choking hazard or internal blockage

This four-pack of crinkle toys might look like Christmas gift wrap scraps, but cats will love the sound they make when they play.

If you've ever caught your cat playing with wrappers or plastic, this is the toy for you!

Product Specs

Type of ToyCrinkle toy
Good ForCats of all ages
MaterialsPlastic
Best Cat Tunnel for Play

Frisco Peek-a-Boo Cat Chute Tri-Tunnel

Peek-a-Boo Cat Chute Tri-Tunnel
Best Cat Tunnel for Play

Frisco Peek-a-Boo Cat Chute Tri-Tunnel

Now 24% Off
Credit: Frisco
Pros
  • Fabric won't rip easily
  • Will get cats to run and exercise
Cons
  • Does take up space
  • You'll have to collapse it if you don't want it displayed in the home

Cats love to play hide and seek. They'll run through these three tunnels, which pop up with ease, while you pretend to chase them. They can also peek out the center hole to see if their captor is near.

If you have a household of multiple cats, this toy will excite even more.

Product Specs

Type of ToyCat tunnel
Good ForCats of all ages
MaterialsSynthetic polyester fabric
Best Mouse Toys for Cats

12-Piece Rattle Mice

12-Piece Rattle Mice
Best Mouse Toys for Cats

12-Piece Rattle Mice

Credit: MeoHui
Pros
  • Pre-filled with catnip
  • Vibrant colors
Cons
  • Tails can rip off with enough effort
  • Does make a rattling noise

This cat toy puts the pretend prey right in the cat's paws. From there, they'll toss, carry, and hide the little mice which rattle with movement. The catnip inside will also entice cats who may lose interest from time to time.

Don't worry about losing them since this pack comes with several. And since you cat will be hiding these little guys all over the house, you'll be relieved by their vibrant colors so you know they're not the real deal.

Product Specs

Type of ToyRattle mice
Good ForCats of all ages
MaterialsFaux fur, plastic, and felt
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What to look for when shopping for cat toys

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Joey Lusvardi, a certified cat behavior consultant who runs Class Act Cats based in Minneapolis, MN, says cat owners should look for the following when shopping for toys for their cat:

✔️ Hunting toys for cats: You want to find a toy that resembles something a cat would hunt: mice, birds, bugs, or other small creatures. Lusvardi also points out that as cats grow, they may develop a preference for cat toys that mimic certain types of prey. "Pay attention to what your cat likes to play with. For example, if your cat seems to really like toys with feathers, they’re probably into hunting birds. Focusing on toys that look like things your cat likes will make them more likely to enjoy the toy."

✔️ Interactive cat toys: Wand toys and toys owners can use to play with their cat are the best kinds of toys. You can move them in a way that looks like prey so your cat’s hunting drive will draw them in.

✔️ Stimulating cat toys: Catnip-filled mice or spring toys can be great. They give your cat something to bat around and can keep them amused.

✔️ Cat puzzle toys: You can also consider puzzle feeders. They require a cat to think to get a food or treat reward so they’re more similar to how a cat would hunt or forage in nature.

        FAQ

        linebreak
        • What do cats like to play with?
          "Cats prefer toys that are soft so they can grip them in their paws and bite them," says Alvey, who recommends cat toys that resemble real prey. "In general, cats like to hunt smaller animals like birds, mice, bugs, and lizards. The most enticing toys will the be ones that resemble these critters."
        • What are the benefits of cat toys?
          Cat toys provide exercise play, which is essential to your cat's well-being. "Cats are predators and have an instinctive need to hunt." Alvey explains. "You can help them fulfill that need with an interactive play session that takes them through the prey sequence — staring, stalking, chasing, pouncing, biting, and killing." Alvey also says playing with your cat has the added benefits of stress relief, boosting confidence, and building a bond with your cat.
        • What should you consider when buying cat toys?
          "When selecting a toy, look for something sturdy and that won't fall apart if your cat bites it," says Alvey. "Make sure that there are no parts that your cat can easily ingest."
        • How do you know what your cat likes to play with?
          "It is also important to know your particular cat," Alvey points out. "For example, if you have a cat that likes to chew on fabric, then it might be a good idea to find wand toys with a wire instead of a string."
        Headshot of Ysolt Usigan
        Ysolt Usigan

        Ysolt Usigan is a lifestyle writer and editor with 15+ years of experience working in digital media. She has created share-worthy content for publishers Shape, What To Expect, Cafe Mom, TODAY, CBS News, HuffPo, The Bump, Health, Ask Men, and Best Gifts. A working mom of two, her editorial expertise in parenting, shopping, and home are rooted in her everyday life. 

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