The Best Cat Toys for All Kinds of Playtime

House cats may not have to catch their dinner, but they still maintain their natural predator instincts. That’s why this interactive cat toy is so much fun—cats simply can’t resist “hunting” the fluttering butterfly and rolling balls. It’s an ideal cat toy for kitties who are instantly intrigued by moving objects.

Cat chew toys can help kitties maintain clean, healthy teeth (in addition to regular dental care, of course). Ideal for pets whose breath needs a boost, this cat teething toy is stuffed with dried mint for an instant burst of freshness. Durable netting helps remove tartar, while a fun crinkle material encourages chomping.

They don’t call it a “cat-and-mouse game” for nothing. With fuzzy textures, long string tails, and an infusion of premium catnip, these mouse cat toys, which come in sets of 3 or 5, are tantalizing to kitties with a strong prey drive. For a great workout and bonding session, toss them around the room and let your pampered predator go wild.

For kitties with a couple pounds to lose, exercise cat toys can really punch up playtime. With an intriguing bug-sized light, this adorable cat laser toy mimics the quick, jumpy movements of small prey. Kitty can’t get enough? No worries—the batteries are replaceable.

If your feline friend is simply tickled by all things feathery, these cat toy balls are a must. Soft and lightweight, they roll by quickly as the natural feathers wave back and forth in an enticing motion. There are two in every pack, making them perfect for multi-cat households (or solo feather fanatics).

Cats have a reputation for being aloof (some may even say “standoffish”). But in truth, they love (and need!) quality one-on-one time with their people. Complete with colorful feathers, fun textures, crinkle sounds, dangling string, and catnip, this fully-loaded wand cat toy is an easy way to play together and strengthen your bond.

In addition to physical exercise, cats need mental stimulation to keep their minds fit and healthy. Puzzle toys for cats like this dynamic brainteaser from Petstages are great for keeping curious cats engaged and entertained. Simply fill it with treats, and let your cat practice foraging through 14 hidden compartments. (It’s also a great tool for slowing down kitties who eat their dinner too quickly.)

For cats who like snuggling (and/or attacking) stuffed animals, this plush cat toy from KONG is a homerun. The beaver plush toy is engaging on its own, but this one has an added bonus: It comes with a container of catnip that you can use to sprinkle inside the toy. Refill again and again to amp up play sessions.

Have a wriggly wrestler? For cats who enjoy tossing and tackling their toys, this cat kicker toy was made for roughhousing. The elongated shape makes it ideal for “bunny kicking,” while an infusion of catnip makes the “hunt” more exciting. After playtime, the plush texture is the purr-fect cat-nap companion.

Not all kitties respond to catnip’s natural stimulants, but if your pet goes nuts for the ‘nip, this is the ultimate catnip cat toy. Filled to the brim with high-quality, pesticide-free organic catnip, it’s crafted from durable cotton twill that can handle session after session of bites and bunny kicks.

Scratching is a natural behavior that cats instinctually need to do—and without designated scratching surfaces, they’ll happily practice on your furniture. Made from claw-able corrugated cardboard, this throwback cat scratching toy encourages good scratching behaviors and helps keep nails healthy. Game over? Game on!

For kitties who love a good game of hide-and-pounce, this dynamic cat tunnel toy is an all-in-one playground. Almost four feet long, it features exciting crinkle noises, peekaboo windows, a dangling toy ball, and soft suede fabric. It’s great for communal play in multi-cat households, and folds flat for easy storage.

Kittens like to play, play, play, and these cat spring toys are up for the job! With an erratic bounce and vibrant color, they move like small prey to keep energetic kitties entertained for rewarding, long-lasting play sessions. With 10 per pack, there’s plenty of fun to go around in multi-cat families.

Does your cat stare longingly at the backyard bird feeder? This automatic cat toy is almost as interesting as the real thing. The fluffy canary jumps, flutters, and chirps to activate your kitty’s “hunter mode” and provide mental stimulation. With a wobbly base, the cage encourages batting, pouncing and chasing. What a workout!