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Best Kicker Toys for Cats 2025
Written by Emily Bayne
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 11/08/2024, edited: 01/17/2025
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.
Do you know those adorable bunny kicks your cat performs while playing? They're an instinctual movement cats use to immobilize prey and often happens when your feline friend feels feisty or playful.
Kicker toys are one of many types of toys that help satisfy your cat's instincts and predatory urges. Plus, they're great for redirecting your cat's destructive behaviors (and those angry bunny kicks when you rub their tummies for too long!)
But how does one go about choosing the purr-fect kitty kicker? The best cat kicker toys are durable, suitably sized, and often feature a few tail feathers to kickstart your cat's hunting instincts.
We've scoured the web to weed out the mediocre kicker toys and bring you the best options around! Let's kick off the list, shall we?
Overview
Star Wars R2-D2 Plush Kicker Cat Toy with Catnip
You don't have to travel to a galaxy far, far away to find a paw-some kicker toy. We've found the droid you've been looking for with this Chewy-exclusive R2-D2 plush cat bunny kick toy!
From the embroidery detail to the colorful feathers, this toy will be a winner with your furbabies. Plus, it is infused with catnip for enticing and mess-free play.
Since it's made of soft Velboa plush, it is a little more delicate when it comes to rough play, but it makes up for it by being super snuggly and soft.
Star Wars R2-D2 Cat Kicker
Why Wag! loves this cat kicker
- Infused with real, USA-grown catnip
- Colorful feathers to help activate your kitty's prey (and play!) drive
- Weighs under an ounce and a half — great for all ages to enjoy
- Makes a fur-rific gift for the Star Wars- and cat-obsessed pet parent in your life!
Considerations & concerns
- Some pet parents said this toy is on the smaller side
- It's a Chewy-exclusive toy, so you won't find this one in stores!
- The plush exterior is susceptible to damage during rough play
What pet parents say about this cat kicker
"This was a hit the second it was taken out of the box, the cats wrestle for who's going to play with it! Big enough to hold in their front paws while kicking it with the back paws. Love it!"
"Elwood loves his R2D2 toy. He carries it everywhere with him. Unfortunately, we had to remove the feathers because his brother Jake was eating them, but he was okay with that! Might need to order a second as a backup for when this one wears out!!"
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Lucasfilm Limited.
Catstages Crunchy Pickle Kicker Dental Catnip Cat Toy
Keep playtime kosher with this pickle catnip kicker toy! This toy is infused with catnip to encourage kicking and is made of dental mesh to help blast away yucky tartar while your cat plays.
Since it has a crinkle interior and plush exterior, it will make for a fun and stimulating sensory experience for your catto. And as the embroidery suggests, this toy is sure to be a "big dill" to your furry crew!
Catstages Pickle Cat Kicker
Why Wag! loves this cat kicker
- Dental mesh covering helps combat tartar build-up
- Has a crinkle sound to make your feline feel like a real predator
- Infused with catnip to encourage playtime
Considerations & concerns
- Some pet parents feel like it could use some more catnip (but there are always catnip sprays you can use to liven up your kitty's toys!)
What pet parents say about this cat kicker
"My cat has never shown must interest in toys but this one is her absolute favorite she plays with it multiple times a day and brings it in her bed to cuddle."
"I bought this yesterday for my older cat, who never kicks her toys, and she absolutely [LOVED] IT!!! She was kicking it immediately and enjoying the catnip deliciousness. She swatted at it and rubbed it and it was exactly as advertised - a swat-worthy crunchy pickle kicker!"
Read more reviews on Petco.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Cision US Inc.
Catstages Loaf Kicker Cat Dental Toy with Catnip
We just had to include another witty Catstages kicker on our top kitty kicker list. We're suckers for a good pun, and this toy was too cute not to be included!
This loaf-shaped toy features curly ribbons to tantalize your tabby and catnip inside to fuel playtime. Like the pickle version, the loaf kicker features dental mesh to help keep those pearly whites sparkling.
At almost 3 ounces, this toy is a little heavier than some others on this list, but it can make for good resistance when doing the bunny kicks!
Catstages Loaf Kicker
Why Wag! loves this cat kicker
- High-quality and reasonably priced
- The soft polyester fabric makes it great for snuggle time
- Dental mesh backing will help your kitty brush and floss simultaneously!
Considerations & concerns
- On the smaller side — best suited for kittens or small kitties
What pet parents say about this cat kicker
"I recently purchased this kicker for my cat. The catnip is strong & he enjoys playing with it; however it's more appropriately sized for s kitten. It's my fault that I didn't pay attention to the size. Good toy but better suited for a kitten."
"My kitties love to bunny kick this toy! Excellent way to get out kitty energy!"
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Cision US Inc.
Frisco Plush Kicker Cat Toy
Made by the folks over at Chewy, the Frisco Plush Kicker Cat Toy is one of the best cat kicker toys with catnip on the market. It's a plush raccoon / fox toy with a crinkly inner lining — perfect for playtime and cuddle time.
Available in two funky color combos, the Frisco Plush Kicker Cat Toy is an inexpensive and sturdy kicker that cats of all ages will love, kicking, cuddling, and pouncing on.
Available varieties:
- Fox (orange)
- Raccoon (purple)
Frisco Plush Kicker Cat Toy
Why Wag! loves this cat kicker
- Soft and crinkly — ideal cuddling and playing
- Infused with catnip to encourage play
- Inexpensive
Considerations & concerns
- Only 9 inches long
- Polyester fur may fall off over time
What pet parents say about this cat kicker
"My mom recently adopted a kitten. I bought the purple raccoon toy for her hoping she would like it. She started attacking and playing with the toy as soon as it hit the floor. Then she passed out with it. The photo is not staged at all. The kitty loves the toy that much! We will be buying a back up or two just in case anything ever happens to this one. I HIGHLY recommend this toy. If I could rate it more than 5 stars, I would!"
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Chewy, Inc.
Petlinks HappyNip Kalypso Kicker Cat Toy
Give your kitty the staycation of their dreams with this tropical-themed kicker toy from Petlinks! This toy is a great size for cats of all shapes and ages. It has a nice mix of textures and fabrics to give your kitty the paw-fact sensory experience, with jute, feathers, felt, and a crinkle interior.
Arguably, the best part of this toy is it features pesticide-free catnip, which will not only make playtime more fun but keep it safer, too!
Petlinks Kalypso Cat Kicker
Why Wag! loves this cat kicker
- Excellent for larger cats who have a hard time finding kicker toys that are a good length
- Nearly purr-fect ratings on Chewy
- Uses pesticide-free catnip
Considerations & concerns
- On the pricier side for kicker toys
What pet parents say about this cat kicker
"My two four-year-old cats and my eighteen-year-old cat [love] this toy. So worth it. I got it because it is longer than other kickers on the market, and that has DEFINITELY been a good choice!! They play with it everyday. The little bird is a really nice addition to it too."
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright PetWise, Inc.
FAQ
Are kicker cat toys safe for cats?
What is the best material for kicker toys?
Should I buy a kicker toy with catnip in it?