The 11 Best Cat Toys of 2023 That Your Cat Will Love

Best Overall

BENTOPAL Automatic Cat Toy

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The BENTOPAL Automatic cat toy is a motorized, robotic toy with various ways to charm your cat. It has a hanging feather toy attached to two large wheels that swivel, turn, and rotate, moving the toy around the room in an erratic pattern. This toy entices your cat to stalk, chase, and pounce. There are two modes (fast and slow), so you can adjust it according to your cat’s mood and activity level. It has large wheels which can run on most types of flooring, including carpet.

Plus, it has an automatic mode—it will run for 10 straight minutes, turn off for 90 minutes, and then turn back on for another 10 minutes for eight total hours—so if you have to leave the house all day, you can feel better knowing your cat will be entertained.

Price at time of publish: $30

_{Type: Automatic | Weight: 11.53 ounces | Material: Plastic | Lifestage: All ages}

Best Laser

FurryFido Laser Cat Toy

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Laser toys are famously a cat favorite, but many are flimsy or require small watch batteries—which isn't convenient for most to replace. Our top pick for the best laser, the FurryFido Laser Cat Toy, enhances the laser experience for both cats and humans with its ability to recharge the internal battery via USB, and its four modes—off, on, white light, and UV light. You can use the UV light to check for hidden pet stains on carpet, upholstery, bedding, and clothes, and the flashlight setting can illuminate your search for lost toys underneath the couch. This little laser has an on/off setting—you don't have to hold down a button to play—and a stainless steel finish. Customers report that it can withstand a few drops, but the internal components might start to obstruct the bulb causing the light to diffuse.

As with all laser pointers, you should keep in mind that some cats get frustrated by an object they can never catch. We recommend combining this activity with treats or other toys that your cat can actually get their claws into.

Price at time of publish: $14

_{Type: Interactive | Weight: 1.60 ounces | Material: Stainless steel | Lifestage: Adult}

Best Wand

SmartyKat Silly Swinger 2-in-1 Wand Cat Toy

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Keep your kitty entertained while you are at home and when you are away with the SmartyKat Silly Swinger 2-in-1 Wand Cat Toy. On top of its alluring design made to sway in front of your cat, it also features catnip, crinkles, and a detachable plush toy, making it our top pick for the best wand. Your cat will feel compelled to claw at the ribbons, rope, and fuzzy ends. It easily detaches with a hook and loop closure so your cat can fully attack their prey, and you can re-attach it to the wand when you are in the mood to play. For additional peace of mind, this toy was designed to meet safety standards for pets as well as kids, so it doesn't contain any sharp objects, long cords, or hazards.

Price at time of publish: $6

_{Type: Interactive | Weight: 0.16 ounces | Material: Polypropylene, Polyester, Synthetic Fabric, Plastic | Lifestage: Adult}

Best Motorized

HEXBUG nano Robotic Cat Toy

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If you’ve ever witnessed your cat's hunting instincts activate at the sight of a moth or beetle then you will definitely see the appeal of the HEXBUG nano Robotic Cat Toy.

Designed to look like an insect and made in an array of colorful options, this robotic cat toy uses vibration technology to move around your home, enticing your cat to chase, pounce, and swat. It changes direction when it meets obstacles and can flip back onto its feet when your cat inevitably knocks it over on its back. It also has a brightly-colored feather tail that it coyly dangles from its rear to continuously entice your cat into playtime.

Price at time of publish: $10

_{Type: Automatic | Weight: 0.02 ounces | Material: Plastic, electronics | Lifestage: Adult}

Best Interactive

PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy

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If you have a cat with a lot of energy, or simply want to spark your cat's curiosity, we recommend the PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser toy. This small device ( 3 x 3 x 9 inches) is battery-powered and offers hours of entertainment with a laser and a rotating mirror that bounces around the light. It's great for playtime with you as well as solo play when you are busy or away from home. Set it to manual mode and hold it in your hand to move around the light, or set it on a surface and turn on the automation feature to send the laser light in a variety of directions.

Price at time of publish: $27

_{Type: Interactive | Weight: 7.84 ounces| Material: Plastic | Lifestage: Adult}

Best for Indoor Cats

SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toys

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Keeping your kitty indoors is the safest route, but cats are natural hunters and can quickly get bored if they don’t have enough stimulation. But the SmartyKat Skitter Critters can help. These inexpensive ($6 for a pack of 10) mouse-shaped toys satisfy your cat’s prey instinct, while the catnip inside stimulates your kitty, encourages play, and, eventually, reduces stress and promotes relaxation. You can throw the toys and watch your cat chase them around, or your kitty can play with them on his own, thanks to the plush body and easy-to-carry design. 

These toys come in a pack of 10, so if your cat accidentally swats one under the couch or chews out the stuffing, you’ll have more quickly on hand.

Price at time of publish: $6

_{Type: Automatic | Weight: 1.13 ounces | Material: Recycled plastic | Lifestage: All ages}

Best for Older Cats

Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy

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If your senior feline friend seems a little less active these days, the Petstages Tower of Tracks is the ideal solution. This three-tiered toy features colorful spinning balls contained on each level. When your cat bats at the balls, they spin and roll, but don’t leave the designated track. This satisfies your cat’s hunting instinct but since the balls don’t leave the tower, your elder cat won’t have to chase them around the room or go looking for them under the couch (and neither will you!)

This toy is a great solution for the working cat parent, too. Your kitty can entertain themself even when you’re not at home.

Price at time of publish: $28

_{Type: Interactive | Weight: 0.6 pounds | Material: Plastic | Lifestage: Adult}

Best for Food-Motivated Cats

Trixie 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center

4.2

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Pique your cat's curiosity and stimulate their senses by using the scent of snacks to lure them into a delightful game. Which is more rewarding, the hunt or the reward? Let your cat find out!

"The bottom has rubber, non-slip feet to keep it in place, so it won’t budge even if our cat starts playing too rough," one tester said about the Trixie 5-in-1. "We found that the board held its place on hard floors, but not as much on carpet."

The Trixie 5-in-1 Activity Center is designed to intrigue a food-motivated cat. It features various nooks. crevasses, pegs, alleys, tunnels, and bowls in which you can hide your cat’s favorite treats and foods. Don't worry about crumbs or leftover food residue, this toy is made of dishwasher-safe plastic so it's easy to clean. It encourages kitties to use their intellect and hunting skills, and when they succeed, they are graciously rewarded with a delectable prize.

Price at time of publish: $34

_{Type: Interactive | Weight: 3.2 pounds | Material: Plastic | Lifestage: Adult} 

Best for Lazy Cats

OurPets Catnip 24 Karat Cat Toy

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If your cat doesn’t light up at the opportunity to run about or chase after another creature, then the OurPets Catnip 24 Karat Cat Toy is our top pick to captivate your chill-energy cat's attention. The claw-able canvas carrot is filled with 100% catnip, which is both invigorating and soothing to those who prefer to communicate with meows and purrs.

We encourage you to picture your cat gleefully chewing on the ginger-colored canvas, merrily swatting at its feathers, and cheerfully laying on its back—with their paws wrapped around the faux root vegetable—to get their hind legs in on the pawing action. You can also get in on the fun by dangling the carrot in front of your cat, satisfying their natural desire to hunt. And while the feathers may fall off pretty quickly, depending on how much your cat likes to chew things, the canvas is made to last through hours and hours of playtime.

Price at time of publish: $6

_{Type: Plush toy | Weight: 1.6 ounces | Material: Plush | Lifestage: All ages}

Best Ribbon Toy

Cat Dancer Cat Charmer Toy

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The ribbon toy is an enduring feline favorite that has been dazzling cats for generations. The Cat Dancer Charmer is our favorite take on the classic because its handle is nearly unbreakable and the colorful strands are bright and cheerful. It will have your cat jumping and pouncing around the room, and with ribbons the length of four feet, this interactive toy is a great way to keep your pet active and stimulated. It’s safe to use with both cats and kittens during playtime, and some satisfied customers have found its classic design appeals to their kids as well!

Price at time of publish: $7

_{Type: Interactive | Weight: 0.8 ounces | Material: Polycarbonate wand, fabric | Lifestage: All ages}