{"id":918,"date":"2018-11-16T22:44:14","date_gmt":"2018-11-16T22:44:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.petmoneysaver.co.uk\/blog\/?p=918"},"modified":"2018-12-06T19:20:54","modified_gmt":"2018-12-06T19:20:54","slug":"15-best-cat-toys","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petmoneysaver.co.uk\/blog\/15-best-cat-toys\/","title":{"rendered":"15 of the Best Cat Toys"},"content":{"rendered":"

Last updated:<\/strong> December 6th, 2018<\/p>

Cat toys are an ideal way to keep your cat entertained, fit and healthy. Playing with your cat also helps builds a stronger bond between you and your furry friend.<\/p>\n

This is especially important for indoor cats as they don\u2019t get the stimulation and exercise that outdoor cats naturally get. A stimulating cat toy for an indoor cat can relieve boredom, and help prevent them becoming overweight.<\/p>\n

There are several types of cat toy available, and many different varieties so it can be quite hard to find the best one. We have researched many of the different toys available, and put together this list of 15 of the best cat toys you can buy in the UK.<\/p>\n

Click here<\/a> to jump straight down to the cat toy reviews!<\/strong><\/p>\n

A cat\u2019s natural behaviour is to watch, chase and pounce \u2013 so toys that help them mimic this will provide the most enjoyment. Toys that offer rapid, unpredictable movements are usually the best choice to keep your cat entertained. Flashing lights and high-pitched sounds can also make a toy more attractive to a playful cat.<\/p>\n

Cats often like to pick up their toy and often carry it to a safe location. This mimics their behaviour when they catch prey, and means smaller toys are usually preferable to larger ones.<\/p>\n

In the wild, a cat would eat their prey after catching it – so mimic this with your play time by giving your cat a tasty treat at the end of it, once they have “captured” their prey. This will both mark the end of the session, and help your cat feel like they’ve achieved something.<\/p>\n

Types of Cat Toy<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Interactive Cat Toys<\/strong><\/h3>\n

These are designed for you to play with your cat, for example laser pointers or \u201cfishing rod\u201d type dangly toys on a wand. A top tip is to always keep these out of reach of your cat when you\u2019re not playing with them. There is a safety risk they could choke or get tangled up in the strings when you\u2019re not around. Also it helps keep the toy fresh and exciting if it\u2019s only used at certain times.<\/p>\n

The wand type toys allow you to swoosh the toy through the air. This helps give these toys a more natural appearance, which appeals to your cat\u2019s hunting instinct. A cat will usually spend time watching their potential prey before pouncing, so if your cat doesn\u2019t appear interested at first it may just mean they are waiting for the best moment to pounce on the toy.<\/p>\n

Another advantage of the wand-type toys is that it keeps your hands away from your cat\u2019s sharp claws when they pounce and bite. This also means your cat doesn\u2019t learn to associate grabbing your hands or feet with playtime.<\/p>\n

Puzzle Feeder Cat Toys<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Adding food to your cat\u2019s playtime will add an extra element of fun and interest for them. Puzzle feeders are designed to encourage an inquisitive cat to solve puzzles or play with the toy to provide a little treat. These can range from a simple rolling ball that dispenses treats when it\u2019s rolled in a certain position, to more involving fixed puzzles.<\/p>\n

Some cats will enjoy the challenge of solving the more complex challenges, while others will become bored and frustrated. Feeder\u00a0toys that\u00a0are adjustable are ideal so you can set them to the appropriate difficulty for your cat.<\/p>\n

Mouse Cat Toys<\/strong><\/h3>\n

One of the most popular cat toys is the good old mouse toy. These have quite a few varieties \u2013 from furry toys that look like a real mouse, to colourful mice with flashing lights and replica high-pitched squeaks. Some are even impregnated with catnip to make them even more attractive.<\/p>\n

Laser Cat Toys<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Almost no cat can resist the urge to chase a red dot, and a simple laser pointer can provide hours of entertainment for both you and your pet. There are a few variations on the theme \u2013 some produce a specific shape, such as a mouse, while others just a simple red dot. In my experience, nothing beats the basic red dot!<\/p>\n

Cat Tunnels<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Cats are very playful creatures, and love to hide and pounce. A cat tunnel toy gives them the perfect environment to explore this behaviour. Look for tunnels that have supports built in to prevent them from collapsing when your cat jumps or sits on them. Tunnels can come in various shapes and sizes – from a simple short tunnel, to larger versions with 3 or more entrances.<\/p>\n

How to Keep Cat Toys Interesting<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Anyone who has a cat will know how he or she can be very picky about what toys they play with. A toy which they love one week can be ignored the next, so how do you keep things interesting for them?<\/p>\n

One tip is to tidy away any cat toy they aren\u2019t using, and rotate their toys every so often. Sometimes seeing a toy they haven\u2019t played with for a while can get them excited about it again.<\/p>\n

Another tip is to be creative when playing with old toys. Cats are natural hunters, so place toys in a way that appeals to their hunting instinct.<\/p>\n

If your cat enjoys catnip, then don\u2019t forget to occasionally refresh the catnip on their toys. The effect of catnip can fade over time, but it\u2019s easy to refresh the smell. The easiest way is with refillable catnip cat toys, which have a little pouch for the catnip. Simply replace or add fresh catnip and seal up the pouch again. For the toys that don\u2019t have this feature, you can simply spray with catnip spray or place the toys in a sealed container with a little bit of fresh catnip.<\/p>\n

Cheap Cat Toys<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Just like young children, cats often prefer the box or packaging to the actual toy inside. Sometimes very simple toys can provide the most entertainment \u2013 for example scrunched up sweet wrappers (Quality Street sweets are really good for this), cardboard boxes and paper bags. If you give your cat a bag to play with, always make sure they can\u2019t get trapped in the handles.<\/p>\n

My cat loves playing with the little plastic ties that hold electrical cables together! One of these can provide hours of entertainment, until it inevitably disappears under a sofa\u2026
\n<\/a><\/p>\n

Cat Toy Reviews<\/h3>\n

1. Ancol Acticat Cat Play Tunnel<\/h3>\n

\"Ancol<\/a>The Acticat Cat Play Tunnel<\/a> from Ancol is slightly different to most cat tunnels in that it has three rather than the usual two entrances. The Y-shaped design means there are 3 x 50cm long tunnels, joined by a centre piece with its own access hole.<\/p>\n

Each tunnel is 25cm in diameter, so this tunnel should be big enough for the majority of cats.<\/p>\n

The tunnel is made from a crinkle material that is popular with cats, but can be quite noisy when they play. Although it does take up a fair bit of space when extended, you can fold it up when not in use.<\/p>\n

This toy is also suitable for rabbits, and any other pet who enjoys playing in a tunnel!<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a314<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Buy<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Catit Design Senses 2.0 Play Circuit<\/h3>\n

\"Catit<\/a>The Catit Design Senses 2.0 Play Circuit<\/a> is an updated version of\u00a0a popular toy.\u00a0This new version is green in colour, to differentiate it from the\u00a0original blue version. It consists of 5 track pieces which can easily be assembled in\u00a0many different combinations. The cover has cut-outs in it so your cat can swat the ball along the track.<\/p>\n

The track pieces are still compatible with old circuits, so you can use\u00a0this set to add to an existing track.<\/p>\n

If you’d prefer a track with ups and downs, then the Senses 2.0 Wave Circuit<\/a> is the one to go for with\u00a0its high\u00a0and low sections. Or if you want something larger, then the Senses 2.0 Super Circuit<\/a>\u00a0combines both the Play Circuit and Wave Circuit to create the ultimate set.<\/p>\n

For added excitement, you can even buy a light-up ball<\/a> that\u00a0illuminates\u00a0when your cat bats it!<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a38<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Buy<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Catit Play-n-Scratch Cat Toy<\/h3>\n

\"Catit<\/a>The Catit Play-n-Scratch Cat Toy<\/a> combines two really good cat toys into one design.<\/p>\n

It consists of a circular track with a ball in it, and also a corrugated cardboard scratch pad in the centre. There is also a pom pom mounted on a spring for additional fun!<\/p>\n

The scratch pad is reversible, and replacements are available to buy online. It also comes with some catnip to sprinkle on the pad to make it even more irresistible to cats.<\/p>\n

With a diameter of 14 inches, it’s big enough to be entertaining and small enough to place anywhere in your home.<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a39<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Buy<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree<\/h3>\n

\"Catit<\/a>The Catit Senses Food Tree<\/a> is a new version of their popular Food Maze toy. This\u00a0cat treat toy has a new and improved design which stimulates your cat’s natural hunting behaviour.<\/p>\n

The way the toy works is by making your cat work for their food, as they have to nudge it through various openings before they\u00a0can eat it. This helps entertain your cat, and keep them active.<\/p>\n

It has 3 different settings so you can vary the difficulty, and the design makes it impossible for your cat to cheat! The wide base helps keep it stable, and also acts as a collector tray to prevent food from spilling.<\/p>\n

It’s also easy to dismantle for easy cleaning.<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a315<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Buy<\/a><\/p>\n

5. FroliCat Laser Cat Toy<\/h3>\n

\"FroliCat<\/a>The Frolicat Bolt<\/a>\u00a0from PetSafe is a laser cat toy with a difference! Rather than relying on you pointing the laser, the Bolt uses a motorised mirror to randomly shine the laser. You can also pick up the toy and aim it manually for a more interactive playtime.<\/p>\n

The Frolicat\u00a0Multi-Laser Cat Toy<\/a> is a more advanced toy than the Bolt, and features two lasers and 360-degree rotation to provide even more entertainment.<\/p>\n

Both toys have an automatic cut-off, which stops the toy after 15 minutes of play.<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a313-24<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Buy<\/a><\/p>\n

6. FroliCat FLIK Automatic Cat Toy<\/h3>\n

\"FroliCat<\/a>The FroliCat FLIK Automatic Cat Teaser<\/a> toy is another in the range of toys from PetSafe. This one is a circular cat toy that automatically flicks and hides a piece of string for your cat to attack.<\/p>\n

It has rubber feet on the bottom to help prevent it sliding, especially useful when your cat grabs the string! Having seen this in action, it seems to stand up to even the most energetic cats trying to pull\u00a0out the string.<\/p>\n

Similar to other FroliCat cat toys, it has a 15 minute timer so will shut off automatically. As this has moving parts, I would recommend that you always keep an eye on your cat when playing with this toy.<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a324<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Buy<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Funny Butterfly Cat Toy<\/h3>\n

\"Funny<\/a>The Funny Butterfly Cat Toy<\/a> is a battery-powered cat toy which flutters and flies around in a random way. With a gentle push after pressing the On-button, the butterfly starts to rotate around the base, and also vibrates gently to give a life-like movement.<\/p>\n

There is an automatic timer which switches off the toy after 3 minutes. The toy also comes with spare butterflies, and you can buy more<\/a> if needed.<\/p>\n

As with other automatic cat toys that have moving parts, it’s recommended that you always supervise your pet when they play.<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a310<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

8. GoCat Da Bird Feather Cat Toy<\/h3>\n

\"GoCat<\/a>The Da Bird Feather Cat Toy<\/a> from Go-Cat is probably the best feather cat toy you can buy! There’s something about it that makes it utterly irresistible to cats, and from personal experience other similar toys just don’t match up.<\/p>\n

The feather teaser is made from real feathers, and is designed to spin through the air. This makes it look, sound and feel like a real bird in flight to your cat. In fact, these are so good that you will need to hide the toy when you’re not using it!<\/p>\n

The rod is made from 2 x 18″ fibreglass poles, and a 32″ black nylon cord with a swivel hook at the end. It’s easy to remove the feather teaser, and\u00a0replacement feather attachments are available. You can also fit different types of attachments<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a314<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Buy<\/a><\/p>\n

9. KONG\u00a0Kickeroo Cat Toy<\/h3>\n

\"KONG<\/a>The\u00a0Kickeroo Cat Toy<\/a> from KONG is one of their best known cat toys. It’s\u00a0designed for\u00a0cats to grab it with their front paws, and attack it with their back paws.<\/p>\n

The plush tail makes it look like prey, and will encourage your cat to stalk and attack the toy. It also contains catnip to make it even more appealing!<\/p>\n

It also makes a perfect cushion for sleepy cats to snuggle up to after their playtime.<\/p>\n

A smaller version is available for kittens<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a34<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

10. KONG Refillable Catnip Feather Mouse Cat Toy<\/h3>\n

\"KONG<\/a>This Catnip Feather Mouse Cat Toy<\/a> from KONG has pretty much everything you need in a mouse cat toy! KONG are also known for making good quality pet toys, so you can be sure this will stand up to plenty of play time.<\/p>\n

It combines a soft mouse toy with a feather, and has a special compartment in the belly of the mouse which contains catnip. As the catnip wears out, you can easily add or replace it with the fresh catnip supplied with the toy.<\/p>\n

If a mouse isn’t to your cat’s fancy, then this range of toy comes in other designs including Hedgehog<\/a>, Carrot<\/a> and Beaver<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a33<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Buy<\/a><\/p>\n

\u00a011. Laser Pointer<\/h3>\n

\"Laser<\/a>Laser pointers make awesome toys for playing with your cat, and you can find them pretty much anywhere.\u00a0This YAMI 3-in-1 laser pointer<\/a>\u00a0has a few extra features that make it stand out from the crowd.<\/p>\n

As well as the red laser light, it also has a white LED which is useful as a small torch. In addition, it has an Ultraviolet (UV) light, which could be useful for\u00a0finding\u00a0splashes of cat urine.<\/p>\n

Another feature which will make this more comfortable to use is the on\/off switch. Lots of laser pointers require you to keep the power switch pressed down to operate, however with this one you simply slide it to the on position, and it stays on. No more sore thumbs!<\/p>\n

The final useful feature is that you can re-charge it via a USB port, so no need to buy replacement batteries!<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a39<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Buy<\/a><\/p>\n

12. PetSafe SlimCat Feed Ball<\/h3>\n

\"PetSafe<\/a>The SlimCat Feed Ball<\/a> from PetSafe is another cat treat toy, designed to make your cat work for their treats.<\/p>\n

It’s basically a small plastic ball with holes in the side. You fill the ball with treats, and as your cat plays with the ball, the food falls out of the holes. It’s adjustable too, so with a simple twist of the ball, you can make it easier or harder.<\/p>\n

This type of toy has two benefits – firstly it gives your cat something to play and entertain themselves with. And secondly, they will eat slower which will help with digestion and keeping them at the optimum weight.<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a35<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Buy<\/a><\/p>\n

13. Interactive Peek & Play Cat Toy Box<\/h3>\n

\"Interactive<\/a>This Interactive Peek & Play Cat Toy Box<\/a> from Me & My Pets is a wooden box with peep holes. Cats are curious and playful creatures, and love to try to get things that are hidden away. The peep holes in the toy are big enough for your cat to get their paw into, and just about big enough so they can get the toys out with some effort.<\/p>\n

The toy includes 4 toys – and you can add to or replace these with your own. You could even hide cat treats in the toy for added fun.<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a39<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Buy<\/a><\/p>\n

14. Mouse Cat Toy with Sounds and LEDs<\/h3>\n

\"Mouse<\/a>Another mouse toy<\/a> in our list, this one has sounds and LED eyes! Unlike many of the mouse cat toys available to buy, this one has an in-build micro-chip squeak which makes a high-pitched noise when you move it.<\/p>\n

The LED eyes are also activated by movement, so light up as well. The fake fur material also makes this toy mouse seem natural, along with the little tail. At under \u00a32, this toy is excellent value for money too!<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a32<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

15. Yeowww Banana Catnip Cat Toy<\/h3>\n

\"Yeowww<\/a>There are many catnip toys available to buy, but the Yeowww Catnip Banana<\/a> is one of my favourites. Yeowww use only organically grown American catnip in their cat toys, and this one is packed full of it.<\/p>\n

The toy itself is made from heavy duty cotton, and uses natural vegetable or soy based colours, so is safe for your pet.<\/p>\n

At 7 inches long, it’s a decent size and large enough for cats to cuddle up to, or “attack” with their back legs while holding it with their front paws.<\/p>\n

From experience, these toys are very long lasting and if your cat likes catnip, they will love these catnip cat toys!<\/p>\n

Price: \u00a36.50<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Buy<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Last updated: December 6th, 2018Cat toys are an ideal way to keep your cat entertained, fit and healthy. Playing with your cat also helps builds a stronger bond between you and your furry friend. This is especially important for indoor cats as they don\u2019t get the stimulation and exercise that outdoor cats naturally get. A […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":941,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_mi_skip_tracking":false},"categories":[3,6,11,5],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t\n\t\n