In this article we’re going to look at some of the best cat toys for indoor cats. If your kitty spends a lot of time on her own, it’s important to provide toys that stimulate her senses and encourage exercise.
Long gone are the days when ping pong balls were all a cat had to play with. These days you’ll find an array of shiny interactive toys to keep your kitty amused for hours.
We’ll also look at the importance of exercise for indoor cats and how toys can help your cat stay fit and active. Keeping your cat active can help prevent obesity.
Health problems such as diabetes and heart disease are often the result of being inactive and gaining weight. If you were to lie around on the sofa all day and have food brought to you on demand, you’d become overweight too!
Why indoor cats need toys to encourage exercise
If your cat spends all her time indoors it’s vital you provide toys to encourage exercise and provide mental stimulation. Young cats get bored very quickly during their awake time. Just like young kids they often jump from one thing to another.
Seniors on the other hand tend to sleep more and can be less active. This doesn’t mean they don’t need exercise. Just like older people, it can help keep their joints supple and minds sharp!
A simple toy such as a feather stick can be used to stimulate hunting instincts as well as get your feline friend active. This is because cats are hard wired to hunt and chase moving objects.
Indoor cat exercise ideas to get your kitty active
You don’t need to spend a fortune to provide indoor activities for your cat. In fact if you have a few basic diy skills you could even make your own. Shelving, indoor trees, and cat ladders are a few ideas.
Cat trees can encourage jumping and stretching. These are great exercises for strengthening muscles and fighting obesity. You can buy them ready made and most are fairly easy to put together.
If you have multiple cats in your household invest in several cat trees. This gives each cat their own private space to chill and hang out in.
What are the best Cat toys for your indoor kitty?
Interactive toys that enable cats to play on their own are great as you don’t have to be involved. These are especially ideal if you’re out at work during the day.
Many are robotic which means they don’t need you to be around to switch them on and off. Others
If you work from home like I do you’ll probably have experienced the demands of a bored cat. Similar to young children, cats need to be entertained.
The following are what I believe to be some of the best toys for indoor cats. My opinions are based on research and customer ratings. In addition, I may receive a small commission for any sales made, but this in no way reflects the price you pay.
WWVVPET Interactive Cat Toys Ball with LED Light,360 Degree Self Rotating Ball,USB Rechargeable Cat Ball Toy,Stimulate Hunting Instinct Kitten Funny Chaser Roller Pet Toy
Self rotating chaser balls are designed to get your cat’s attention with a flashing red led light. WWVVPET chaser ball avoids obstacles by changing direction.
You can leave it switched on and it will automatically shut off after 30 minutes to give your cat a rest and stop her from losing interest.
The self rotating ball is powered by a rechargeable battery which is located inside. Opening the ball is easy by twisting it with both hands. Simply connect the battery with the USB cable supplied and plug into a USB port on your laptop. It takes about an hour and a half to fully charge, and should last for around four hours.
It’s worth noting that my cat seemed a bit scared of the self rotating ball at first and ran off!! However, he now watches it with great interest even though he hasn’t chased it yet.
All cats are different though, and you may find your kitty takes to it straight away. This could be the perfect toy for a young kitten as they usually chase anything that moves!
My flooring is wooden and the ball has no problem guiding itself around table legs. However, it may not work so well on carpeted floors.
The ball is made from tough non-toxic ABS plastic so it should stand up to the roughest treatment from your cat. In addition it’s safe if your feline companion decides to bite or chew it.
An on off button on the ball makes it very easy to turn on and off. In addition, the ball is a nice size for a cat or small puppy to play with. Don’t give this ball to larger dogs though.
Average rating 4.4 out of 5
You can buy WWVVPET Interactive Cat Toys Ball with LED Light here
YUEJING Interactive Cat Toy, Cat Toys for Indoor Cats, Cat Electric Toy with Random Rotating Worm Teaser and Catnip Ball, Cat Automatic Toy Low Noise (Auto Off Timer, Battery Included)
Cat teaser toys can keep lonely or bored cats entertained for hours. Random rotating worm teasers such as YUEJING can hold your cat’s interest as they mimic prey running for cover. In addition, the catnip ball may encourage play, giving your cat a euphoric feeling for a short time. As I’ve mentioned before, catnip isn’t addictive and is very safe. Not all cats respond to it though.
The hexagon shaped teaser toy has six holes through which the worm randomly pokes through, just like a rodent sticking it’s head out!
You get 3 AA batteries as well a screwdriver for removing the base. The catnip ball can either be used as a separate toy or inserted through one of the holes.
This type of toy is great for stimulating your cat’s hunting instincts. Indoor cats have no way of using their hunting skills unless provided with toys.
Average rating 4.1 out of 5
You can buy YUEJING rotating worm teaser toy here
Catit Design Senses Super Roller Circuit Toy for Cats
Catit roller circuit toy for cats is designed to keep your cat entertained by stimulating her hunting instincts. It’s a simple design in which a lighted ball spins along a covered track. Holes along the track allow your cat to bat the ball with her paw.
In addition, as the track is undulating it uses force of gravity to spin the ball round. This is very exciting for your cat, as one swipe with her paw can get the ball spinning along the track at a fast speed.
This movement simulates prey running and gets your feline friend excited as she tries to grab the ball through the openings. However, it would be impossible for your cat to grab hold of the ball and pull it out!
The track is easy to assemble with sections that interlock. It’s worth noting that once you snap the pieces together they’re very hard to take apart again.
The roller circuit toy is made from durable plastic and should withstand rough treatment from your fur family!
One great benefit of this toy is that no batteries are needed. This means you can let your cat play with it for hours on end without worrying about it running out of power.
However, the ball contains a tiny battery that can’t be replaced. This means once the light stops working you’d need to get another. According to other buyers, you can get replacement balls and even have two on the track at the same time.
Average rating 4.3 out of 5
You can buy Catit Design Senses Super Roller Circuit Toy for Cats here
FYNIGO Cat Interactive Toys with a Running Mice and a Scratching Pad
Here’s another fun cat toy that doesn’t require batteries. It’s very simple in design but can relieve boredom and get your cat active. The mouse spins round when swiped by your cat’s paw, but can’t be pulled out of the holes.
In addition, a scratching pad encourages your cat to sharpen her claws. This can save your furniture and multiple scratching pads and poles are always a good idea.
Some buyers found their cats destroyed the mouse, but you can replace with another of the same size. The mice are quite lifelike as they’re covered in simulated fur.
Average rating 4 out of 5 stars
You csn buy FYNIGO Cat Interactive Toys with a Running Mice and a Scratching Pad here
B Bascolor Interactive Cat Toys for Indoor Cats Electronic Squeaky Mouse Cat Toy Automatic Kitten Hunting Toy with Rotating Mouse & Scratching Pad for Cats Kitten Pets
B Bascolor running mice and scratching pad is battery powered and has a lifelike mouse that makes a squeaking sound. This is great for stimulating your cat’s hunting instinct and getting her active.
You get the option of two settings with the running mouse toy. The first has a higher speed and squeaking sound. The second has no sound and a lower speed.
You may want to try the lower speed first to see how your cat reacts to the toy. If she likes it and pounces on the mouse, then try the second setting. Sometimes cats can be scared of sudden noises and fast moving objects, which is why it’s best to start without the sound.
The scratching pad can encourage your cat to sharpen her claws and save your sofa. As previously mentioned, scratching pads and poles are essentials if you have a cat.
You will need 3 AA batteries. I’m not sure if these are included so I’d recommend buying a supply. I’ve always found batteries included with toys never last long, and having a supply of long lasting batteries is always a good idea!
Average rating 4.9 out of 5
You can buy B Bascolor running mice and scratching pad here
Cat Interactive Toys Ball for Indoor Cats/Kitten, Mouse Cat Toys with Large Jingle (Smart Toy)
Made by Titi, this interactive mouse cat toy is powered by a rechargeable battery. This is good news if you’re fed up buying batteries for your pet’s toys.
The mouse is activated by your cat. Sensors detect touch and automatically turn on the toy. However, don’t expect it to move rapidly. Unlike robotic toys this mouse will move forward at a slower pace
It will be enough though to stimulate your cat’s hunting instinct. In addition, jingly bells and feather teasers are included to attract your cat’s attention.
The mouse is covered in plush fabric and is safe for your cat to bite. Also, if the bell and feather aren’t enough to get your lazy kitty moving, colorful lights on the rear of the mouse will certainly help draw attention!
You’ll be pleased to hear the mouse turns off after five minutes of inactivity. Then, after one and a half hours it will automatically turn on again.
This saves you having to be around to turn the toy on and off. As with many of the other toys here they’re ideal for keeping your indoor cat active when you’re out.
Some buyers found their cats seemed to enjoy carrying the toy in their mouth, and some even slept with it. It’s not just dogs that carry toys around!
Average rating 4.3 out of 5
You can buy Cat Interactive Toy mouse here.
OurPets Play-N-Squeak Real Birds Cat Toys
Our Pets brightly colored bird has a realisitic squeak that’s activated by your cat’s paw. This in addition to catnip stimulates your cat’s instinct to stalk and hunt.
The colorful bird toy is advertised as using North American grown catnip which has a strong aroma. This is very safe for your kitty and isn’t addictive!
Although the toy doesn’t move unless tossed or carried by your feline friend, it can still encourage play. Try playing it with your cat at first to get her excited. If your cat is sensitive to catnip this well almost certainly get her fired up!
Average rating 4.5 out of 5
You can buy OurPets Play-N-Squeak Real Birds Cat Toy here
Is your indoor cat active or a couch potato?
If your cat prefers to lounge around on the sofa to chasing mice, you should definitely get her some indoor activities to keep her mentally and physically active. As you’ve learnt in this post, cats that spend all their time indoors can get bored. And, just like people, continued inactivity can lead to obesity and health related problems.
If you don’t get time to play with your cat every day you should consider investing in a few interactive toys. As most don’t need you to be present you can simply set and forget.
Many are activated by your cat or simply turn themselves on and off at random. I hope my selection of best cat toys for indoor cats has inspired you. Ideally, you can also provide your kitty with a cat tree, as well as a few scratching poles.
If you’ve enjoyed this post please share. Feel free to share this pin on your “pets” board.
Also, if you have any questions or would like to share your experiences please leave your comment below.
Wishing you a purrfect day:)
Kathy
Hi, thank you for these great options! I love cats and I’m always looking for ways to keep them active indoors. These are all great options. Thanks!
You’re welcome Sandy! Toys can make a huge difference to bored pets!
I always find a lot of great ideas in your blog posts. This one is no exception. I agree with you that it’s very important to provide your cat with a lot of entertainment. When they are not sleeping, which is 99% of the time LOL, a cat needs a lot of attention. These toys are an awesome idea.
I would like to get a few toys for our cats, especially now when the winter is coming and they spend most of the time indoors. Do you have a favourite on this list?
Hi Ivan, glad you enjoyed this post and yes, providing entertainment for your cat is important. I think my favourite toy has to be the Ourpets play n squeak real bird:) I know what you mean about cats sleeping most of the time lol! I think they sleep even more during the winter months when it’s cold outside!
Hi, I have had cats all of my life. The two that I had growing up made me part cat. They would bite me when we played and I think the cat saliva entered my DNA.
Here is my proof…. I sleep the majority of the day, I only get up to use the bathroom or get a snack. I have a little burst of energy and I only want to be played with on my terms. I stare out the window and follow the birds and I run when a stranger appears.
I am just kidding, I do not always run away from strangers.
Growing up, my siamese cats loved chasing my mother’s socks that had puff balls on the back. Once they got the puffballs off of the sock, I was then able to throw it. Smokey would always bring it back to me.
Nowadays, we have two cats from the same litter. Victor and Victoria. They both have extra digits on their paws. This is great for them when we play. Victor enjoys an old fashioned stick and Victoria likes to play with hair ties. She will go into the bathroom, open the drawer, and bring one out. She gets her exercise when we fling the hair ties down the wooden floor hallway.
But to sum it up, they both prefer the fake mice the best. We find them all over the house when we clean.
Thanks for sharing your best cat toys. I have enjoyed your post and I have pinned it to my board.
Hi Rob, glad you enjoyed this post on cat toys and thanks so much for pinning it to your board:)I can relate to adopting feline traits as I also enjoy catnaps, though I don’t follow the birds lol! Your cats sound great fun, and those extra digits come in handy! Polydactyl cats are a little unusual but not rare. Yes, isn’t it strange how cats seem to have favourite toys! My cat also likes fake mice, and I have a few with feathers on their tails that he loves chasing:)
There are some great ideas here, I especially like the MOODY PET Fling-AMA-String Cat Toy as looks like your cat would get plenty of exercise too. When I had cats I used to love playing with them with there toys, its great fun.
Thank you Madeleine, glad you enjoyed the cat toys I shared in this post. Yes, Moody pet fling is a fun game for cats, and encourages exercise. Spending time playing with your cats is a great thing to do as it helps with bonding.
How cute are these cat images first of all! I loved looking at them as they are playing with their favourite toys. I personally really like the mouse toys. I looks very interactive and colourful. I think my cousin’s cat would love this. So, here is the next gift sorted for her.
Many thanks for sharing this with us all.
Thank you Habib:)So glad you enjoyed this post and glad the toys I shared here have inspired you. I’m sure your cousin’s cat will be very happy with her gift:)
Wow! U make me want to buy the whole lot. Such lovely toys, and at such cheap rates too. It sure shows how much you love cats.
I have an obsession with looking at cats. You can never tell what they will do next. They make the best of pets. Perfect entertainment and unadulterated love. What else can one ask for?
– AB
Thank you Aparna:) So glad you like the cat toys I shared here. Yes, I agree, cats are a law unto themselves and totally unpredictable! I guess that’s part of their charm! The love they give is amazing, and mine is hugely entertaining most of the time! Thanks for stopping by:)