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10 best interactive cat toys of 2024 – reviews & top picks

written by: christian adams

last updated on july 4, 2024 by catster editorial team

10 best interactive cat toys of 2024 – reviews & top picks

cats love to play, and whether your cat is an outdoor roamer or an indoor lover, they have an innate hunting instinct that needs to be stimulated. a great way to harness this instinct is via interactive toys, as these will keep them from hunting local birds and mice and provide a fun way for you to interact with your feline friend.

while a ball of wool or handheld laser may temporarily entertain your cat, interactive toys will provide the mental and physical stimulation that they need to stay healthy and happy.

there is a huge array of interactive cat toys on the market, so it can be an overwhelming task to find the right one for your feline friend. we did all the hard work for you and created this list of in-depth reviews to help you find the best interactive cat toy to suit your unique needs.

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a quick look at our favorites in 2024

image product details
best overall
winner
petsafe bolt petsafe bolt
  • automated, hands-free operation
  • auto-off setting
  • best value
    second place
    petstages tower of tracks petstages tower of tracks
  • inexpensive
  • no batteries or power required
  • premium choice
    third place
    petfusion ambush petfusion ambush
  • anti-skid padded feet
  • colorful led lighting and feather
  • frisco cat tracks butterfly frisco cat tracks butterfly
  • inexpensive
  • has rubber feet to prevent sliding
  • smartykat electronic concealed motion smartykat electronic concealed motion
  • unpredictable spinning motion
  • two different speed settings
  • the 10 best interactive cat toys

    1. petsafe bolt interactive laser cat toy — best overall

    petsafe bolt interactive laser cat toy new

    please note

    laser toys are considered controversial, as they may lead to stress in some cats due to consistently failing to catch a target. lasers are also potentially harmful to a pet’s eyes. consult your veterinarian prior to purchasing a laser toy for your pet cat.

    there is arguably nothing more irresistible to a cat than a laser light darting across the floor, and petsafe bolt interactive laser cat toy provides a unique take on a classic concept. it is a battery-operated, freestanding unit that will give your feline friend hours of play. it has an automated rotating mirror that beams out a laser light in random patterns. it is hands-free and completely automated, so it can be placed on the floor for your cat to play with while you’re away. it also features a manual mode, so you can create your own patterns for your cat to chase around for a completely interactive experience.

    this battery-operated cat toy will provide optimal mental and physical stimulation for your furry friend and help prevent boredom and anxiety while you’re busy or at work. the automated cat toy unit has a built-in timer, so it will turn itself off after 15 minutes to conserve battery life.

    several users report the laser being fairly dim in a brightly lit room, so your cat may not be able to see it. also, this unit requires 4 aa batteries, which are not included.

    we think this is the best overall interactive cat toy and the best battery-operated cat toy available.

    pros
    • automated, hands-free operation
    • manual setting for interactive play
    • auto-off setting to conserve batteries
    • provides mental and physical stimulation
    cons
    • laser is difficult to see in bright settings
    • no batteries included
    • laser toys are controversial

    2. petstages tower of tracks cat toy — best value

    petstages tower of tracks cat toy

    this petstages tower of tracks cat toy is the best interactive cat toy for the money. cats love to chase and swipe at balls, but these can be easily lost under furniture. this interactive toy solves that problem, as the colorful balls are fixed into three circular tracks that they spin around inside. it is a classic, time-tested design that is irresistible to cats. the separately stacked tracks allow for multiple cats to play simultaneously and will provide hours of stimulation while you’re busy or away.

    this interactive cat toy tower is made from durable materials and features non-skid pads underneath to prevent it from sliding or falling over while your cat plays. the tower has three different levels and measures 5 inches high, so it is ideal for kittens and adult cats alike. its simple but effective design will keep their hunting and pouncing instincts stimulated.

    some users report that the balls do not move easily inside the tracks or even get completely stuck. this will likely make your cat knock it over in frustration or ignore it completely. also, several users with older felines report that their cats were not at all interested in it, so it is ideal for kittens or young adults.

    pros
    • inexpensive
    • no batteries or power required
    • three different levels are ideal for kittens or adults
    • has non-slip pads to prevent slipping
    cons
    • balls are prone to getting stuck or not rolling freely
    • anecdotally, older cats may not be interested

    3. petfusion ambush interactive electronic cat toy — premium choice

    petfusion ambush interactive electronic cat toy

    the petfusion ambush interactive electronic cat toy is an innovative and unique interactive electronic cat toy. it is designed to stimulate your feline friend’s natural hunting instinct by providing moving “prey” for it to chase and capture. a colorful feather randomly pops out from one of the unit’s six holes, and it has colorful led lighting to further stimulate and draw your cat in. the random action will satisfy your cat’s innate hunting and pouncing desire, while providing them with mental stimulation and exercise.

    the unit also features anti-skid padded feet so it won’t slide around too much, and the feathers are easy to remove and replace when your cat eventually wins the battle. the toy comes with an extra replacement feather and has an 8-minute auto-shutoff mode to conserve the battery.

    this toy is noisy, and combined with the bright lights, it may take a while for your cat to get used to it. some cats may be afraid of it at first. while kittens will love it, it is not designed for bigger cats that play rough, as they will quickly break the small internal motor.

    pros
    • random action is highly stimulating
    • anti-skid padded feet
    • auto shut-off mode to conserve battery power
    • colorful led lighting and feather
    cons
    • expensive
    • noisy operation
    • not made for rough play

    4. frisco cat tracks butterfly cat toy

    frisco cat tracks butterfly cat toy

    the frisco cat tracks butterfly cat toy is a three-level, circular unit with balls that roll around inside and is available at a highly affordable price. it has a small butterfly attached to the top of the toy via a thin wire, which your feline friend will love to swat at for hours on end. the toy also comes with a replacement butterfly for when your cat eventually catches and breaks the first one, but the butterfly is made from durable plastic with a wire attachment, so it should last a while. the balls are different colors, are securely inserted into the toy, and roll smoothly and quickly. it has a fairly sturdy construction and anti-skid rubber feet.

    this toy is fairly noisy with the balls rolling around inside, and although it has rubber feet for grip, a big cat will knock it over fairly easily.

    pros
    • inexpensive
    • includes a spare butterfly attachment
    • has rubber feet to prevent sliding
    cons
    • noisy operation
    • a big cat will topple it over easily

    5. smartykat electronic concealed motion cat toy

    smartykat electronic concealed motion cat toy

    this smartykat electronic concealed motion cat toy will keep your cat chasing the “prey” for hours on end. it has a concealed wand that spins around in a random circular motion, which will stimulate your cat’s hunting and pouncing instincts. the wand moves in unpredictable ways and is concealed by a plastic cover. its movements can be adjusted to two different speeds. it also comes with a spare interchangeable wand, and its programmed movement enables your cat to play for hours, even while you’re away.

    this toy is noisy and has a loud clicking sound when its motion is stopped by your cat. several users report that the wand unscrews frequently, as often as every 5 minutes, which can become frustrating to constantly replace. the cover also gets easily bundled up when in motion, even if your cat is not playing with it.

    pros
    • unpredictable spinning motion
    • two different speed settings
    • included spare wand
    cons
    • loud clicking noise when motion is halted
    • wand unscrews easily and frequently
    • cover gets easily bundled up

    6. catit design senses circuit cat toy

    catit design senses circuit cat toy

    catit design senses circuit cat toy will stimulate your cat’s innate hunting instincts and provide hours of mental and physical exercise. it is an expandable track, with holes for pawing placed along its length. a small swirly-patterned ball rolls around inside to trigger your cat’s pouncing ability. the track is easily set up and can be expanded or reduced in size, depending on your needs. it is great for multiple cats to play with or for a single cat to be entertained while you’re away.

    the openings along the track are large enough for your feline friend to reach inside and swat the ball safely, without getting stuck or injured. the best part about this toy is that it requires no batteries or outside power to operate.

    one issue with this cat toy is the lightweight tracks. while most cats will easily fit their paw inside to roll the ball, they can also easily flip the entire track over and grab the ball, defeating the entire object of the game. if you are not watching, the ball can easily get lost. some users report that older cats are not at all interested in this toy.

    pros
    • expandable track
    • easily set up and dismantled
    • no batteries needed
    cons
    • track is easy to flip over
    • older cats may not be interested

    7. trixie brain mover activity strategy game cat toy

    trixie brain mover interactive cat toy

    the trixie brain mover activity strategy game cat toy will engage and stimulate your cat both mentally and physically with four different combinations of games. the included games are a ball-push game that will earn your cat a reward when completed, multiple sliders that will reveal hidden treats, a small lever that can open a treat drawer, and a drawer that opens using a loop to reveal another hidden treat. the toy has non-slip rubber feet to keep it from sliding around, and it is fairly heavy, which will help keep it firmly in place.

    some users report treats getting easily stuck inside several of the compartments, and this can cause health hazards if not closely monitored. large cats will also have problems getting their paws into the tiny compartments, so it is more suited to kittens or young adults. the toy is cheaply constructed, and a rough cat will likely break parts off it fairly quickly.

    pros
    • mental and physical stimulation
    • non-slip rubber feet
    • four different game types
    cons
    • treats get stuck easily inside the various compartments
    • not suitable for large cats

    8. kong eight track cat toy

    sungrow 12 pack cat crinkle balls

    this kong eight track cat toy is the “hot wheels” of cat toys, featuring a figure-eight-shaped track that your cat can push rattling balls around in. the track has spaced openings for your cats to bat the balls through, stimulating their hunting instincts. it also has a feathered pole attached to it that your cats can swipe and bat, as well as a catnip-filled tail that is irresistible to most felines.

    several users report that the balls don’t roll inside the track smoothly, which can cause more frustration than joy for your cat. also, while kittens will love this toy, many users report that their adult cats are not interested at all. this toy is also noisy, with loudly rattling balls, which can get overwhelming for your cat and for you!

    pros
    • inexpensive
    • includes a variety of stimulation
    • irresistible catnip-filled tail
    cons
    • noisy operation
    • balls don’t roll around smoothly

    9. cat amazing interactive treat maze & puzzle toy

    cat amazing interactive treat maze & puzzle toy

    this amazing interactive treat maze & puzzle toy is a unique interactive toy for your feline friend. it features different compartments to hide treats inside, and this will stimulate your cat’s inquisitive nature as they try to find and retrieve them. the unit has three difficulty levels—beginner, intermediate, and “top-cat”—so your kitty can move through the different levels of stimulation as their skills improve. the toy is made from 30% recycled cardboard and is printed with metal-free inks, making it a safe option for your feline friend.

    the toy comes unassembled, so you’ll need to follow the instructions to put it together, which is a complicated process. many users reported difficulties putting it together. also, it is made from cardboard, so many cats will simply rip it apart to get to the treats you hide inside, and any contact with water will ruin it.

    pros
    • three different skill levels
    • made from 30% recycled cardboard
    cons
    • difficult to assemble
    • made from cardboard, so is easily torn
    • treats fall easily out of the big holes
    • not waterproof

    10. cat’s meow motorized chaser interactive toy for cats

    cat’s meow motorized chaser interactive toy for cats

    this cat’s meow motorized chaser interactive toy for cats will keep your cat stimulated for hours. it is designed to stimulate your cat’s desire to hunt, pounce, and stalk with its easy one-button operation. it features a small “mouse wand” that rotates underneath a plastic cover. the rotation is completely random, which will keep your cats guessing where to attack next, just as they would when hunting for prey. this interactive toy for cats works on smooth floors and carpets and has an auto shut-off at 30 minutes to save on battery power.

    the spin mechanism on this motorized cat toy is fairly fast, and the speed setting is not adjustable. this can make it quite difficult to play with for kittens or older felines. the battery compartment is almost impossible to open, and when you finally manage to change the batteries, they have a short lifespan. also, when your cat does manage to catch the spinning mouse wand, it breaks easily, and a big cat prone to rough playing will break it in no time.

    pros
    • one-button operation
    • random operation will keep most cats interested for hours
    cons
    • non-adjustable speed setting
    • battery compartment is difficult to get open
    • short battery life
    • easily broken

    cat face divider 2

    buyer’s guide: choosing the best interactive cat toys

    cats have powerful innate hunting instincts that need to be stimulated regularly. if these needs are not met, not only will your feline friend be less healthy and bored, but they may also end up with other health issues, such as obesity! while cats have a false reputation for being lazy, they do need to stay active and agile, as it is important for their long-term health and well-being. frequent exercise will help your cats avoid getting obese and keeps them mentally stimulated too. as your cat gets older, their limbs and joints may have decreased mobility, and regular exercise will keep them agile for longer.

    this is where well-designed interactive toys come in. these will stimulate your cat’s predatory nature, as the bright colors and noises will keep your cat alert, curious, and playful. there are a few important factors to consider, however, when buying a new toy for your furry friend.

    durability

    cats love to scratch, bite, claw, and pounce on toys, so the toy needs to be as durable as possible. it should have non-slip feet so it won’t slide across the floor, and the design should be sturdy and stable. if it is made from plastic, it should be strong enough to handle your cat’s full weight and withstand scratching and biting. any toys with electronics should have strong motors that can handle any pulling and stalling, and an auto-off function is also ideal to conserve battery life.

    safety

    safety is another important consideration for your felines. the toy should not be made from any potentially harmful materials or chemicals, as your cat will likely be biting on it. there should ideally be no small parts that can break off and be swallowed.

    your cat’s age

    cats can be picky, and some may not take to toys that others seem to love. however, your cat’s age also has a role to play in this fussiness and can help you decide which toy your cat will use. kittens need more physical stimulation, as they are still learning and growing, and might enjoy interacting with a complex toy. older cats, conversely, are a bit more docile and may prefer a simpler toy that they can keep up with at their own pace, as opposed to a loud, motorized toy.

    woman-playing-with-her-cat
    image credit: dora zett, shutterstock

    toy types

    taking the previous factors into consideration will help you choose the right toy for your pet. cats are picky animals, so it may be a good idea to try a few different types at first. there are a variety of commonly used toys that cat owners know and trust:

    • ball toys. pretty much every cat loves balls, and the more colorful and noisy they are, the better. ball-based toys come in a huge variety, including mazes, spinning balls, and circular towers. ball toys that have the balls trapped inside or joined to them with wire are generally better, as they prevent the ball from getting lost under furniture.
    • wand toys. wand toys come in automated varieties that have small motors to spin a “lure” on or in a basic fishing rod style, in which you lure the cat yourself. they usually have a mouse, feather, or colored streamer attached to entice your cat into pouncing.
    • puzzle toys. these are a great form of toy to challenge your cat’s mental abilities. they usually come in a maze or box of some kind, with a hidden treat for your cat to seek out and find.
    • electronic toys. electronic toys will provide your cat with the necessary stimulation without you having to be there. they are often automated, with spinning wands and flashing lights to keep your cat entertained. they should ideally have an auto-off function to save on battery life.
    • catnip toys. some cat toys contain catnip, which most cats respond favorably to. it stimulates their nervous system and often produces giddy happiness when consumed.

    lots of cats go bananas for catnip. if your cat is one of them, we recommend hepper's durable, engaging catnip stick toy! these sturdy toys come in several fun colors and feature bite-proof double bagging and 100% organic catnip fill. they're also handmade in the usa and designed to look like your cat's natural prey.

    hepper stick catnip cat kicker toy
    • no filler - like all the best cat toys our is stuffed with 100% organic catnip. cheap cat toys with...
    • flexible play - simple plush shape is great for biting, scratching and pawing. it can start life as...
    • durably designed - our cat safe toys are hand-stitched with a double-lined exterior construction for...

    at catster, we’ve admired hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    yarn ball divider

    conclusion

    the overall best interactive cat toy we found is the interactive laser toy from petsafe. its battery-powered, hands-free, and automated operation provides your feline friend with an irresistible laser that shines out in infinite combinations for hours of play and stimulation. however, we would recommend consulting a veterinarian prior to purchasing a laser toy for your pet.

    the best cat toy for the money is the tower of tracks cat toy from pet stages. its colorful balls on separate tracks allow for multiple cats to play simultaneously and will provide hours of stimulation for your kitties. it is a classic design at a highly affordable price.

    regular exercise and mental stimulation are enormously important for cats, and choosing the right toy to cater to these needs can be stressful. hopefully, these in-depth reviews have helped you narrow down the options, so you can find the right interactive cat toy for your furry friend.

    related read:

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