Many cat owners know that cats either love or ignore toys. However, toys that react when played with can motivate even the laziest cats to be more active and lead a healthier life. If you are looking for toys that would get your cat up and moving, you are in the right place. In this post, we compiled a list of the Best Interactive Toys for your Cat. We highlighted the Best Laser Toy, Best Budget Interactive toy, Best Toy for Multiple Cats and Best Overall Interactive Toy.
If you have only one cat at home, interactive cat toys are quite beneficial. Although cats aren’t as social as dogs, they still like interacting with people. These toys can strengthen your bond with the cat and reduce stress, especially if your cat is feeling anxious. Make sure the interactive toys you pick are both mentally and physically engaging for your cat. Additionally, choose ones that are safe and durable. Our top picks for the Best Interactive Toys for your Cat are;
See also: Cat Toys for Different Life Stages
Best Overall Interactive Toy: Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play
The Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play Cat Toy is designed to spark a cat’s natural curiosity and hunting instincts. Shaped like a leaf, it has eight small cups to hide treats or bits of your cat’s favorite dry food.
To get a yummy treat, your cat needs to paw at the ladybug-shaped coverings, which can move but not be taken off. The interactive toy can hold up to 1/4 cup of food, so it’s good to measure that from your cat’s daily intake to prevent unintended weight gain. This toy stimulates the parts of a cat’s brain linked to hunting. In addition, you can adjust the difficulty to keep the game interesting for your cat.
Made from food-safe plastic without BPA, PVC, or phthalates, the toy can be a bit challenging to clean thoroughly. Also, some cats may quickly figure out the puzzle.
Best Laser Toy: PetSafe Dancing Dot Laser Pointer Cat Toy
The PetSafe Dancing Dot Laser Pointer Cat Toy is a small, safe device that can entertain your cat even when you’re away. Just place it on a high surface or hang it from a doorknob, and it projects a random laser pattern on the floor that your cat will love.
You can turn on the Dancing Dot for a 15-minute playtime, or set it to run a 15-minute session every two hours (up to three sessions in six hours). Thus, ensuring your cat stays amused when you’re not around.
The only drawback is that the PetSafe Dancing Dot isn’t rechargeable. So make sure you have plenty of AAA batteries ready to go.
See also: Best Cat Toys based on your Cat’s Personality
Best Food Puzzle: Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center
Cats originally evolved as hunters, spending their time outdoors chasing prey. Even though domestication means they don’t have to hunt for survival anymore, they still enjoy hunting for fun and mental exercise. Food puzzles have become a popular way to provide indoor activities that keep their minds and reflexes sharp.
The Trixie 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center is a puzzle that combines food and toys. Thus, offering five different types of entertainment and challenges for your cat. You can sprinkle their dry food, treats, or small toys on the activity center, and your cat will engage in figuring out how to catch, eat, and play. The clear globes activate their digging instinct, while the pegs, alleyways, and indents encourage them to search for the treats or toys.
With non-slip rubber feet, the activity center stays in place, even when your cat gets excited. Its simple white design blends well with your home décor. To keep it interesting, try changing the food, treats, and toys you use with the activity center each day.
Best Budget Interactive toy: Pet Zone Play-N-Squeak MouseHunter Cat Toy
While toy mice are common and loved by cats, the Pet Zone Play N’ Squeak Mouse Hunter Cat Toy with Catnip stands out. This fuzzy mouse, filled with catnip, makes electronic squeaking sounds that mimic a real mouse, triggering your cat’s hunting instincts. The realistic size, shape, and color make it perfect for your cat to stalk and pounce on. It’s affordable, and many people find it widely available. This toy not only entertains but also promotes exercise, keeping your cat agile, healthy, and alert. Owners often mention that their cats really enjoy this mouse, and you might consider getting one for every room in your house.
See also: 10 different Cat Breeds and their Personalities
Best String Toy: Moody Pet String Cat Toy
This automatic string toy is designed to hang on any doorknob at home and is perfect for getting even the laziest cats to move. One end of a long, brightly colored string is attached to a flat, elastic conveyor belt that rotates. When turned on, the string moves in and out, capturing your cat’s attention and making them want to bite, paw, and play with it. When they release it, the string automatically starts rotating again, keeping them engaged for a long time.
The Fling-Ama-String has two speeds to keep things interesting and prevent boredom. Suitable for cats of any age, this toy runs on three AA batteries, which can be either standard or rechargeable. It has been around since at least 2009 and has a good reputation among satisfied cat owners. To ensure safety, the manufacturers recommend wrapping the string around the doorknob when not in use.
Best Toy for Multiple Cats: Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy
When you have more than one cat at home, you want a tough toy that can be enjoyed by multiple cats simultaneously. If you’re lucky, two cats might play with it together, making it even more fun. A great choice for this is a track ball cat toy. There are many options available, and the Petstages Tower of Tracks is particularly appealing to cats. The toy has three brightly colored balls that your cat can try to pull from their tracks, but instead, the balls just roll out of sight in the tracks. When cats get really excited, they may have all three balls spinning and rolling at the same time. This play station is safe for cats to use even when you’re not at home, and it’s built to last. The non-skid pads on the bottom ensure that it stays in place and doesn’t tip too easily.
See also: Capture Your Cat’s Adventures with the Best Cat Camera Collar
Best Interactive Toy for Chasing: BENTOPAL Automatic Cat Toy
Cats love to chase things, and the BENTOPAL Automatic Cat Toy is perfect for this. It has a hanging feather attached to two big wheels that move in unpredictable ways. Thus, triggering your cat’s natural instincts to stalk, chase, and pounce.
With two speed settings (fast and slow), you can match the play to your cat’s mood and energy level, keeping it exciting. The sturdy wheels work well on any floor, including carpets.
There’s also a handy automatic mode for when you’re away. The toy runs for 10 minutes, then takes a break for 90 minutes, and repeats this cycle for eight hours. The built-in rechargeable battery can be charged with a USB in under three hours and lasts up to eight hours in the default mode. You might find similar toys under different brand names like BurgeonNest, Sefon, or CSHope, but BENTOPAL has the highest customer satisfaction ratings.
Best Toy for Indoor Exercise: PETLIBRO Mouse Interactive Toy
The Libro Pixie Mouse Interactive Toy is a quick and elusive cat toy that encourages your cat to run around inside your home. It’s a battery-powered, mouse-shaped toy on wheels with a light-up tail. When fully charged with a USB cord, this small toy provides up to 160 minutes of playtime. To keep your cat engaged and allow for water breaks, the toy goes through periods of rest, returning to fast-moving action every 30 minutes. An internal sensor helps the toy avoid collisions, and it can roll over itself to change direction.
The electronic mouse is less than three inches long and is available for purchase individually or in a pack of two, which is useful for multi-cat households. It works well on various floor surfaces like wood, tile, and marble but is not recommended for use on pile carpeting.
See also: 10 Most Clever Cat Breeds
Best Rechargeable Kicker: Potaroma Electric Flopping Fish
The Potaroma Electric Flopping Fish is both soft and sturdy, mimicking the appearance and movements of a real fish. This interactive toy comes in five fish varieties: Clownfish, Curian Carp, Grass Carp, Red Carp, and Salmon.
The toy includes a USB cord for easy recharging, with a hidden plug inside a zippered pouch. When in action, the toy makes gentle mechanical sounds. However, this sound may be a bit scary for more timid cats initially. In between play sessions, you can remove the electronic parts, and the plush cover is hand-washable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the right interactive toys for your cat can enhance their physical health, mental stimulation, and overall well-being. From classics like toy mice to modern innovations like automatic string toys and electric flopping fish there’s something for your cat. We have finally discussed the Best Interactive Toys for your Cat. Let us know in the comments if this was helpful.
See also: https://www.catster.com/guides/best-toys-for-cats-home-alone/