The best interactive cat toys can provide mental stimulation and entertainment for your feline friend. The best toys for cats can be as simple as a cloth mouse that's full of catnip or a jingle ball in a Christmas stocking. But there are automatic gizmos that mean your hand doesn't need to be at the end of a string and will entertain your cat for hours when they're home alone.
It's especially important to provide lots of activities to stimulate an indoor cat. Just as you would give a cat a scratching post so they can enjoy stretching and maintaining their claws, toys encourage physical activity, helping your cat stay active and maintain a healthy weight. Pique your cat's curiosity with electronic toys that have motion sensors and spring into life when puss wants to play. LEDs and lasers project moving lights to encourage your cat to stalk and pounce – just watch out for that valuable vase on the mantlepiece. Let's just say, some interactive cat toys are best used under supervision.
Best interactive cat toys at a glance:
Some interactive toys will dispense treats and are bound to become your pet's favourite new plaything. By stimulating your cat's natural hunting instinct, they have an outlet for any excess energy, stress and anxiety. Paired with a cat activity tower, your pet will be able to climb, play-hunt and perch as if they were in the wild. It's fun for you too and so rewarding to have play time where you and your loved ones can bond with a mischievous moggy. Perhaps, an interactive cat toy is something to put on the list as the next paw-sent for a birthday or Christmas.
Whilst the benefits of a toy that plays with your pet are abundant, it's important to bear in mind the drawbacks. Firstly, chilled cats may hate a toy that is overstimulating and they may become agitated. So, before you buy, have a think about whether a sensitive cat may be happier peeping out of a cardboard box rather than tackling a mini robot toy. For more features and benefits of interactive cat toys scroll to the FAQs below.
Best interactive cat toys
Best overall interactive cat toy
IOKHEIRAThe ball that does it all – the IOKHEIRA Interactive Cat Toy ensures every playtime is pawsome. Just watch the video of cats playing with this via the product link, it's a ball with a mind of its own. Entertain a multiple-cat household for hours on end with this robust floor toy that can be used on wood, tile or thin and thick carpet. Random movement keeps your kitty guessing and the blue LED light flashes when it's active. It has a Fast Mode for agile and active cats or a Slow Mode for timid kitties. Also, the Interactive Mode means the toy is only activated when touched. Simply press and hold the power button to turn it on.
Customers comment that the toy charges quickly and it keeps their cats entertained for ages. One points out that the rest mode after five minutes of inactivity helps to conserve the battery. It's a surprise to the cat when it springs back into life when it's touched again.
Some customers are not a fan of the flashing lights on the toy and comment that this may be overwhelming for sensitive cats. Also, there are some reviews that comment the toy is noisy.
All-in-all if you have a larger-than-life energetic cat, this toy is engaging in a number of ways, providing stimulation and channelling hunting instincts.
Pros
- High-energy toy that's ideal for indoor cats to channel hunting instincts
- Durable and robust even for destructive cats!
- The rope accessory gives it a tail to chase
Cons
- Fast Mode can be intimidating for sensitive cats
| Dimensions: | Dia5.8cm; Rope L40cm |
| Material: | Silicone |
| Power: | USB charging |
- Chirping bird sound
- Comes with two long rope tails
- 5-minute auto standby mode
Best 3-in-1 interactive cat toy
TyasoleilFor tail-spinning joy, this Tyasoleil Interactive Cat Toys 3-in-1 is a hoot. In Escape Mode the feather wand rotates 360° at three adjustable speeds, so you can tailor the toy for kittens, lively cats and ageing cats. This 3-in-1 toy is a motorised wand that can be used as a floor toy, or for Hide Mode pair it with a mat that will intrigue a curious kitty. Also, the wand can be positioned on top of a scratching post, that will stretch your cat's muscles, making them reach up to bat the feather wand. After five minutes of inactivity, it will go into standby mode and restart when your cat touches it. After 30 minutes of inactivity, it will automatically shutdown.
Customers say that they purchased this toy specifically for their indoor cats, to help alleviate boredom and clinginess. Even less active cats have found this toy stimulating and fun.
Some customers comment that they wish it had more than one cloth because it can get dirty and also a thicker material might dampen the noise of the motor.
We love that this toy can be played with in a number of ways and even less athletic cats enjoy it.
Pros
- Long battery life so play time doesn't get cut short
- Engages less energetic cats in gentle play
- Multiple ways to play keeps cats interested in the toy
Cons
- Can get tipped over by over-enthusiastic kitties
| Dimensions: | 15 x 12 x 11.5cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Power: | 800MAH battery and USB rechargeable |
- Made from premium ABS material
- Three adjustable modes
- Auto-off
Best interactive toy for energetic cats
DreamonIf you're wondering what's going beep in the night, it could well be this Dreamon 3-in-1 Interactive Cat Toy. This clever cat-bot contains a chase light, catch feather and a ball track. There are three-speed modes, including a comfortable speed for sensitive cats. Choose to run multiple functions or individually. The cute kitty head lights up, rotates and projects a safe light pointer for your cat to chase. The stable base stand is easy to install which means you can perch this plaything on the sofa as well as the floor.
This popular toy has over 2,350 reviews on Amazon, rating it 4.1 out of 5. Customer reviews praise the fact it switches itself off after 20 minutes of play, so it doesn't exhaust or frustrate cats. Some praise that it's charged by USB, so it saves on buying batteries.
Critical reviews comment that the toy is a bit flimsy and others found it a bit noisy.
The majority were pleased with their purchase, and we recommend this toy for its multiple games, good battery life and auto shutdown feature.
Pros
- Multiple activities to engage and stimulate indoor cats
- Activate more than one activity at once for energetic play that's a mental and physical workout
- Robust and stable, even for cats who play rough
Cons
- Avoid positioning this toy next to expensive ornaments as play can be enthusiastic
| Dimensions: | 14.2 x 10.7 x 10.3cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Power: | USB charging |
- Auto shut-off after 30 minutes of inactivity
- Comes with five replacement accessories
- 3–4 hours charging provides 5 hours play
Best non electric interactive floor toy
catitTails and whiskers will perk up at the sight of the CatIt Senses Play Circuit. Of course, we want every playtime to knock it out of the park for your loveable fur ball, but there's only so many times we can buy new balls. Ensure stray balls are not lost under the sofa ever again! With 100+ layouts and light-up balls, this floor rollercoaster for your cat will provide hours of independent play. The peek-a-boo cover will tease your cat as it tries to swat the balls along the track. In multiple cat households, watch your kitties form a tag team, and rejig the layout to make playtime fresh and exciting.
This best-selling game has over 18,750 reviews on Amazon, rating it 4.5 out of 5. Customers love that it's made of high-quality plastic and all the edges are curved, so it's durable and has no sharp bits that could hurt a cat. Also, they love that the track can be laid out in different configurations so it's endlessly interesting for a kitty.
Some customers comment that their clever cats found a way to detach the blue lid and free the ball. So, these owners have had to resort to cable ties and tape to keep the lid in place. We love this toy because it doesn't require any power source and it can be laid out in several ways to keep your cat's interest.
Pros
- Has 100+ layouts to keep your cat interested in the toy
- Mental exercise for your cat
- Cover keeps balls from going astray; ideal for indoor play
Cons
- Tunnel cover can be unclipped by clever paws
| Dimensions: | 24.38 x 24.38 x 7.87cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Power: | N/A |
- Made of BPA-free materials
Best laser toy for high energy cats
PetSafeA dynamo of fun, the PetSafe FroliCat Zip Automated Laser Light is totally cat-tivating. The Zip moves around on the floor, whirling and spinning to keep your cat guessing and moving. This little bot automatically finds its way out of corners and from underneath furniture. Keep one or more cats entertained for hours; they'll love to chase the Zip – and you'll have great fun watching them stalk it.
Customers have mixed opinions about this toy. Some say the motor is too noisy and offputting for their cat. Many reviews have pointed out the toy comes covered in caution stickers which are a pain to remove.
Reviews praise how well the toy moves over the carpet. For some, it's been a hit with their cat, who enjoys chasing the laser. Also, it automatically shuts off after 10 minutes, so your cat gets a breather.
Pros
- Suitable for all cats
- Automatic floor toy that leaves you free to get on with your own activities
- Perfect for a multiple-cat household so they can "hunt" together
Cons
- It's recommended to supervise your cat when it plays with this toy
| Dimensions: | 7 x 16 x 16cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Power: | 3 AA batteries |
- Shuts-off after 10 minutes when not in play
- 2 year warranty
Best non-electronic 3-in-1 interactive cat toy
PetstagesFor claw-some amusement go for the Petstages Cheese Chase 3-in-1 Cat Toy. This colourful playset contains three toys for three times the fun. Your cat will love to chase the ball around the track. And playtime will be a frenzy of fun with the plush catnip-filled mouse on a spring. Paws at the ready for the Swiss cheese centre, containing another ball that's tricky to retrieve.
Petstages is a hugely popular global brand for cat toys, and has over 59,420 reviews on Amazon rating their products 4.5 out of 5.
Customers say the Cheese Chase is engaging and keeps their cats amused for ages. Because there's more than one activity, cats will play with this in different ways. They get a workout and a stimulating challenge. The toy is good value for money, so it really doesn't matter if one or two ping pong balls get destroyed over time.
Pros
- Robust and can withstand energetic play
- Popular with customers saying how much their cats enjoy this toy
- Multiple toys in one to provide stimulation
Cons
- The balls can be prised out by determined cats
| Dimensions: | 27.94 x 30.48 x 30.48cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Power: | N/A |
- Check regularly for signs of wear and remove damaged toys immediately
Best automatic laser toy
PetSafeFur-nomenal fun! Cure boredom or distract your cat from destructive behaviour with the PetSafe Bolt Laser Light Cat Toy. Choose from custom or random laser options. With a press of a button, the toy automatically plays for one hour. Engage your cat's instincts in automatic mode as the laser creates random patterns for your cat to chase across the walls, floor and furniture. Alternatively, in manual mode, you can create laser patterns and play more hands-on with your cat.
Customers say the laser moves fast and really does tire their cats out. Some wish it had a slow mode for less agile kitties. The battery life is good and the toy has a 15-minute auto shut-off.
The biggest criticism is that the toy is noisy, which is offputting for some cats and distracting for parents.
On the whole, this laser toy suits very active cats. After play we recommend giving cats a tangible reward, such as a treat, to give them a sense of achievement. Just like capturing prey in the wild.
Pros
- Hands-free play so you're free to get on with your day
- Engages your cat's instincts with random patterns
- Highly energetic play that some indoor cats will find beneficial
Cons
- It's noisy and this can irritate owners and deter cats
| Dimensions: | W7.3 x H22.25 x D7.3cm |
| Material: | Plastic |
| Power: | 4 AA batteries |
- Lasts up to one month on 4 AA batteries
- Automatic timer saver batteries
Best value interactive cat toy
Pets at Homewww.petsathome.com
Get tons of whisker-tainment on a budget with the Pets at Home Spot 5-in-1 Laser Chaser. This handheld toy has five laser images for your cat to chase. As cats love to play in many different ways, this is a handy little toy to have in your pocket, providing fun and exercise for cats of all ages.
Reviews across the web say that it's great the laser has a variety of patterns, which makes it fun for both owner and cat. It's an effective way of getting cats active, while you relax on the sofa.
As with any laser toy for cats, we recommend giving your cat a treat after playing as a form of tangible reward for their efforts.
Pros
- For cats of all ages
- Five laser modes provide stimulation through variety
- Simple and effective toy to have in your pocket
Cons
- Short battery life
| Dimensions: | 7.5 x 1.5 x 1.5cm |
| Material: | Metal, plastic |
| Power: | 3 LR44 batteries |
- Not suitable for children
- Never stare into the laser beam
Best novelty interactive cat toy
DIWUJIThis Floppy Fish Cat Toy leaps out amongst other toys with its realistic look. It's a dancing fish toy that's available as a Grass Carp, Clownfish or Yellow Fish. It contains catnip, which can be removed if you prefer. The short plush material is soft for your cat to get their claws into. Place it on carpet to make the sound of the motor less noisy. With an active cat or a multiple-cat household, you're bound to have a battered fish on your hands at the end of the day. Simply unzip to access the motor and charge via a USB-C port. The exterior can be hand-washed under a tap, just be sure to remove the motor from the fish's belly.
This popular and novel toy has over 2,390 reviews on Amazon, rating it 4.2 out of 5. Customers say this toy can be recharged fast and the charge lasts a good length of time. Cats adore battering this fish toy, especially when it's full of fresh catnip. There are mixed opinions about how noisy the toy is. Some reviews comment that it is a little too big for their kittens to play with.
This is a top-notch toy for cats to wrestle, bunny kick or cuddle. Plus, it's under £10. It just might look a little too realistic for some.
Pros
- Eccentric and original toy that's bound to be a talking point
- For high-energy, playful cats
- Easy to charge and lasts a good amount of time before needing a recharge
- Washable for maintaining hygiene and its longevity
Cons
- Not suitable for sensitive cats and might be a bit too big for kittens
| Dimensions: | 27.5 x 20.5 x 4.8cm |
| Material: | Plush fabric, plastic |
| Power: | USB-C charging |
- Hand washable (remove the motor)
FAQs: Best interactive cat toys
What types of interactive cat toys are there?
Interactive and stimulating toys for cats are so much more than just bells and whistles. Every cat is unique, so you may need to try a few different types of interactive toys to discover your cat's favourites. It's also essential to rotate your cat's toys regularly to keep them engaged and prevent boredom. So, if your Garfield needs to work off his lasagne, here's some popular picks:
Electronic toys move, make sounds, or have LED lights to capture your cat's attention. They may contain more than one play function, providing variety and multi-sensory stimulation. For example, interactive laser toys combine lasers with other interactive elements like spinning or moving parts.
Wand toys typically have feathers, bells, or other enticing attachments that dangle from a wand. You can move the wand to mimic prey, and your cat will chase and pounce on it. Cats enjoy batting and catching the feathers.
Laser pointers project a small dot of light that cats love to chase. Just be sure never to shine it directly into their eyes.
Treat dispensers are toys that dispense treats or kibble as your cat plays with them. They're a great option for encouraging physical activity in lazy cats.
Puzzle feeders or slow feeders are cat bowls that require your cat to figure out how to access hidden treats or kibble.
Cat tunnels provide a space for your cat to hide, play, and pounce. They're collapsible and can be used in conjunction with other toys for hours of fun.
Additionally, many cats are attracted to catnip, and toys filled with catnip can provide hours of entertainment.
Remember to supervise your cat while playing with some of these toys, especially those with small parts or lasers.
What are the benefits of interactive cat toys?
Interactive cat toys offer numerous benefits for your feline companion. It's like brain training for pets. These toys engage your cat's mind, preventing boredom and promoting mental agility, while providing physical exercise and stimulating their natural hunting instincts.
Interactive toys can also alleviate stress and anxiety by providing an outlet for excess energy. And – good news for you – all-singing and all-dancing don't have to break the bank. There are some super-budget options.
How do I play with my cat?
Playing with your cat is essential for their physical and mental well-being. Select toys your cat enjoys, such as feather wands or laser pointers. Remember to ensure the toy is suitable for your cat's age, size, and preferences.
Start playtime in a quiet, familiar space to reduce stress. Allow your cat to approach new toys and investigate them at their own pace. Wiggle or activate the toy to attract your cat's attention. Engage their instincts and mimic prey by moving toys unpredictably. Move toys just out of reach to stimulate hunting behaviours – your cat will be leaping up on their hind legs! Reward with treats or affection when your cat engages with a toy, creating a positive association.
Finally, it's good to establish a routine to keep your cat entertained and prevent boredom. It's also a wonderful bonding time for you and your feline friend. The Blue Cross offers further advice on the importance of playing with your cat and how it's an opportunity to see their purr-sonality shine through.
Natalie Knowles is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Take A Break Pets, specialising in all things cats and dogs. In her other life Natalie is a successful artist and illustrator.