If you’ve ever watched your cat go wild over a cardboard box or pounce on a shadow, you already know one thing: cats love to play, even when their favourite games are a little unconventional. Finding the best cat toys is the perfect way to keep your cat active, engaged, and happy.
It can be frustrating when you bring home a new cat toy that you thought would be a hit, only for your feline to give it a side-eye and walk away. Part of the problem is that a lot of cat toys are made for people, and not geared to how cats like to play.
This is one reason that you might find your cat making a toy out of some recycling, or a bottle cap, rather than the dozens of toys you spend actual money on.
This means that finding the best cat toys for your cat may take a little trial and error and a little variety to help determine what types of toys really get them excited and curious.
Finding the most fun cat toys isn’t just about your kitty’s amusement. It’s also about enrichment, exercise, and creating moments of joy for your pet.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for the best interactive cat toys to keep your kitty’s brain sharp or the best cat toys for self-play for when you're at work, there are plenty of options to fit your cat’s personality (and your budget).
In this guide, we’re going to break it all down so you can decide which cat toys are the best choice for your feline buddy. We'll look at why toys matter, how to pick the right ones, and our top picks in categories like best catnip toys, wand toys, kicker toys, tunnels, and more. Many of these top toy choices are available right here in Canada.
Play isn’t just fun, it’s fundamental to your cat’s health and well-being. Cats are natural hunters, even the sweet, sleepy ones who haven’t chased a real mouse in their lives. Toys give them an outlet to act out those instincts in a safe, healthy way that is acceptable in your home’s environment.
Here’s what regular playtime with the best toys for cats can do:
Before we get into our favourite cat toy picks, let’s go over some quick tips to keep playtime safe. After all, you want your furry friend to enjoy safe cat toys only.
Cats can be mysterious creatures, but they love to play. However, picking the best toy for your feline can prove challenging. What will they like and what won’t they?
One minute, they're obsessed with a crinkle ball, and the next, it’s been kicked under the couch and forgotten for eternity. So how can you tell if a toy is truly a hit or if your cat is just pretending to want to play?
Here are a few signs that your cat genuinely loves a toy:
If your cat carries the toy around, hides it, or drops it near you to play, that’s a keeper. However, if the toy is hidden away and forgotten, then your kitty might not be that thrilled.
Pouncing, stalking, and bunny-kicking are good signs that a toy is triggering your cat’s natural instincts. If your kitty is hunting the toy, stalking it, and pouncing on it, then they definitely like the toy.
Consistent interest (even just for a few minutes a day) means it's engaging enough to stay in rotation. Your kitty is showing a definite interest by not losing the toy and returning to it over and over again to play with the item.
Some cats “adopt” toys like prey or kittens, which is an oddly sweet sign that they’re attached to it. If your kitty takes the toy to bed, then they definitely like it and want to keep their eyes on it even when taking a catnap.
On the flip side, if your cat sniffs a toy once and never touches it again, even after a few tries, it might just not be their style. That’s okay! Just like us, cats have preferences. One cat may go wild for feathers, while another prefers quiet plushies to snuggle. Don’t be afraid to try a few categories until you land on their favourites.
And remember: sometimes a forgotten toy becomes a new obsession weeks later. Never underestimate the mysterious ways of the feline mind because your kitty might just fall in love with a toy they at first turned their nose up to.
From high-energy zoomies to lazy-day lounging, every cat has their own unique play style. By choosing the right toys, you can bring out their wild side in the best way.
Whether your feline friend loves to chase, pounce, chew, or cuddle, there’s a perfect toy (or five) that will keep them entertained and engaged.
We’ve rounded up the best cat toys by play style, texture, and features to help you find the ultimate match for your kitty.
Cats like to be independent, so it's important to provide them with toys that allow them to self-play and self-soothe. These toys are great for when you're not around but still want your cat to stay active and engaged.
Whether it’s a toy they can chase, swat, or wrestle on their own, these top picks for the best cat toys for self-play will give your cat the freedom to have fun whenever the mood strikes.
Check out some of our best-selling solo play cat toys:
Cat Crazies bounce and roll in unpredictable ways that drive cats wild, and are so easy to scoop and launch across the room, making them an excellent self-play cat toy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ What our customers say:
Our cats don't like catnip so I always try different toys and although I wasn't super impressed with them, the cats went nuts once I threw them on the floor. They play with them for hours.
Tanya | Verified Buyer 🇨🇦
You can reconfigure the tracks or attach multiple tracks together to create a larger and more challenging play area. For even more stimulation or nighttime play, swap out the regular ball for the Catit Sense 2.0 Fireball. The motion-activated LED ball will give your cat a fun activity even in low light.
These colourful, crinkly worms are full of organic catnip and perfect for batting, tossing, and pouncing. Your kitty will fall in love with the classic furry style toy. The refillable catnip pouch will keep this toy exciting for longer, or you can remove the 'nip entirely for a catnip-free play session.
Each worm provides a variety of stimulating textures and sounds to excite your cat. The lightweight toys are great for smaller cats and kittens who need something light and fluffy to hunt.
Get ready for a mountain of fun! The Petstages Chase Meowtain is a tiered track toy designed to satisfy your cat’s natural hunting instincts. With four levels and four colourful balls that spin and roll with every swipe, this toy offers non-stop entertainment for curious paws.
The unique mountain design helps keep the balls in motion and your cat engaged from all angles. It’s ideal for solo play but can also keep multiple cats entertained at once. Sturdy, compact, and loaded with action—this track toy is a go-to for high-energy cats.
Made right here in Canada, these OBEE! Toys are sleek, modern, and perfect for chasing and swatting. Plus, you’re supporting local businesses, which is a win-win for everyone.
This cat toy trio offers a variety of shapes to fill with other toys, catnip balls, or treats to keep your cat engaged and excited to play. The three toys - Twist, Spin, and Pop - offer a stimulating way to keep your cat thinking and moving.
You don’t have to spend a lot to get your cat moving and engaged. If your cat plays with Q-tips or twist ties, then you know that fun can be cheap.
Whether your cat likes to destroy toys or if you just want a lot of variety without breaking the bank, our cheap cat toys will give you some great options to entertain your cat on a budget. From classic crinkle balls to irresistible catnip toys, these are some of the best cheap cat toys that deliver maximum fun for minimal cost.
These budget-friendly picks offer tons of fun at a great price:
It's a realistic-looking mouse that is perfect for batting, pouncing, and carrying around like freshly caught prey. A simple toy that satisfies your cat’s natural instincts without breaking the bank.
Sounds can be an important part of playtime. As natural hunters, cats listen for movement for the perfect opportunity to pounce, which is the toys that crinkle are some of the best.
Though small and simple, these inexpensive cat toys can provide hours of play for a playful cat that needs something lightweight and fun to chase. The combination of sound and texture is pawsitively irresistible.
Sometimes the best toys are the least complicated. A plush slice of pizza stuffed with catnip, what more could a cat want?
Ok, so your cat don'est know it's a pizza, but who cares! The cheap cat toy can be fun for you, too! It's fun to bat, toss, and cuddle. The lightweight slice is soft to, making it a great option for gentle cats who prefer to cuddle their toys instead of chomp and kick them.
Looking for a cheap cat toy with all the bells and whistles? Well, how about just the bells? These classic plastic balls with bells inside are simple but effective for engaging your cat in some high-energy play.
The sound and motion combined will be sure to get and keep your cat's attention. Just give it a roll and your cat will spring into action to chase down the noisy toy. A 4-pack for only a few bucks is a hard deal to pass up. Trust us, your cat will thank you.
Interactive cat toys do more than just entertain; They challenge your cat’s brain and body. Whether it’s a puzzle feeder, a motion-sensing toy, or a hide-and-seek game that taps into your cat’s hunting instincts, these toys are designed to keep your feline fully engaged.
If your cat needs a little extra stimulation or tends to get bored easily, these are some of the best interactive cat toys to add to their daily routine.
Puzzles aren't just for dogs. Cat puzzle toys are some of our best-selling enrichment toys because they can help your cat learn new skills and stave off boredom.
This puzzle toy challenges your cat to find treats by lifting or sliding bugs into position to uncover the hidden snack. A great intro to problem-solving toys for cats of all ages. Your kitty is going to love playing with this delightfully unique, interactive toy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Top Review:
My cat has had issues with bolting his food and so far this has worked great to slow him down enough to get rid of the issue. It is more time consuming to fill with food, but very much worth it so I don't have to be cleaning up after him all the time.
Jenna D. | Verified Buyer 🇨🇦
Foraging is a natural instinct in cats, which is why snuffle mats are so popular. They may not look like a toy, but these cute mats can hide a treasure trove of snacks or cat kibble that your cat can methodically sniff out.
The shape and layers make your cat put on their thinking cap to figure out where each tasty morsel is hiding. It’s calming, enriching, and fun. Your cat will spend endless time tracking down every bite.
This rolling treat ball dispenses kibble or small treats as your cat plays with it. It's especially great for cats that aren't motivated to play but won't turn down food. It also makes a great slow feeder and can support better eating habits and digestion.
If your cat spends hours staring out the window at the birds, just chittering away and dreaming of the hunt, then a toy that squeaks like a real bird when touched will add that lifelike edge to playtime.
Your kitty can live out their hunting fantasies indoors, stalking and pouncing as the bird squeaks with every touch. The realistic sound adds just enough challenge to trigger that natural predator instinct, without any feathers flying.
One way to attract your cat to their toys is with catnip, which is why many of the best cat toys are either filled with catnip or made from it. Our best catnip toys are carefully chosen to offer a range of play styles and texture preferences so every cat can learn to love playtime.
Whether your cat loves to roll, rub, bunny-kick, or just bliss out, these catnip toys deliver the kind of euphoric fun that never goes out of style. No matter how your cat gets their fix, these are some of the best catnip toys to satisfy their inner wildcat.
Here are the most loved, most potent toys out there.
These silly fish-shaped toys are packed to the gills (literally) with strong catnip. Your kitty will spend endless time rolling around with these catnip toys.
Unlike other catnip toys, these aren't your traditional plush toy. Instead of catnip and some fluffy material, they are 100% filled with organically grown catnip inside a durable cotton twill shell. These toys are built for tough 'nippers who play rough with their toys.
If your cat is a serious catnip enthusiast, then the MegaBonkers pressed catnip ball is sure to impress. It's a toy like no other, providing your cat with a chasable, battable, and chewable catnip toy.
These solid balls of compressed catnip last a long time and are made for cats who are rough with their toys. Your kitty will be in heaven with one of these aromatic, large catnip balls.
Even cats deserve to take a load off with a nice crisp cold one, or at least something that looks like one. The Kitty Klaw is a fun twist on a catnip toy.
It's packed with catnip, made with stimulating crinkle material, and the perfect size for kicking, cuddling, or chasing. Plus, if your cat's toys can make you giggle, too, then everyone wins.
Sometimes the best cat toy is the one that is the most versatile. This plush catnip teaser wand is perfect for a fun chase session with your feline furry friend so that you can both enjoy playtime together.
It comes with two detachable fur tails to let you choose the length and play style that best suits your cat. If your cat is a high flyer who'll leap over furniture, then this up to 30" long tail is absolutely going to help.
A great way to make your cat's environment a little more exciting and dynamic is to add a cat tunnel to their play space. Cats like to hide and pounce, and tunnels are the perfect spot to conceal their position.
Whether your cat loves to sprint through, stalk from the shadows, or just wants a private spot to relax or play, a cat tunnel is something that every cat home should have.
Here are a couple of our favourite cat tunnels:
This unique tunnel offers a fun little play oasis for cats to chase, hide, hunt, or lounge. At nearly 38" in length, it's the perfect hideout for all kinds of play. The peek-a-book hole gives them a spot to pop out and pounce during play, and the attached dangler toy makes it easy for cats to play solo.
Another feature that helps this tunnel stand apart is the soft, plush lounger bed, so your cat can finish off their playtime with cozy cat nap.
Shaped like a mini classic camper tent with a roll-up awning, a small window, and a skylight for peek-a-boo, this hideout gives your cat a space that is all their own. Add a small bed for napping, or toss in a few favourite toys to encourage self-play.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Real Customer Review:
This has paid for itself daily. My kitty plays with it for hours everyday, much to my amusement. It has a front door with an awning you can roll up. It has skylight on the top he loves to pop in & out of. It also has a cute window he hops through. He loves to play with the attached toy.
Charlene C. | Verified Buyer 🇨🇦
Wand toys are a favourite for cats and their humans alike. They mimic the movement of prey, tapping into your cat’s natural hunting instincts and making playtime feel like the real deal. Plus, they’re a great way to bond while encouraging exercise, especially in overweight cats.
From feathered flyers to ribbon dancers, these are some of the best cat wand toys to keep your feline chasing, leaping, and loving every minute.
Let's talk best cat wands and teasers:
If your cat is a true hunter, then this is the ultimate realistic bird wand teaser to help them fine-tune their avian attraction. The Go Cat Da Bird wand features a tantalizing feather attachment to give your cat some prey that looks and moves like the real thing.
The original Da Bird is the best seller, but a variety of interchangeable life-like attachments are available, like the Da Bee and Da Moth, to keep your cat interested and excited for their next hunt.
This wand, made from Silver Vine, is a crowd pleaser. Not only is the feathery tip fun to hunt and chase, but silvervine is a popular catnip alternative that can help keep your cat engaged.
The wand is perfect for one-on-one bonding and can be used as a target stick to encourage vigorous physical playtime like climbing and jumping.
If your cat likes wand toys but you can't be available 24/7 to shake the bait for them, then check out the Catit PIXI Spinner. This motion-activated spinning feather toy might be the perfect fit for cats that like to play solo. Like a feline-friendly Weeble, it wobbles but won’t fall down.. It just keeps popping back up to surprise your cat.
The twirling feather attachments and LED lights keep your cat's attention, and its fabric cover lets your cat really grab on with each attack. Load it up with small cat treats or kibble and let your cat knock it around for an enriching slow feed experience.
Toys can be a great way to encourage safe and appropriate behaviours that young kittens need to learn. Toys designed for kittens need to be smaller and softer, but still tough enough to handle those sharp kitten claws and teeth.
They support motor skill development, encourage gentle play, and help with teething—all while keeping your tiny tornado out of trouble.
Find your kittens' next favourite toy:
This mini version of the famous Kickeroo is designed just for kittens. The soft fabric is easy to grab and nibble to teach your cat safe grappling and pouncing techniques. It’s the ideal toy to redirect rough play behaviours towards.
The lightweight plush is big enough for kittens to tackle and kick, but small enough that it can be easily carried or dragged.
Soft, stylish, and oh-so-cuddly, the Fuzzyard Life Cotton Cat Toys bring a touch of luxury to your cat’s toy collection. Available in two minimalist designs, bunny or cat, these plush toys are made with soft cotton and filled with premium catnip for a play session that’s both soothing and stimulating.
Perfect for batting, snuggling, or carrying around the house, these toys are as attractive as they are entertaining. They blend seamlessly into modern home decor without sacrificing fun.
Minimalist, soft, and made from natural cotton, perfect for teething kittens.
It's a big, scary, and confusing world for young kittens. While they may be playful and curious, they can also get easily overwhelmed. Whether your cat is adjusting to changes or is freshly separated from her littermates, the Snuggle Kitty Calming Toy is the perfect cuddle buddy for a kitten needing some comfort.
The large plush cat comes with a pulsing heart and a disposable heat pack that mimics the warmth and heartbeat of another cat. This is a great tool for teaching good self-soothing habits and calming behaviours at night and when left home alone.
Anxiety can lead to unwanted and destructive behaviours, so learn more in Cat Anxiety Solutions.
If your cat loves to grab, wrestle, and unleash a flurry of bunny kicks, then kicker toys are a must. These long, soft toys are made for full-body and rough play, giving your cat something safe and satisfying to attack with all four paws.
Kicker toys are especially great for energetic cats, solo play sessions, and relieving stress through natural hunting and wrestling behaviours.
Check out these cat kickers:
Whether your cat is into veggies or fungi, the ZippyClaws Kickerz are a hit with every bunny-kicking feline. Available in fun shapes like eggplant and mushroom, these oversized plush toys are perfect for grappling, hugging, and kicking during high-energy play sessions.
Each toy is stuffed with catnip to keep your cat engaged through scent and texture. Soft yet durable, these toys are ideal for cats who love to wrestle their prey.
No, it’s not a mad scientist that turned himself into a pickle, but for your cat, it’s just as exciting. This big, crunchy pickle plush is the perfect shape and texture to get your cat bunny kicking to their heart’s content.
The crinkle material adds another layer of stimulation and satisfaction to your cat’s play, and the catnip helps encourage interest and excitement.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Real Customer Review:
My lazy 12 year old cat and my excitable 9 month old cat love these pickle toys. They are a great size for them to kick with their back legs, but not too big to throw or bat around. I like that there is netting on one side to help clean their teeth!! So cute.
Mad | Verified Buyer 🇨🇦
If your big cat is a destroyer of toys, then the Kolossal Karrot is the extra-large cat kicker toy you’ve been searching for. The durable material helps it stand up to even the strongest of kicks for longer and rougher play sessions.
The plush and catnip filling leaves it lightweight and irresistible to cats of all sizes, but it’s one of the best sellers for larger cat breeds like Maine Coons and Ragdolls.
Cat dental care is a vital but often quite tricky part of cat ownership. While no toy will replace the need for brushing your cat's teeth or regular vet care, the best cat dental toys can help to clean your cat's teeth, support kitten teething, and satisfy your cat's chewing inclinations.
The multi-textured toys help to scrape away bacteria and massage their gums to support better oral health. Whether your cat is a dedicated chewer or just enjoys a little nibble during play, these toys offer a fun and functional way to support better oral health.
Sink your teeth into these top picks:
The Petstages Tons of Tails toy is a sensory playground wrapped in a dental workout. With a durable mesh body that gently cleans teeth and gums and a flurry of ribbon tails to chew and chase, this toy delivers on both fun and function.
A lightweight chew toy with multiple ribbons and textures. Your kitty can play with each colourful ribbon while flossing their teeth naturally.
The Multipet Feline Clean Dental Toy is more than just cute. It’s built to support your cat’s dental health during play. Covered in textured fabric and infused with minty freshness, this toy helps massage gums and reduce plaque while your cat chews and bats away.
For even more dental care for cats, check out the Best Dental Treats for Cats for some great kitty breath freshening aids.
Want to grab some of the best cat toys in Canada? Homes Alive Pets has you (and your cat) covered with an impressive selection of the best kitty toys available. From kicker toys to interactive puzzles, we carry the top picks for cats of all ages and play styles, from kittens to seniors.
There’s no magic number (go ahead and spoil your furry friend), but having 5 to 10 toys in rotation can help keep your cat engaged. Switch them out every few days to keep things interesting. Plus, some toys are washable, so you can clean toys as they get dirty while ensuring your kitty has a fresh supply of others to play with.
Not necessarily. Some cats love a $2 ball more than a $30 gadget. It's all about what your cat enjoys. Variety is key to offering your cat an enriching play routine.
Most bored cats are looking for a way to express their natural hunting and foraging instincts. Look for interactive cat toys like puzzles, wand toys, or anything that mimics hunting.
Nope. Around 30% of cats don’t react to catnip, so catnip toys may not always give the euphoric effect that you'd expect. Try silver vine or valerian root if your cat isn’t impressed with catnip, or stick to interactive or treat-dispensing toys.
If used properly, cat laser pointers can be a beneficial part of your cat's play routine, but they aren't for every cat. Always end play with a real toy or treat to avoid frustration, and put the laser away if your cat starts to get aggressive or restless.
Some adult toys are too big or rough for kittens, which can discourage play. Stick with soft, small, and gentle options for little ones and slowly introduce new toy types as they learn and grow.