The Best Interactive Cat Toys
Nothing entertains and stimulates a kitty's brain like an interactive cat toy. These lively amusements can help your cat get well-needed and focused exercise and even do wonders for their overall problem-solving ability and general awareness. But not every toy is the cat's meow, which is why we've made this list of the ones we believe are best. Read on and get ready to make feline playtime a lot more fun.
What to Look For
As we searched for the best interactive cat toys, we asked ourselves the following questions: Will it give your cat a good workout? Will it stimulate them and help keep their brain active? Lastly, is it user-friendly? For example, our favorite interactive toy was the MeoHui cat wand due to its reusability and ease of storage. But we also couldn’t snub Danigh-buy, which managed to put a new twist on the reliable laser pointer chase game. Keep reading to see which interactive cat toy should make its way into your cat playpen.
MeoHui Wand Interactive Cat Toy
You don’t have to be a sorcerer to get a lot of mileage from this great classic cat wand. It comes with two extra pieces of string and a clasp to help you change feathers when needed. Plus, its retractable nature makes it easy to put away when playtime is over. This interactive cat toy is fun for cats and convenient for people, which makes it a winner in our book.
Pros
- Since the feathers are changeable, you won’t have to run and buy a new interactive cat toy every time your kitty starts to play rough.
- It extends up to slightly over three feet, letting you play with your cat while sitting or from a distance.
Cons
- Some cats may get overexcited and tear up these feathers pretty quickly.
JIARON Feather Cat Toy
Fun with feathers
We think you’ll get a lot of fun with this budget-friendly cat toy. This lightweight wand can be whipped and batted around for a long time without causing any strain. And in addition to its low price, it also features replaceable feathers and bells. This is a good option for people who don’t want a simpler interactive cat toy.
Pros
- The bell registers as birdsong to your cat, which makes them extra excited to run and chase it.
- These feathers stick surprisingly well to the wand and take a lot of roughhousing to mess up or detach.
Cons
- We found that the body of the pole can feel kind of flimsy.
Danigh-buy Cat Pointer Toy
This little laser makes for a charming and surprisingly versatile interactive cat toy. The laser forms multiple shapes on the floor or wall, such as faces or stars. It also functions as both a UV light and a proper flashlight in a pinch. As an interactive cat toy and a handy household tool, this small device is quite versatile.
Pros
- The laser is bright and can shine even in heavily lit rooms.
- Simply hitting the power button keeps the laser on indefinitely, as opposed to other laser pointers where you must hold the button down.
Cons
- The novelty laser patterns don’t show up as well as the standard laser.
UPSKY Cat Ball Toy
Rolling with it
This adorable toy houses several layers of plastic balls that jingle when batted or pawed, letting them chase their “prey” in a safe, contained environment. It also helps kittens learn spacial reasoning instincts that will help guide them their whole lives. A developing kitty brain can’t do much better for fun or learning than this interactive toy.
Pros
- Your cat may not care, but we love that it comes in a multitude of fun colors
- The balls are detachable for those who want to let their cats roam as they play
Cons
- The clacking and jingling sounds this interactive cat toy makes may get irritating after a while.
Miaoxsen Cat Toy
Claws out
Having fun and keeping claws groomed can be achieved simultaneously with the help of this interactive cat toy. This ring-shaped scratching pad lets you roll balls or other toys through its body. Your cats can then give chase by poking their paws through its various holes. This toy is also made of recyclable corrugated paper, so it’s environmentally friendly. What’s not to love?
Pros
- Kittens can have a ton of fun with this interactive cat toy and get a lot of mental stimulation from it.
- The scratching pad gives your cats a worry-free way to “damage” one of their favorite toys without needing to replace it.
Cons
- The feel of this interactive cat toy is slightly flimsy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes for a good interactive cat toy?
The best type of interactive cat toy will always be able to give your kitty some good exercise while stimulating their mental faculties as well. A find-the-ball toy is a great example of this, as it excites them enough to work up a sweat while also causing them to use spatial reasoning.
What if my cat doesn’t like loud noises?
Not every interactive cat toy will come with bells or other noisemakers, and most of the ones that do allow you to remove those elements. Even something as simple as a wand with a feather at the end will make for a good (and quiet) interactive cat toy.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.