Every cat owner knows the struggle. You buy an expensive, high-tech toy, and your cat spends the next three hours playing with the box it came in. While cats can be picky, play is not just about fun; it is a vital part of their physical health and mental well-being. Bored cats can become destructive, anxious, or overweight.
Finding the right toys depends on your cat’s specific “prey preference”, whether they like to chase birds (air prey), hunt mice (ground prey), or stalk bugs (tiny movements). This guide covers over 15 incredible options, ranging from simple DIY projects you can make in five minutes to the best store-bought gadgets on the market.
Why Playtime Matters for Indoor Cats
Before diving into the toys, it is important to understand why we do this. In the wild, cats hunt for several hours a day. Indoor cats don’t have that outlet. Without it, that energy turns into scratching furniture, aggression, or depression.
- Weight Management: Regular activity burns calories and prevents obesity.
- Mental Stimulation: Puzzles and hunting games keep their brains sharp.
- Bonding: Playing together strengthens the relationship between you and your pet.
- Anxiety Reduction: Burning off energy reduces stress and behavioral issues.
Part 1: DIY Cat Toys You Can Make at Home
You don’t need to break the bank to entertain your feline. Some of the best toys are made from items you already have in your recycling bin.
1. The Classic Cardboard Box Fort
Never underestimate the power of cardboard. It offers security, a scratching surface, and a hiding spot all in one. To upgrade a basic box, cut holes in the sides to create “windows” and paw-sized gaps. If you have multiple boxes, tape them together to create a multi-room tunnel system.
2. Toilet Paper Roll Treat Puzzle
This is excellent for food-motivated cats. Take an empty toilet paper roll and cut a few small holes in the sides, just big enough for a piece of dry food to fall out. Fold the ends of the roll specifically to close them off. Put a few treats inside. As your cat bats the roll around the floor, the treats will randomly fall out, simulating a hunt.
3. The T-Shirt Knot Kicker
Do you have an old t-shirt you don’t wear? Cut it into strips. Take three thick strips and braid them tightly together. Tie giant knots at both ends to secure it. This makes a durable, soft toy that cats love to kick with their back legs (a behavior called “bunny kicking”). For extra appeal, store it in a bag of dried catnip for a few days before giving it to your cat.
4. The Sock Fish
If you have a lonely sock without a match, turn it into a “fish.” Fill the toe of the sock with crinkly paper (like packing paper) and a tablespoon of dried catnip. Tie a knot in the ankle of the sock to seal it. The crinkle sound mimics the sound of prey moving in dry leaves, which is irresistible to most cats.
5. DIY Feather Wand
Interactive play is usually better than solo play. Find a sturdy stick or a wooden dowel. Tie a piece of string or strong twine to one end. At the other end of the string, tie a few craft feathers and perhaps a small bell if you have one. Drag this across the floor to mimic a bird or mouse scurrying away.
6. The Crumpled Paper Ball
Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. Take a piece of notebook paper or receipt paper and crumple it into a tight ball. The texture and sound are very appealing. Bat it across a hard floor (tile or wood works best), so it skitters fast. It sounds like a bug and moves unpredictably.
7. The Tupperware Pawn-Fishing Game
Take a shallow plastic food container or a sturdy shoebox lid. Fill it with a variety of small toys: bottle caps, ping pong balls, and crumpled paper. Cut holes in the lid that are slightly larger than your cat’s paw. Put the lid on. Your cat has to reach in and “fish” the toys out. This engages their problem-solving skills.
8. Wine Cork Chasers
Natural cork has a texture that cats love to sink their claws into. (Ensure you use natural cork, not the synthetic plastic kind). You can toss these as is, or use a nail to make a hole and thread a feather into the end of the cork. They are light, bounce erratically, and are easy to carry in a cat’s mouth.
Part 2: Best Store-Bought Toys for Every Budget
If you are looking for durability or high-tech features, the pet market is full of innovation. Here are the top categories of toys that consistently get high ratings from pet owners.
9. The Laser Pointer (With a Twist)
Laser pointers are controversial. They are great for running a cat ragged, but they can cause frustration because the cat never actually “catches” the prey.
- The Fix: Always end a laser pointer session by landing the red dot on a physical toy or a treat. This gives the cat the satisfaction of the kill.
- Recommendation: Look for automatic laser towers that can run on a timer while you are away.
10. Electronic Motion Toys (Undercover Mouse)
These toys usually consist of a round nylon mat with a motorized plastic wand spinning underneath it. The wand moves unpredictably, pausing and reversing direction. To the cat, it looks exactly like a mouse moving under a rug. This triggers an intense stalking instinct.
11. Crinkle Tunnels
Cats love tight spaces. Collapsible nylon tunnels usually have “crinkle” material sewn into the lining. When the cat runs through, it makes a loud noise. Many come with peepholes in the center. These are excellent for multi-cat households as they can be used for ambush games and hide-and-seek.
12. Potent Catnip Kickers
Similar to the DIY sock toy but larger and more durable. Brands create long, banana-shaped or cigar-shaped plush toys filled with high-grade organic catnip. These are designed for cats to grab with their front paws and aggressively kick with their back feet.
13. Interactive Puzzle Boards
These are rigid plastic boards with tracks, sliders, and cups. You hide dry food or treats inside the compartments. The cat must use its nose and paws to slide covers aside or spin wheels to reveal the food. This is mental gymnastics for your pet and slows down eaters who scarf their food too quickly.
14. The “Da Bird” Style Wand
Not all wand toys are created equal. High-end feather wands use a swivel mechanism that spins the feathers as they move through the air. This creates a whirring sound and a flight pattern that mimics a real bird almost perfectly. These are often the only toys that will get a lazy or overweight cat moving.
15. Ball of Tracks (Tower of Tracks)
This is a classic for a reason. It usually consists of three levels of circular tracks, each with a trapped ball that spins around. Because the balls cannot be removed, you don’t lose them under the sofa. Cats can bat the balls and watch them spin. It allows for parallel play where two cats can play with different levels at the same time.
16. Automatic Ball Launchers
For the high-energy cat (or dog-like cat) that loves to fetch. These devices shoot a small ping-pong-sized ball out of a hole. Some cats can even be trained to drop the ball back into the funnel to reload the machine themselves. This provides endless independent play.
Safety First: A Note on Toy Selection
Not all toys are safe for unsupervised play. To avoid emergency vet visits, keep these safety tips in mind:
- String Hazards: Never leave string, ribbon, or yarn toys out when you aren’t home. If swallowed, linear foreign bodies can cause fatal intestinal blockages.
- Loose Parts: Check toys regularly for loose eyes, bells, or feathers that could be chewed off and choked on.
- Laser Safety: Never shine a laser directly into your cat’s eyes (or human eyes).
- Plastic Bags: While cats love the sound of plastic bags, never let them play with them unsupervised due to the risk of suffocation. Cut handles off paper bags before letting cats play in them.
Conclusion
Finding the “purrfect” toy might take a little trial and error. Some cats are “bush dwellers” who like tunnels and boxes, while others are “tree dwellers” who prefer feather wands high in the air. The key is variety.
Rotate your toys. If you leave all 15 toys on the floor 24/7, your cat will get bored with them. Keep a toy box. Put 10 toys away and leave 5 out. Next week, switch them. The “old” toys will feel brand new again.
Whether you choose to craft a cardboard castle or invest in an electronic mouse, the effort you put into playtime translates directly to a healthier, happier life for your feline friend. So grab a wand, crumple some paper, and get playing!
