How to Choose the Best Cat Toys: A Guide to Keeping Your Cat Happy, Healthy & Engaged

Cats are natural-born hunters, explorers, and thinkers. Whether they’re pouncing on a feather wand or stealthily stalking a crumpled paper ball, play is more than a pastime—it’s a vital expression of instinct, emotion, and intelligence. But not all toys are created equal. So how do you pick the best toys for your feline friend?

Here’s a detailed guide to choosing the best cat toys, based on feline behaviour, science, and a bit of creative fun.

1. Understand Your Cat’s Play Style

Just like humans, cats have preferences. Some like to chase, others prefer to bat, and some just want to pounce and carry their “prey” around. Observing your cat will help you understand which categories of toys might appeal most:

• Hunters enjoy toys with erratic movement, like laser pointers or feather wands.

• Batters prefer lightweight toys like rolled-up paper balls or plastic caps.

• Stalkers enjoy slow-moving toys and puzzle feeders that mimic prey.

💡 Tip: Start simple. Some cats are perfectly content chasing a ping pong ball or shredded cardboard.

2. Choose Toys That Mimic Prey

Cats are hardwired to hunt. The most satisfying toys resemble the motion, sound, and size of prey animals. Look for:

• Unpredictable movement – Fluttering, bouncing, or rolling

• High-pitched sounds – Squeakers or rustling mimicking small animals

• Small size – Easy to carry in the mouth and “kill”

Wand toys, for example, allow for dynamic interaction and the ability to mimic natural prey behaviour. Change the attachment regularly to keep things novel.

3. Rotate Toys to Prevent Boredom

Cats quickly lose interest in familiar objects. If your cat appears “bored” with a toy, it’s often due to overexposure. Instead of buying new toys constantly, try these tactics:

• Rotate toys weekly – Keep 2–3 out and store the rest

• Change the way you play – Roll toys downstairs, toss them under furniture, or play hide-and-seek

• Attach treats – Add scent or reward to increase interest

🐾 Many cats re-engage with “old” toys once they’ve been reintroduced after a break.

4. Try Puzzle Feeders & Treat-Dispensing Toys

Food-dispensing toys combine play with problem-solving. They’re especially useful for:

• Indoor cats who need stimulation

• Overweight cats to slow eating and encourage activity

• Bored cats to enrich daily routines

You can buy treat balls, or make your own from a plastic bottle with holes. The act of batting, chasing, and sniffing out food taps into your cat’s foraging instincts.

5. Be Mindful of Catnip (and Its Limits)

Catnip toys can offer a brief burst of euphoria, but did you know only about 50% of cats are sensitive to it? If your cat is a responder, these toys can provide extra excitement and relaxation. Alternatives like silvervine or valerian root may appeal to cats that don’t respond to catnip.

🎉 Always supervise initial catnip play to observe your cat’s reaction.

6. Avoid Using Fingers and Toes

Playing with your cat using hands or feet might seem cute—until your grown cat bites your ankles. Teach your cat early that human limbs aren’t toys. Use proper toys instead, especially those with distance like:

• Fishing rod-style toys

• Wands with danglers

• Motorized mouse toys

This prevents confusion and keeps your relationship safe and playful.

7. Don't Underestimate the Power of a Scratching Post

While not technically a “toy,” scratching posts provide physical release and environmental enrichment. A good scratching post should be:

• Tall enough for a full-body stretch

• Stable so it doesn’t tip

• Textured with sisal, cardboard, or wood

Scratching is a need, not a behaviour flaw. Providing a fun and designated space helps keep claws healthy and furniture intact.

8. Play Is for All Ages

Play isn’t just a kitten thing. Adult and even senior cats benefit from regular stimulation. The difference is often in intensity and frequency:

• Kittens need short bursts of play throughout the day

• Adults benefit from morning and evening sessions

• Seniors may prefer slower, gentler play but still enjoy movement and scent

Try to match playtime with your cat’s natural rhythm—typically around dawn and dusk.

Final Thoughts: Choose Wisely, Play Often

The best cat toy is the one your cat actually uses—and that may change daily. By rotating toys, mimicking prey behaviour, and considering your cat’s individual personality, you can create a fun, stimulating environment that enriches both body and mind.

So next time you’re eyeing a feather wand or jingly ball, don’t hesitate. Your cat’s well-being (and your furniture) will thank you.