Best Cat Toys for Indoor Cats - Interactive Toys Reviewed | iPetCompanion

Best Cat Toys for Indoor Cats – Interactive Toys Reviewed

Indoor cat toys are a great way way of keeping your pet feline entertained whilst also ensuring that they remain safe, as they are in the home rather than outside roaming the streets. However, knowing which one to purchase can be a difficult task given the sheer amount of choice that is currently available and with many claiming to be the best best and most effective. To help cat owners with this we have compiled a list of Our Top Picks.

For each one of these toys we have taken an in depth look at how it functions, stated what is good and bad about it, and finally awarded it a star rating out of five stars. In the end we make a recommendation as to which one of these cat toys for indoor cats we think is the best best on of all. In addition to this, we also answer some of the most frequently asked questions relating to indoor cats and cat toys in general.

Best Interactive Cat Toys: Our Top Picks

gocat da bird pull 2 piece rod & bird

  • Suitable for cats and kittens
  • Made in the USA
  • Fully collapsible

Rated by: Amber

hartz cattractions cat toys

  • Made from durable material
  • Keeps nails healthy & strong
  • Cheap price point

Rated by: Amber

petstages cat tracks cat toy

  • Physically engaging
  • Great for kittens
  • Anti slip base

Rated by: Amber

1. Hartz Cattraction Silver Vine & Catnip Cat Toys

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

Suitable for unsupervised play by all types and ages of cat, the easy to use Hartz Cattraction Silver Vine & Catnip Cat Toys allows your pet cat to explore its natural instincts. The 20 inch long soft alligator features a mit for scratching that produces a crinkling type sound. It is made out of a sisal material that is both textured and highly durable, meaning it is able to withstand being pulled and scratched at.

The Hartz Cattraction Silver Vine & Catnip Cat Toys can either be hung off of a door knob or simply laid on the floor. To keep your pet cat enticed for longer, it features a fabric ball with a feather attached that is filled full of catnip, which is great for your cat to swat at and plays to their natural instinct. With it also featuring a section for your cat to scratch away at, it makes this toy highly interactive and enjoyable for your cat.

The fluffy and soft 20 inch long Hartz Cattraction Silver Vine & Catnip Cat Toys has been specially designed to be scratched and make your pet cat stretch in order to keep their muscles moving and their nails both healthy and not too long. When the toy is scratched it produces a crackling and crinkling noise that is hugely stimulating for cats and so makes the toy that more interesting for them.

PROS

  • Made from a highly durable material
  • Keeps nails healthy and strong
  • Cheap price point

CONS

  • Not the best build quality

2. GoCat Da Bird Pull 2 Piece Pull Apart Rod & Bird

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

This easy to use toy can be enjoyed by both fully grown cats and kittens. However, it should only be played with when under supervision by the pet owner. This is because if the fiberglass rod becomes damaged, it can splinter and injure your hand or even your pet cat. With the GoCat Da Bird Pull 2 Piece Pull Apart Rod & Bird being collapsible into 2 separate parts, it is easy to store away when it is not in use.

Because the GoCat Da Bird Pull 2 Piece Pull Apart Rod & Bird is made in the United States of America, you can be guaranteed that it is a high quality product that meets all of the necessary safety regulations. When shaken, these feathers feel, sound, and look like real ones from a bird and thus encourage your pet cat to demonstrate its natural hunting and pouncing instincts.

The 36 inch long GoCat Da Bird Pull 2 Piece Pull Apart Rod & Bird consists of a two piece wand made out of fiberglass and a nylon string with bird feathers attached that measures 32 inches. Because of its length it keeps cat owners a safe distance from the claws of their interactive cat. Should you experience any issues with the toy, it comes with a one year full warranty, meaning it is fully covered.

PROS

  • Suitable for cats and kittens
  • Made in the United States of America
  • Fully collapsible

CONS

  • Can splinter and cause harm

3. Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

This easy to use toy is ideal for both kittens and fully grown adult cats. However, it is recommended that it be played with only when under supervision. This is because the ball that sits in the track can come out and be accidentally ingested by your cat. Boasting two different toys toys in one, the Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy features both a ball track and a scratcher. These are both replaceable and separately available to purchase.

All of the parts used to make this toy are fully recyclable and the plastic is free from BPAs. Included with the Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy is a catnip spray in order to attract your pet cat to it. Once playing with the toy, your pet cat will be entertained for hours given that scratching is something that all cats love to do. This will help to stop them from scratching at other things around the house, such as furniture or carpets.

The circular ball track on the Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy measures 16 inches and is made from a plastic that is BPA free. The way way in which it has been moulded ensures that there are no sharp or rough edges that could potentially cause your pet cat harm. The toy comes in both blue and pink color options, which makes it suited to both male and female cats.

PROS

  • Suitable for kittens and adults
  • Two in one toy
  • Made from a BPA free plastic

CONS

  • Ball can come out of the track

4. Trixie Activity Fun Board

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

Aimed more at intermediate to advanced level cats that are used to using similar toys toys, the Trixie Activity Fun Board does not require supervision from the interactive cat owner. If your pet cat is smart enough, it is suitable for all ages and breeds. The fact that this multi activity and high quality toy is made from plastic that is of food grade, you can rest assured that your cat dancer will remain safe whilst playing with it.

Featuring five different toys toys in one, the Trixie Activity Fun Board will keep your pet cat entertained for hours upon end. The design of the toy works to stimulate all of a cat’s 5 senses, as well as utilise its physical and mental instincts in order to gain access to the different treats. 

This is because it features the likes of pegs, transparent globes, tunnels and alleys that require your cat to use its tongue, toes, and paws.

For those cat owner that have never used a toy like this before, then a handy instruction guide is included, which provides useful tricks and tips. It works in conjunction with all types of cat food, including liquid, wet, and dry. In addition, the Trixie Activity Fun Board is 100 percent dishwasher proof, which makes cleaning it super easy. The toy is approximately 16 inches long by 12 inches wide and weighs just 3 pounds.

Thanks to the high quality of this toy, it comes with a full warranty that lasts a period of one year. This means you can use the Trixie Activity Fun Board for quite a while without worrying about it breaking.

PROS

  • Made from food grade plastic
  • Five toys in one
  • Full one year warranty

CONS

  • Aimed at smarter cats

5. PetSafe Bolt Laser Cat Toy

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

This is an easy to use toy that is suitable for kitten and cats of all ages. Because of how it works, it does not require owner supervision when a cat is playing with it. The PetSafe Bolt Laser Cat Toy has two different mode settings of either manual or automatic play. This is a good quality toy that uses a laser beam that is class IIIa rated and so is completely safe. It works by producing a range of different patterns on the floor and walls for your cat to chase.

The adjustable mirror at the top of the toy reflects the laser beam to create zig zag type patterns that your pet cat will go wild for, no matter how lazy they usually are. The PetSafe Bolt Laser Cat Toy runs off 4 x AA batteries, which are not included, and has the ability to automatically run for up to 15 mins. It does not run any longer than that in order to avoided making your cat(s) exhausted.

The PetSafe Bolt Laser Cat Toy measures just 8 inches tall and so thanks to its small and compact design, transporting it from one place to another is really easy. In addition, it is completely mess free. The manufacturer is so confident in the quality of the toy that it comes with a full warranty for one year. If your cat suffers from any anxiety related issues then use of the toy should be limited.

PROS

  • Completely safe
  • Make even lazy cats go wild
  • Full one year warranty

CONS

  • Not the best for cats with anxiety

6. Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy

Quick Summary

Rated by: Amber

This is a fun and easy interactive toy interactive toy for medium sized cats to play with under supervision and will keep them entertained for many an hour. It features 3 different stages with 3 different colored balls that are all secured inside of the Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy that cannot come out. It encourages your pet cat to play physically as they try to hit and scratch at the balls and also keeps them mentally engaged.

It is constructed from a strong plastic that is free from BPAs and is highly durable. It measures 6 inch in height, 10 inch in width, and 10 inch in length and weighs less than 100 pounds. Because of this, the Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy is those cats that are 20 inches in height or less. Similarly, it can also be used with ripple rug small dogs and puppies. The bright orange color of the toy makes it the ideal choice for use with kittens.

The base of the Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy has been specially designed not to slip when your cat is playing with it. Also, because of how it has been designed, your cat is unable to accidentally stick their head into the top of the toy and the solid tracks on it prevent them from getting their paws stuck in it. Despite all of this, it is relatively inexpensive and is a good choice for any cat ower on a budget.

PROS

  • Physically and mentally engaging
  • Great for kittens
  • Anti slip base

CONS

  • Can be too simple for some cats

FAQs – A Buyer’s Guide

So there you have it, you have read the reviews for what we believe are the six best cat toys best cat toys for indoor cats that are currently available on the market. At this stage you may have an idea as to which toy will be best best for your cat. For those who do not, keep on reading our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions relating to indoor cats and cat toys toys for cats in general.

How do I keep my indoor cat entertained?

For any owner that is out of their property for long periods of time, it can be difficult to know how to keep their cat entertaned when they are not there. However, there is no need to despair, because there are actually a number of simple things that they can do to keep their pet cat entertaned. One such method is by leaving engaging and interactive toys toys and puzzles for them to play with.

Another way way is by leaving empty cardboard boxes round your property for your pet cat to jump into and on, use as a fort, and generally play with. This is a cheap and easy method of entertaining your cat given that most people have empty boxes lying around their homes. They are also relatively safe for your cat to play in and can be easily replaced if they become damaged as a result of your cat scratching at them.

Specialist cat furniture will also work to keep your pet cat entertaned whilst kept indoors. These includes things such as cat trees, scratching benches and scratching posts. Not only do these items keep your cat entertaned for hours upon end, but it also stops them from scratching away at any furniture that you have in your home, which is much more expensive to replace.

What is the best toy for cats?

A cat toy is a superb way of keeping your pat interactive cat both mentally and physically engaged, just like they would be if they were out living in the wild. It also provides owners with a chance to bond and connect with their cat. The best cat toy, like all of those that featured in the list of Our Top Picks, will meet the instinctive needs of your cat, such as hunting, pouncing, swatting, scratching etc.

However, if you feel like none of those from the list of Our Top Picks are suitable, then do not despair, as there are still plenty of good cat toys toys out there. Some of these include the Moody Pat Fling-Ama-String Cat Toy, the SmartyKat Electronic Motion Cat Toys Cats, the Go Cat Teaser Wand Cats Toy, SmartyKat Catnip Cat Toys for cat, the Hartz Just For Cats Cat Toy, the Cat Dancer Cat Dancer Wand Teaser Toy, and the Fashion's Talk Variety Pack CatToys Toys.

What are the best indoor cat breeds?

Because of the indoor lifestyle that more and more people are living, and the increased dangers of being outside for pets, such as more traffic on the roads, it is no surprise that indoor based cat breeds are becoming highly popular with people of all ages, including families. A very popular breed of indor cat are exotic and Persian cats because they have low activity levels.

Similarly, British Shorthair multiple cats also have low activity levels, thus making them ideal for keeping indoors. With their hair being short, they will not leave your home covered in cat hair. They have a generally placid and laid back personality and are highly independent, meaning they do not require much human interaction and can keep themselves entertained for hours.

Other cat breeds that are well suited to living mainly indoors include Burmese cats, Ragdoll cats, Burmilla cats, Russian Blue cats, Scottish Fold cats and Singapura cats. These all have low to moderate activity levels and have temperaments that are suited to living indoors. It is recommended that you do extensive research to find an indoor cat that best suits both your home and your lifestyle.

Do cats get bored of their toys?

Although when you first purchase a toy your cat may seem to love it, within the space of a couple of weeks they may grow bored of it and begin pestering their owners for entertainment. Because it is important that multiple cats play, many owners then feel compelled to do so, which can eat into their ripple rug time to do other things. However, there are some simple things that you can consider when choosing a toy that will stop them from becoming bored of them.

It is easy to fall for the trap that the more expensive a toy is, the less likely that it is that your pet cat will get bored of it. Something that has too many sources of stimulation can be overwhelming for a interactive cat and stifle their instincts of pouncing, stalking, batting, scooping, grabbing, and swatting. Similarly, toys toys that are large in size can be off putting for cats, with those that are soft, small and easy to transport being much more favorable.

Toys that light up or make a noise when played with will work to keep your cat engaged and thus less likely to becoming boring. Another way of keeping your pet cat engaged and using a certain toy of theirs is by rubbing one of their favourite treats on it. By providing your cat with a number of different options, rather than playing with the same toy all of the time, they are less likely to get bored of a specific toy.

The Best Toy for an Indoor Cat Of All

We have reviewed each of the cat toys toys in the list of our top picks and answered some of the most frequently asked questions about them, so the only thing left to do now is give our recommendation as to which one of these we think is the best cat toy for indoor cats of all. This was a difficult decision given then those that made it into the list of Our Top Picks were all so very different.

However, after much deliberation we came to the final decision that the Hartz Cattraction Silver Vine & Catnip Cat Toys is the best cat toy for indoor cats of all. This is because it is made out of a strong and durable material that can withstand being pulled and scratched at. They toy also works to keep your pet cat’s nails strong and healthy, and is relatively cheaply priced, meaning if your cat does not like it, you have not lost out on much.

The only slight downside that we found is that the build quality is not the best, but this is something you expect with a cat toy at this price point. Although we feel like the Hartz Cattraction Silver Vine & Catnip Cat Toys is the best, it may not suit your pet cat’s temperament or style of play. In those instances, we would happily recommend any of the other toys toys that features in the list of Our Top Picks.

About the Author Amber

Hi, I'm Amber! iPetCompanion care about your relationship with your pets. I realize how hard it is to leave them behind especially when you have an out-of-town trip schedule so I made this blog to help!

follow me on: