The Best Cat Toys For Indoor Cats

What to Look For

Since the best cat toys should both interest your cat and promote activity, we considered products that have qualities cats typically love and provide boundless hours of play. If you want a tried-and-true chase toy that adjusts to different distances and offers bright-colored toy options, check out the MeoHui teaser wand set. Or, if you need a distraction to stop your cat from scratching the furniture, the Bergan scratcher might come in handy. It features a replaceable corrugated cardboard surface. Read on for more of our favorite ways to entertain cats of all kinds.

MeoHui Retractable Teaser Wand Indoor Cat Toys

Endless fun with your feline

With a variety of alluring attachments and an adjustable-length pole, this chase toy is a great go-to for playtime with your cat.

Best Overall

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If you’re looking for a favorite indoor cat toy for owners and pets alike, try MeoHui’s teaser wand set. Lightweight and durable, the wands also have a soft grip surface that’s comfortable to maneuver as you keep your cat running back for more. Since the telescopic wands extend and retract, they’ll adapt to your space and change the distance your cat travels. With multiple soft toys and clasps to switch them with ease, you’ll have options to get your cat’s attention. And the lures hang by clear string, so they appear to move on their own, which will kick your cat’s reflexes into high gear.

Pros:

• This set offers lots of options for a low price.
• The extendable wands will keep your cat’s reflexes working as they pounce, sprint, and swat at different heights and distances.
• This toy is a hit with kittens, adult cats, and cats of various sizes and exercise habits.

Cons:

• The clasps are made of metal, so keeping a close eye on your cat during play can help them chase safely.

Doloedy USB-charging Laser Pointer Indoor Cat Toy

Laser-tag fun

Not only does this USB-charging laser pointer have many settings to hold your cat's attention, but its handy switch doesn't require you hold a button to keep the light on.

Runner Up

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Another pick for reliable quality playtime with your cat is this laser pointer by Doloedy. We appreciate that the on switch locks into place. Since you don’t have to press or hold down a button, you won’t get sore fingers. Also, the USB-charging function means no hunting down special batteries. Just plug it in at home or on the go. Plus, it’s pocket-sized for maximum portability.

Pros:

• A built-in clip holds it securely in your pocket.
• We like that it can also be used as a flashlight.
• With sturdy metal casing, it holds up well to frequent use.

Cons:

• The light shapes are sharper at close distances, although the range works well for most indoor spaces and even outdoors.

Bentopal Automatic Interactive Feather Toys for Indoor Cats

Play while you’re away

This robotic chase toy turns on and off automatically to engage and exercise your cat at healthy intervals throughout the day.

Best Smart Toy

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If you need a smart toy to tend to your cat while you’re out, Bentopal’s robotic teaser toy might be for you. It automatically turns on to play with your cat for ten minutes, then goes off for an hour and a half. This gives cats adequate rest before another round, so they’re not overstimulated. The toy moves easily across various floor surfaces and responds well to your cat’s movements. With three feather attachments, a USB charging cable, and a long battery life, this toy provides hours of entertainment.

Pros:

• Solid construction allows the toy to withstand heavy use from a rambunctious playmate or even a fall down the stairs.
• The thick rubber wheels help it move over carpet, wooden floors, and small barriers in its path.
• Within three hours, it should be charged up for another full day.

Cons:

• You may prefer to turn it on when going out to avoid the regular beep it makes in standby mode.

Bergan 70128 Turbo Scratcher Indoor Cat Toy

Safe, sustainable play

This scratcher toy includes a durable base and a replaceable, fully recyclable catnip-infused cardboard center, as well as a grooved track and ball to keep your cat busy.

Most sustainable

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If your cat’s sprints are wearing the carpet thin or their scratching is taking a toll on your furniture, check out Bergan’s Turbo scratcher. The cardboard center is a great outlet for claws, and cats love it. And it comes with catnip for cats who enjoy it or need extra coaxing. Also, you can replace and recycle the cardboard as needed. However, the plastic frame is reusable and doubles as a grooved track for your cat to bat the ball around.

Pros:

• We found it to be lightweight and easy to clean or store.
• The grips underneath help keep it in place.

Cons:

• The grips may detach with use but can be reattached or adhered with adhesive.
• Cats don’t often get the ball out, but it’s not uncommon for some cats.

Luckitty Collapsible Tunnel Bed Indoor Cat Toy

Hide and sleep

This playground-meets-bed gives cats a space to crawl, hide, play, and curl up for a snooze, and it's simple to clean and collapsible for easy storage.

Most Versatile

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This collapsible bed aids lounging as well as playing, ranking it highly as a multi-function toy. The tunnel can be shaped in a circle, in a curve, or in an “S” shape using the zippers. Keep track of your cat in an open tunnel, or let them hide or run around the circle. The soft material enhances cat naps, while it also crinkles to peak interest during play. Better yet, the fabric is fully washable.

Pros:

• Spray or spot clean the fabric as needed, or tie it up and put it in the washing machine.
• With strong zipper seams and durable fabric, this toy is long-lasting.
• You can also zip two tunnel beds together for a larger play area.

Cons:

• The product contains metal wires, so it may be worth monitoring to make sure the structure remains intact over time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are most toys appropriate for any size cat?

Although there are many cat toys for any size or age, some are more highly recommended for kittens, small to medium breeds, or cats of a certain level of activity. For instance, if your kitten is always in high gear, you may be interested in automated toys. If your cat is larger than most, you may need an extra durable toy that they won’t beat up as quickly. Or, if they’re relatively inactive, you may need to try to find a toy that fits their interests and personalities. Cats have their own tastes, but fortunately, there are many indoor and outdoor cat toys to help you get your cat moving and interested.

Are chase toys the type of toy to start with for my cat?

Chase toys, sometimes referred to as teaser toys, are hugely popular with cats. There are many varieties, including wands, lures, automatic toys, balls, light-up toys, and more. Cats are natural predators, so giving them an outlet to chase, pounce, and capture will keep them active and happy. Getting to know your own cat’s habits and interests can also help you find the right toy for them.

About the Author

Growing up, Bethany always had animals around, and cats have long been her favorite pets. A writer/editor and indie filmmaker, she enjoys discovering creative and unique products and is dedicated to helping you find the right ones for your felines.

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