Hepper is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

11 Best Cat Toys for Indoor Cats in 2022 – Reviews & Top Picks

cat playing with toys

Playtime with your cats isn’t something that you can take or leave. Cat toys are crucial for your cat the develop healthily, stimulate their mind, and keep them active. It’s also a simple act to build a bond between the two of you. Different toys encourage different behaviors, but they’ll all keep your cat’s senses sharp and get rid of the excess energy building up in them. To keep your cats from lounging around every day, we’ve found some cat toys with highly recommended reviews to make finding the perfect one a quick and easy decision.

hepper single cat paw divider

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2022

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Fish & Chews Cat Toy Hepper Fish & Chews Cat Toy
  • Triggers hunting instincts
  • No construction required
  • Provides endless entertainment
  • Best Value
    Second place
    SmartyKat Pursuit Electronic Toy SmartyKat Pursuit Electronic Toy
  • Encourages healthy play
  • Different speed settings
  • Occupies one or more cats
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    YOUTHINK Cat Scratcher & Lounge YOUTHINK Cat Scratcher & Lounge
  • Foldable
  • Safe material for nails
  • Comes with catnip and toy ball
  • Frisco Cat Tracks Butterfly Toy Frisco Cat Tracks Butterfly Toy
  • Cheap
  • No batteries
  • Nonskid pads
  • Frisco Plush, Teaser, Ball & Tunnel Frisco Plush, Teaser, Ball & Tunnel
  • Over 25 toys
  • No required batteries
  • Mix of materials and sizes
  • The 11 Best Cat Toys for Indoor Cats

    1. Hepper Fish & Chews Cat Toy – Best Overall

    hepper fish and chews toy

    Dimension: Rod: 17.7″; String Length: 31″- 33.4″; Toy: 7.4″
    Life stage: Kitten or adult
    Material: Birch, wool, cotton, polyester

    Our top choice overall of the best cat toy for indoor cats goes to the Hepper Fish and Chews Cat Toy. If you’re looking for a simple yet natural cat toy, then this toy is ideal. It’s handmade with birch, wool, polyester, and cotton and comes in four different colors. If you’re looking to trigger your cat’s hunting instincts, then this is the chew to do it!

    Whether your feline pal is chewing on the rope and rod of the chew or hunting the fish and pawing at the wool, you can be sure that this toy will provide endless entertainment for your cat. Another thing we love about this cat toy is that it works great for indoor cats, plus, you can pull it directly out of the box and let your cat start playing, as there’s no construction required.

    Some owners did report that their cats wouldn’t play with the toy, while others reported that the wool unraveled easily.

    Pros
    • Triggers hunting instincts
    • Provides endless entertainment
    • Handmade
    • No construction required
    Cons
    • Some cats may not enjoy it
    • Some users reported the wool unraveling easily

    You might have guessed, this is our own product – but we love it so much we just have to share it, and hope you get to own one too!


    2. SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Motion Toy – Best Value

    SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Motion Toy

    Dimension: 22.51 x 22.51 x 2.99 inches
    Life stage: Kitten or adult
    Material: Plastic

    Finding the best cat toys for indoor cats for the money isn’t always that easy. The market is flooded with products, and just because something is a good price doesn’t mean it will hold up. The SmaryKat Hot Pursuit Toy encourages cats to exercise without you having to be in the room. An electronic motor spin a wand around a central base that is covered with a plastic tarp. This motion kicks your cat’s predatory instincts into gear and makes them jump and pounce for hours.

    This toy features two speeds and an interchangeable wand attachment. It is a great price and tested to meet child safety standards, so you’ll know it is safe for your pet. Because the tarp is plastic, it could get some scratches with too much use. You’ll also have to replace the batteries each time they die.

    Pros
    • Affordable
    • Encourages healthy play
    • Different speed settings
    • Occupies one or more cats
    • Interchangeable wand attachments
    Cons
    • Plastic tarp might rip
    • Have to change batteries

    3. YOUTHINK Cat Scratcher & Lounger – Premium Choice

    YOUTHINK Cat Scratcher and Lounger

    Dimension: 20.5 x 6.2 inches
    Life stage: Kittens or adults
    Material: Cardboard

    The YOUTHINK toy is a scratcher, lounger, and toy all in one. The unique, circular design allows you to fold it down completely for easy storage and travel. The cardboard material is great as a scratching pad, and the hollow center makes a comfy space for them to lounge. It also comes with a ball and catnip to get them curious and encourage play.

    The big downside to this product is the price. Over time, your cat’s sharp nails are sure to rip it beyond repair and you will have to replace it after a while. However, it does hold cats up to 22 pounds and is a great way to save money on three different products.

    Pros
    • 3-in-1 toy, lounger, and scratcher
    • Foldable
    • Comes with catnip and toy ball
    • Safe material for nails
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Has to be replaced over time

    4. Frisco Cat Tracks Butterfly Cat Toy

    Frisco Cat Tracks Butterfly Cat Toy

    Dimension: 9.84 x 3.43 x 9.84 inches
    Life stage: Adult
    Material: Plastic

    This Frisco Cat Tracks toy is like an amusement park for your cat. There are three levels with balls in each for them to bat around or chase, with the final level being a butterfly for them to bat at. It has nonskin pads on the bottom to keep the track from sliding during playtime and the spinning action keeps cats engaged for long periods. No batteries are required and it is affordable for most people.

    Because of the small parts, they do present a choking hazard if any of them come loose for both your cats and your children. Some cats might not be interested in them either and you’ll have to keep searching for a toy they love.

    Pros
    • Cheap
    • Nonskid pads
    • No batteries
    Cons
    • Small pieces could break
    • Doesn’t interest all cats

    5. Frisco Plush, Teaser, Ball & Tunnel – Best Overall

    Frisco Plush, Teaser, Ball & Tunnel Variety Pack

    Dimension: 15.75 x 15.75 x 3.15 inches
    Life stage: Kitten or adult
    Material: Mixed

    If you haven’t bought your cat any toys before, you’re better off going with something that gives them a lot of options. This specific toy is a variety pack with over 25 different toys inside. The price is fair, and each one ranges in texture and materials like crinkly, feathers, fuzzy, foam, or plastic. It even comes with a tunnel for them to hide or relax in. It also comes with a small bag of catnip to really boost the fun.

    These toys are all easy to move around and give them plenty of exercise throughout the day. Although the toys aren’t indestructible, they are one of the best overall toys for indoor cats. The small size doesn’t take up a lot of space in the home, and there are no loud motors or batteries that you have to buy separately.

    Pros
    • Over 25 toys
    • Affordable
    • Mix of materials and sizes
    • No required batteries
    • Comes with complimentary catnip
    Cons
    • Toys may break

    6. Zenes Electric Flutter Rotating Cat Toy

    Zenes Electric Flutter Rotating Cat Toy

    Dimension: 7.8 x 7.8 x 3 inches
    Life stage: Adult
    Material: Resin

    Although you do have to buy batteries, electric cat toys to have their perks. For a fair price, this toy rotates a butterfly in circles to encourage your cat to play for long periods. It has a sturdy base and non-slip pads so that they won’t get hurt. There is no assembly required, and there are two colors to choose from.

    Because of the wire, it could be a danger if you don’t supervise your cats while using them. The top piece is likely to break off, but they do sell replacement pieces separately.

    Pros
    • Cheap
    • Sturdy
    • Entertains for hours
    Cons
    • Batteries required
    • Choking hazard
    • Replacements sold separately

    7. Potaroma Electric Flopping Fish

    Potaroma Electric Flopping Fish

    Dimension: 0.35 x 4.13 x 1.26 inches
    Life stage: Kittens or adults
    Material: Plush cover and inner battery

    Cats love stalking fish and anything else that moves and wiggles on the ground. This electric toy is the first that is rechargeable with a standard USB plug, so buying batteries isn’t necessary. It comes with a small bag of dried catnip to encourage them to play and the small size is perfect for cats of all ages and sizes.

    This toy does make noise while it is on, which could bother people while at home. You also have to search around on the inside for the on/off switch. It also is only suitable for one cat, and you might have to pay the middle-of-the-road price more than once if you have several pets.

    Pros
    • Rechargeable
    • Comes with catnip
    • Plush cover won’t hurt the cats
    Cons
    • Have to search for on/off switch
    • Only for one cat
    • Noisy

    8. Pet Fit For Life Feather Wand

    Pet Fit For Life Feather Wand

    Dimension: 38 x 0.125 x 0.125 inches
    Life stage: Kitten or adult
    Material: Plastic

    Cat wands are a go-to when you want to buy something you know your cat will love. This product features a soft grip for your comfort and a retractable design for easy storage. It also has three different attachments so that you can change them out if one doesn’t spark your cat’s interest.

    It isn’t the cheapest wand on the market, but it also isn’t the most expensive either. You also have to be involved for it to be exciting, so it isn’t the right toy for you if you prefer to have them play on their own.

    Pros
    • Three attachments
    • Affordable
    • Retractable
    Cons
    • Requires your involvement
    • Ideal for only one cat
    • Generic

    9. BlackHole Interactive Swimming Fish Toy

    BlackHole Interactive Swimming Fish Toy

    Dimension: 3 x 1.4 x 0.8 inches
    Life stage: Adult
    Material: Plastic

    It’s hard to find a cat toy more realistic than one with robotic fish that swim in the water. This toy features colorful fish and comes with the required batteries to make them swim like real fish. The swimming bowl isn’t included, but a large glass bowl works well. It allows for up to ten minutes of play so that they are stimulated but don’t become overheated.

    Because it requires water, it can make a mess if your cats get a little too rambunctious. You can not leave the fish in the water for longer than ten minutes, and you will have to clean up after playtime is over. You’ll also have to replace the batteries frequently since they only last for about 30 minutes if ran continually.

    Pros
    • Realistic
    • Unique
    Cons
    • Can’t leave fish in water
    • Must clean up after using
    • Batteries die quickly

    10. PetSafe Bolt Interactive Layer Toy

    PetSafe Bolt Interactive Layer Toy

    Dimension: 3 x 3 x 9 inches
    Life stage: Adult
    Material: Plastic

    This interactive laser is one of the more expensive ones, but it means you can entertain your cats hands-free for 15 minutes at a time. If you prefer to get in on the action, you can hold it and move it in random patterns as well. It encourages mental stimulation and vigorous exercise, and the random patterns stimulate the hunter within.

    This toy does require batteries that are not included. We recommend only using it for solo play so the cats don’t bump into each other and get hurt. It could also go all over walls and furniture, which could leave behind damage if your cat likes using their nails.

    Pros
    • Hands-free play
    • Vigorous mental and physical stimulation
    Cons
    • Pricey
    • Solo use only
    • Could cause damage around house

    11. SPOT Colorful Cat Springs

    SPOT Colorful Cat Springs

    Dimension: 3.7 x 3.1 x 6.5 inches
    Life stage: Kitten or adult
    Material: Plastic

    Your cat doesn’t always need complicated toys to stay entertained. Sometimes the simplest ones are the best. These toys may look a little too simple, but their spring-like design means they’ll be bouncing all over the room and having your cat chasing them for as long as they like. They are also the most affordable on the list and something to fit in anybody’s budget.

    Because they’re cheap, it is possible that they break in half if chewed on and could be a choking risk. Their small size also means that they’re easily lost.

    Pros
    • Cheap
    • Bouncy to encourage exercise
    Cons
    • Break easily
    • Easily lost
    • Won’t interest all cats

    hepper cat paw divider

    Buyer’s Guide: Things to Consider When Buying the Best Cat Toys for Indoor Cats

    The toy you buy for your cat or cats should have a variety of factors taken into consideration before you purchase it and bring it home. Most toys are designed for entertainment, but you want something that is going to be stimulating in more than one way if possible. Toys with built-in scratchers or chewing components are a bonus, but you really want something that keeps them active and moving their brain and muscles.

    Single vs Multiple Cat Household

    You also have to ask yourself if you want something for a single cat or multiple cats. Not all toys are safe for cats in multiple households. They could bump or run into each other and hurt themselves or damage your furniture. If solo play is a priority, keep that in mind when searching.

    Know Your Cat’s Temperament

    You know your fur baby better than anyone else, so keep their temperament in mind when choosing. Finicky cats sometimes play with a toy one time and then never touch it again. Your goal is to find something they will use repeatedly. Pay attention to how they react to household items or other toys and buy something similar or different based on those actions.

    hepper cat paw divider

    Conclusion: Best Cat Toys for Indoor Cats

    Scrolling through hundreds of reviews on hundreds of different cat toys is a waste of time when there is a simple list that tells you which are the most recommended by cat lovers worldwide. We have found that the best overall cat toy for indoor cats is the Hepper Fish & Chews Cat Toy that provides a simply yet engaging toy for your cat. If you want the best toy for the price, the SmartyKat hot pursuit toy activates their hunting instincts and is one of the cheapest electronic toys you can find. With so many options to choose from, this list of the best cat toys for indoor cats should be the perfect place for you to start.


    Featured Image Credit: Amazon