The Best Engaging Indoor Cat Toys
All cats deserve engaging play time, but indoor pets may not have as many stimulating experiences as their outdoor friends. You can change the story for your homebound pet with the help of interactive cat toys for indoor cats. These items include motion, sounds, lights, catnip, and more for exciting playtime inside the house. Read on to discover some of the best choices from today's cat toy market.
What to Look For
Taking durability, entertainment, and price points into consideration, we gathered and reviewed the best interactive cat toys for indoor cats. We immediately fell in love with the dangling mouse from Kalimdor for its lifelike style and natural attraction features. We also appreciated the SmartyKat Hot Pursuit game for the unending curiosity it provides for pets. You can learn more about each of these products, as well as our other favorites, on the list below.
Kalimdor Hanging Interactive Cat Toy
This cute toy hangs from your doorway with an easy-to-use clamp. The ends are capped with a non-scratch cover to protect your walls. As for length, you can adjust the rope from around 10 inches to around 70 inches, depending on your space and your pet’s playtime preferences. The little mouse is lifelike and filled with sand and stones, so it’ll make a rustling sound every time your furry friend swings at it. It’s made with safe materials to protect your cat as well.
Pros:
- Durable design
- Affordably priced
- Satisfies the hunting need
- Can also be hung from a doorknob
- You can add catnip if your pet enjoys it
Cons:
- Older, sleepier cats may not be interested in this toy
SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Concealed Motion Cat Toy
Secret movements
This innovative device is sure to keep your cats entertained while they spend time inside. It’s basically a fabric circle that lays on the ground, but the items underneath will keep your pet entertained with movements, lights, and rustling sounds. The feathered object that speeds around is never actually visible, keeping your cat wondering what they’re chasing the entire time. This process mimics the natural prey drive and keeps pets moving. Plus, the speed is adjustable to suit cats of various abilities and outgoingness.
Pros:
- Reasonably priced
- Durable design
- Only includes cat-safe pieces
- Made with recycled materials
- Easy to turn on by pressing the center button
Cons:
- Three AA batteries are needed but not included
Migipaws Interactive Cat Toy for Indoor Cats
Zoomie time
This innovative ball moves on its own, so your cat can feel like they’re chasing real prey in the wild every time they start to play. It’s easy to turn on with the press of a button and is then activated by cats’ batting paws. The 2-inch ball moves around in irregular patterns, so even the most experienced hunters will be challenged. For added fun, tie the included feathers or toy mouse to the back to give your pet something new to chase around. What’s more, the rechargeable design makes it easier to let your cat play with this toy every single day.
Pros:
- LED lights make for fun nighttime play
- Moves well on hard flooring and carpet
- Made with durable, cat-safe materials
- USB charging cord included
- Attach included toys or use your own
Cons:
- Doesn’t include a place to put catnip
Migipaws Whack-a-Mole for Indoor Cats
Swing and miss
This interactive toy for indoor cats is similar to the well-loved arcade game, Whack-a-Mole. It briefly sends colorful feathers out of each of its seven openings for cats to bat at. It has a sensor that lets it know when cats are nearby, so you don’t have to worry about turning it on whenever your pet wants to play. The auto-shutoff feature works after 5 minutes to save battery power. The feathers are pretty difficult to catch, but extras are included for the most agile kitties. And the rechargeable design is convenient and cost-friendly for pet parents.
Pros:
- Battery lasts up to 7 days per charge
- Rounded corners for cat safety
- Ideal for times when cats are home alone
- Lightweight but durable
- Low noise levels while running
Cons:
- Higher price pointÂ
Upsky Rolling Cat Toy
Simply fun
This interactive cat toy for indoor cats doesn’t require power, so you can let your pet have fun without worrying about your next charging session or whether or not you have the right type of replacement batteries in stock. The tower has three levels, all with balls for batting around. Some are silent, while others have bells inside of them. Three extra balls are included for your pet to play with around the house. The entire toy is a good fit for energetic kittens, older cats who want to lay down while they play, and every feline in between.
Pros:
- Low price point
- Durable design
- Safe for unsupervised play
- Many colors to choose from
- Easy to stack together for assembly
Cons:
- Balls may get lost over time, but they can be replaced with any similarly-sized cat balls
Frequently Asked Questions
Are interactive cat toys safe for unsupervised use?
Some products state they are safe for unsupervised playtime, while others do not mention it at all. However, this call is mainly up to you as a pet parent. Consider your cat’s personality. Do they typically pull apart toys? Do they chew on small objects? If not, their interactive item may be safe for the times you’re away.
What features are the most engaging for cats?
This will again vary for each cat, but the most engaging features typically include catnip, movement, sounds, and the element of surprise. Try to choose a toy that includes more than one sense for the most interaction. This could mean a moving toy with catnip inside, a moving toy that makes sounds, etc.
About the Author
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.