Your cat probably loves to spend his day alternating between snoozing, scratching, and playing. While many kitties love batting around everyday objects like milk jug caps and bread ties, having some interactive cat toys on hand can exercise your cat’s body and mind. As a bonus, if your cat tends to want to sit on top of whatever it is you are using at the moment, these toys can provide a welcome diversion and keep him busy and happy for a while.
We’ve looked at dozens of interactive cat toys to bring you our suggestions for the best ones out there. We took a look at a wide variety of styles, read customer reviews, and considered how well kitties would like these toys.
Our top pick was the Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy. It’s inexpensive, sturdy, and can stand up to several cats playing with it at the same time (though it’s also great for a single kitty). As your cat bats around the balls, he will be getting both physical and mental exercise. Satisfy his hunting instinct with this fun toy.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Interactive Cat Toys
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy | 4.6 |
| Best Treat Dispenser | Catit Senses 2.0 Digger for Cats | 4.3 |
| Best Budget Buy | Cat Dancer 101 | 4.7 |
| Best Interactive Cat Ball | Uniwood Interactive Cat Toy Ball | 4.8 |
| Best Interactive Toy Bird | Yvelife Interactive Cat Toy | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Interactive Cat Toy Overall: Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy
The Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy made our top spot overall. This consists of a three-tier tower with a colorful ball in each track. Your cat can bat the balls around, but they’ll never fall out, making it ideal for a kitty who tends to lose all of his toys under beds, behind furniture, and in other places yet to be discovered. You can get the action started by pushing the balls to show him how it’s done, or you can leave him to figure it out and play the way he wants to.
A non-slip base keeps the tracks in place; your cat won’t be frustrated by having the whole toy move rather than having just the balls rolling around. The high contrast on the colorful balls will catch kitty’s attention, and whether your cat likes pouncing, jumping, running, or hunting best, he will find that this satisfies his natural inclinations.
Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy Key Features:
- Three levels of fun
- Non-skid base
- Closed top keeps balls inside of the toy
- Colorful, high-contrast balls
- Can be played with by one kitty or several kitties
Best Treat Dispenser for Cats: Catit Senses 2.0 Digger for Cats
The Catit Senses 2.0 Digger for Cats was the best treat dispenser toy that we reviewed. You’ve probably seen your cat using his paw to flip food out of his bowl or to attempt to steal a taste of your glass of water. This toy capitalizes on this natural digging motion and allows your cat to use his physical and mental strength to dig food or treats out of rounded tubes. This one can keep your cat busy for a while to allow you to get some chores done without your little helper!
The tubes are removable and easy to clean. You can fill them with whatever snacks, treats, or kibble your cat likes best. As he removes the treats, the lip around the edge of the dispenser will catch stray pieces to help minimize any mess. This is a great toy for cats who eat too quickly or who need to lose some weight, as it combines physical activity with eating, which slows them down a bit.
Catit Senses 2.0 Digger for Cats Key Features:
- Encourages natural digging behavior
- Easy to clean
- Minimizes mess
- Can help cats who need to lose weight
Best Budget Interactive Cat Toy: Cat Dancer 101
Our top pick for budget cat toys is the Cat Dancer 101. This is an amazingly simple toy that cats just love because it gets their attention and encourages them to run, pounce, and leap. It needs a person to use, which means that your kitty will get some playful interaction with his favorite human. The toy consists of steel wire and cardboard, which makes it affordable enough to buy a handful to keep in various areas of the home.
Simply hold onto the wire and bounce it, and your cat will be able to stalk, run, and pounce. You can also drag the toy end along the floor to lure your cat out from under the bed or behind the couch. Amazon users have described it as the toy their cats love most even if they have a room full of more expensive, complicated toys. In this case, simple just might be better.
Cat Dancer 101 Key Features:
- Made of steel and cardboard
- Dangle or drag to entice your cat
- Good for lazy or sedentary cats
- Promotes interactions with people
Best Interactive Cat Ball: Uniwood Interactive Cat Toy Ball
The Uniwood Intractive Cat Toy Ball is our top choice among ball toys for cats. It rotates and rolls on its own, and it has a “tail” attached for chasing and pouncing. It also lights up for playing even in the dark. There is a USB cable included; it plugs in on the inside of the ball to prevent your cat from chewing on the port. A three-hour charge will allow for five hours of fun.
The ball is wear- and fall-resistant. It will also resist damage from chewing. One of its features is that it has a sensor to prevent it from getting stuck in a corner; if it encounters a wall or other obstacle, it will roll away from it rather than getting stuck. This is a nice extra that will keep your cat moving and exercising.
Uniwood Interactive Cat Toy Ball Key Features:
- Made from nontoxic, environmentally safe materials
- Includes a USB charging cable
- Resists damage from normal use
- Has smart technology to prevent it from getting stuck
- Works best on hard floors
Best Interactive Bird Toy for Cats: Yvelife Interactive Cat Toy
The Yvelife Interactive Cat Toy is our favorite bird-inspired toy. This smart robotic toy rolls around erratically, waving around a bird toy for your cat to chase. There is also another feathery toy as well as a charmer-type lure that you can substitute for the bird to keep things fresh and fun for your cat. Its smart technology helps it to avoid obstacles such as walls and furniture to make for a more active experience for your furry little friend. You can also attach your own toys to spark interest.
This toy has a large rechargeable battery with an automatic shutoff, so you won’t need to worry about it being left on to drain the battery all night or while you are at work. You can also set it to turn on for 10 minutes every 1.5 hours to keep your cat occupied periodically throughout the day. The strong motor and large wheels allow it to work on all flooring surfaces, including carpet.
Yvelife Interactive Cat Toy Key Features:
- Smart robotic technology avoids obstacles
- Automatic turn on/shut off
- Comes with three accessories; you can also add your own
- Works on any surface
- Rechargeable battery
- Moves irregularly to attract a cat’s attention
Who Should Buy an Interactive Cat Toy
If you have a cat, you should consider an interactive cat toy. There are many different kinds available to appeal to kittens, older cats, sedentary cats, and very active kitties. Some exercise the physical body and others exercise the mind (and some do both!).
Overweight cats are one group who really benefit from interactive toys, because they will encourage activity. Bored cats who are left home while their owners are at work can cause damage to the home (scratching furniture, chewing on the carpet, and so on), but giving them something to do can engage their minds and bodies to prevent boredom and getting into trouble. If you wish that you had a better connection to your cat, enticing him to play with the help of an interactive cat toy can help. There are so many benefits and so many different types of toys that it makes sense to try a few to see what your cat loves best!
Important Features to Consider
There are a few things you should think about before you decide which interactive cat toy to purchase. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind:
- Safety. The number one concern with any cat toy is going to be safety. If you choose the type of toy that has a long string or if the one you purchase has feathers or other accessories that might fall off and become a choking hazard, only let your cat use it while being supervised. Check the toy before each use to be sure that there are no loose pieces that your cat might get hurt on.
- Limitations or personality of your cat. Is your cat elderly or very sedentary? Or is he a spry young cat who often gets a case of “the zoomies”? You will want to choose an interactive cat toy that your cat can keep up with. An older cat who can’t play easily might not be able to chase a fast-moving interactive toy, so keep his limitations in mind.
- Style. Your cat’s preferences need to be taken into consideration, as well. If your cat loves feathers, flashing lights, chirping sounds, or balls, that’s what you’ll want to look for in a toy. Of course, you might decide to try other types of toys, too! Watching your cat and observing his preferences will go a long way toward helping you to choose the perfect toy for him.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of toys do cats like to play with?
Every cat is different and will want to play with a different type of toy. Some enjoy batting around balls, some love anything with feathers, and still others might be afraid of toys that make noise. The best way to find out what kind of toy your cat likes to play with is to try toys with different features, textures, sounds, and motions. There are some inexpensive options out there for you to try out without spending too much money as you experiment with what your kitty likes and dislikes.
How do I keep my cat entertained while I’m at work?
A bored cat can get into trouble, so keeping him occupied while you are away for the day is a good idea. Interactive cat toys can meet part of that need. You might also try occasionally leaving objects like a box or a paper bag for your cat to find and play in. (Don’t leave anything that could be hazardous, of course!) Placing a cat tree or a cat condo near a window will give him a great view of the birds, squirrels, butterflies, and other entertainment outdoors. You might also consider getting a single kitty a feline friend, but tread cautiously, as not all cats play well with others.
Do indoor cats get bored?
Yes, cats can get bored and lonely if they are left home alone during the day. Even if you are home, an indoor cat can get bored. Outdoors, a kitty will have the opportunity to chase butterflies, look at birds, and smell and hear different things. The good news is that providing some interactive toys for your cat as well as giving him a way to easily survey the outdoors can help keep him entertained.
Do cats get bored of their toys?
Just like children, cats can get bored with their toys. You can solve this by getting him a few new ones and also by rotating toys. Take away all but two or three toys at a time, then rotate them with others on a weekly basis. This helps keep them fresh and novel. Adding in a brand new one occasionally can also pique your cat’s interest and get him more engaged with playing.
Other Interactive Cat Toys We Reviewed
In addition to the ones that made our top 5 list above, we also reviewed an additional 20 interactive cat toys. These are fun options for any cat! The information you need to compare them is included with each listing below.
- Treat Dispensers for Cats
- Interactive Cat Balls
- Interactive Bird Toys for Cats
- Interactive Laser Cat Toys
Treat Dispensers for Cats
All for Paws Cat Interactive Treat Puzzle Toy
Your cat will love being rewarded for doing what he does naturally! To use, attach it to any table. Kitty can bat at the feather lure and treats or food will rain down.
Key Features:
- Takes advantage of kitty’s hunting instinct
- Erratic movement catches your cat’s attention
- Fill with any treats
Cost: $15
Cat Amazing Sliders – Interactive Treat Puzzle Cat Toy
Sliding interior boxes allow you to constantly change the puzzle to keep it challenging and enticing for your cat. Provides mental stimulation as well as physical exercise.
Key Features:
- Works with cat food, treats, or small toys
- Made of industrial-strength cardboard
- You can change the puzzle
Cost: $23
Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder
This set of three little mice hold’s your cat’s food and encourages him to work for it. This is a great toy for overweight kitties or those who eat too quickly.
Key Features:
- Set of three feeders
- Easy to clean
- Encourages kitty to eat more slowly
Cost: $20
This treat and food dispenser allows you to fill the bottom with food. Your cat works to bat it around and tip it enough for the food or treats to fall out.
Key Features:
- Designed to prevent choking on food
- Mouse shape attracts your cat
- Recommended for kittens
Cost: $9
This is a food dispenser with four different games. Your cat will learn to push and move sliders and pull open a drawer in order to make the treats accessible.
Key Features:
- Four games in one toy
- Includes a booklet with tips
- Nonslip rubber feet to prevent sliding
Interactive Cat Balls
Three interactive modes and a secret snack hole will keep your cat craving more and more play with this faux wool wicked ball. Easy to clean; just rinse it off in the sink.
Key Features:
- Made of fake wicked wool
- Waterproof
- Easy to clean
Cost: $60
ELEBOOT Vision Smart Interactive Cat Ball
This self-rotating ball comes with a USB cable. It will shut off automatically after 40 minutes of play to help avoid wearing out the battery too quickly.
Key Features:
- Made of non-toxic ABS plastic
- Self rotation
- Works best on hard floors
Cost: $10
After you charge this interactive cat ball for 1.5 hours, it will be ready to play with for up to four hours. That’s a lot of playtime; it will tire your cat out and help him get the exercise he needs.
Key Features:
- Shines a red LED light to get kitty’s attention
- Includes USB cable
- Encourages independent play
Cost: $12
SISSFO Smart Interactive Cat Toy Ball
This cat ball includes seven attractive kitty lures to snap onto it. You can let your cat play silently or turn on the chirping mode, which will attract your cat’s attention with the sound of a tweeting bird.
Key Features:
- Reverses direction when it hits a wall or furniture
- Takes 3 AAA batteries
- Includes cat toys to attach
Cost: $23
WWVVPET Interactive Cat Ball with LED Light
Made of impact-resistant ABS plastic, this ball will stand up to the test of time and hard play. It will keep itself out of corners with smart technology, and each charge will last up to four hours.
Key Features:
- Works best on hard flooring
- Includes USB charging cord
- Automatic shut off after 30 minutes
Interactive Bird Toys for Cats
EcoCity Feather Cat Teaser Toy
This is a simple cat wand that you can use to entice your furbaby to run, jump, stalk, and pounce. It comes with four different feather lures to snap onto the wand. If he breaks one “bird,” simply replace it with another!
Key Features:
- Includes four bird lures
- Light, flexible wand
- Eco-friendly, nontoxic materials
Cost: $11
Gigwi Interactive Cat Toys Animal Sound
This bird toy makes a realistic chirping sound when touched. Simply remove the tab and throw the toy, then watch your cat stalk and pounce on it.
Key Features:
- No battery or charging required
- Chirps only when touched
- Realistic sound
Cost: $10
OurPets Play-N-Squeak Backyard Cat Toy
Fluffy feathers and an electronic chirping sound module will interest your cat and encourage him to hunt, jump, and carry this bird around in his mouth.
Key Features:
- Filled with catnip
- Realistic squeaking sound
- Fulfills a cat’s hunting instinct
Cost: $4
PetFusion Ambush Interactive Cat Toy
The feathery lure pops out of one of six holes in a random pattern, keeping your cat guessing. This will stimulate him both physically and mentally.
Key Features:
- Random motion
- Long-lasting battery life
- Skid-resistant feet
Cost: $23
SmartyKat Electronic Sound Cat Toys
This is a life-sized, realistic-sounding chickadee toy that will chirp when your cat touches it. It’s filled with catnip to entice your cat to play.
Key Features:
- Realistic sound
- Stuffed with catnip
- Comes in different colors
Interactive Laser Cat Toys
GO! Rechargeable Pet Training Exercise Chaser Tool
If you’re looking for a rechargeable laser pointer that you can use to entertain your cat, this is a good one to keep on hand. It also functions as a flashlight.
Key Features:
- This is a two-pack of laser lights
- Charges in 1.5 hours and lasts up to a week
- Includes a loop for attaching to keys
Cost: $13
Appeal to your cat’s natural hunting instinct. Turn on this laser toy and watch it spin and shine the laser around in a circle while your cat chases it.
Key Features:Â
- Four speed modes
- Can’t be tipped over
- Takes 3 AAA batteries
Cost: $29
Pawsome Pets Interactive Laser Cat Toy
This laser toy has three different modes and will shut itself off after 15 minutes. You can choose from fast, slow, and random patterns depending on your cat’s activity level.
Key Features:
- Automatic shutoff
- Includes a squeaky toy mouse
- Modern design
Cost: $17
PetDroid Boltz Motion Activated Cat Laser
This laser toy can be hung on the wall. When your cat walks by, it will automatically trigger it, turning it on for five minutes of timed play. It then turns off to conserve energy.
Key Features:
- Motion activated
- Two speed modes
- Four ways to hang on the wall
Cost: $33
Place this laser toy up high to prevent kitty from knocking it over. It has several different modes, an automatic turn-on, automatic turn-off, and USB charging.
Key Features:
- Turns on every three hours
- Turns off after 15 minutes
- USB as well as battery energy options
Cost: $25
