Cat toys for indoor cats to promote healthy habits

Playthings for cats who rule the house.

Cat toys for indoor cats

by Natalie Knowles |
Updated on

Cat toys for indoor cats provide mental and physical stimulation. The best cat toys are fun for both your boisterous feline and you. It's endlessly entertaining to watch your little fur ball bat their favourite toy around and the exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight and good body condition that indoor cats can miss out on. They can also help to foster a strong bond between you and your pet; it can be as simple as trailing a piece of string for your cat to track and pounce on.

If you're looking for playthings that your cat can really get their claws into, consider interactive cat toys. These are essentially toys that play with your pet, helping to prevent boredom and providing exercise when puss is home alone. So, if you currently have an indoor cat that's climbing the walls in frustration, by providing a range of stimulating toys you can turn mischief into harmless amusement.

Best cat toys for indoor cats at a glance

Best motion-activated toy for indoor cats: Valonii 2-in-1 Rechargeable Motion Activated Interactive Cat Toy – View on Amazon UK
Best feather wand toy for indoor cats: Hianjoo Cat Feather Teaser Set – View on Amazon UK
Best catnip toy for indoor cats: Petstages Squeak Squeak Mouse Plush Catnip Cat Toy – View on Amazon UK

It's important to have a range of cat toys in your feline entertainment arsenal. In particular, indoor cats will benefit from a cat tower, cat tree or cat activity centre. These vertical structures provide a place for your pussycat to perch. Sitting in a high place is innate cat behaviour. Felines like to have a vantage point from which to survey their territory and that's why it's so usual to see cats looking out of windows.

Cat behaviour is fascinating and how they play showcases their natural hunting instincts. Pouncing on sweetie wrappers, stalking a stray shoelace and perching on top of a kitchen cupboard like an overlord are all instances of cats rehearsing their wild impulses. Simply, these toys can help keep your feline feeling like a cat. And when they're not channelling their hunting instinct, cat toys reduce stress and provide good dental health – more on that in the FAQs section below.

Best cat toys for indoor cats

Best motion-activated toy for indoor cats

Valonii 2-in-1 Rechargeable Motion Activated Interactive Cat ToysAmazon/Valonii
Price: $19.99

If the furniture has become an obstacle course and the curtains are shredded, it may be worth investing in a motion-activated toy. The Valonii 2-in-1 Rechargeable Motion Activated Interactive Cat Toy is equipped with sensors that detect movement. It then triggers random or programmed movements, sounds and lights. This simulates hunting behaviour – such as stalking prey – and entices your cat to chase and pounce. It's activated once in three hours at most, to prevent over-stimulation. It's a great toy for keeping your cat entertained even when you're not actively playing with them. As with any feather toy, be sure to supervise play.

Customer review: "I had high hopes for this toy and it delivered. I didn’t even get it charged and the cats were interested. Whenever it’s on, they come running and stay engaged the entire time. Our timid one is still able to catch the feather and it’s sturdy enough for the brute – he hasn’t managed to break it yet."

Pros

  • Automatic shut-off after 15 minutes so cats don't get over-stimulated
  • Channels hunting instincts
  • Plays with your cat
  • Silent motor

Cons

  • Fabric is noisy
Dimensions‎54.99 x 54.99 x 27cm
MaterialNot specified
PowerUSB 1200mAh rechargeable battery
  • 360° rotating butterfly with three rotating modes
  • Hide and seek gameplay
  • Motion activated sensor distance is up to 160 inches
  • 2.5 hours charging time = 2 days working time

Best feather wand toy for indoor cats

Hianjoo Cat Feather Teaser SetAmazon/Hianjoo

It's a life of eat, sleep, play, repeat for an indoor cat. But if the purr-fect life is a bit stuck in a rut, your kitty may appreciate a Hianjoo Cat Feather Teaser Set. It's also very entertaining for you and your family. The ten attachments include feather teasers, wiggle worms and furry trails – plus, two flexible cat wands. A bell attached to the wand piques your cat's curiosity. The wand can expand and retract depending on how much room is available to cast the line. Mimic prey and encourage your cat to pounce and play by wiggling and dangling the colourful lures.

Customer review: "The transparent wire is great since the cats can't see it as well. Having the interchangeable ends keeps it exciting for them. They love the feather attachments and the bells are a nice addition. The handle and wire are longer than I expected but in a good way. Great product and would definitely buy again."

Pros

  • Great value
  • Extendable wand
  • Versatile play

Cons

  • Destructible
Dimensions32.9 x 10.8 x 2cm
MaterialFoam handle, natural materials
  • Telescopic fishing rod that's lightweight and durable
  • Skid-proof foam handle and 24-inch line

Best catnip toy for indoor cats

Petstages Squeak Squeak Mouse Plush Catnip Cat ToyAmazon/Petstages

Rrp: $5.99

Price: $4.99
Alternative retailers
Walmart$9.99View offer

Life is just one big game of cat and mouse for indoor cats. So your cat is attacking your shoe laces, tire them out (in a good way) with a mouse toy. Petstages Squeak Squeak Mouse Plush Catnip Cat Toy is infused with catnip, which can excite many cats and encourage them to play. This little mouse squeaks when your cat touches it – plus, it makes crinkle sounds that are irresistible to a cat's ears. Cats can carry it around in their mouth as well as acting out natural predatory behaviours... all whilst looking totally adorable.

Customer review: "I have two cats who both love batting small things around. I bought three of these at once and it was and has remained their favourite toy. My cats are heavy players, and all the squeakers broke, and two out of the three of them were torn to bits about a month in. They still bat around the last one. It's a good buy for someone looking for a not-very-durable toy they're willing to replace every few months."

Pros

  • Touch activated
  • Catnip-infused
  • Amazon's Choice product
  • Cats can play independently with this toy

Cons

  • Can be destroyed by aggressive players
Dimensions3.81 x 3.81 x 3.81cm
MaterialFaux fur, catnip
Power2 button batteries
  • Touch-activated squeaker will turn itself off automatically
  • Encourages batting, chasing and pouncing

Best tunnel toy for indoor cats

OHANA S Form Collapsible Cat TunnelAmazon/OHANA

No one wants a cat climbing over their countertops, which is why a cat tunnel is a great investment for giving your curious feline a fun environment to explore. The OHANA S Form Collapsible Cat Tunnel provides your cat with a place to hide, crawl and stalk. Watch them playing peek-o-boo, batting the integrated hanging fur ball, or chilling out in the soft s-shaped tube like a Queen.

Customer review: "Our two cats love playing and hiding in this. The good thing about this tunnel is that the lining is fabric, so doesn't make a rustling sound. Which is great for us humans – because the cats are always running though the tunnel and playing in it. Would purchase this again."

Pros

  • Quality material
  • Easy to store
  • Multipurpose
  • Great toy for more than one cat

Cons

  • Some customers thought it was smaller than they expected
DimensionsL117 x W27 x H27cm
MaterialFaux fur, alloy steel, suede
  • Two built-in peep holes
  • Solid sprung steel frame
  • Ties and connectors allow you to connect it to other tunnels

Best puzzle feeder for indoor cats

Nina Ottosson by Petstages Buggin' Out Puzzle & PlayAmazon/Petstages
Price: $18.99
Alternative retailers
Petco$14.73View offer
Tractor Supply$15.99View offer
Kohl's$21.99View offer
Walmart$26.99View offer

Your cat will love revealing tasty treasures with the beautifully designed Nina Ottosson by Petstages Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play. Sliders and pegs can be moved by clever paws to reveal food treats, such as kibble. There are eight hidden treat compartments and the puzzle feeder holds a quarter cup of dry cat food overall. Stimulate your cat's problem-solving abilities and keep them entertained. This puzzle feeder intrigues cats and rewards their curiosity with food treats.

Customer review: "I like that it has a couple of different ways for them to puzzle over getting the food out. It's a decent size so both my cats can have a go at the same time without being on top of each other."

Pros

  • Effective
  • Use as part of a cat's daily feeding routine
  • Rewards a cat's natural foraging instinct

Cons

  • A review commented that it was not easy to clean
Dimensions33.02 x 24.13 x 3.2cm
MaterialWood plastic composite
  • Made of food-safe material with no removable parts
  • Range of designs to choose from

Best interactive toy for indoor cats

IOKHEIRA Interactive Cat ToyAmazon/IOKHEIRA

The IOKHEIRA Interactive Cat Toy stimulates natural instincts and offers hours of entertainment. Featuring automatic obstacle avoidance and various modes, it's an automatic ball that keeps cats active and engaged, providing stimulation and exercise. Rechargeable and customisable, it ensures play days are full of enjoyment for your feline friend. Keep it fresh and fun for your cat by tying different materials, such as feathers, to the rope.

Customer review: "This is such a great toy for my kitten. She plays with it so much and really enjoys it. Very well designed and works on my medium thick carpet. Easy to operate and easy to charge."

Pros

  • Works on a range of floor types
  • Moves unpredictably and responds to a cat's touch
  • Fast, slow and interactive modes

Cons

  • Sensitive cats may be intimidated by the fast mode
DimensionsDiameter 5.8cm; Rope L40cm
MaterialSilicone
PowerUSB charging
  • Built-in 300mAh rechargeable battery that can be charged via a USB charging cable
  • Takes 1 hour to fully charge
  • Sensor-activated and bounces into life, to play with your cat

Best ball track toy for indoor cats

Vealind Pet Interactive Fun RollerAmazon/Vealind

Say goodbye to stray balls under the sofa. The colourful Vealind Pet Interactive Fun Roller is an ingenious design with balls on tracks that cats can bat around, stimulating their hunting instincts. Keep cats amused when they're on their own with this safe plaything. It's a popular pick and an Amazon's Choice product.

Customer review: "This keeps my kitten amused for hours and has stopped me having to find her ping pong ball every time she loses it. Brilliant idea whoever designed it."

Pros

  • Sturdy
  • Great value for money
  • Available in a range of colours
  • Easy to assemble

Cons

  • Some reviews comment that their cats got bored after a while
Dimensions‎24.13 x 24.13 x 18.54cm
MaterialABS plastic
  • Balls will not leave the track during play
  • Non-skid pads on the bottom
  • Easy to disassemble and clean
  • Available in a range of colours

Best plush toy for indoor cats

CHIWAVA 2 Pack Large Mouse Plush Cat ToysAmazon/CHIWAVA
Price: $9.98
Alternative retailers
Walmart$10.00View offer

CHIWAVA 2 Pack Large Mouse Plush Cat Toys are soft, plush playthings that are filled with catnip and can be cuddled, wrestled and kicked by your cat. The two large and colourful plush mice have soft stuffing in the head and body. In addition, the body can be stuffed with a puck of natural catnip which has a euphoric effect on cats and can encourage more energetic play.

Customer review: "The plush material used in these toys is exceptionally soft and durable. Even after rigorous play sessions, they have shown no signs of wear and tear. My cat loves to knead and cuddle with them as well, which is a testament to their comfort."

Pros

  • Multipurpose
  • Set of two
  • Durable
  • Filled with catnip

Cons

  • Supervise play in case of potential choking hazards
Dimensions12.7 x 4.83 x 14.99cm
MaterialPP cotton, catnip, metal bell, plush fabric
  • Bell stimulates their curiosity and engages their hunting instinct
  • Crinkle paper in the ears and feet makes an irresistable rustling sound

Best chew toy for indoor cats

Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Dental Cat Chew ToyAmazon/Petstages
Price: $7.99
Alternative retailers
PetSmart$2.99View offer
Walmart$9.99View offer

The Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Dental Cat Chew Toy is filled with natural dried catmint which encourages your cat to chew. Mesh netting material removes soft plaque and tartar while freshening breath. Cats enjoy tossing, batting, and rolling this durable toy, engaging in interactive play while enjoying the enticing mint scent.

Customer review: "My cat goes bonkers for this little toy. She loves chucking it up in the air and flicking it under the sofa. Keeps her entertained for ages."

Pros

  • Aids dental hygiene
  • Popular product
  • Cats love this toy

Cons

  • Scent wears off
Dimensions3.18 x 0.64 x 11.43cm
MaterialFabric, catnip, mesh
  • Multiple textures to help clean teeth
  • Has a flossing and cleaning action on teeth

Best fishing rod toy for indoor cats

 Pawaboo Cat Feather Toys, 4 Pack Interactive Cat feather Teaser WanAmazon/Pawaboo

Rrp: $15.99

Price: $13.99

Give your cat all the thrill of the chase with the Pawaboo Cat Feather Toys, 4 Pack Interactive Cat feather Teaser Wand Toy. It has a fishing rod-like handle onto which a colourful dragonfly or feathery fish can be attached. Reel the toy in and out, mimicking the movement of prey and enticing your cat to pounce, jump, stalk and chase. Attract your cat with a crisp bell sound and then reel in the prey, for hours of interactive fun.

Customer review: "The overall design of the rod allows the attachment to dart, dive and swing around with almost realistic precision. Very few toys get my cat interested but the movements from this rod has got kitty into crouching tiger mode. It's a nicely crafted rod."

Pros

  • Paddled handle
  • Easy to open and close clasp
  • Multisensory
  • Great exercise for your cat

Cons

  • Designed for indoor play so it doesn't cast very far
Dimensions‎41.66 x 7.37 x 2.79cm
MaterialFiberglass, metal, feathers, fabric
  • Telescopic rod extends from 41.5cm to 105cm

Is it cruel to keep a cat indoors?

In the PDSA'sguide to keeping indoor cats there are a whole list of reasons why some cats are better off being kept inside. Factors include keeping them safe from traffic, diseases and preventing them from preying on the local wildlife. However, it is essential to allow felines to express their natural behaviours through play.

What can I do in order to keep my indoor cat happy?

Indoor cats need to exercise their natural behaviours such as hunting, stalking, chasing, and pouncing through play. Engaging in these activities helps them stay mentally stimulated, physically active and satisfied. The PSDA advise: "Teaser toys they can leap up at are great, because you get one-on-one time with your cat and can either get them to chase it along the ground or jump in the air. Don’t forget to let them catch the toy sometimes though! Puzzle feeders are also good for cats as they’ll get to ‘hunt’ for their food just like they would in the wild."

A cat activity centre or cat tree is also super important for giving indoor cats a place to climb, perch and jump.

Finally, a great tip from PDSA is: "to provide your cat with a perch or windowsill they can sit on and watch the world go by. You can even get cat beds that are designed to hang in front of windows so they can have the perfect viewing platform!"

What are the benefits of cat toys for indoor cats?

Cat toys for indoor cats offer numerous benefits. For energetic felines, doing zoomies around the house, a range of playthings can provide essential mental and physical stimulation. Curbing unscheduled cat acrobatics can be as simple as providing a mouse cat toy or two.

Through play, cats can engage their natural hunting instincts, promoting agility and coordination. A cat tunnel, scratching post and cat tree are essential items for channelling a cat's innate behaviour and reducing destructive habits, such as scratching the sofa.

It's fun to play with your furry friend. Use toys to strengthen the bond between you and your cat. The shared enjoyment of interactive play in your cat's indoor 'playground' is mutually enriching.

Overall, cat toys play a vital role in enhancing the wellbeing and quality of life for indoor cats. Additional benefits include:

Physical exercise through active play helps maintain a healthy weight and reduce behavioural problems.

Stress reduction using toys as an outlet for pent-up energy and anxiety.

Dental health as chewing on toys can help clean teeth and gums.

Enrichment through toys offers variety and novelty, stimulating curiosity.

Entertainment as toys provide hours of amusement for both cats and you.

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.

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