Top 10 Best Cat Toys

Written by This Old House Reviews Team Updated 08/03/2022

Despite their lazy reputation, cats are active creatures that need mental and physical stimulation to keep them entertained throughout the day. It’s important to invest in quality toys for your feline friend. Luckily, there’s a vast selection of quality cat toys available, whether your furry friend loves to swat, chase, or pounce.

To help you select quality playtime essentials for your cat, we researched the best cat toys available, looking into factors such as cost, durability, and activity type. Take a look at our picks below.

Top 10 Cat Toys

Here are the best toys for your cat:

Frisco Butterfly Cat Tracks Cat Toy: Best Ball Chasing Toy
Frisco Bird Teaser with Feathers Cat Toy: Best Teaser Toy
Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Cat Toy: Best Catnip Toy
Frisco Colorful Springs Cat Toy: Best Interactive Toy
Pet Fit For Life 5 Piece Squiggly Worm Wand Cat Toy: Best Hunting Toy
Frisco 47-in Foldable Crinkle Play Tunnel with 2 Windows: Best Tunnel Toy
Bergan Star Chaser Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy: Best Scratcher Toy
Frisco Plush Kicker Cat Toy: Best Plush Toy
Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Cat Chew Toy: Best Chew
Hartz Just For Cats Toy Variety Pack, 13Toy: Best Variety Pack

Frisco Butterfly Cat Tracks Cat Toy: Best Ball Chasing Toy

This Frisco toy includes all the bells and whistles to get your cat excited. Equipped with a three-tier track, three colorful rolling balls, and two bouncy butterfly attachments, this cat track keeps your feline friend’s attention while providing it with the mental stimulation it needs.

Additionally, the toy’s three-tiered structure is lined with non-skid pads to keep the tower sturdy throughout your cat’s bats and swats.

Color Choices

Blue
Pink

Good For:

Extra-small cats
Small cats
Medium cats

Most Helpful Positive Review

Anne on Chewy says:

“My cats love this toy! It is easy to assemble and durable. My cats spend a lot of time taking turns batting the balls around the tracks.”

Most Helpful Critical Review

Willow on Chewy says:

“I would have never bought this if I knew it [was] so tiny! While my cat wants to play with it, it has become a point of frustration for him because he has to lay completely on his side to try and push the plastic balls. He is not happy, I am not happy.”

Frisco Bird Teaser with Feathers Cat Toy: Best Teaser Toy

There’s something about a small, moving object that makes cats want to pounce. This Frisco cat teaser wand is a popular charmer that may satisfy your cat’s predator instincts with its colorful feather teasers.

The toy comes stocked with catnip and is a great way to give your pet a bit of exercise and mental stimulation. Additionally, this easy-to-grip wand toy puts you in control of playtime, helping you and your pet bond.

Color Choices

Black
Green
Yellow

Good For:

Medium Sized Cats
Small Cats

Most Helpful Positive Review

KimH on Chewy says:

“This toy was a big hit. I liked the ribbons at the end and Frank loved the bird. Once he got his claws into that bird, I lost the game. I liked the ribbons since there is a fair chance I could get a point or two by getting the toy back. We had a lot of fun. Frank needs to lose weight and having a variety of toys helps to keep his interest.”

Most Helpful Critical Review

Mhello on Chewy says:

“I bought this toy because it was rated so well. My 15 pound kitty absolutely LOVED this toy, but he also tore it open after only 3 weeks and it started raining catnip everywhere. The plastic wand is a little flimsy, as well. I would recommend [it] for smaller cats.”

Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Cat Toy: Best Catnip Toy

Made with durable cotton twill and colored using vegetable and soy-based colors, this catnip cat toy is designed to keep your energetic feline entertained throughout the day.

The toy is filled with 100% organic catnip that has a strong aroma to keep your cat interested playtime after playtime. As an added perk, the toy banana is free from fillers and plastic pieces to keep your cat safe.

Good For:

Small cats
Medium cats
Large cats

Most Helpful Positive Review

TnTsMom on Chewy says:

“I got this for my cat’s 6th birthday. Tiger is my play girl and her brother Tony is usually only interested in yarn or the red dot. As soon as I got it out they both wanted it. I could barely get the tags off before they stole it. Tony has especially been having fun and not wanting to share. I already had to order a second one so they can each have their own.”

Most Helpful Critical Review

Greg on Chewy says:

“My cat absolutely loves the catnip in this thing but she ripped a hole through the fabric within about five minutes. I stitched it up, but she opened another hole within minutes. Great product, but I wish it was made of sturdier fabric.”

Frisco Colorful Springs Cat Toy: Best Interactive Toy

This affordable set of springs from Frisco triggers your cat’s hunting instincts with their quick and erratic bounces. With the bat of a paw, your furry friends can entertain themselves for hours, getting the exercise and mental stimulation they need for an enjoyable day.

Additionally, this set of interactive cat toys comes with 10 springs, so if your playful kitten loses a few underneath furniture or in between cracks, you’ll have some replacements. It’s also important to note that while these springs are designed for any cat, their small structure could pose a choking risk to larger adult cats.

Good For:

Extra-small cats
Small cats
Medium cats

Most Helpful Positive Review

MikandMar on Chewy says:

“My cat is 14 months [old] and loves these spring toys. She loves playing with balls and toy rattling mice as well but lately these take the cake. She loves how fast they go and how unpredictable they can move and bounce and slide all over the hardwood floors and carpets. We will be ordering more soon since she’s lost a few behind and under places. So worth it…”

Most Helpful Critical Review

NKat on Chewy says:

“I have an older kitty and thought he might like these. I’ve only been able to get him really interested in them once and even then he preferred his other toys to these. They might be good for a kitten or younger cat. Occasionally I can get him to chase or play with them but it is rare.”

Pet Fit For Life 5 Piece Squiggly Worm Wand Cat Toy: Best Hunting Toy

Featuring purple, orange, yellow, pink, and green wigglers, this worm wand is designed to get your cat up and active. No matter if you have an aggressive swatter or a timid, curious cat, this wand is built to withstand multiple play sessions with its break-resistant fiberglass pole.

For additional support, it has a reinforced eyelet and nylon string to stand up to your cat’s playful paws. If your cat gets bored of one wiggler, the wand’s easy-to-use clasp makes swapping colors quick and simple.

Good For:

Extra-small cats
Small cats
Medium cats
Large cats

Most Helpful Positive Review

Amyva on Chewy says:

“My cat loved it immediately! He acts like a kitten, again. All I have to do is shake it and he comes running! He has been leaping and turning flips over this!!! It is very user friendly, comfortable, great length, very well made. The swivel is what makes it work so well, and my cat likes the bell sound and the texture of the squiggly worms. Well worth the money and it will last a long time”

Most Helpful Critical Review

Catfriend on Chewy says:

“This would be a 100% positive review, if the fabric wasn’t fraying at the ends of the “worm’s” tails. My cat ends up swallowing the pieces coming off. I tied a knot in the end of one, and am considering how to reinforce the ends so the toys are safe to play with. Using a knot isn’t a great fix. The wand is nice, though.”

Frisco 47-in Foldable Crinkle Play Tunnel with 2 Windows: Best Tunnel Toy

If you’re looking for a complete play center for your feline friend, the Frisco foldable cat tunnel is a solid option. With two windows and a crinkly exterior, this toy gives your playful cat multiple ways to stay entertained throughout the day.

It also has a toy ball that hangs from the top of the tunnel for your furry friend to bat around. To top it off, its spring-loaded frame folds flat for easy storage after each play session.

Good For:

Small cats
Medium cats
Large cats

Most Helpful Positive Review

Melodee on Chewy says:

“Right out of the box, our little kitty, Dennis, just loves this tunnel. As soon as I put it on the floor he was inside kicking and grabbing the little ball at the end and he’s been in there for a good half an hour. I may have to buy more for backup and gifts if you decide not to offer this in the future! He just loves this!”

Most Helpful Critical Review

DHRT on Chewy says:

“The tunnel is [of] excellent quality. Soft to the touch, folds up nicely, and crinkly as expected and desired. However this seems to be the only thing my 4-month old kitty is afraid of. He’s not bothered by any other environmental sounds, but this scares him! He refuses to go in it.”

Frisco Double Cat Scratcher Toy with Catnip: Best Scratcher Toy

If you’re a cat parent, you know how much cats love to scratch. This can be damaging if your indoor cats target the furniture if you don’t have a scratching post or scratch pad.

We chose this double cat scratcher from Frisco for its safety and features. Made with corrugated cardboard that easily shreds for safe play, this toy promotes positive scratching behavior and nail health. As an added bonus, the toy comes with a packet of catnip that you can sprinkle on top.

Good For:

Small cats
Medium cats
Large cats

Most Helpful Positive Review

Catbarb on Chewy says:

“I have many types and sizes of scratchers for my [three] cats, and this style is their favorite! They are all over with some being strategically placed (so they use this and NOT my furniture). The extra-wide feature is perfect for my big girl as she can sit comfortably on it [without] falling over the sides.”

Most Helpful Critical Review

Susan on Chewy says:

“My cat is a pretty vigorous destroyer. This scratcher lasted about 3 days before he had turned the outer box into confetti, making a huge mess of bits and catnip. I’m sure he had fun but it wasn’t worth the mess.”

Frisco Plush Kicker Cat Toy: Best Plush Toy

This Frisco kicker toy is great for cat parents who have a wrestler on their hands. Made with soft, plush material, this toy is the right texture for snuggling, kicking, or swatting. To entice your furry friend, the toy is also infused with Canadian catnip to make playtime more enjoyable. Additionally, the affordable plush kicker is available in multiple unique colors.

Color Choices

Orange
Purple
Blue

Good For:

Extra-small cats
Small cats
Medium cats

Most Helpful Positive Review

Mary on Chewy says:

“My cats are crazy for this orange fox. This little stuffed fox is always flying through the air or taking a beating as a kick toy or being dragged around in my cat’s mouth like a vanquished foe. I don’t know what it is about this little orange fox, but it’s their favorite toy. They even like him better than the boxes and paper bags which were their previous all-time favorites.”

Most Helpful Critical Review

Catherine on Chewy says:

“This is not the average sized kicker. Too small for my cats to really grip. They still like to rub on it. It’s soft. Tail is flexible. Body is about 5.5 inches. Tail is 2.5 inches. Price was good, which is why I bought it.”

Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Cat Chew Toy: Best Chew

Dogs aren’t the only pets that love to chew. If your cat loves to gnaw on their toys, this fresh mint stick from Petstages can satisfy their desire while enhancing their overall dental health. Along with keeping your cat’s teeth clean, the toy’s lightweight frame is also great for batting or carrying. Additionally, it’s packed with a mixture of sweet-smelling mint to encourage chewing throughout the day.

Good For:

Small cats
Medium cats
Large cats

Most Helpful Positive Review

Mason on Chewy says:

“I have three cats and none of them were disappointed in their birthday present this year! They love these mint sticks more than I ever imagined they would. They carry them around the house everywhere they go and I can already notice fresher breath in all of them! Totally worth the money! Happy kitties = happy owner.“

Most Helpful Critical Review

Kyleigh on Chewy says:

“Unfortunately my cat destroyed this in about 30 seconds. My cat bites things so I thought this would be a good chew toy plus help with bad breath but he poked holes in it to where the product came out of it and it’s basically in the trash now. Really wanted to love this one though.”

Hartz Just For Cats Toy Variety Pack, 13Toy: Best Variety Pack

If you just adopted a cat or need to reup on your current pet’s toy collection, this variety pack from Hartz can help entertain your cat with a solid variety of toys. The 13-pack includes feline essentials like balls, pompoms, wands, and catnip-stuffed plushies to provide daily entertainment for your furry friend.

The mixture of toys is great for independent play but it’s also one of the best interactive cat toys for cat owners looking to bond with their feline friend over an interactive game. As an added bonus, all items in the combo pack are made with pet-safe materials for added peace of mind.

Good For:

Small cats
Medium cats
Large cats

Most Helpful Positive Review

Haleigh on Chewy says:

“Great assortment and my kitties love all of them! They provide a variety of play options that engage them in different kinds of activity. The balls roll so they have to chase them. The mice can be thrown for them to retrieve and throw again. The stick allows [for] direct play.”

Most Helpful Critical Review

Twiggy on Chewy says:

“My cat is obsessed with the two stuffed mice but completely ignores all the other toys. Don’t know if I would recommend [this]. The price is nice, though!”

Buying Guide

There are dozens of types of pet toys, from puzzle toys to feather wands, laser pointers, cat dancers, teasers and mouse toys. Before purchasing a cat toy, it’s important to understand how each product’s specifications might impact your cat’s interest and interaction with the toy. Here are a few factors to consider before buying a cat toy.

Benefits

Each toy comes with its own unique set of benefits. For example, plush kickers are great for a cat that likes to bat things around and wrestle, while a play tunnel is a better option for owners of curious cats that like to explore.

Overall, it’s important to keep your cat’s temperament in mind while balancing what you want for them during playtime. Some toys are designed to keep your cat active while others help keep them stimulated and engaged, staving off boredom. Be sure to select a toy that will fulfill your cat’s unique needs.

Durability

No toy is indestructible. However, it’s important to understand how long your toy will last before making a purchase. Typically, the type of material the toy is made with impacts how long it withstands the test of playtime.

For example, plush toys and kickers, typically made with soft polyester, will deteriorate quicker than a cat track toy made of hard plastic. If you’re purchasing a soft plushy or kicker, consider how hard your cat is on its toys. If your cat loves to chew, think about purchasing a back up for when it’s conquered its prey.

Engagement

Not all toys will keep your cat’s attention for hours, and not all of them are designed too. If you’re looking for an item that will instantly pique your cat’s interest, go for a toy that’s similar to their current selection. Or if your furry friend plays with almost anything, try something new. Your cat will appreciate having a variety of toys to hop between during playtime.

Conclusion

Choosing a cat toy can be overwhelming, particularly when there are thousands of options on the market. However, once you consider your cat’s needs and preferences, honing in on the right toy is a bit simpler.

The Chewy items listed in this article can meet a versatile range of interests for different types of cats. You can visit Chewy’s website to compare these top thoroughly vetted cat toys, cat food, and other pet products.

Other Pet Resources

Our Rating Methodology

In order to help pet parents find the best pet products, The This Old House Reviews Team has thoroughly researched and evaluated hundreds of pet products, weighing the factors below into our evaluation process:

Customer ratings: We selected products with a high volume of customer ratings across sites like Chewy and Google and a high average rating from verified customers.
Reviews: We analyzed at least 100 customer reviews for each pet product, factoring pet owners’ positive feedback and common complaints into our rankings.
Brand reputation: We also weighed each brand’s reputation in the pet industry, based on customer reviews and external research.
Features: We compared each product against competitors, comparing its basic and unique features, variety of options, and other factors specific to the type of product being reviewed.

After putting products through our rigorous review process, we follow up with experts and brand representatives when necessary, compile our research, and present you with a user-friendly, informative article featuring our top recommendations.

We regularly update our data points across the categories above to account for any changes to customer experience, product availability, and quality to help you make the most informed purchase possible for your pet.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at [email protected].