Treat My Cat
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In this guide
Indoor cats need to hunt. Not real prey, but the chase, pounce and "kill" that a hunt gives them. Without it, many become bored, overweight or stressed, and some start scratching furniture, waking you at night or over-grooming. The right toys, used the right way, fix a lot of that. The good news is that the toys cats love most are usually cheap.
What makes a good cat toy
A good toy lets your cat do what it would do in the wild: stalk, chase, pounce and catch. Look for toys that:
- Move like prey. Darting, hiding and fluttering, not just dangling.
- Are the right size. About the size of a mouse or bird, small enough to grab and "kick" with the back legs.
- Are sturdy. No small parts, loose eyes, bells or strings that can come off and be swallowed.
- Can be rotated. Cats lose interest in toys that are always lying around. Swap them out every few days.
The types of toy worth buying
| Type | Best for | Good to know | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wand (teaser) toys with feathers or fabric on a string | Interactive play, burning energy, bonding | The single best toy for most cats. Put it away after play so the string can't be chewed. | Wand toys |
| Small balls and toy mice | Solo play, batting around | Cheap, so buy several and rotate them. | Balls and mice |
| Kicker toys (long and plush) | Grabbing and kicking with back legs | Great for cats that play rough with hands. Many contain catnip. | Kicker toys |
| Puzzle feeders and treat balls | Mental exercise, slowing fast eaters | Use part of your cat's daily food so treats don't add calories. | Puzzle feeders |
| Tunnels | Hiding, ambushing, chasing | Especially good with two cats or alongside a wand toy. | Tunnels |
| Catnip or silver vine toys | Short bursts of excitement | Around a third of cats don't react to catnip. Silver vine works for many of those. | Silver vine toys |
| Electronic and motion toys | Play while you're busy | Useful extras, but they don't replace playing together. Choose ones that switch off on their own. | Motion toys |
Toys that aren't worth it (or aren't safe)
- Laser pointers on their own. Cats can never catch the dot, which can leave them frustrated. If you use one, finish by moving the dot onto a toy they can catch, or toss them a treat.
- String, yarn, ribbon, hair ties and rubber bands. If swallowed, string-like items can cause a serious bowel injury that needs surgery. Never leave them out. If you see string hanging from your cat's mouth or bottom, don't pull it. Call your vet.
- Toys with small glued-on parts, like plastic eyes, bells or feathers that come loose.
- Your hands and feet. Kittens that learn to play with hands often grow into adults that bite and scratch. Always use a toy as the "prey".
How to play so your cat gets tired
Most cats do best with two or three short play sessions a day, 5 to 15 minutes each. Kittens and young cats need more; older cats may want gentler, shorter games.
- Be the prey. Move the wand toy away from your cat, not toward it, and let it hide behind furniture. Prey never runs at a predator.
- Mix fast and slow. Darting runs, then pauses, then a twitch. The pause is when your cat stalks.
- Let them catch it. Every few pounces, let your cat catch and "kill" the toy. A hunt with no catch is frustrating.
- Wind down. Slow the game for the last minute or two, then let them make a final catch.
- Feed after play. Hunt, catch, eat, groom, sleep is a cat's natural rhythm. A meal or a few treats after play helps your cat settle, and play before bed can mean quieter nights.
If your cat ignores a toy, try a different style. Some cats are "bird" hunters and love feathers in the air; others are "mouse" hunters and prefer toys skittering along the floor.
Signs your cat needs more play
- Racing around the house at night ("zoomies")
- Ambushing ankles or biting hands
- Scratching furniture or knocking things over for attention
- Weight gain, or sleeping even more than usual
- Over-grooming or seeming restless
If your cat is suddenly less playful, or seems stiff, sore or tired, it may not be boredom. Pain from arthritis or dental disease often shows up as "not wanting to play". Mention it to your vet.
Common questions
How many toys does a cat need?
There's no magic number, but a few toys of each type works well: one or two wand toys, several small balls or mice, a kicker and a puzzle feeder. Keep most of them put away and rotate a few at a time so they feel new.
Are catnip toys safe?
Yes. Catnip isn't harmful or addictive. The effect usually lasts 10 to 15 minutes, after which most cats lose interest for a while. Some cats get a little over-excited, so watch the first few times.
Do older cats still need to play?
Yes. Play keeps older cats moving, helps their weight and keeps their minds active. Use slower, lower games, and keep toys at floor level if jumping is hard. Check our guide to healthy cat treats for rewards that won't add weight.
My cat won't play with any toy. What should I do?
Try playing at dawn or dusk, when cats are naturally most active, and try different prey styles: feathers in the air, mice on the floor, or a toy that disappears under a blanket. Keep sessions short. If your cat has stopped playing suddenly, see your vet to rule out pain or illness.
The short version
A wand toy, a few cheap balls or mice, a kicker and a puzzle feeder cover most cats. Play two or three times a day, let your cat catch the "prey", and feed afterward. Keep string, ribbon and hair ties out of reach. Scratching furniture too? See our guide to choosing a scratching post.
Sources
This guide is based on published guidance from:
Written from published veterinary guidance. How we write our guides.