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Best Interactive Cat Toys 2024
Written by Emily Bayne
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 05/31/2024, edited: 05/31/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
Cats are incredibly intelligent and curious creatures. But this innate curiosity can often get them into trouble when boredom strikes. From chewing houseplants to scaling your curtains, cats are going to entertain themselves one way or another. Interactive toys are a great way to give your cats a healthy outlet for their boredom while also giving you a break!
We've found 5 of the best interactive toys on the market for cats that will keep your kitty busy and stand the test of time. Now, let's talk toys!
Overview
SmartyKat Instincts Sneaky Spinner USB Rechargeable Teaser Electronic Motion Cat Toy
I purchased this particular toy for my cats Binky and Bilbo as a Christmas gift, and let me tell you, they love it!
At first glance, it appeared this toy stood up and spun in place; however, upon first use, it immediately fell down and rolled off to the side, then stopped, changed directions, and rolled away before stopping again.
These motions are to mimic captured prey, which it seems to do very well. While it doesn't work like I imagined, my cats adore it.
It is easy for them to catch, and my cat Bilbo proudly totes it around when he catches it to show off his "kill."
This is a great toy for cats that tend to be intimidated by more animated toys, and even my skittish Labrador loves to get in on the fun (although this toy is certainly not built for pup chewers!)
It was important for me to get an interactive toy without button batteries since these can be deadly if swallowed, and most of the toys I found in stores used them. As a mom of a kindergardener and a large dog, this was not a risk I wanted to take.
The selling point for me was that it was rechargeable, did not use batteries, and seemed like a much safer option for my family.
SmartyKat Instincts Sneaky Spinner Cat Toy
Why Wag! loves this product
- Rechargeable
- Virtually silent
- Compatible with any micro USB charger
- Soft silicone cover won't scratch hardwood flooring
- Availble in stores and online
Considerations & concerns
- Doesn't work well on carpet
- Short-lived battery life
What pet parents say about SmartyKat Sneaky Spinner Electronic Toy
"My cats love this new Instincts Sneaky Spinner! It gives them hours of enjoyment! It charges quickly and once turned on it lasts 15 minutes. They look at me every time it stops working after 15 minutes, I'm continually turning it back on for them! They love it. Once the 15 minutes is up - they carry it over to me! I would highly recommend it, your cats will love it too!"
"This is a fun toy and my cat seemed to enjoy it. The nice thing is that it holds a charge for a while so it isn't something I need to worry about turning off as soon as my cat walks away. Definitely recommend."
Read more reviews on Petco.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright PetWise, Inc.
Ethical Pet Spin About 2.0 Laser Toy & Sound Cat Toy
Lasers are universally loved by felines, but we pet parents don't always have time to play with the laser— that's where this toy comes in!
The Ethical Pet Spin About 2.0 Laser Toy & Sound Cat Toy features two different ways to play and interactive sounds. Your cat will adore chasing the laser and swatting at the spinning ribbon attachment.
Plus, since it is motion-activated, your kitty can stay busy while you're away!
Ethical Pet Spin About Cat Toy
Why Wag! loves this product
- Can provide your cat with enriching solo entertainment
- Multiple ways to play since it features a laser, spinning ribbons, and fun interactive sounds
- Parents like the speed at which this toy spins
- Very sturdy — some pet parents even state they've accidentally dropped it in water, and it is still trucking!
Considerations & concerns
- Some parents dislike the location of the power button since their cats accidentally turn it off
- Parents also complain that the toy doesn't spin as long as they would like
- According to the reviews, the giggle sound effects are intimidating for some cats and "annoying" to parents.
What pet parents say about Ethical Pet Spin About Laser Toy
"I don't know why so many cats hate this thing our 4 absolutely go nuts for it. Not scared one bit. I will say they don't love the laser on this one they prefer the handheld laser we use. It works best on hardwood floor, they don't care to play as much when it is on the carpet. The voice is a little odd, it would be better as a bird or mouse noise."
"I have had this toy since it first became available and it is still working flawlessly. Even after an accidental drop into a bucket of water. I'm not sure why the ratings aren't higher, but it could be the sound. It is a bit strange and can become annoying. But the sound is what always attracts kittens and cats to the toy, where they become fascinated by the laser. I think this is a great deal for what seems to be an indestructible toy. And batteries last for months - even bargain batteries."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Ethical Pet.
SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy
If your kitty dreams of catching a rodent, this interactive toy will be right up their alley.
The SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy simulates hiding prey and features a rotating arm with a furry mouse-like attachment hidden under a cloth.
Kitties who enjoy attacking feet under the covers, are sure to love this a painless alternative!
Plus, according to the website, this toy is "tested to child safety standards," making it safe enough for homes with furbabies and human kids.
SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy
Why Wag! loves this product
- Concealed motion tantalizes cats and allows them to hone natural predatory skills
- Constructed to be safe enough for children and pets
- Multiple speed settings allow you to customize the toy to your cat's preference
- Auto shut off to save batteries
Considerations & concerns
- Some pet parents complain that the skirt is not as durable as they would like and that it started to fray quite quickly with regular use
- It is quite loud, which can be intimidating to skittish cats and annoying for some parents
What pet parents say about SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Toy
"I don't know why so many cats hate "I have had this toy since it first became available and it is still working flawlessly. Even after an accidental drop into a bucket of water. I'm not sure why the ratings aren't higher, but it could be the sound. It is a bit strange and can become annoying. But the sound is what always attracts kittens and cats to the toy, where they become fascinated by the laser. I think this is a great deal for what seems to be an indestructible toy. And batteries last for months - even bargain batteries."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright PetWise, Inc.
Pet Zone Fly By Spinner Interactive Cat Toy
My two boys love when a stray moth flies in the door and immediately go into attack more. While I love seeing them get so excited, I find this pastime a bit gruesome. So when I saw the Fly By Spinner Interactive Cat Toy, I immediately added it to my cart!
This toy allows furbabies to hone their predatory skills without harming any wildlife. Plus, it's pawsitively adorable!
I like that it moves in varying patterns to keep cats guessing and engaged. Plus, the movement and appearance of the butterfly attachment are quite lifelike!
Pet Zone Spinner Interactive Cat Toy
Why Wag! loves this product:
- Encourages healthy predatory behaviors like pouncing, swatting, and chasing
- Moves in alternating directions to keep your cat guessing
- Takes one AAA battery which is much safer than button batteries!
- Made with non-toxic components
Considerations & concerns
- Some pet parents had an issue with the butterfly breaking off during aggressive play, but this company sells replacement butterfly attachments if that happens to you!
- Some pet parents feel the butterfly moves too fast, which can be intimidating to some kitties.
What pet parents say about Pet Zone Fly By Spinner
"My 7 year old cat absolutely loves this toy. The first time I brought it home he was non stop till the battery died. It's like he's a kitten again. Love seeing him so happy and having a toy he can make his own games with. He recently started jump attacking it from his cat tree and it's adorable. The price was super cheap for something we both love so much. [I would] definitely recommend if you're looking for something to hit that free shipping."
"My cats went berserk over this toy. So much so, that I must hide it, when not in use. I'm going to order another one today, just in case they find the hiding place, and actually destroy it."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Petzone.
KONG Purrsuit Whirlwind Cat Toy
Kong is one of the top dogs in the dog toy industry, but did you know they have a whole line of interactive cat toys, too?
The KONG Purrsuit Whirlwind Cat Toy is an electronic ball toy with a fluffy faux feather attachment that will have your kitty pouncing, chasing, and swatting for hours. This toy was carefully engineered to ensure it doesn't get stuck in corners or under furniture.
We also like that it cuts off automatically after 15 minutes which will keep you from having to replace the batteries every other day!
KONG Purrsuit Whirlwind Cat Toy
Why Wag! loves this product
- Unpredictable rolling movement to encourage chasing
- The feather "whirls" independently of the ball
- Battery-operated, and the compartment is easy to access when the batteries go dead
Considerations & concerns
- It doesn't work very well on carpeted or tiled surfaces
- A tad on the expensive side
- The feather comes off too easily
- The motor is somewhat loud and can be intimidating to some kitties
What pet parents say about KONG Purrsuit Cat Toy
"My girl Agatha wasn't sure about this at first. It's kind of big, exceedingly purple, and made of hard plastic, so when you first see it you can't imagine it being fun for a cat to play with, but once you get it running, it's got a nicely unpredictable movement that gets even more unpredictable when they start pawing at it. The little whirly attachment on top is what really gets my girl's attention, and she'll chase the ball all over the place, which is good cuz she's getting a little tubby in the middle. I'm taking one star away because the little rod the whirly thing attaches to is very badly designed, so the attachment kept coming off, and then it's just a big, loud, plastic ball. But I stuck a little craft glue in the receptacle for the attachment, and that did the trick. Also be forewarned that if you have wood floors, this thing can get pretty loud. I feel like I need to apologize to my neighbor downstairs every time I turn it on. :D"
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright KONG Company.
FAQ
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