Not All Cat Toys Are Equal: How to Find What Your Cat Will Actually Play With
- felidaebehavior
- Jul 17
- 4 min read
How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Cat
When it comes to cat toys, the options are endless—but not every toy is right for every cat. Just like people, cats have individual preferences, and the key to helping your cat stay active, happy, and engaged is finding what they truly enjoy.
As a Certified Cat Behavior Consultant, I’m often asked about the best toys for cats, how to use them effectively, and what to avoid. Whether you’re shopping for your first kitten or trying to re-engage a senior cat who seems a bit “over it,” here’s what you need to know.
Cats Like Toys That Resemble Prey
Most cats are drawn to toys that mimic real prey—think small, soft, and quiet. While some may enjoy bells or crinkly materials, the majority respond best to toys that move unpredictably or feel lifelike. Automatic toys can be helpful if they vary their movement patterns. If the motion is too repetitive, your cat will catch on that it’s not real and quickly lose interest.
Scent Matters More Than You Think
Catnip can be hit or miss. Some cats go wild for dried catnip but ignore it completely in its fresh form. Quality matters here—old, stale catnip won’t do much, so I recommend buying organic catnip in small amounts from a bulk herb section (if available) to ensure freshness.
Other scent-based options include silvervine, valerian, and honeysuckle. As with catnip, freshness and quality make a big difference in how your cat responds.
Kicker Toys: Size and Shape Count
If your cat enjoys bunny kicking, kicker toys are a great outlet. The key is choosing a size that allows your cat to grab and kick with their back legs—something about the size of a rabbit tends to work best.
Rotate Toys to Keep Them Exciting
Just like we get bored with the same old entertainment, cats can lose interest in toys that are always lying around. I recommend rotating interactive toys (like wand toys) for each play session and switching out solo toys based on your cat’s age and interest level. Kittens may be entertained by the same toy for days, while adult and senior cats often need more variety.
Do You Really Need More Toys in a Multi-Cat Household?
Not necessarily—but you do need to make sure each cat has access to toys that suit their individual preferences. One cat might love a feather wand, while another prefers batting at balls or chewing on kicker toys. Think quality and variety over sheer quantity.
Puzzle Toys Are Worth the Effort
Puzzle toys aren’t just for dogs! They help cats slow down their eating, reduce stress, and provide important mental enrichment. If your cat doesn’t seem interested, try these troubleshooting tips:
Make sure they’re hungry before introducing the puzzle.
Use a high-value treat rather than boring kibble.
Start with something easy—like a toilet paper tube puzzle—and show them how to use it.
Pay attention to how your cat likes to interact. If they dislike using their paws, don’t use puzzles that require digging with paws.
Safety First: What Not to Leave Out
Avoid toys with small parts that could be swallowed or anything that comes apart easily. Wand toys should always be put away when not in use to prevent your cat from chewing or destroying them. When in doubt, supervise until you’re confident the toy is safe.
How to Tell What Your Cat Likes
You don’t have to break the bank testing every toy on the market. Start by observing your cat. Do they chase bugs? Try a toy that flutters. Do they love bunny kicking soft objects? Try a kicker toy. You can often find toys that match their natural instincts and behaviors.
Want to Help Your Cat Lose Weight? Start with Play
Interactive play is one of the best ways to help a cat slim down. Even gentle movement is a good starting point. As your cat gets stronger, you can increase the intensity to get them running and burning more calories—all while having fun.
My Go-To Toy Recommendations
Here’s my short list of toys that consistently work well for a wide range of cats:
Peacock Feather
Cat Dancer
Cat Charmer
Da Bird
Cat Catcher
Dezi and Roo Wand Toy Wonderland
These toys mimic different prey animals and tap into your cat’s natural hunting instincts.
The Toy Isn’t Everything—How You Play Matters
One of the most common things I hear from clients is, “My cat doesn’t play.” But in many cases, the issue isn’t the cat—it’s how the toy is being used. Cats need to be enticed into a hunt. The toy needs to behave like prey: hiding, darting, pausing, and escaping. Simply waving a toy in front of their face often won’t do it.
Remember: for cats, play is hunting. When we respect that and play in a way that taps into their instincts, most cats can—and do—engage.
Want help figuring out your cat’s play preferences or creating a custom toy rotation plan? I offer virtual behavior consultations for cats around the world. Whether your cat is pouncing non-stop or just getting started, I’m here to help.