White and black kitten playing with mouse toy

Five best cat toys

Playing with your cat is a great bonding experience for you both. It's also important to play regularly if your cat lives indoors.

It can be difficult to know which toy is right for your cat when there are so many to choose from. To help you out, we've put together the five best cat toys that allow your cat to carry out their natural behaviours.

  1. 1. Fishing rod

Cat toy - Fishing rod

Fishing rod toys usually have a mouse, feather or something light on the end to tempt your cat to chase it. This is perfect for teaching your kitten how to play appropriately. Using the rod creates distance between your cat's sharp claws and your hands.

Fishing rods are also easy to make at home. Take a look at our DIY cat wand.

  1. 2. Treat balls

Cat treat ball

Cats are very intelligent and their natural instinct is to hunt for their food. This means they can find hours of entertainment with a treat ball.

Batting around the ball around to shake out treats encourages cats to use their brain and provides great mental stimulation.

  1. 3. Catnip mouse

Light blue catnip mouse

Catnip can naturally uplift your cats mood, making catnip mice great fun for them to play with. They're also the perfect toy for your cat to play with solo.

  1. 4. Kickeroo toy by Kong

Kickeroo toy by Kong

Kickeroo toys are made for cats who like grapple with their front paws and and kick out with their back legs when they are in the mood to play.

Encouraging your cat to wrestle with this toy provides both mental and physical stimulation. It also helps to protect your furniture from excited claws.

  1. 5. Cat activity centres

Cat activity centre

Cat activity centres play an important role in a cat's day to day life. They are made up of multiple levels, with string toys and scratch posts attached to encourage your cat's playful nature.

Cats love to climb and explore. Activity centres allow your cat to climb high and observe the world from a safe space, which is especially useful in multi-cat households.

Tip

Do not be tempted to stroke or pick your cat up when they’re on the activity centre. This is their safe space where they do not want to be disturbed.

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Reviewed

• 3 June 2024

Next review

• 3 June 2027

Claire crouching next to her white staffie dog
Approved by
Claire Stallard

Animal Behaviourist ABTC-CAB