17 Best Cat Toys to Entertain Bored Kitties
Awaken your pet's playful side with these top picks.
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Our cats are smart — and sometimes, it feels like they are impossible to entertain. If they’re more interested in the cardboard box from a delivery than the toys you have on hand, it may be time to look for a new, purr-fect toy. Playing with your cat not only helps keep them mentally stimulated, but it can also strengthen your relationship with every toss and chase. Getting out that pent-up energy can also help our cats be a bit better behaved and resist shredding furniture or climbing drapes.
Our experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Pet Lab test everything you need to keep cats and owners happy, like the best cat carriers, best cat trees, best cat litter and the best outdoor cat houses. To find the best cat toys, we took into account factors like how long a toy holds a cat's interest, durability and cost.
Our top picks:
We narrowed down the best cat toys for every kind of cat, large and small, whether they love swatting a dangling a feather toy or attacking a catnip mouse. The picks ahead are either top-tested products or vetted best-sellers with lots of glowing reviews. Plus, at the bottom of our guide, you can find more information about how we test and choose cat toys, as well as what you should keep in mind when shopping for them.
Jessica (she/her) is a freelance writer with several decades of experience writing lifestyle content and evaluating home and parenting products. A mom of two teens and two cats, her previous work can be seen in American Baby and Parents.
Courtney (she/hers) has spent the past 5 years testing everything from reusable straws to standing desks to homemade kombucha kits. A longtime reviewer, deals hunter, and lifestyle writer, she currently heads up the American Kennel Club's product review site Retrievest and previously worked as the Shopping Editor for USA Today’s Reviewed. Additionally, she has covered design and lifestyle trends for Apartment Therapy, Domino, SELF, and more. A graduate of Elon University, she loves telling everyone about what race she’s planning on running next while raving about her favorite running headphones (they’re bone conducting!).
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