How To Choose The Best Cat Toy For Your Cat – CatTime
When it comes to choosing the best cat toys your pet will enjoy, there are plenty of options. However, with so much to choose from, you are going to stumble upon some duds. Of course, our pets cannot let us in on what they like and do not like - at least not verbally. While their behavior can answer some questions, the buying decision is often left up to consumer reviews. From plastic balls filled with noisy bells to feather-ridden fabric mice, there are many factors to determine before committing. While the majority of cat toys are inexpensive, a dollar is a dollar, and no one wants a bunch of useless stuff lying around. In turn, from price to quality and personal preference - we have put together a list of the top 5 cat toys available today.
Best Choice
Best for Multi-Cat Households
Pros:
From the moment you introduce your cat(s) to the Petstages Tower of Tracks, you will likely find them having a ball – no pun intended. With its three-tier/ball design, it can easily be enjoyed by multiple cats. Its durability and circular design guarantee a long-lasting product that fits discreetly in tight spaces. Furthermore, it is quite easy to store should you need more space. This sleek cat toy is easy to clean and won’t require frequent replacements by any means like many other cat toys.
Cons:
Truthfully, there’s not much we did not like about this product. The only real issue is the potential noise level – especially when several felines use it at once. Because cats are nocturnal, you may want to store the toy at night for that much-needed quiet time…
Best Budget-Friendly Pick
Best Cat Toy on a Budget
Pros:
For the price, the variety of toys you get with Youngever’s cat tunnel is quite impressive. No matter the cat, you can be confident in this purchase as it provides so many options. You cannot beat the versatility here, nor will you find an easier way to bond with your kitty. Again, whether you are buying for one or more cats, this bundle works great either way–and remains fairly quiet. Perhaps the best part about Youngever’s toy bounty is the fact that it ultimately provides your cat(s) with hours of exercise and improved health!
Cons:
Unfortunately, depending on how rough your cats get, some of these toys might not last as long as others. With many of these toys featuring feathers and other delicate materials, you can expect eventual deterioration. Additionally, if you live in a smaller space, it may simply be too much.
Best for Senior Cats
Best for Nighttime Play
Pros:
The Petstages Purr Pillow is the quintessential cat toy both for calming nerves and keeping cats company. This cat toy is especially useful at night when cats are most active, as it is the perfect snuggle buddy and calming mechanism. Much like a baby with their blanket, this adorable cat toy will quickly become a favorite of cats everywhere. Last but not least, the Purr Pillow is machine washable for soft and clean results.
Cons:
For those looking for a literal pillow, the Purr Pillow does not provide any real padding or filling, so it does not quite fit that bill. Additionally, some people find the purring mechanism to be loud and disturbing at times – all do not share this feeling.
Best Cat Toys Set
Wand kit that makes your cat active
Pros:
The pack includes two different toys, both with unique accessories to keep your cat active. These toys are available in two different color varieties, including blue and brown – the specific variety of toys included differs between the two color options. This is a great pack for both kittens and adult cats. The toys offer the cat a fun activity, while also providing them with exercise at the same time.
Cons:
This might not the most ideal toy for cats that seem to be less active and reluctant to playing with features and moving objects. The fact that the toy uses features also means a cat might be able to easily pull the object apart, which may call for a new toy soon.
Best for Interactive Play
Cat Toy for Playful Owners
Pros:
This is by far one of the most durable cat wands of all time. With the perfect level of both durability and flexibility, this wand provides endless entertainment. Not only is it equipped with feathers, but also comes with a bonus snake attachment for when you want to switch things up. Not only is it great for rougher playing cats, its friction-based pole connector this thing rarely comes apart. Furthermore, the handle itself is soft and comfortable to the touch, so you can play for a while without experiencing discomfort. This is the first cat toy company to make such a long-lasting and comfortable wand!
Cons:
The feather attachment is delicate, and you can expect it to deteriorate over time eventually. However, the snake is much more durable. Also, this is not a toy to buy if you want your cat(s) to play independently.
What Really Matters
A Toy that Won’t Fall Apart
It is no secret how rambunctious cats are by nature. There’s not one much can do to change that, and why would you want to? When we have fur babies in the home, we ultimately want to provide them with the best. This should be no different when it comes to choosing a toy. With so many low-quality cat toys out there today, you want to be sure not to make the mistake of purchasing one. Think of the more innovative and structured toys like affixed lasers and ball-led toys. Toys featuring feathers and the like are more likely to fall apart quicker.
The Texture and Smell
Cats are picky animals. Therefore, when you go to buy your pet a new toy, you should pay attention to how it feels and smells. Many cat toys are quite textured to stimulate their senses. Many also contain catnip or “kitty crack” that cats are drawn to like flies to a lightbulb. Ideally, by paying attention to your cat’s behavior and how they play, you should be able to identify which textures and scents entice them most. From crinkle toys to those without any real texture or smell, there are plenty of worthy options out there.
Useability
Cats are fast-moving and constantly on the go–unless you have more of a “Garfield “ on your hands. All jokes aside, cats do not want to sit and idly bat at a stationary toy. Instead, they want to be able to pick the toy up either with their mouths or paws and get moving. Like with the jingle style bells or remote-controlled mice, many cat toys are designed as such. In short, when purchasing a cat toy for your fur baby, consider its accessibility and maneuverability. The more your cat can run, the happier he or she will be with your purchase.
What’s in Right Now?
When dealing with practically any product, you are going to run into new trends and the like. This does not change when dealing with cat toys. For the most part, we want the best for our pets. As such, product manufacturers are constantly making strides and innovations to discover the next best thing. Today in the year 2020, we see many different trends in the cat toy world. When taking a peek into which types of toys are gaining traction, we immediately noticed the increase of sturdy, intelligently designed independent cat toys. Much like with the three-tier track toy mentioned above, pet owners are currently big on finding ways to keep their cats happy while they are away.
Besides these independent and battery-driven cat toys, we also see an increase in innovation and popularity regarding more leisurely activities. Being that cats love a good window, there has been significant adaptations of the popular window seat for cats. With plenty of options that easily attach all over your home, you can now ensure that your cat has plenty to do and see when you are away.
Prices
Expensive
$75 – $100 for a top of the line, robotic or otherwise automatic type of cat toy with a plethora of programs and functions
Mid-Range
$30 – $50 for something automatic or battery operated with a few options and uses
Cheap
$5 – $15 for the more common, well-known cat toys with little to no features or extras
FAQ’s
Will cat toys help keep my cat healthy?
In short, the answer is absolutely. Animals are not much different than humans in the sense that we all need our exercise to stay healthy and in shape. So naturally, by providing your cats with a good selection of quality cat toys, you are ultimately giving them an outlet. Whether you choose a top of the line automatic type toy or a simple bag of jingle bell balls, your cat will eventually be able to burn energy and get their exercise.
Will good cat toys help my cat run out their energy so I can sleep at night?
As we mentioned earlier, cats are nocturnal. Therefore, it is not uncommon to find your kitties quite busy as night. Anyone who is experienced with cat ownership can attest to the fact that they will occasionally keep you up at night. By properly stimulating your cat through activities you can help run out their energy and get them a bit calmer by the time evening rolls around.
How can a toy help build a relationship between my cat and me?
Cats are well-known to be the type whose affection must be earned. When you first get a cat, they can sometimes be shy and are known to hide at times. As they slowly begin to venture out, it can be highly beneficial to engage them in play. Slowly but surely, this will help build a loving relationship.
Why Trust Us
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.