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15 fun cat toys for a happier and more active pet
From collapsible tunnels to scratching posts
Looking for fun and interactive cat toys? Any pet owner knows just how picky felines can be when it comes to toys that excite them and games that leave them feeling bored.
From ball towers and scratching posts to collapsible tunnels and interactive gadgets, we’ve rounded up the best cat toys for your pet to try. Each game is designed to keep your pet occupied and happy, as well as encouraging them to be active and move around.
Best cat toys to buy now
Here’s everything you need to know about cat toys, with the help of experts at Pets4Homes, the UK’s largest pet rehoming site.
Types of cat toys
There are three main types of cat toys to consider.
- Interactive and puzzle toys work to stimulate your furry friend, keeping them entertained for long periods of time and encouraging them to use their brain. Interactive models could be anything from a ball that runs on tracks, to a toy that dispenses treats.
- Catnip-filled toys contain aromatic herbs that cause a euphoric feeling in felines. You might find your pet enjoys chewing this toy, while others may rub their heads against it.
- Scratching posts will keep your cat's claws healthy, helping to remove the dead top layer of nail, while saving your furniture at the same time.
Do cats need toys?
Cat toys are important for entertainment and mental and physical stimulation – especially for indoor animals who don’t venture outside. It provides pets with a healthy outlet for their natural hunting tendencies, too, so they’re less likely to claw and scratch furniture.
Pets4Homes say playing also strengthens the bond between owners and their cat through the building of affection and trust, while simultaneously ensuring your furry friend is happy, healthy and entertained.
Do cats get bored of the same toys?
Cats require variety when it comes to toys, so Pets4Homes advise having a few in rotation. Hiding and reintroducing different toys will keep boredom at bay, while still maintaining novelty.
Best cat toys: Our top picks
Here is our edit of the best cat toys to buy now, to keep your feline healthy, engaged and entertained.
Petlibro Mouse Cat Toy
Petlibro Mouse Cat Toy
If you’re often busy during the day, this robotic mouse toy will keep your cat occupied. It moves rapidly around the room, enticing your pet to chase it, and it has a built-in sensor to avoid furniture.
Plus, it’ll work even when you’re out – it goes into hibernation mode after ten minutes of inactivity, and then switches on again after 30 minutes.
| Size | H5 x W3 x D6cm |
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PETGEEK Interactive Cat Toy
This electronic toy features a realistic mouse's tail that rotates randomly, allowing felines to fully exercise their hunting instincts. It's also equipped with a realistic catnip-filled mouse that makes a sound to grab attention.
Please note: it requires two AA batteries.
| Size | H14.4 x W14.4cm |
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Suck UK Cat Scratch Laptop
If your cat is prone to interrupting your Zoom calls, they might appreciate their very own laptop. This fun toy has a scratching ‘keyboard’, as well as a fluffy ‘mouse’ so they can really get to work. It’s made from cardboard so it isn’t the sturdiest toy around, but it’s ideal if you’re after a novelty toy that’ll get a few laughs.
We also like this hilarious scratching DJ deck.
| Size | H27 x W33 x D22.5 cm |
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Tosiicop LED Light Pointer, 2 Pack
Tosiicop LED Light Pointer, 2 Pack
These laser toys will not only tire your cat out, but it’ll be fun watching them chase the elusive dot around the room. It has five lighting modes to give your cat some variety, and can be charged via USB for convenience.
OHANA Collapsible Cat Tunnel
Tunnels offer a fun place for your cat to relax and play, whether they’re racing through them or taking a nap out of sight. This model has ties at each end, allowing you to attach more tunnels (purchased separately) so you can create a maze for your furry friend. It folds for easy storage, and comes with a hanging ball and built-in peep holes for extra entertainment.
| Size | H30 x W30 x L130cm |
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PetSafe Portable Cheese Automatic Cat Teaser
PetSafe Portable Cheese Automatic Cat Teaser
The cheese teaser is an exciting game of peek-a-boo that will see two mice pop out of each side of the block. For surprise play sessions, use the 'Play While You Are Away' mode to keep cats engaged throughout the day. It requires three AA batteries.
| Size | D13cm |
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Petface House Scratcher
Petface House Scratcher
This multi-level house scratcher is perfect for both playing and napping. The little hidey-hole offers a private place for relaxing, as well as somewhere to go if they’re feeling anxious.
It comes with a hanging rope toy attached, as well as several scratching posts.
| Size | H120.5 x W50 x D50cm |
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Aibuddy Catnip Toy, 2 Pack
Aibuddy Catnip Toy, 2 Pack
Catnip toys have a tendency to fall apart when played with too often. However, these colourful fishes are scratch and bite-resistant to ensure long-lasting play. Each has a bell inside to catch your cat’s attention, as well.
| Size | H8.5 x W5 x L22 cm |
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TheCatBoxCo Corrugated Cardboard Castle
TheCatBoxCo Corrugated Cardboard Castle
You cat will love this three-story cardboard castle. It's made from durable corrugated cardboard, so it'll safely support them as they mooch from floor to floor, and it has ramps for each level.
It’s made from 100% recycled materials, as well.
| Size | H64.5 x D45cm |
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The Tech Bar Maymaw Kitifish Cat Toy
The Tech Bar Maymaw Kitifish Cat Toy
This tiny interactive toy is pretty pricey, but it should keep your cat engaged for hours. At the touch of a button, its feathers twist and spin to mimic a goldfish tail moving, while bells help to draw attention as it rolls around.
It goes into sleep mode after five minutes of inactivity, and then wakes up again when it’s tapped.
| Size | H5 x W4cm |
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FANTESI Cat Food Ball Dispenser
FANTESI Cat Food Ball Dispenser
This cat food ball dispenser will make your cat work for their treats in a fun and entertaining way. As the cat plays, chases and swats the ball, treats are released for a yummy surprise.
| Size | H14.7 x W5.3cm |
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Amazon Basics Cactus Cat Scratching Post
Amazon Basics Cactus Cat Scratching Post
This cactus-shaped scratching post will provide a fun spot for cats to sharpen their claws – and perhaps make for a conversation starting piece in your home. It has an elasticated ball for extra fun, and a sturdy base so it won't topple over mid-scratch.
| Size | H65 x W43 x L43cm |
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Catit Super Senses Cat Toy
This interactive tunnel is a great pick to keep cats active. It has a ball inside that moves quickly through the structure, enticing felines to chase and pounce on it.
The tunnel has holes where your pet can stop or push the ball with their paw, and the modular layout can be changed around to stop them getting bored.
| Size | H5.3 x W31.5 x D61cm |
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Petstages Interactive 3-Tier Cat Toy
Petstages Interactive 3-Tier Cat Toy
Here’s another interactive option that won’t take up as much space as the above. It has three coloured balls that move when your cat touches them, encouraging play and movement.
| Size | H13.97 x W16.51cm |
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TailsUpUk Cat Teaser Wand
TailsUpUk Cat Teaser Wand
This eco-friendly teaser wand is sure to get your cat moving. It's hand-painted with non-toxic animal-friendly paint to add a touch of colour, while the wooden handle is sanded down so it's comfortable for you to hold and wave it around.
| Size | L30cm (wand); L8cm (tassel) |
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Lauren was Hearst UK’s Homes and Garden writer, covering the latest trends, sales and product launches for Good Housekeeping, Country Living and House Beautiful, and previously for Cosmopolitan, Red, ELLE, Prima and Harper’s Bazaar. Lauren’s specialism is interiors – whether it’s offering tips on how to perfect a seasonal tablescape or trying out viral kitchenware. She is committed to finding the best-value deals during Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day too, so readers can buy with confidence and save money.
Lauren graduated with a BA in English Literature and Journalism in 2013 and has worked in various editorial roles across the UK, Southeast Asia and North America since 2015. She previously wrote for a local London newspaper, covering everything from entertainment and lifestyle to politics and wellness. When not writing, Lauren can be found bargain hunting for pre-loved trinkets and clothes at various car boot sales across the capital.
Follow Lauren on instagram @laurenkatehannah
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