Everything You Need to Know About Cat Toys: Benefits, Options, and More

Some cat toys are simply fun for your cats to play with. Others provide exceptional exercise for your feline and others can teach them things. There are a nearly endless number of cat toys on the market but we’ve narrowed it down to the main options and we’ll tell you all about them!

Interactive Cat Zoys

Interactive cat toys are a great idea because they get cats excited and interested. Some cats who aren’t particularly playful aren’t excited about most toys but when you add an interactive toy to the mix you may find them jump up from the couch and take off, ready to play.

5 Popular Interactive Cat Toys

1. The Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy from Bergan includes a scratching pad in the middle and a channel around the edge where a small ball can be nudged by your cat’s nose or pushed by its paw. It provides hours of play.
2. The Turbo Track, also from Bergan, is a series of pieces of track that you can put together in dozens of ways. A small ball fits within it and your cat can chase it as it twists and turns.
3. The Peek-a-Prize Toy Box from SmartCat is made from high-quality wood and has holes throughout. Hide small toys or balls inside and watch your cat try to figure out how to get at them.
4. DaBird is one of the most popular interactive cat toys on the market. When it’s in use, it looks and sounds just like a real bird. Many pet owners have reported having to lock this one up when not in use because their cats love it so much.
5. Bootsie’s Bunk Bed and Playroom for Cats from SmartCat is not just an interactive toy. It’s also a place for your cat to sleep. It includes a cozy pad on top and two spring-loaded interactive toys attached to the side.

Cat Exercise Toys

Before cats were domesticated, they were hunters who were always on the go. They used to travel long distances in search of food and water. Today’s cat doesn’t have to defend themselves or their cubs against predators. As a result, they can get lazy and become overweight.

Cat exercise toys help get cats back in shape. Here are a few of the top cat exercise toys.

• The Cat Climber by SmartCat fits on almost any door and offers cats a spot to exercise, scratch, climb, and sleep.
• The Loco! Motion Cat Toy Automated Activity Toy from SmartyKat is battery operated and exercises cats both physically and mentally.
• The Purr-fect Ball for Cats by Hugs Pet Products has a jingling bell inside to get cats interested but if that doesn’t work you can also sprinkle a little catnip inside to get them started.

Homemade Cat Toys

Save money and get involved in your cat’s health and play by making homemade cat toys. The options are limitless but we have a few suggestions to get you started.

DIY Yarn Ball

Make a yarn ball for your kitty by simply taking a ball, covering it with catnip, and then covering that with yarn. Be sure you get food grade glue so it’s safe for your furry friend.

Make Your Own Bird

Start with a tennis ball and a golf ball. Glue the golf ball to the tennis ball in a position where the tennis ball is the body and the golf ball is the head. Then glue fabric around the body, add ribbon or string for a tail, and either draw your own eyes or use pompoms.

Surprise Them with a Snake

Snakes are great homemade cat toys and you probably have everything you need in your home right now. Take three or more empty toilet paper rolls, put a string through the center of all of them, and cover the entire thing with green cloth. Leave one end open so you can have some surprise treats inside.

Cat Chew Toys

Cats chewing up phone cords, electric cords, and other dangling things isn’t just an annoyance – it can be quite dangerous! Cat chew toys can help remove their need to chew. These are some of the best cat toys for cats who chew.

• Dental Health Chews from Petstages are more than just chew toys – they’re great for your cat’s dental health too.
• The Catnip Plaque Away Pretzel, also from Petstages, has a unique netting fabric that actually flosses your cat’s teeth as they chew it. Get rid of tartar and plaque while saving your cords at the same time.

• Kaytee’s Small Animal Nut Knot Nibbler Chew Toy is made from wood and has added almond oil, which encourages your cat to chew on it. This nibbler slowly whittles away, so it will make a bit of a mess, but it will give your cat a sense of accomplishment when they get through it.

Cat Climbing Toys

Cats love to climb! If you don’t provide a place for them to do it safely then they’re likely to get up on top of bookcases, cabinets, and other dangerous spots when you’re not around. These are some of the best cat toys to help cats climb in a safe and approved manner.

Cat Trees

There are dozens and dozens of options in cat trees. For example, this option from Go Pet Club Cat is 51 inches high, four stories high, and has a hanging toy. This cat tree from eSecurehas even more levels, stairs, and cubbies for a cat to have fun with. You can find a cat tree that exactly meets your needs.

There are some other interesting cat trees too, like this one from America Phoenix. While the utility is similar to any other cat tree on the market, the colors are unique. For those who want their cat toys to blend in with their décor and not stand out, there may be options for you too.

Cat Skyscrapers

Sport Pet makes a Kitty Skyscraper Cat Climbing Frame Tower with removable toys, mesh coverings, and plenty of cubby holes for your cat to play in. The stable platform makes it easy and safe for cats to jump from one perch to the next.

Cat shelves

If you’re tired of your cats running all over your bookshelves, why not give them their own cat shelves? There are lots of options on the market, including this three piece set from Singyep. Choose cat shelves that aren’t just great cat climbing toys but also add decorative elements to your home.

Organize Your Cat’s Things with a Cat Toy Box

There are several types of cat toy box. Some are open or have lids your cat can get into. This allows you to put your cat’s toys away when they’re not playing with them but for your cats to easily get them out when they’re ready to romp.

The other main type closes securely. This type of cat toy box allows you to keep cat toys securely locked away until you’re ready for them to come out. Some families have both types while others have just one. Whether you want your cat to have access anytime or keep your home picked up, here are our top picks:

• This walnut wood cat toy box from Paw Décor is more than just a storage receptacle. It’s a lovely, stylish piece of furniture that fits in perfectly with modern design elements. The side handles make it easy to move it from one room to another too.
• The simple cedar pet toy box from Woodlore keeps your cat’s toys dry and smelling fresh. It’s made in the United States and is a great way to prevent the cat toy smell that can sometimes stick to toys.

• For a truly unique cat toy box, check out this bin made from a solid oak wine barrel from Wine Barrel Creations. This is a toy box that’s as much a fashion statement as it is a useful box. Made in the US from real wine barrels, they even still show the red wine stains inside.
• This wooden toy box trunk from Blysh is one of the most affordable options on the market. It’s an all-purpose toy box that can be used for your cat’s toys or a kid’s toys but it includes side handles that make it simple to move it around and use it when and where you want to.

There are a billion cat toys on the market and you never know what your cat is going to find the most unique or interesting. This guide gives you great ideas in all sectors and shows you how these toys can benefit your cats by providing exercise, stimulating them mentally, and even cleaning their teeth.

Find the right cat toys for your cat by reviewing all your options and trying a few. Remember that there is no all-purpose toy that all cats love. You’ll learn by trial and error what is most interesting to your particular cat.