The very best cat toys
If you’re lucky enough to have a kitten they’re likely to play with any toy that moves. My older cats are not easily impressed by toys, and I have tried and tested hundreds over the years to try to entertain them. These are the most reliable toys I’ve found to give my cats some fun. They do love to play interactive games with me, and I think toys that involve a human too can be the best for adult cats. It’s a great way to bond with your pet. Having said that, some of the toys on this list will work for solitary play.
The most reliable toy I know. If your cat rejects most cat wand style toys you should try this one. There's something about the tiny cardboard that bounces around that drives cats wild. My cat's favourite toy.
Da Bird cat toys are a premium brand, and they have earned their reputation due to the perfection of their design. They're not just an average feather wand toy, they're weighted carefully, and designed to move through the air in a way that drives cats wild. I've whirled these toys around and had my cats performing acrobatic leaps in the air. They are just wonderful toys. The feathers don't last forever when they see a lot of heavy duty play, but replacement heads are available.
Yeowww toys have something of a cult following due to the simple fact that no other catnip toys seem to come close to their potency. I have bought so many of these over the years. It's not because they lose their attraction, but because they become so chewed and filthy from so much use! If you think your cat doesn't like catnip it's worth a try giving them Yeoww toy. My favourite design is the banana, because it's so comical to see my cats going mad for a fruit, but they come in a range of fun designs. If you buy one of these let your cat help with the 'unboxing' my two usually spot the delivery and try to fight their way through the cardboard to find the toy!
These little springs don't look like anything special, but if you have wooden floors they bounce around and give cats so much joy. Many cats go mad for these little things and bat them around the room. They make a teasing little rattling noise which adds to their fun.
This is my favourite wand toy by far. I've had to buy replacements a few times over the years because it has so much use that my cats eventually destroy the feathers. It's great that it comes with a few replacement heads to make it last longer. The feathers are designed to spin in the air, adding interest to the toy. There is a very similar version made by premium brand Da Bird, but this low cost option is just as good in my opinion.
Feather cat wands are a staple of the cat toy world. I always look for wands with real feathers and no bell. I just find the jingle annoying, and my cats seem to get irritated by the noise too! However, many cats do seem to be attracted to the bell, so just go by what your cat is telling you! I find it very easy to remove the bell on these wands, but you may prefer to keep the jingle.
The Kong Kickaroo is another cult toy bought by in-the-know cat lovers. Have you noticed how kittens like to play fight and wrestle their siblings using a kicking motion? This toy is designed to replicate that play fight urge. It's a perfect size for a cat to wrestle and kick. If your cat is older they might need some encouragement to use it, but my two love to bite it while I hold the other end and they kick and kick and kick!
I've tried so many cat tunnels, but this one is one of the best as it's great for play but also cosy enough inside to become a favourite sleeping place. Many tunnels are made of crinkly material, or smooth polyester, and that seems to put off my cats. This one is great because it is such a comfortable material. It folds up small but my cats love it so much it's rarely put away. One of my cats loves it so much he won't sleep anywhere else!
I bought this tunnel because it's so great for interactive play. Get a feather cat wand and wiggle it through those holes. This game gives my cats so much fun! They also love the felt texture and regularly sleep in the tunnel. The only downside to this is that it seems to pick up cat fur. Obviously they don't mind, but my tunnel didn't stay pristine yellow inside. I have to vacuum it now and then. Highly rated if you don't mind this maintenance!
