From Scratching Posts to Puzzle Toys: How to Pick the Best Toys for Your Cat

For a lot of pet owners, cat toys are seen as a bit of a luxury – something you only get them when you want to treat them. But the thing is, they’re crucial for keeping your cat happy and well. Toys have a real impact on preventing boredom, anxiety and some pretty nasty behaviours like scratching up the furniture or eating too much. If your cat is spending too much time sleeping or getting into habits like that, it could be a sign that they’re not getting enough enrichment in their life. Getting your cat to play with a toy is an easy way to give them a healthy outlet for all that energy and instinct.

You’ll find a range of different cat toy options to choose from these days – from basic old balls to some seriously high-tech interactive gadgets. But not all toys are made equal, and the right one can really depend on what your cat needs. Some are all about getting your cat moving, while others tap into their hunting instincts or just give them a bit of comfort when you’re not around. To help you make the right choice for your furry friend, here’s a rundown of some of the most popular cat toys and how each one can make a real difference in their daily life:

Interactive Toys

Interactive toys are made to not just get your cat’s body moving, but their mind too – and they’re one of the best kinds of toys you can get for your cat. They offer a complete play experience, keeping your cat fit, alert and entertained with one handy toy. These toys tick all the boxes for your cat, so you know they’re getting the best out of them.

Consider the teaser wand toy, for instance. It’s a simple but effective toy featuring a stick or a wand with bits of feathers, ribbons or tiny plush toys at the end to mimic the movement of a bird or a tiny morsel. It taps straight into your cat’s natural hunting instincts and lets them chase, pounce and ‘catch’ in a way that’s both fun and rewarding.

Laser pointers are another great way to get interactive playtime going – and they’re great for burning off energy as well. Your cat will have a blast chasing after the light as it moves around the room, and it’s a great way to get their reflexes going. Just one thing to remember – make sure you’re not shining the laser directly into your cat’s eyes, and once playtime is over, you should swap the laser for a real toy that your cat can play with and feel satisfied afterwards.

Balls and Mice

Little portable toys like balls and toy mice are great for one-on-one play with your cat. They just love to swat at, chase, and pounce on them, like it’s a real hunt in progress. And these toys are perfect for burning off some of your cat’s excess energy, improving their coordination and letting them scratch that natural hunting itch – all the while keeping them entertained even when you’re not around.

Whether it’s a little jingle ball, a soft, cute mouse, or a toy with a crinkly sound, these humble playthings can keep your cat active and happy for hours on end – especially on those days when your indoor cat isn’t getting enough exercise.

Puzzle Toys

Puzzle toys are great for keeping your cat’s brain switched on and keeping them entertained for ages. They usually involve some sort of reward system, like a treat popping out once your cat figures out how to get it.

Take a treat maze, for example. These toys really get your cat using their paws, their nose, and their brain to find the hidden snacks. And the best part is, this type of play doesn’t just keep them stimulated and engaged, it also slows down their eating speed and adds some much-needed excitement to their daily routine.

Interactive puzzle feeders take this to the next level by combining feeding with mental stimulation, which means mealtimes become a whole lot more interesting and less boring. And it’s especially good news for indoor cats who might get a bit bored or frustrated when they’re stuck inside all day. Puzzle and treat toys are especially beneficial for these guys – they mimic the thrill of the hunt, keeping your cat sharp, curious and happy as a clam.

Scratching Toys

Scratching toys – a must-have for any cat owner, if you ask me. Not only will they save your furniture, but they’re also a great way to keep your cat happy and relaxed. Let’s not forget that scratching is a totally natural behaviour for cats – it helps them stretch, exercise their muscles and even get rid of a bit of pent-up stress.

There are loads of different types of scratching toys to choose from – like scratching posts and scratching pads. Vertical scratching posts wrapped in sisal rope or carpet are brilliant for giving your cat a sturdy surface to scratch and stretch on. And when it comes to scratching pads – usually made from cardboard or sisal – they’re just irresistible to cats, with their texture and feel.

Comfort Toys

Comfort toys – they’re a game changer for cats. They provide a sense of security and reassurance, especially at night when your cat is snoozing or you’re out and about. And the good news is, they can really help to reduce stress and anxiety in cats – and even create a comforting routine for them.

Take a look at soft stuffed animals and crinkly toys – they’re the most popular comfort toys out there. These little guys give your cat something to snuggle up next to, or even give a good knead on. And some versions come equipped with catnip, or even calming scents to really make them come alive. And of course, crinkle toys still have that great sound effect that grabs their attention and gets them playing. Together, these toys can really keep your cat feeling safe, happy and entertained all day long.

Catnip Filled Toys

Catnip toys are chock full of that magical herb that sends many cats into overdrive – catnip. The smell of it can be the spark that sets off a burst of playful energy and has your cat rolling, chasing, pouncing or just generally going wild with their chosen toy. Not only does this keep them entertained, but it also gets them some much-needed physical exercise and mental stimulation to boot.

They come in all sorts of shapes and sizes – plush mice, balls, little kickers or refillable pouches – so you should be able to find one that fits your cat’s playful style perfectly. Of course, not all cats are as taken with catnip as others (it’s all down to how sensitive they are, and that usually develops between three to six months old), but for those that do, it’s like catnip is cat heaven. These toys offer a fun way to keep your cat engaged and stimulated without having to resort to anything artificial.

What Toy Cats Like the Most? 

Well, obvious as it might seem, the right cat toy for your feline will depend on what makes them tick. Most cat toys are designed to tap into their natural instincts – chasing, pouncing, scratching and climbing – so your cat will probably have a particular favourite, or maybe they like to mix it up a bit. To avoid wasting your cash on toys that your cat will barely look at, try not to go crazy buying too many straight off the bat. See what kind of toys your cat goes for first, and then go out and get those.