These Are the 17 Very Best Cat Toys, Tested by Our Picky Cats

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsThings to ConsiderBehind the ScenesFAQWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is People Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Things to Consider

Behind the Scenes

FAQ

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is People Tested?

Photo:People / Elizabeth Theriot

People / Elizabeth Theriot

I’ll do just about anything to get my sweet, stubborn rescue cat to play with me. Usually, after five minutes of waving around a feather toy like a matador, my cat looks downright bored. Finding the right toys to keep my feline friend engaged, curious, and playful was almost as challenging as finding the rightcat food brand.

While I was writing this story, based on the meticulous testing results from our PEOPLE-tested labs, I decided to try out some of the top-performing toys with my own cat. Andoh boy, did they perform. The best toys from our testing lab were a hit with my own cat, and I’ve never seen her play more excitedly (she goes especially wild over theCat Dancer toy), proving, in my own micro test, that the type of toy reallydoesaffect the way they play.

Experts Say“I’m a big fan of work-to-eat toys,”Dr. Jennifer Chutells PEOPLE. “Cats need mental stimulation and exercise, so work-to-eat toys allow them to exercise while using their brains.” Our favorite work-to-eat toy we’ve tested is theCatstages Buggin' Outpuzzle.

Experts Say

“I’m a big fan of work-to-eat toys,”Dr. Jennifer Chutells PEOPLE. “Cats need mental stimulation and exercise, so work-to-eat toys allow them to exercise while using their brains.” Our favorite work-to-eat toy we’ve tested is theCatstages Buggin' Outpuzzle.

We consulted cat behavior specialists and veterinarians to make a comprehensive guide to the very best toys for our best friends. These are the best cat toys, feeder puzzles, scratchers, and lasers that are PEOPLE-cat-approved.

Best Teaser Toy:Cat Dancer Products Interactive Cat Toy at Amazon$14Jump to Review

Best Teaser Toy:Cat Dancer Products Interactive Cat Toy at Amazon$14

Best Teaser Toy:

Best for Kittens:SALECat Dancer Cat Charmer at Amazon$12$9Jump to Review

Best for Kittens:SALECat Dancer Cat Charmer at Amazon$12$9

Best for Kittens:

SALE

Best Scratcher Toy:

Best for Multiple Cats:Catit Super Roller Circuit Toy at Amazon$40Jump to Review

Best for Multiple Cats:Catit Super Roller Circuit Toy at Amazon$40

Best for Multiple Cats:

Best Circuit Toy:Catit Play Massager Circuit Ball Cat Toy at Amazon$27Jump to Review

Best Circuit Toy:Catit Play Massager Circuit Ball Cat Toy at Amazon$27

Best Circuit Toy:

Best Dental Toy:Catstages Straw-Babies Catnip Toy at Amazon$5Jump to Review

Best Dental Toy:Catstages Straw-Babies Catnip Toy at Amazon$5

Best Dental Toy:

Best Toy for Self-Play:Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy at Amazon$14Jump to Review

Best Toy for Self-Play:Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy at Amazon$14

Best Toy for Self-Play:

Best Mouse Toy:Ethical Spot Rainbow Mice Toy with Catnip at Amazon$10Jump to Review

Best Mouse Toy:Ethical Spot Rainbow Mice Toy with Catnip at Amazon$10

Best Mouse Toy:

Best Wand Toy:Frisco Bird with Feathers Teaser Wand Cat Toy with Catnip at ChewyJump to Review

Best Wand Toy:Frisco Bird with Feathers Teaser Wand Cat Toy with Catnip at Chewy

Best Wand Toy:

Best Catnip Toy:Frisco Squirrel Plush Cat Toy with Catnip at ChewyJump to Review

Best Catnip Toy:Frisco Squirrel Plush Cat Toy with Catnip at Chewy

Best Catnip Toy:

Best Teaser ToyCat Dancer Products Interactive Cat ToyPHOTO: Petco$14$13 at AmazonView on PETCOView on Catdancer.comStar QualitiesEvery cat we’ve introduced to this toy has instantly loved itRelatively inexpensive compared to others on the marketComes in a pack of 2Red FlagsPaper tubes began to unravel after a monthSometimes, the simplest things are the best. Why do cats seem to be instantly obsessed over this basic toy? We can’t say for sure — all we know is that every cat that we’ve presented with the Cat Dancer toy has preferred it over any other fancy toy we’ve given them. Whenever we break out this toy, our cats jump for joy (literally) and start to do a little cat dance that’s just as cute as you’d imagine.At its core, the Cat Dancer toy is just a piece of wire with a few paper tubes strung on the end. But, when you pick the toy up and dangle it in front of your feline friend, the toy moves in an enticing way that seems to captivate our cats’ attention more than other wand toys. The design is basic, and after a month or two, the paper tubes begin to rip off the wire. But you get two of the toys for just $10, so we don’t mind having to replace the toy more often — especially considering how crazy our cats go for it.Type:Wand |Materials:Wire, paper tubes |Cleaning Instructions:None listedPHOTO: People / Melanie FincherPHOTO: People / Melanie Fincher

Best Teaser ToyCat Dancer Products Interactive Cat ToyPHOTO: Petco$14$13 at AmazonView on PETCOView on Catdancer.com

Best Teaser ToyCat Dancer Products Interactive Cat Toy

Best Teaser Toy

Cat Dancer Products Interactive Cat Toy

PHOTO: Petco

$14$13 at AmazonView on PETCOView on Catdancer.com

Star QualitiesEvery cat we’ve introduced to this toy has instantly loved itRelatively inexpensive compared to others on the marketComes in a pack of 2Red FlagsPaper tubes began to unravel after a month

Star QualitiesEvery cat we’ve introduced to this toy has instantly loved itRelatively inexpensive compared to others on the marketComes in a pack of 2

Every cat we’ve introduced to this toy has instantly loved it

Relatively inexpensive compared to others on the market

Comes in a pack of 2

Red FlagsPaper tubes began to unravel after a month

Paper tubes began to unravel after a month

Sometimes, the simplest things are the best. Why do cats seem to be instantly obsessed over this basic toy? We can’t say for sure — all we know is that every cat that we’ve presented with the Cat Dancer toy has preferred it over any other fancy toy we’ve given them. Whenever we break out this toy, our cats jump for joy (literally) and start to do a little cat dance that’s just as cute as you’d imagine.

At its core, the Cat Dancer toy is just a piece of wire with a few paper tubes strung on the end. But, when you pick the toy up and dangle it in front of your feline friend, the toy moves in an enticing way that seems to captivate our cats’ attention more than other wand toys. The design is basic, and after a month or two, the paper tubes begin to rip off the wire. But you get two of the toys for just $10, so we don’t mind having to replace the toy more often — especially considering how crazy our cats go for it.

Type:Wand |Materials:Wire, paper tubes |Cleaning Instructions:None listed

PHOTO: People / Melanie FincherPHOTO: People / Melanie Fincher

Best for KittensCat Dancer Cat CharmerPHOTO: Amazon$12$9 at Amazon$15 at Target$14 at ChewyStar QualitiesCats of all ages enjoyed itSturdy wand feels sturdy and high qualityRip-resistant ribbonRed FlagsMay not capture some cats’ attention as well as a prey-like lure toyWand toys are a favorite amongst cats of all ages, and our tester kittens especially loved the Cat Dancer Rainbow Cat Charmer. The colorful ribbon that dangles off the handheld stick is less intimidating than some other wire wand toys, making it a great choice for cats and kittens who may be more nervous around prey-like lures.The wand toy’s handle is rated to hold up to 30 pounds, so it can stand up to rough play without snapping. It feels more durable than most other wand toys we’ve tried, thanks to a thick, stretchy fleece ribbon that allows our cats to claw into it without ripping. The rainbow ribbon might not be as long-term engaging as a wand toy with prey-like feather lures on the end, but if you’re looking for a sturdy wand toy that works for cats of all ages, we recommend the Cat Dancer Rainbow Cat Charmer.Type:Wand |Materials:Polycarbonate, fleece |Cleaning Instructions:Not listedPHOTO: People / Andrew WhalenPHOTO: People / Andrew Whalen

Best for KittensCat Dancer Cat CharmerPHOTO: Amazon$12$9 at Amazon$15 at Target$14 at Chewy

Best for KittensCat Dancer Cat Charmer

Best for Kittens

Cat Dancer Cat Charmer

PHOTO: Amazon

$12$9 at Amazon$15 at Target$14 at Chewy

Star QualitiesCats of all ages enjoyed itSturdy wand feels sturdy and high qualityRip-resistant ribbonRed FlagsMay not capture some cats’ attention as well as a prey-like lure toy

Star QualitiesCats of all ages enjoyed itSturdy wand feels sturdy and high qualityRip-resistant ribbon

Cats of all ages enjoyed it

Sturdy wand feels sturdy and high quality

Rip-resistant ribbon

Red FlagsMay not capture some cats’ attention as well as a prey-like lure toy

May not capture some cats’ attention as well as a prey-like lure toy

Wand toys are a favorite amongst cats of all ages, and our tester kittens especially loved the Cat Dancer Rainbow Cat Charmer. The colorful ribbon that dangles off the handheld stick is less intimidating than some other wire wand toys, making it a great choice for cats and kittens who may be more nervous around prey-like lures.

The wand toy’s handle is rated to hold up to 30 pounds, so it can stand up to rough play without snapping. It feels more durable than most other wand toys we’ve tried, thanks to a thick, stretchy fleece ribbon that allows our cats to claw into it without ripping. The rainbow ribbon might not be as long-term engaging as a wand toy with prey-like feather lures on the end, but if you’re looking for a sturdy wand toy that works for cats of all ages, we recommend the Cat Dancer Rainbow Cat Charmer.

Type:Wand |Materials:Polycarbonate, fleece |Cleaning Instructions:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Andrew WhalenPHOTO: People / Andrew Whalen

Best Scratcher Toy

$26 at Amazon

Star QualitiesMulti-use toy is a scratcher, cat perch, and ball toy all in oneLighter weight and smaller than most other scratching postsMultiple cats can play with it at the same timeRed FlagsSo lightweight that it can tip over when cats sit on top

Star QualitiesMulti-use toy is a scratcher, cat perch, and ball toy all in oneLighter weight and smaller than most other scratching postsMultiple cats can play with it at the same time

Multi-use toy is a scratcher, cat perch, and ball toy all in one

Lighter weight and smaller than most other scratching posts

Multiple cats can play with it at the same time

Red FlagsSo lightweight that it can tip over when cats sit on top

So lightweight that it can tip over when cats sit on top

Cat scratcher toyscan help minimize furniture scratching, and of all the cat scratching toys we’ve tried, this one from Best Pet Supplies Stores is our (and our kitty’s) favorite. It offers more than the basic scratching board, with an inner compartment that holds whiffle balls that your cat can bat around and a ledge on top that our tester kitties liked to perch on. In our two-cat testing household, we found that both cats liked to play with the toy together, thanks to the multiple play options.

The toy was strong enough to hold our 20-pound cat when he sat on top of it, though he did once tip it over during one of his perching sessions. This scratcher toy is smaller and lighter in weight than most of the standard scratching posts we’ve tried, which makes it a great option for smaller spaces or for anyone who wants to move the toy from room to room.

Type:Scratcher |Materials:Cardboard |Cleaning Instructions:None listed

PHOTO: People / Johanna NeesonPHOTO: People / Johanna NeesonPHOTO: People / Johanna Neeson

Best for Multiple CatsCatit Super Roller Circuit ToyPHOTO: Chewy$40 at Amazon$35 at Chewy$32 at PetSmart

Best for Multiple CatsCatit Super Roller Circuit Toy

Best for Multiple Cats

Catit Super Roller Circuit Toy

PHOTO: Chewy

$40 at Amazon$35 at Chewy$32 at PetSmart

Star QualitiesEncourages independent playSturdy track pieces click together easilyOption to order more track pieces onlineRed FlagsNot as intuitive as some simpler toys

Star QualitiesEncourages independent playSturdy track pieces click together easilyOption to order more track pieces online

Encourages independent play

Sturdy track pieces click together easily

Option to order more track pieces online

Red FlagsNot as intuitive as some simpler toys

Not as intuitive as some simpler toys

For any cat that likes to bat objects off of countertops, this circuit roller toy gives them the same sensation (without strewing your things on the ground). The toy is easy to set up, and the pieces click together like a toy train’s tracks. Once assembled, the tracks are locked in and sturdy enough for us to move the toy from room to room in one piece.

Type:Circuit |Materials:Plastic |Cleaning Instructions:Wash with soap and water

PHOTO: People / Elise WangPHOTO: People / Elise WangPHOTO: People / Elise Wang

Best Circuit ToyCatit Play Massager Circuit Ball Cat ToyPHOTO: Chewy$27 at Amazon$22 at ChewyStar QualitiesMulti-functional device is a circuit toy, massager, and batting toy all in oneMore durable than other circuit toys we’ve had in the pastIncludes catnip to encourage rubbing against the massing nubsRed FlagsBall rolling around the track makes a little bit of noiseThe Catit Play Massager is more than just a circuit toy — it’s also a massager, batting toy,andcatnip toy all in one. The setup process took us less than 30 seconds, and our cat immediately began to bat the ball around the circuit, rub up against the massaging nubs, and chew on the spring-mounted bee (and he didn’t stop playing with the toy for two hours straight!).One of our kitties figured out how to remove the ball from the circuit track, but we were able to locate the ball easily on our apartment floor. The Catit Play Massager has immediately become our cat’s favorite toy, and we can hear him rolling the ball around the track during all hours of the day and night — though, if you’re looking for a silent toy, this one isn’t it. But we found that we enjoyed hearing the sound of the ball whirling around its track because we knew that our cat was playing and happy.Type:Circuit |Materials:Plastic |Cleaning Instructions:Wash with soap and waterPHOTO: People / John SomerallPHOTO: People / John Somerall

Best Circuit ToyCatit Play Massager Circuit Ball Cat ToyPHOTO: Chewy$27 at Amazon$22 at Chewy

Best Circuit ToyCatit Play Massager Circuit Ball Cat Toy

Best Circuit Toy

Catit Play Massager Circuit Ball Cat Toy

$27 at Amazon$22 at Chewy

Star QualitiesMulti-functional device is a circuit toy, massager, and batting toy all in oneMore durable than other circuit toys we’ve had in the pastIncludes catnip to encourage rubbing against the massing nubsRed FlagsBall rolling around the track makes a little bit of noise

Star QualitiesMulti-functional device is a circuit toy, massager, and batting toy all in oneMore durable than other circuit toys we’ve had in the pastIncludes catnip to encourage rubbing against the massing nubs

Multi-functional device is a circuit toy, massager, and batting toy all in one

More durable than other circuit toys we’ve had in the past

Includes catnip to encourage rubbing against the massing nubs

Red FlagsBall rolling around the track makes a little bit of noise

Ball rolling around the track makes a little bit of noise

The Catit Play Massager is more than just a circuit toy — it’s also a massager, batting toy,andcatnip toy all in one. The setup process took us less than 30 seconds, and our cat immediately began to bat the ball around the circuit, rub up against the massaging nubs, and chew on the spring-mounted bee (and he didn’t stop playing with the toy for two hours straight!).

One of our kitties figured out how to remove the ball from the circuit track, but we were able to locate the ball easily on our apartment floor. The Catit Play Massager has immediately become our cat’s favorite toy, and we can hear him rolling the ball around the track during all hours of the day and night — though, if you’re looking for a silent toy, this one isn’t it. But we found that we enjoyed hearing the sound of the ball whirling around its track because we knew that our cat was playing and happy.

PHOTO: People / John SomerallPHOTO: People / John Somerall

Best Dental ToyCatstages Straw-Babies Catnip ToyPHOTO: Chewy$5 at AmazonView on ChewyStar QualitiesCleans teeth with an internal mesh that helps to remove plaqueCrinkles and jinglesJust $5 for a pack of threeStuffed with catnipRed FlagsSome of the feathers fell out during testingEngage your kitty in play while polishing their teeth with the Catstages Straw-Babies dental toy. The toy comes with three adorable catnip-filled strawberry plushies with feathery tops to attract your pet’s attention. The strawberries also make crinkle noises when chewed on, which makes our test cats go crazy with excitement.Soft fabric toys help remove plaque from cats' teeth while they chew, which is good for their oral health. Chewing toys can also help to promote positive chewing behavior in cats because they encourage them to gnaw down on toys rather than household objects. We were shocked at how inexpensive a pack of three runs compared to other similar toys. We did notice that the feathers began to fall out after a few play sessions, but since it comes in a pack of three for less than $5, a few shedding feathers didn’t change our high opinion of the toy.Type:Plushy |Materials:Mesh, synthetic fabric, catnip |Cleaning instructions:Not listedPHOTO: People / Jordan ProvostPHOTO: People / Jordan ProvostPHOTO: People / Jordan Provost

Best Dental ToyCatstages Straw-Babies Catnip ToyPHOTO: Chewy$5 at AmazonView on Chewy

Best Dental ToyCatstages Straw-Babies Catnip Toy

Best Dental Toy

Catstages Straw-Babies Catnip Toy

$5 at AmazonView on Chewy

Star QualitiesCleans teeth with an internal mesh that helps to remove plaqueCrinkles and jinglesJust $5 for a pack of threeStuffed with catnipRed FlagsSome of the feathers fell out during testing

Star QualitiesCleans teeth with an internal mesh that helps to remove plaqueCrinkles and jinglesJust $5 for a pack of threeStuffed with catnip

Cleans teeth with an internal mesh that helps to remove plaque

Crinkles and jingles

Just $5 for a pack of three

Stuffed with catnip

Red FlagsSome of the feathers fell out during testing

Some of the feathers fell out during testing

Engage your kitty in play while polishing their teeth with the Catstages Straw-Babies dental toy. The toy comes with three adorable catnip-filled strawberry plushies with feathery tops to attract your pet’s attention. The strawberries also make crinkle noises when chewed on, which makes our test cats go crazy with excitement.

Soft fabric toys help remove plaque from cats' teeth while they chew, which is good for their oral health. Chewing toys can also help to promote positive chewing behavior in cats because they encourage them to gnaw down on toys rather than household objects. We were shocked at how inexpensive a pack of three runs compared to other similar toys. We did notice that the feathers began to fall out after a few play sessions, but since it comes in a pack of three for less than $5, a few shedding feathers didn’t change our high opinion of the toy.

Type:Plushy |Materials:Mesh, synthetic fabric, catnip |Cleaning instructions:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Jordan ProvostPHOTO: People / Jordan ProvostPHOTO: People / Jordan Provost

Best Toy for Self-PlayPetstages Tower of Tracks Cat ToyPHOTO: Amazon$14 at Amazon$14 at ChewyStar QualitiesEncourages self playSturdy construction looked as good as new, even after weeks of playReady to use right out of the packageRed FlagsColor is very bright, might clash with your decorWe can’t always be around to engage with our feline friends, so toys that encourage alone-time play, like the Catstages Tower of Tracks, are game changers for keeping your kitty from getting bored. This engaging toy has three levels with six brightly-hued balls that they can bat around the tracks for hours on end. The toy is ready to use right out of the package with no assembly acquired, and we found that every cat that we presented with the Tower of Tracks toy was instantly interested in it.After weeks of play, the toy showed no signs of wear. None of the balls came out of the sturdy structure, and our cats seemed to enjoy the toy throughout our whole testing process. There wasn’t much that we didn’t love about the Tower of Tracks toy, but if we had to get nit-picky, we’d say that the neon orange exterior isn’t the most appealing to the human eye. But hey, if our cats love it, then so do we.Type:Circuit |Materials:Plastic, polypropylene |Cleaning Instructions:Not listedPHOTO: People / Cassidy WalterPHOTO: People / Cassidy Walter

Best Toy for Self-PlayPetstages Tower of Tracks Cat ToyPHOTO: Amazon$14 at Amazon$14 at Chewy

Best Toy for Self-PlayPetstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy

Best Toy for Self-Play

Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy

$14 at Amazon$14 at Chewy

Star QualitiesEncourages self playSturdy construction looked as good as new, even after weeks of playReady to use right out of the packageRed FlagsColor is very bright, might clash with your decor

Star QualitiesEncourages self playSturdy construction looked as good as new, even after weeks of playReady to use right out of the package

Encourages self play

Sturdy construction looked as good as new, even after weeks of play

Ready to use right out of the package

Red FlagsColor is very bright, might clash with your decor

Color is very bright, might clash with your decor

We can’t always be around to engage with our feline friends, so toys that encourage alone-time play, like the Catstages Tower of Tracks, are game changers for keeping your kitty from getting bored. This engaging toy has three levels with six brightly-hued balls that they can bat around the tracks for hours on end. The toy is ready to use right out of the package with no assembly acquired, and we found that every cat that we presented with the Tower of Tracks toy was instantly interested in it.

After weeks of play, the toy showed no signs of wear. None of the balls came out of the sturdy structure, and our cats seemed to enjoy the toy throughout our whole testing process. There wasn’t much that we didn’t love about the Tower of Tracks toy, but if we had to get nit-picky, we’d say that the neon orange exterior isn’t the most appealing to the human eye. But hey, if our cats love it, then so do we.

Type:Circuit |Materials:Plastic, polypropylene |Cleaning Instructions:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Cassidy WalterPHOTO: People / Cassidy Walter

Best Mouse ToyEthical Spot Rainbow Mice Toy with CatnipPHOTO: Chewy$10 at AmazonView on ChewyStar QualitiesEngages cats' animal instincts with a rattling noiseBright colors ensure you don’t mistake the toy mice for the real thingHeld up through chewing, clawing, and being dunked in waterStuffed with catnipRed FlagsExterior fabric will eventually start to wear awayWe all know the classic trope: catsloveto chase mice. That’s why we love these catnip-packed toy rodents that engage their animal instinctswithouthurting any other living animals in the process. The brightly colored mouse toys make a rattling noise and come with 12 in a pack, which feels like a great deal for how well each mouse toy held up during our testing. We also love that nine of the included toys are brightly colored, which means we won’t mistake them for real creatures.Our tester kitten was instantly enamored with the catnip-filled toy and enjoyed carrying it around, playing catch with it, and dunking it in her water bowl. Even through all that rough-housing, the mouse toy looked as good as new at the end of the testing period. And, though we suspect the outer fabric will eventually wear down after extended play, we still think the quality and price make it a great deal.Type:Plushy |Materials:Polyester, plastic, catnip |Cleaning Instructions:Not listedPHOTO: People / Heddy HuntPHOTO: People / Heddy HuntPHOTO: People / Heddy Hunt

Best Mouse ToyEthical Spot Rainbow Mice Toy with CatnipPHOTO: Chewy$10 at AmazonView on Chewy

Best Mouse ToyEthical Spot Rainbow Mice Toy with Catnip

Best Mouse Toy

Ethical Spot Rainbow Mice Toy with Catnip

$10 at AmazonView on Chewy

Star QualitiesEngages cats' animal instincts with a rattling noiseBright colors ensure you don’t mistake the toy mice for the real thingHeld up through chewing, clawing, and being dunked in waterStuffed with catnipRed FlagsExterior fabric will eventually start to wear away

Star QualitiesEngages cats' animal instincts with a rattling noiseBright colors ensure you don’t mistake the toy mice for the real thingHeld up through chewing, clawing, and being dunked in waterStuffed with catnip

Engages cats' animal instincts with a rattling noise

Bright colors ensure you don’t mistake the toy mice for the real thing

Held up through chewing, clawing, and being dunked in water

Red FlagsExterior fabric will eventually start to wear away

Exterior fabric will eventually start to wear away

We all know the classic trope: catsloveto chase mice. That’s why we love these catnip-packed toy rodents that engage their animal instinctswithouthurting any other living animals in the process. The brightly colored mouse toys make a rattling noise and come with 12 in a pack, which feels like a great deal for how well each mouse toy held up during our testing. We also love that nine of the included toys are brightly colored, which means we won’t mistake them for real creatures.

Our tester kitten was instantly enamored with the catnip-filled toy and enjoyed carrying it around, playing catch with it, and dunking it in her water bowl. Even through all that rough-housing, the mouse toy looked as good as new at the end of the testing period. And, though we suspect the outer fabric will eventually wear down after extended play, we still think the quality and price make it a great deal.

Type:Plushy |Materials:Polyester, plastic, catnip |Cleaning Instructions:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Heddy HuntPHOTO: People / Heddy HuntPHOTO: People / Heddy Hunt

Best Wand ToyFrisco Bird with Feathers Teaser Wand Cat Toy with CatnipPHOTO: ChewyView on Chewy

Best Wand ToyFrisco Bird with Feathers Teaser Wand Cat Toy with Catnip

Best Wand Toy

Frisco Bird with Feathers Teaser Wand Cat Toy with Catnip

View on Chewy

Star QualitiesDurable, looked as good as new after hours of playCats of all ages loved this toyCrinkly feathered bird lure is stuffed with catnipRed FlagsWand toys require you to hold them, so aren’t good for independent play

Star QualitiesDurable, looked as good as new after hours of playCats of all ages loved this toyCrinkly feathered bird lure is stuffed with catnip

Durable, looked as good as new after hours of play

Cats of all ages loved this toy

Crinkly feathered bird lure is stuffed with catnip

Red FlagsWand toys require you to hold them, so aren’t good for independent play

Wand toys require you to hold them, so aren’t good for independent play

We loved how sturdy this wand toy felt and were impressed that no piece fell off the end of the toy after hours of rough play, which is what we’ve often experienced with other wand toys. It’s also less expensive than most other wand toys we’ve seen.

Type:Wand |Materials:Polyester, plastic, catnip |Cleaning Instructions:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Chrissy TassinPHOTO: People / Chrissy Tassin

Best Catnip ToyFrisco Squirrel Plush Cat Toy with CatnipPHOTO: ChewyView on Chewy

Best Catnip ToyFrisco Squirrel Plush Cat Toy with Catnip

Best Catnip Toy

Frisco Squirrel Plush Cat Toy with Catnip

Star QualitiesCan be filled with catnip to entice cats to playComes with catnip refillsThe toy was soft and furry, as well as durable

Can be filled with catnip to entice cats to play

Comes with catnip refills

The toy was soft and furry, as well as durable

Type:Plushy |Materials:Polyester, catnip |Cleaning Instructions:Remove catnip and machine wash

PHOTO: People / Danielle YersinPHOTO: People / Danielle Yersin

Best Bird ToyLeo’s Paw Bird Simulation Cat Toy SetPHOTO: Leo’s Paw$35 at AmazonView on Leospaw.com

Best Bird ToyLeo’s Paw Bird Simulation Cat Toy Set

Best Bird Toy

Leo’s Paw Bird Simulation Cat Toy Set

PHOTO: Leo’s Paw

$35 at AmazonView on Leospaw.com

Star QualitiesSuction-mounted allows for independent playComes with five realistic bird options and a suction replacementRed FlagsOne of the more expensive toys on our list

Star QualitiesSuction-mounted allows for independent playComes with five realistic bird options and a suction replacement

Suction-mounted allows for independent play

Comes with five realistic bird options and a suction replacement

Red FlagsOne of the more expensive toys on our list

One of the more expensive toys on our list

After our testing, the Bird Simulation Cat Toy still looked as good as it did right out of the package. And, though this set is a little more expensive than some most of the other toys on our list, it also comes with five different bird toy options and multiple replacement stickies for the suction cups, which we think makes it feel like a good value for the price.

Type:Wand |Materials:Not listed |Cleaning Instructions:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Heddy HuntPHOTO: People / Heddy Hunt

Best Puzzle ToyNina Ottosson Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play Cat Puzzle GamePHOTO: Chewy$19 at Amazon$15 at Kohls.com

Best Puzzle ToyNina Ottosson Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play Cat Puzzle Game

Best Puzzle Toy

Nina Ottosson Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play Cat Puzzle Game

$19 at Amazon$15 at Kohls.com

Star QualitiesEncourages cats to solve mind-stimulating puzzlesMade from sturdy, food-safe materialsCan help slow down fast eatersRed FlagsYou may need something more advanced to keep your cat engaged if they’re already used to playing with puzzles

Star QualitiesEncourages cats to solve mind-stimulating puzzlesMade from sturdy, food-safe materialsCan help slow down fast eaters

Encourages cats to solve mind-stimulating puzzles

Made from sturdy, food-safe materials

Can help slow down fast eaters

Red FlagsYou may need something more advanced to keep your cat engaged if they’re already used to playing with puzzles

You may need something more advanced to keep your cat engaged if they’re already used to playing with puzzles

Puzzle toys are a great way to engage your cat’s mind while you feed them, and the Petstages Buggin’ Out toy is our favorite puzzle toy that we’ve tried. We introduced the toy to two cats who didn’t have prior experience with puzzles and were surprised at how quickly they became obsessed with it. Once they got the hang of it, our cats would bat at the toy throughout the day for us to fill it with treats for them to discover. It took about 10 minutes for our cats to get all of the treats out, which also helped to slow down their eating time and create sustained play sessions.

PHOTO: People / Alexandra DomrongchaiPHOTO: People / Alexandra Domrongchai

Best Electronic ToySmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat ToyPHOTO: Chewy$23$14 at AmazonView on ChewyView on Smartykat.com

Best Electronic ToySmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy

Best Electronic Toy

SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy

$23$14 at AmazonView on ChewyView on Smartykat.com

Battery-operated base and does the hard work for yo

Two different speed options

Auto-shutoff feature

Red FlagsIt takes 3 AA batteries, which will need to be replaced after prolonged useWand came unscrewed a few times during our testing

It takes 3 AA batteries, which will need to be replaced after prolonged use

Wand came unscrewed a few times during our testing

We found the setup to be easy: screw on the wand, put three AA batteries in the base, and drape the round blue mat over top. Our cat loved pouncing on the spinning feather lure so much that he began standing over the toy and meowing for us to turn it on when he was in the mood to play. Our only qualm was that the wand came unscrewed a few times during testing, probably due to the toy’s spinning motion combined with our cat’s pouncing, but it was simple enough to screw the wand back in and continue play.

Type:Electronic |Materials:Plastic |Cleaning Instructions:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Bridget AnnearPHOTO: People / Bridget Annear

Best ValueSmartyKat Skitter Slices Plush Cat Toy with CatnipPHOTO: Chewy$9 at Amazon$1 at WalmartView on ChewyStar QualitiesCatnip-filled toys were enticing for our two tester catsSimple design kept its shape through hours of playCats enjoyed batting at the mice, rolling around with them, and carrying them in their mouthsRed FlagsFabric colors faded a little after our cats licked at them often over two weeksThese cute little catnip toys are a great value, coming out to about $1 per mouse, especially considering how much enjoyment our tester cats got from them. Our cats loved to roll around with the Skitter Slices plus toys, and even picked them up in their mouths and carried the mice around with them. The toys seem to be pretty durable, maintaining their shape after hours of play, although the fabric’s colors did fade a little due to our cats’ excessive licking. Overall, the Skitter Slices mice are a simple and well-priced pack of toys that are great for alone play.Type:Plushy |Materials:Polyester, catnip |Cleaning Instructions:Spot clean with warm waterPHOTO: People / Joe McGinnPHOTO: People / Joe McGinn

Best ValueSmartyKat Skitter Slices Plush Cat Toy with CatnipPHOTO: Chewy$9 at Amazon$1 at WalmartView on Chewy

Best ValueSmartyKat Skitter Slices Plush Cat Toy with Catnip

Best Value

SmartyKat Skitter Slices Plush Cat Toy with Catnip

$9 at Amazon$1 at WalmartView on Chewy

Star QualitiesCatnip-filled toys were enticing for our two tester catsSimple design kept its shape through hours of playCats enjoyed batting at the mice, rolling around with them, and carrying them in their mouthsRed FlagsFabric colors faded a little after our cats licked at them often over two weeks

Star QualitiesCatnip-filled toys were enticing for our two tester catsSimple design kept its shape through hours of playCats enjoyed batting at the mice, rolling around with them, and carrying them in their mouths

Catnip-filled toys were enticing for our two tester cats

Simple design kept its shape through hours of play

Cats enjoyed batting at the mice, rolling around with them, and carrying them in their mouths

Red FlagsFabric colors faded a little after our cats licked at them often over two weeks

Fabric colors faded a little after our cats licked at them often over two weeks

These cute little catnip toys are a great value, coming out to about $1 per mouse, especially considering how much enjoyment our tester cats got from them. Our cats loved to roll around with the Skitter Slices plus toys, and even picked them up in their mouths and carried the mice around with them. The toys seem to be pretty durable, maintaining their shape after hours of play, although the fabric’s colors did fade a little due to our cats’ excessive licking. Overall, the Skitter Slices mice are a simple and well-priced pack of toys that are great for alone play.

Type:Plushy |Materials:Polyester, catnip |Cleaning Instructions:Spot clean with warm water

PHOTO: People / Joe McGinnPHOTO: People / Joe McGinn

Best Activity CenterTrixie 5-in-1 Activity CenterPHOTO: Amazon$23 at Amazon$23 at Chewy$25 at PetSmartStar QualitiesMultiple puzzle options hold food and treatsEngages the brain and is great for cats who overeat or eat too quicklyMade of a sturdy plastic that is very durablerEd FlagsPlain gray color isn’t the most aesthetically pleasingWe didn’t expect our three tester cats to enjoy the Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center as much as they did — these cats generally prefer wrestling with each other over playing with a toy — but they all went gaga over this puzzle toy. This puzzle-style toy is excellent for food-motivated cats and forces cats to slow down and think as they eat, which can be good for felines who usually eat too quickly.The activity center is large enough for all three of our cats to play with simultaneously. It is made from a sturdy plastic that looked as good as new after two weeks of testing and some heavy play. The only thing we’d change about the board is the color — we’d love some more options than the basic grey, but that’s not as important to us as our cats’ enjoyment, so we’ll overlook it.Type:Puzzle |Materials:BPA-free plastic |Cleaning Instructions:Dishwasher-safePHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot

Best Activity CenterTrixie 5-in-1 Activity CenterPHOTO: Amazon$23 at Amazon$23 at Chewy$25 at PetSmart

Best Activity CenterTrixie 5-in-1 Activity Center

Best Activity Center

Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center

$23 at Amazon$23 at Chewy$25 at PetSmart

Star QualitiesMultiple puzzle options hold food and treatsEngages the brain and is great for cats who overeat or eat too quicklyMade of a sturdy plastic that is very durablerEd FlagsPlain gray color isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing

Star QualitiesMultiple puzzle options hold food and treatsEngages the brain and is great for cats who overeat or eat too quicklyMade of a sturdy plastic that is very durable

Multiple puzzle options hold food and treats

Engages the brain and is great for cats who overeat or eat too quickly

Made of a sturdy plastic that is very durable

rEd FlagsPlain gray color isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing

Plain gray color isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing

We didn’t expect our three tester cats to enjoy the Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center as much as they did — these cats generally prefer wrestling with each other over playing with a toy — but they all went gaga over this puzzle toy. This puzzle-style toy is excellent for food-motivated cats and forces cats to slow down and think as they eat, which can be good for felines who usually eat too quickly.

The activity center is large enough for all three of our cats to play with simultaneously. It is made from a sturdy plastic that looked as good as new after two weeks of testing and some heavy play. The only thing we’d change about the board is the color — we’d love some more options than the basic grey, but that’s not as important to us as our cats’ enjoyment, so we’ll overlook it.

Type:Puzzle |Materials:BPA-free plastic |Cleaning Instructions:Dishwasher-safe

PHOTO: People / Elizabeth TheriotPHOTO: People / Elizabeth Theriot

Best Laser ToyValonii Motion Activated Laser ToyPHOTO: Amazon$25 at AmazonStar QualitiesActivates the feline instant to huntMotion-activated toy and USB-rechargeableGives our cat a great workoutThree different speed modesRed FlagsLaser toys can be a little frustrating for some cats because they can never actually “catch” the laser.Our tester cats went wild for this laser toy. It was ready to use right out of the package, much to our cat’s delight, and instantly engaged our feline bestie’s predatory instincts as he pounced after the laser for ten minutes straight. He did seem to tire of the game after about 10 minutes, and it’s possible that he felt frustrated that he could never actually “catch” the laser as he could a physical wand toy, though this toy did inspire much more movement and exercise than a wand toy would.The Valonii toy also seems very sturdy — we knocked it off the table a few times to test its durability, and it didn’t scratch or dent at all. We also love that the toy is rechargeable and comes with a USB charging cord. It also has a variety of modes that move the laser at varying speeds and has a motion-activated sensor to engage your pet in play even when you’re not around to turn it on for them.Type:Laser |Materials:Plastic |Cleaning Instructions:Not listedPHOTO: People / Jeanne GeerPHOTO: People / Jeanne GeerPHOTO: People / Jeanne Geer

Best Laser ToyValonii Motion Activated Laser ToyPHOTO: Amazon$25 at Amazon

Best Laser ToyValonii Motion Activated Laser Toy

Best Laser Toy

Valonii Motion Activated Laser Toy

$25 at Amazon

Star QualitiesActivates the feline instant to huntMotion-activated toy and USB-rechargeableGives our cat a great workoutThree different speed modesRed FlagsLaser toys can be a little frustrating for some cats because they can never actually “catch” the laser.

Star QualitiesActivates the feline instant to huntMotion-activated toy and USB-rechargeableGives our cat a great workoutThree different speed modes

Activates the feline instant to hunt

Motion-activated toy and USB-rechargeable

Gives our cat a great workout

Three different speed modes

Red FlagsLaser toys can be a little frustrating for some cats because they can never actually “catch” the laser.

Laser toys can be a little frustrating for some cats because they can never actually “catch” the laser.

Our tester cats went wild for this laser toy. It was ready to use right out of the package, much to our cat’s delight, and instantly engaged our feline bestie’s predatory instincts as he pounced after the laser for ten minutes straight. He did seem to tire of the game after about 10 minutes, and it’s possible that he felt frustrated that he could never actually “catch” the laser as he could a physical wand toy, though this toy did inspire much more movement and exercise than a wand toy would.

The Valonii toy also seems very sturdy — we knocked it off the table a few times to test its durability, and it didn’t scratch or dent at all. We also love that the toy is rechargeable and comes with a USB charging cord. It also has a variety of modes that move the laser at varying speeds and has a motion-activated sensor to engage your pet in play even when you’re not around to turn it on for them.

Type:Laser |Materials:Plastic |Cleaning Instructions:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Jeanne GeerPHOTO: People / Jeanne GeerPHOTO: People / Jeanne Geer

Best Kicker ToyYeowww Catnip BananaPHOTO: Amazon$10 at Amazon$10 at Walmart$10 at ChewyStar QualitiesGreat for bunny-kicking, tossing, and cuddlingFilled with enticing catnipRed FlagsCanvas fabric showed some bite marks after two weeks of rough playDoes your cat ever get into kickboxing mode? If your feline friend has a habit of grabbing your feet and speed-kicking at them like they’re trying to take down an opponent, gently nudging them towards this catnip toy can be a big pain relief.Our cat instantly fawned over the Yeowww banana toy and began bunny-kicking away at it to his heart’s content. He also enjoyed through the toy in the air and catching it, which did leave a few bite marks in the canvas, but otherwise, it seemed to be pretty sturdy with no rips or tears at the end of our two-week testing period.Type:Plushy |Materials:Cotton, catnip |Cleaning Instructions:Not listedPHOTO: People / Cara MilhavenPHOTO: People / Cara Milhaven

Best Kicker ToyYeowww Catnip BananaPHOTO: Amazon$10 at Amazon$10 at Walmart$10 at Chewy

Best Kicker ToyYeowww Catnip Banana

Best Kicker Toy

Yeowww Catnip Banana

$10 at Amazon$10 at Walmart$10 at Chewy

Star QualitiesGreat for bunny-kicking, tossing, and cuddlingFilled with enticing catnipRed FlagsCanvas fabric showed some bite marks after two weeks of rough play

Star QualitiesGreat for bunny-kicking, tossing, and cuddlingFilled with enticing catnip

Great for bunny-kicking, tossing, and cuddling

Filled with enticing catnip

Red FlagsCanvas fabric showed some bite marks after two weeks of rough play

Canvas fabric showed some bite marks after two weeks of rough play

Does your cat ever get into kickboxing mode? If your feline friend has a habit of grabbing your feet and speed-kicking at them like they’re trying to take down an opponent, gently nudging them towards this catnip toy can be a big pain relief.

Our cat instantly fawned over the Yeowww banana toy and began bunny-kicking away at it to his heart’s content. He also enjoyed through the toy in the air and catching it, which did leave a few bite marks in the canvas, but otherwise, it seemed to be pretty sturdy with no rips or tears at the end of our two-week testing period.

Type:Plushy |Materials:Cotton, catnip |Cleaning Instructions:Not listed

PHOTO: People / Cara MilhavenPHOTO: People / Cara Milhaven

Things to Consider When Buying Cat Toys

Activity Type and Engagement

There are many different ways that your cat can engage with toys, whether it’s through puzzles that stimulate their minds or chase-type toys that trigger their hunting instincts. “For cats, play is generally predatory behavior,” saysStephen Quandt, a certified feline training and behavior specialist. Engaging in that kind of play can be great exercise. To spark up the hunt-and-chase kind of play, feather toys that mimic the movement of real animals, like theLeo’s Paw Interactive Bird Toy, are a great option.

Mental stimulation is also important for a cat’s happiness and health, and puzzle feeders like theBuggin’ Out Puzzle & Playhave the added benefit of engaging your cat’s problem-solving skills while forcing them to slow down while they eat.

Materials and Safety

Whether a toy is made from plastic, fabric, catnip, or any other commonly used material, the most important thing to consider is your cat’s safety. Ensure that there are no external parts that your cat can chew off and swallow and for toys that have cords or strings, Quandt says “you might not even want to leave unattended with the cat because it could become a hazard.”

Some materials might engage your cat’s natural instincts more than others. “Feathers are a good source of material because they are the real thing,” Quandt says. He also recommends trying toys with a fuzzy texture that mimics the feeling of a mouse, which can excite cats. We like theEthical Pet Spot Rainbow Plush Rattling Mice Cat Toybecause they feel like real micewithoutlooking like them and potentially frightening unassuming humans.

Cleaning and Care

Think about how your cat tends to play with its existing toys and the level of wear and tear that they go through. If your cat tends to bring their toys outside or into thelitter boxrather than leaving them in theircat bedorcat tree, then you may want to consider opting for a toy that’s machine-washable or easy to toss in the dishwasher. Some toys are not able to be thoroughly cleaned, so they may be a better choice for cats that engage in cleaner, more gentle play.

People / Danielle Yersin

To find out which cat toys will capture your feline pal’s heart, we tested 30 of the most popular cat toys on the market over two weeks. We sent out the cat toys for our PEOPLE Testing team to try with their own cats of all ages and provided them with a methodology to follow to get real-world results on the following factors:

People / Cara Milhaven

Frequently Asked Questions

“In many respects,” Quandt says, “the best toy for a cat is the toy that a cat likes, and it’s not always easy to predict.” Depending on what excites your cat, they might prefer a toy that involves chasing, like a laser pointer or wand toy, or they might prefer a toy that allows for biting and pouncing, like a plush catnip-filled mouse.

Playtime doesn’t have to stop when you leave the room — but make sure that any toy you leave out for your cat to play with when you’re not around is safe for them to use on their own. Toys that involve an electric component are generally safest to use with a human companion supervising. Quandt says you should also watch out for toys that have wire or string components because if left unattended, cats can get wrapped up in the strings and get stuck.

Cai Crameris a shopping writer at PEOPLE.com who writes about the best and buzziest new products across the home, beauty, and lifestyle spaces. Cai loves to write about pet products and uses her rescue cat, Miso, as a test subject to discover the best litter boxes, cat toys, cat beds, cat carriers, and more. For this story, Cai consulted insights from the PEOPLE Tested lab, which tested 30 of the most popular cat toys on cats of all ages. Cai also spoke with a veterinarian and used insights from cat experts.

Meet Our ExpertsStephen Quandtis a certified feline training and behavior specialist and founder ofCat Behavior Help.Dr. Jennifer Chuis the medical director at Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group in New York City.

Meet Our Experts

Stephen Quandtis a certified feline training and behavior specialist and founder ofCat Behavior Help.Dr. Jennifer Chuis the medical director at Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group in New York City.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com