Cats have a reputation for being lazy, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Like all animals, they need some motivation and stimulation to stay active. Still, humans often offer them very little to do or enjoy, especially if they are indoor cats. That's where toys come in! Here are ten toys that keep your cat's mind sharp and body fit.
1. Rainbow wand ribbons for cats
Wand toys dance in the air or on the ground to mimic prey, and they're a favorite of felines. This Amazon's Choice product, which has 1,511 reviews with an average of 4.5 stars, gets rave reviews from pet parents and cats alike. It's one of the best cat toys on Amazon. You get two wands with ribbons measuring 47 and 53 inches for interactive remote play, perfect for shy cats. You'll love the bright rainbow colors, and cats will enjoy the snake-like motion of the silk ribbons. I also like the company's warning always to watch the ribbon toys so the cat doesn't accidentally eat parts of the string-like material.
Buy: Rainbow wand ribbons for cats
2. Flopping Fish Cat Toy
Another of Amazon's best cat toys and an Amazon Best Seller, this battery-powered Flopping Fish cat toy has a sensor that makes it float when your cat touches it. You can choose from four fish shapes, each made with a soft, durable surface to bite on, and your cat can indulge their hunting instincts by stalking, pouncing, and nibbling on the floating toy. The rechargeable battery comes with a USB cable. With over 36,000 ratings, this fish is the cat's meow.
3. Cat Dancer
The Cat Dancer has been around forever, and this simple corded toy continues to delight felines. Yes, it's cheap, but cats don't care how much you spend. It comes highly recommended by veterinarians for its safety, and the company claims over six million satisfied felines. With 29,500 reviews on Amazon, with an average of 4.6 stars, this toy will attract your cat again and again. Here are some other Amazon pet products with near-perfect reviews.
Buy: Cat Dancer
4. Cat Springs Indoor Toy
These brightly colored Cat Springs toys are a hit with cats. The toy comes in two sizes, in a 10-pack of springs, and is one of the cheapest of the best Amazon cat toys guaranteed to have cats chasing and jumping around. It has an average Amazon rating of 4.7 stars and 21,600 reviews. Cats will paw at the light springs and have fun chasing them across the floor. If they disappear, check under appliances and sofas - cats love to hide toys that they'll fish out later.
5. Catnip Mouse Toys
Cats love lightweight toys they can send across the room with a swipe of their paws. They also like soft, chewable stuffed animals. Many cats respond to catnip with fun and silly behaviors. Here's an inexpensive set of three Skitter Critters mice, with over 30,000 ratings and an average of 4.7 stars, filled with powerful catnip. I also appreciate that SmartyKat toys meet child safety standards, as there are no safety standards for pet toys.
Buy: Catnip Mouse Toys
6. Retractable cat wand and feather teasing refills
Is your cat waiting by the window, chattering, and watching the birds fly outside? Feathers that mimic the appearance of birds stimulate a cat's prey drive and are one of the best cat toys on Amazon. With a feather lure on the end of a fishing pole string, you can make the imaginary bird fly, dive and swirl to entice your cat to chase, jump and catch the toy. An Amazon bestseller, the MeoHui cat wand, has been reviewed by over 21,500 people, with an average rating of 4.6 stars. It comes with two retractable wands and nine interchangeable feather or plush toys. You'll need the refills to let your cat catch and destroy the feathers, which is part of the fun. Also, put the toys away when you're not using them, as your cat may chew and swallow pieces.
Buy: Retractable cat wand and feather teasing refills
7. Cat Tunnel
Fearful cats want hiding places, but even brave felines love to hide in cat tunnels. It feeds the cat's instinct to stalk, wait, and then pounce on its prey (perhaps your ankles) as you walk by. This popular folding, portable cat tunnel features a hanging ball for kicking and a hole in the center for looking out. It comes in four colors or patterns and is made of sturdy polyester with a strong spring steel frame. With more than 7,500 reviews, averaging 4.6 stars, it has earned the "Amazon's Choice" designation. Best of all, it comes with a 100% money-back guarantee.
Buy: Cat Tunnel
8. UPSKY 3-Level Cat Roller Toy
Ranked as the #1 best-selling cat toy on Amazon, this UPSKY cat roller toy goes beyond just a ball in a track. Four levels (three with balls) are detachable for easy cleanup, so you can add or remove tracks and balls to keep cats engaged. Yes, plural: more than one cat can play at a time. The toy has received over 38,400 reviews, with an average of 4.4 stars. It is available in five adorable colors, with three extra balls if your awesome cat loses one. Cats won't care for the fun colors, as Kitty sees mostly shades of green and blue, but you'll love watching her play bat with this cartoon-themed toy.
Buy: UPSKY 3-Level Cat Roller Toy
9. SmartyKat electronic sound prey toys for cats and kittens
We don't like to think of cats catching a living creature. With SmartyKat Prey Toys, cats get what they want, and people don't have to worry about their hunting exploits. Battery-powered toys in the shape of birds, mice, chipmunks, hummingbirds, and more emit chirps, chatters, and snores to lure cats into fun play. These SmartyKat toys have been reviewed by over 14,500 people, with an average rating of 4.5 stars. You'll find the perfect creature to get your cat's motor running.
Buy: SmartyKat electronic sound prey toys for cats and kittens
10. Laser Pointer Cat Toy
One of the most popular cat toys, the laser pointer has its pros and cons. Cats love to chase the light across the floor, up a wall, and around the room. But keep it out of Kitty's eyes to avoid injury, and be sure to end the game by pointing the light at a physical toy. The cat can complete the prey sequence by attacking and biting. Otherwise, laser games where your cat never catches the light are frustrating and can lead to behavior problems. This laser pointer cat toy ranked #1 in cat toys on Amazon and has received nearly 1,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 stars. It comes with a rechargeable battery.
11. Mylar Crinkle Balls Cat Toys
With an average of 4.6 stars out of 5,439 reviews, Mylar Crinkle Balls tickle the imagination of kittens and adult cats. They're light enough to toss around the room, they make fun sounds when bitten, and the light reflects off the shiny surfaces to attract the most sedate feline. Buy them in bulk, as your cat will hide them everywhere, especially under appliances. They come in six, twelve, and twenty-four packs, enough to satisfy even a large cat.
Buy: Mylar Crinkle Balls Cat Toys
12. Petstages Dental Health Cat Toys
Yes, we are faced with cat behavior that drives us crazy. For example, we are happy to have products that remove cat urine from carpets. So pet parents are happy to find toys that contribute to a cat's emotional and physical health! Don't tell your cat, but playing with these cat toys brushes his teeth when he bites and struggles with them. They've been reviewed by over 12,000 people, with an average rating of 4.2 stars, and you can choose from 10 unique designs. The toys are made with durable fabric streamers and durable, pet-safe rubber (infused with catnip) that encourages healthy chewing.
Buy: Petstages Dental Health Cat Toys
