10 Best Cat Toys for your Fluffy Friends Reviewed in 2024
Brian Price
For those of us who have cats and kittens as our beloved pets, friends, and members of our families, we love to buy them cute toys to keep them occupied, to use to play with them, and to entertain ourselves when we watch them play by alone. Manufacturers have created some exciting playthings just for kittens and cats that they will be thrilled with having. This is a nice mixture of products that should excite any feline into playing alone, with other cats, or with their human friends. We feature a couple of durable plastic tunnels with peepholes and crinkly insides, a few assortment bundles of small individual toys, a cat charmer, some catnip filled goodies, and several others that will delight your furry pet. We are pleased to spotlight these outstanding items for your shopping pleasure. Here are the best cat toys in 2019.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 29 hrs of research
Gives hours of fun to the cat and you
The center of the toy is a scratchpad
Will help protect your furniture
Is entertaining and a great exercise
Replacement pads can be ordered separately
10 Best Cat Toys Reviewed
1. Bergan Turbo Scratcher
Gives hours of fun to the cat and you
The center of the toy is a scratchpad
Will help protect your furniture
Is entertaining and a great exercise
Replacement pads can be ordered separately
The color is not the buyer’s choice
Rubber feet can come off easily
With over 7,500 reviews online, this is the most popular cat toy rated by customers. The Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy gives hours of fun to the cat and is great exercise. Your cat moves the small ball in the grooved tunnel with their nose or paw, plus the center of the toy is a scratch pad that is replaceable and durable.
Read moreIt comes with one ball, one scratch pad, and the colorful base and should help protect your furniture from cat scratches. Replacement pads can be ordered separately from the manufacturer online for the center scratcher.
Entertainment Value
Sometimes it is the simplest of toys that can be the most entertaining and fun. This simple circle with a scratch pad in the center and a ball in the grooved tunnel will give both you and your feline hours of enjoyment.
Safety
Entertaining to watch the cat with this plaything, it is recommended by the makers to only allow the cat to play with it when it is supervised in order to avoid any type of damage of unpleasant accidents.
Durability
The durable scratch pad in the center should prevent your cat from clawing up the furniture. At least the damage should decrease as they take out their prowess on this interesting plaything.
Price Range
The cost for this incredible item is average. It has the great features of a movable ball in the groove, a scratch pad in the center, and providing hours of fun for the cat and the human owner to watch.
2. Petstages Tower of Tracks
Includes three colorful balls that roll and spin
Stimulates the hunting instincts and senses
Has a top that is closed
Features a base that will not slip
Provides physical and mental exercise
Balls may be similar in color to the track – hard to see for cats
Some animals were not interested in this for long
Including three colorful balls that roll and spin along their separate track as the animal pushes them, this Petstages Tower of Tracks Ball and Track Interactive Toy stimulates the hunting instincts and senses of the cat.
Read moreDurably built and ideal for a single cat or multiple cats, it has a top that is closed and features a base that will not slip as the feline plays with it. Humans can join in on the fun with the cats too, plus it is durable to withstand play from even the roughest of animals.
Entertainment Value
Cats will play with and try to get each ball on the various levels. It provides good excitement, entertainment, and physical and mental exercise. It is undeniably amusing and fun.
Safety
The top is closed on this tower toy, and the base is a special non-slip surface. This makes it very safe for animals to play with it alone because they cannot get in it or move it around a lot.
Durability
This is a durable and steady toy that even the toughest felines can play with and not break. It will stand up to one or several cats batting and swatting at it for endless pleasure.
Price Range
The price for this terrific item is above the figured average. It derives its value from the smart design of the three tracks and balls, having a closed top, and including a sturdy non-slip base.
3. Prosper Pet Collapsible Tunnel
Offered in eleven color combinations
Ends are safety protected
Resists tears and snags
Comes with an elastic band for folding
Is easily washed and will not collect hair
Some cats were not interested or scared of this
The hanging ball comes down easily in play
Offered in eleven color combinations with little paw prints for decorations, the Prosper Pet Cat Tunnel has a three-way enter and exit with ends that are safety-protected. It includes a bell toy, material that crackles and crinkles on the inside of one of the tunnel pieces, and an adorable peephole in the center.
Read moreThis fantastic tunnel toy can be taken almost anywhere as it folds up easily and compactly. Wherever your cat goes, you can set up this amazing tunnel for their endless play. This gives them hours and hours of self-amusement, exercise, and fun hiding places to enjoy.
Entertainment Value
Not only do cats get to play hide-and-seek in the three tunnels, but they also get a cute peephole, crinkly material in one of the tunnels, and a hanging bell toy to swat and bat.
Safety
This fabulous plaything comes with an elastic band to secure the folded tunnel and is easily washed and will not collect the hair of the pets, plus the center does not collapse as other brands do.
Durability
The toy holds up well to scratching cats, as it resists tears and snags. Made of a frame of sprung-steel that is wrapped with an ultra-strong polyester covering that is tear-resistant, it transports and stores easily.
Price Range
Having the highest price of all the items featured, this unique plaything has the great qualities of being a three-way tunnel of durable material and including a bell toy, peephole, and crinkly material for amusement.
4. SmartyKat Catnip
Filled with potent and pure catnip
Different shades of gray with colored ears and tails
Ideal size for cats to carry, swat, and bat
Filling is made from recycled plastic
Catnip is grown without pesticides or chemicals
Might be smaller than expected
Large cats can easily chew and eat these up
The SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Mice is a three-pack of soft furry mice that are filled with potent and pure catnip to attract cats. All of the mice are different shades of gray with variously colored ears and tails. They are the ideal size for cats to carry, swat, and bat.
Read moreCatnip gives felines a burst of energy, and then they experience a period of mellowness. The filling is made from recycled plastic, and the catnip is grown without pesticides or chemicals.
Entertainment Value
The filling is made from catnip and recycled plastic material, so this is a very eco-friendly cat toy. Being potent and pure, the catnip will excite the cats into a joyous ecstasy.
Safety
Cats just love to play with toys that have the herb catnip in them. This catnip is sensibly grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals, so it is perfectly safe and harmless for your precious friends.
Durability
You should supervise play with these because older and larger cats can chew the ears and tails off the mice and possibly rip them open easily. However if you keep an eye on your pet, it can be a durable toy companion.
Price Range
This fantastic toy has the lowest cost of all the listed products. They are small catnip mice in a three-pack. The catnip is potent and pure, and the mice are furry and colorful.
5. KONG Naturals Incline Scratcher
Reversible scratching pad
Comes with catnip and can be refilled/refreshed for more fun
Small hole allows kittens to crawl through and you can weigh the pad down when they’re older
Made from environmentally-friendly resources
Helps save furniture and encourages natural scratching instincts in a productive manner
Doesn’t have a grip on the bottom so slides easily
KONG has been creating innovative pet accessories, toys, and treats since 1970. This Incline Scratcher is a great way to get your favorite feline off of the nice furniture and onto a little throne of their own. It’s made with safe, nontoxic materials. Each scratcher is recyclable and made with renewable resources, as well! The incline makes this more exciting for your little fur baby and is actually ergonomically designed to provide a comfortable position for them, encouraging them to come back to and enjoy this toy again and again.
Read moreEntertainment Value
If you have a catnip-loving kitty on your hands, this is just the wedge for them. Buried in the honeycomb design is North American grown catnip. You can refill and refresh using KONG’s natural catnip or catnip spray.
Safety
Having a pet emergency is a scary experience. Investing in safe toys for your cats and dogs can help them enjoy playtime without any unnecessary trips to the vet. This scratching wedge is made from nontoxic materials. There are little hanging toys inside the hole so just make sure your bigger cats don’t accidentally stick their head inside and need assistance getting out!
Durability
The scratch pad on this toy is reversible for extended use! It also comes with a replaceable polyester cover. The toy is waterproof and a good size for most homes and house cats: 9.5” x 19”. If you have hardwood floors or a low-pile carpet, consider putting light weights inside of the hole to keep the unit from sliding away from your cat when they pounce.
Price Range
This is the second most expensive item presently listed on our guide. While we love all of the fun and budget-friendly little toys, sometimes you want something a little heftier for your cat to enjoy. This scratching wedge is durable and useful in preventing your little lion-spawn from harming the furniture.
6. Hartz Just For Cats
Can hang this on doors or lay it flat for play
Has a scratching mat, crinkle material, and a ball
Ball is filled with catnip and has feathers
Gator head is soft and inviting to lay on
Gets the muscles moving and keeps the nails trim
Might be smaller than expected
Color is not a choice
This Hartz Just for Cats Gator Scratch Toy Mat encourages play and satisfies natural instincts. You can hang this on doors or lay it flat for play, as it includes a scratching mat that has crinkle material and a ball filled with catnip.
Read moreThe attached ball can be swatted and batted and has feathers on it to attract cats. This gator head is soft and inviting to lay on, although the colors vary and are not the buyer’s choice. It stimulates the play needs of the cat and exercises their desire to thrive and explore.
Entertainment Value
You can hang this toy on a doorknob or lay it flat on the floor for the feline to play with it. Hanging it up gives them a chance to scratch while standing up and to bat at the ball with the feathers.
Safety
Your cat will be overjoyed when he or she receives this exciting plaything. It has fun material, a feathered ball with catnip, and a scratch pad on top for safe and endless activity time.
Durability
Including a durable and textured sisal material to encourage scratching, it gets the muscles moving and keeps the nails trim. It is hardly unlikely that your cat will get bored with it easily.
Price Range
With a below-average price, this cute gator head toy is valued for its soft and crinkly fabrics, the ability to hang it up or lay it flat for playing, and the catnip-filled ball with feathers.
7. Fashion's Talk 20 Pieces
Is an assortment of twenty various pieces
All parts are colorful and exciting
Are strong and durable playthings
Includes many different textures and materials
Are the ideal size for cats to carry, bat, and swat
Overall quality of the mix is not the greatest
Some older cats were not interested in these
Being an assortment of twenty various colorful pieces, this Fashion’s Talk Variety Pack of Cat Toys is a wonderful way for you to see which items your feline friend like to enjoy. They will pick out their favorites quickly after they have inspected all of the goodies in the mix.
Read moreWhen you purchase an assortment of toys such as this one for young cats, they get to see which one they prefer to play with. Then you will know what kind to buy from then on. It is a great way to show them a little of everything possible.
Entertainment Value
You get plenty of different textures, colors, and shapes with this incredible mixture of playthings. Your feline friends will be able to pick and choose which ones they like best with this package.
Safety
Cats need supervision when playing with these toys, as they are not indestructible but are strong. It is best to watch them as the playing happens to be on the safe side.
Durability
There are play mice, fish, balls, mylar balls, bells, feathers, crinkle balls, catnip sacks, and rollers to investigate. With a 20 piece set, you can rest assure you will have an extra option if some gets damaged during playtime.
Price Range
The cost for this colorful mixture of toys is above the figured average. Its value is derived from the many mixed toys in the group, the various textures they contain, and the ideal sizes perfect for cats to enjoy.
8. SnugglyCat Ripple Rug
Durable
Made from recycled bottles
Holes have safety slits so cats can easily pass through without getting stuck
Reconfigures into different shapes for endless hours of fun
Thermally insulating non slip bottom keeps it in place
Easily folds and stores
Doesn’t hold its form well; becomes floppy
Peek-a-boo! The SnugglyCat Ripple Rug is the perfect place for your feline friend to play hide and go seek. The Ripple Rug is made in the US from recycled bottles. It’s an ecologically-friendly way for your baby to play! It’s stain, mold, and mildew resistant; simply use soap and water to spot clean. A non-slip backing keeps it from sliding all over the house and it folds and stores neatly and compactly.
Read moreEntertainment Value
At 35” x 47”, this giant rug is a wonderland for cats! It can be folded and reconfigured in a variety of ways so that it never gets boring. Your kitty will love slipping in and out of the peepholes, burrowing into the folds of the carpet, and popping their little paws out at you.
Safety
The Ripple Rug is made from recycled plastic bottles and non-toxic materials. Not only is it safe for your cat, it’s safe for the environment as well! The non-slip bottom means Kitty won’t go sliding around the house either while they’re playing.
Durability
The non-fray carpet design makes this a favorite for kitties that love to use their claws. It stands up against rough play and is machine washable so you don’t have to worry about throwing it out if it gets a little dirty.
Price Range
This is the most expensive cat toy on our list. It’s been featured in Vogue, Heavy, Buzzfeed, and also appeared on NPR Planet Money, the Today Show, the Hallmark Channel. It’s durable, innovative, and award-winning so if you want to spoil your feline, this might be just the gift!
9. Cat Dancer Rainbow Charmer
Is an aerobic exercise for cats
Safe, durable, non-toxic, and colorfast
Exciting for felines, kids, and adults
Made to charm cats and kittens
Wand is made of polycarbonate
Not as sturdy as previous models
Some cats did not like the rainbow of colors
The Cat Dancer Products Rainbow Cat Charmer is an aerobic exercise for cats that is safe, durable, non-toxic, and colorfast. It is a rainbow of beautiful color to squiggle and wiggle for cats that will not break and is made to charm them.
Read moreSuch interactive toys allow you much quality time for bonding with your feline friends. They will see you as someone who wants them to be happy and one who will play along with them.
Entertainment Value
You will get much enjoyment as you wave this rainbow charmer around for your cat to attack. They will go all out in their crazy acrobatics to chase and catch both the streamer and the wand.
Safety
The Cat Dancer Rainbow Charmer is both captivating and completely safe your your kitten since it is made of non-toxic materials. It will truly mesmerize your pet while securing its well-being.
Durability
Exciting for felines, kids, and adults, this is a simple plaything of a long skinny steamer on a wand. The wand is sturdy and made of polycarbonate, and the streamer is made of a sturdy fabric that is long-lasting.
Price Range
With a below-average price, this wonderful plaything is non-breakable and non-toxic, has a rainbow flurry of color, and provides an interesting aerobic exercise for cats of all ages.
10. Youngever 24 Feather Teaser
Is a mix of small toys, a wand, and a two-way tunnel
Gives plenty of amusement and exercise
Works great to keep felines busy
Small items can be attached inside the tunnel
Makes an ideal gift for your cat or kitten
All of the toys are not the best quality
You do not get the exact number of each item as stated
The Youngever Cat Toy Assortment is a mixture of small toys and a flexible two-way tunnel. It makes an ideal gift for your cat or kitten, as it gives cats plenty of self-amusement and exercise. The smaller pieces include feather toys, color balls, cage mice, crinkle balls, mice with fake fur, cat springs, cotton mice, a teaser wand, a ball and bell, scratcher fish, a star, tumbler toys, and scratcher with feathers.
Read moreThis ideal assortment is great for when you are not home to keep them busy, or you can play with the cat using the toys to bond with them and tease them. The small items can be attached inside the tunnel for added fun and excitement.
Entertainment Value
The tunnel is a great toy all by itself but combined with the smaller items makes it quite unique. There are places along the inside of the tunnel to hang some of the small things for your cat to jump toward.
Safety
This collection is specifically made for cats to be able to explore each individual piece so you can rest assure they are completely pet friendly and will not harm your cat's health.
Durability
If you really do not know what kind of toys your cat or a friend’s cat likes, this is a terrific buy for them. It is a large assortment of all types of durable toys that appeal to cats and their owners.
Price Range
Having an above-average cost, this assortment bag of cat toys has twenty-four pieces in it, provides hours of enjoyment for both you and your feline, and makes a wonderful gift for cat lovers.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Entertainment Value
Cats like to paw, bat, hit, lick, scratch, and claw at their toys, which makes these perfect for their entertainment and yours. The selected assortments will give many hours and days of fun, and the single toys all have multiple textures or features that cats like and are attracted. The materials are durable and sturdy to withstand the destructive use from one or several cats in play. Whether the playthings are small or big, filled with catnip or not, cats generally will investigate and explore these toys because of their inquisitive nature and prowess.
Safety
Some of these items only use non-toxic and organic materials in constructing the toys. All of the sources of catnip are safe and healthy for your pet to enjoy on their own. A few of them are handmade to ensure the best quality of toy for your feline friend. Even though these are all safe for cats and kitten to enjoy, it is best to supervise your cat while they play with any toy, especially those with small pieces. You just never know when they will be able to get a piece of a toy loose and try to ingest it. they can also hit and bat small toys under chairs and sofas to be found later by human babies or other animals that might be harmed by them.
Durability
As you will notice all of these playthings are the ideal size, shape, and texture that cats love. Some of them have insides filled with catnip to excite and delight felines. These are all perfectly safe for cats to use for hours and hours, but some of them are best used only when the animal is supervised. The small parts and feathers could become a choking or swallowing problem if the cat plays with a few of these toys alone. They are, however, just what cats like to play with for excitement. Since pets tend to destroy their toys in the mists of the playful activity, these products are quite durable and made of high-quality materials in order to last longer for many wild adventures in the future.
Price Range
The value and the cost of an item are just as important as any other feature. We do not give the exact costs of the products listed because online prices change so often. You will see that the cost is indicated in a qualitative way with the titles of average, above-average, or below-average in each section. These are based on a calculated average we figure using the current online costs. In this section, are listed the outstanding qualities and features of the item that makes it worth the cost being charged. The highest-priced cat toy is the Prosper Pet Cat Tunnel – Collapsible 3-Way Play Toy and the least in the cost is the SmartyKat Skitter Critters Cat Toy Catnip Mice. There is one average-costing item, and that is the Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy. These all differ in capabilities, materials they are made of, and features. Some of these are one single item for the complete toy, while others are assortments of as many as 24 pieces. This should be considered when comparing the prices against each other.
Entertainment Value Safety Durability Price Range 
A medical study claims that babies who had been exposed to pet cats were less likely to develop, not just pet allergies, but any other type. Read more in our article what cat breeds are best for children.
Cats have an impact on the carbon footprint on the planet, which is positive. During a 2009 research, scientists found that if you calculate the resources which are necessary to feed your pet dog over the course of its own life, you will get the same amount of eco-footprint as produced by a Land Cruiser. Not only do cats consume less food in general and are prone to eating fish instead of corn and beef flavored products, but their average carbon footprint is similar to a tiny hatchback.
Other Factors to Consider
Materials
Cats are some of the most entertaining creatures to watch as they stalk, pounce, and bat at colorful objects or go through play tunnels in amazement. They should be supervised with the majority of these toys, as the products contain small parts that could come off and be swallowed easily. However, the toys are made of carefully selected, sturdy materials that are safe, durable, and made in general for cats that can be quite destructive. We highlight in this helpful buying guide the most-reviewed and the best-rated of these offered toys online that customers have deemed as the most excellent ones currently available.
Design
As the best-rated and most-reviewed items of this category of cat toys, these playthings are proudly listed in this beneficial buying guide as the best designs that manufacturers are offering currently. Customers love these toys and would most certainly purchase them again because of their outstanding quality. We provide all of the details and data from our fact-finding research for you in our concise yet informative sections. You will find this information quite useful in deciding which ones are best for your beloved pet or pets. The toy with the most reviews is the Bergan Turbo Scratcher with over 7,500 online reviews. The one with the highest almost perfect rating is the Prosper Pet Cat Tunnel.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: Are any of these best for a group of cats, such as three or four to play together?
If your cat likes to play with other cats, then it would be good for them to enjoy these together. Sometimes animals fight over new things introduced to the group, but if this is not a problem, then these are good for groups. Alone cats can have fun with any of them too.
q: The assortment toys, is it best to give them one at a time or should you give the cat more than one at a time to enjoy?
This is up to you. If the cat is young or new to you, it may be best to let them pick out what they want to play with. Only then will you know exactly what kind of toys to purchase in the future. Other cats may enjoy just one thing at a time to concentrate on a specific texture or feature.
q: Do any of these require extra things, such as batteries or hardware to operate or put them together?
No, all toys are good to use as they are when you receive them. There is nothing extra to purchase or use to get them started.
q: How old does the cat have to be to like and use these toys? Is a small kitten too young?
All ages of cats and kitten will love and be excited by these playthings. They all have a natural curiosity and will be drawn to at least explore these items. No, a small kitten is not too young to play with toys. It will set them up for a lifetime of fun and playfulness. Older cats that have never played with toys might be harder to persuade.
q: Do these toys teach the cat anything or build on their level of skills?
Most of them exercise their skills of prowling, attacking small prey, and their curiosity in discovering new things. The catnip is a natural love of theirs as it excites them and then puts them in a dreamy state of enjoyment. The toys with the scratching possibilities give them a place to use their claws beside your lovely furniture.
q: Should people play with the cat with these items, or should they play alone with these toys?
Certainly, enjoy some bonding and quality time with your feline companion using these wonderful toys. They can play alone with any of them except the Rainbow Cat Charmer which needs a human to move it around. They would probably love to have you enjoy the toys with them too.
q: Is it safe for cats to play with these by themselves while they are alone in the house, or should they be supervised when playing with them?
This depends on the structure of the toys itself and the individual cat or kitten. If the animal is known to be destructive and capable of taking things apart easily, then supervision is certainly necessary. If the toys consist of small pieces such as little ears, tails, feathers, or thin material, then supervision is best. The toys with the tunnel or the plastic circles with the tracks for the small balls that cannot come out are fairly safe to be used alone. You just never know what an animal is capable of doing alone, and once they have swallowed or destroyed something, it is too late to fix it or get it back.
Sources
- , Choosing the Right Toys for Your Cat: My 12 Tips, Online Article
- , How to Exercise and Play with a Cat, Online Article
- , 11 tips to get a lazy cat to play, Online Article
