We hope you love our recommendations! Some may have been sent as samples, but all were independently selected by our editors. Just FYI, BuzzFeed and itsĀ publishingĀ partners may collect a share of sales and/or other compensation from the links on this page.
1. A self-grooming toy if your babies need 24/7 scritches and scratches and they just don't get the fact that you can't do that while you sleep/eat/use the bathroom or that you only have two hands, ya know?
Promising review: "Now I bought this out of the fact that my cat likes to rub her face on EVERYTHING, so I thought she would like this and she absolutely LOVES THIS.Ā Usually you think cheap cat things like this wouldn'tĀ work, and I thought the same, then my cat rubbed her face on it and it was like holy cow this actuallyĀ works, like my cat actually likes this. A whole new experience tbh." āRaychelle Schar
Get it from Amazon forĀ $7.19.Ā
2. A cat dancing toy that literally costs less than $4 (it's just a steel wire with some rolled cardboard on the end) but proves IRRESISTIBLE to kitty babies the world over.
Promising review: "This is the best $ I've ever spent on a cat toy. She goes WILD! Even GLADLY flew into a TV once cause she was flying after it. No harm, she just grabbed it in her mouth, trotted to the kitchen, and continued to chase! I don't know if it looks like a bug to them or what but I'm getting one for every cat owner I know. It's such a surprisingly great buy. I think even Big Cats would like this. Buy it now! It's only a few bucks :)" āShawnaO Reviews
Get it from Amazon for $3.99.
3. A three-tier cat toy with polka-dotted balls they can bat at. One of my cats puts her arms on both sides and essentially plays a modified version of tetherball just with herself.
Both of my cats love this but one, in particular, just can't get enough of this thing ā especially in the middle of the night. More than once, I've woken up to her *punching* it and sliding it across the living room floor. She also loves to flip it over so it stands on the smallest tier and idk why but sure??
Promising review: "An instant hit in the house! My two highly energetic kittens loved the toy from the moment I unpacked it. I was thinking to get a similar cat chase toy with a scratching pad but I settled for this one at last and it may have been a better idea! It's a good toy for a multiple cat household as it has three tiers. A relief to know that the kittens can occupy themselves when nobody is home as this is neither powered by batteries or their humans. If only they stop attacking and my bathtub drainer when I am gone! Eww dudes! Highly recommended." āTammy S.
Get it from Amazon for $9.99.
4. An interactive tunnel and assortment of toys, because ~statistically speaking,~ you have a better chance of success when presenting your cats with 20 different toys instead of just one.
Promising review: "Bought this bundle for my three cats. They love it all!!! The tunnel is bigger than I expected. It can fit all three of my 1+ year old, average weight, female, domestic short hairs. Tight fit with all three of them but bigger than I thought anyway! Room to run and turn around. The toys are super fun!!! So many fun colors and textures ā thereās something in here that each of my cats likes. I think this is a great deal!!!!" āEli
Get it from Amazon for $9.99+ (available in three shapes).
5. A self-rocking teaser toy sure to tempt feisty bebes with its unpredictable movements, fluffy feathers, and colorful ribbons.Ā
Promising review: "This is small but mighty. My cat loves to tap this and watch it bounce. Sometimes I pick it up and he likes to chase the feathers and ribbons. Love how small it is; it's easy to put away when we are cleaning or take it with us on the go." āAmanda Smith
Get it from Amazon for $5.99+ (available in various styles).Ā
6. AĀ launcher with 20 colorful pom-pom ballsĀ if your kitty loves to play fetch but doesn't quite understand the whole bring it back part of the game. This will buy you a whole lot more time so you can shoot of multiple before you have to get off the couch and venture into the kitchen or bedroom in order to retrieve the balls.Ā
Promising review: "My cats love to carry things like this around the house. When these came, I just opened the package and threw them all out at once. I thought my kitties' eyes were going to pop out of their heads when they saw the cloud of pom-poms falling on them. Super fun." āKindle Customer
Get it from Amazon for $9.99 (you can also buy extra pom-pom balls separately).Ā
7. A fuzzy, purring cat toy that helps calm kitties with anxiety. If your pandemic babe simply can't be separated from you or their siblings for any period of time, this is certainly worth a shot.
The toy purrs for a solid two minutes when squeezed or cuddled so your cat can activate it on their own.
Promising review: "I was super skeptical but I'm glad that I was wrong. I foster kittens. Some love it. Some couldn't care less. The reason I gave it 5 stars is because my special needs kitten finds such comfort in this toy. Corey was diagnosed with Cerebellar Hypoplasia. His motor skills, coordination, and balance were compromised in utero. He has head shakes and his back left leg is weak. He is my little loner boy. I was so happy to see him loving this toy! I just added four more on my foster wish list." āMichham
Get it from Amazon for $14.99.
8. A "jingle and roll" cat kicker toy laced with organic catnip, silvervine, and valerian root so intoxicating, they might just get their fill of scratching and biting it instead of their siblings or your arm.Ā
HoffnPaw Pet Toys is a small, Chicago-based biz that creates handmade, eco-friendly pet toys. Owner David says his catsĀ Sweetp and Simba serve as his inspiration.Ā
Promising review: "She's obsessed! My cat has not let go of her new favorite toy since I took it out of the package. In fact, she's currently napping atop it. Excellent construction, fast shipping, and very communicative seller." āSarah Mersch
Get it from HoffnPaw Pet Toys on Etsy for $15.95+ (available in sizes SāL and four colors).Ā
9. A refillable catnip mat for lazy lil' kitties who rather roll around on the floor than get in some cardio chasing after a robotic toy.
The 9 x 9-inch mats come from 3 Kitties and 2 Humans, Willowick, Ohio-based shop with all sorts of cat goodies.
Promising review: "My cat LOVESSS this genius product (: Sheās an odd one and doesnāt play much, catnip or not, but she does snooze around pretty much all the time so this is perfect! She wonāt give it up! Shipped super fast, super soft fabric, great quality! I definitely recommend! (:" āBreAhnna Stephens
Get it from 3 Kitties and 2 Humans on Etsy for $8Ā (available in 15 colors/prints).
10. AĀ 12-piece set of spiral springs if your cats are ~basic~ and will play with just about anything. (PS: That isn't a dig ā I'm simply jealous because my picky cats would never.)
Promising review: "I do cat foster care and have 18 cats in my house right now (I KNOW!). They all love these ridiculous little springs. I don't get it. Because they roll and bounce, they have just enough movement for everyone to be running after them. BE PREPARED. They will be found under every appliance, door, and piece of furniture you own. Do yourself a favor. They are cheap ā order two packs right away." āMixed Blessings
Get the 12-piece set from Amazon for $5.39.
11. A floppy robotic fish that only moves when your cat interacts with it. Once they get the hang of it, I guarantee they'll be karate chopping and bunny kicking the ish out of it.
The fish comes with a small bag of catnip as well as USB charger so you can juice it up whenever your cat kills the battery.
Promising review: "I'm never sure if a new cat toy will be received as well as I hope, but this one sure delivered! My three cats have been playing with it almost non-stop, except for when I have to take it away to charge it. One of them pretty much hogs it and the other two can't get near it, though they try. It took them a few minutes to realize that they had to touch it to get it to move when it stopped flopping, but once they understood it, they were off to the races. I can't speak to the durability of it, but since the cover can be removed for cleaning, I'm thinking it should last a long time ā fingers crossed." āAmazon Gal
Get it from Amazon for $13.99+Ā (available in seven styles).
12. A banana toy sure to please as it's filled with nothing but 100 percent catnip! One reviewer said the faux fruit is so potent, their fur baby is still attacking it a full year later!
Promising review: "I've spent a crap ton on toys for my picky cat only for him to ignore them. My co-worker gave me one of these unassuming bananas and it's like crack for cats! He cant get enough! I got three for backup. They are super durable (I don't clip his claws) and the right size to hold and kick. Smoosh and twist to activate the catnip and he's ready to play. This is a staple in his toy box now." āLan
Get a pack of three from Amazon for $23.27.
13. A piece of string on a stick that will make your cat happier than any expensive electronic toy or even the box said toy comes in!
This is inexplicably my cat Clementine's favorite thing in the whole wide world. Whenever I think of Linus from the Peanuts, I think of his blanket, and whenever I think of Clemmy, I think of her string on a stick.
Promising review: "My husband says, 'Itās just a strip of cloth on a stick!' Yet our two boys know the cloth has just the right pattern, strength, and floatiness to make it fascinating to cat brains! When the strip is shaken rapidly in midair over their heads, the pattern appears to strobe and they go wacky! Good jumping exercise!" ādc99
Get it from Chewy for $6.99.
14. A large catnip-spiked cotton swab if your lil' angels have an affinity for the real thing. Give them this and maybe, š¤š»just maybe, they'll stop pulling used ones out of the trash.
Oddball Cat Toys is a woman-owned, Rapid City, South Dakotaābased small biz from Anne Springer (and her seven cats) that's been selling all sorts of fun toys, collars, and bandanas since 2013.
Promising review: "Beautiful handcrafted cat toy. It came super quick, and is the perfect size for both my kitties to enjoy. My tabby is in love with this toy, she bops at it with her little paws, and chases it around all the time. My sphynx was a little more hesitant at first, but once she realized mommy wasn't going to get her in trouble for playing with this particular 'forbidden toy' (cotton swabs are her favorite but I don't let her play with them) she was all for bopping and chasing and chewing it lol. I plan on buying more in the future!" ākatherine810
Get it from Oddball Cat Toys on Etsy for $6.98 (available in six colors and with or without bells and catnip).
15. A catnip-filled carrot your fur child can bunny kick as hard as it wants. That way, your arm (or other cat) can catch a break.
I've had this toy for ~two years now and even though the catnip has long warn off, it's still my cat Salty's favorite toy. She chases it up and down the hall (it has great weight so it's easily toss-able) and she likes to lick and groom the feathers as if they were another cat and I just find that SO freaking cute.
Promising review: "Over the years we have had several cats and every one of them has had their own carrot. I don't know what it is about these carrots but all of our cats love them. Occasionally I will see a green feather floating through the air so I know they have been playing with them. Great toy for all cats." āmurrielsett
16. SomeĀ catnip-infused felt balls that are the *perfect* size for cats who fancy themselves footballers. They also come with a "charging tin," so when the catnip starts to wear off, you can pop them back in to absorb some more.Ā
Simply B Vermont is a small business located in, you guessed it, Vermont. They make all kinds of adorable pet accessories and toys for cats AND dogs.
Promising review: "These are easily my cat's favorite toys, and I couldn't even tell you why. Maybe it's the perfect size, maybe he loves the felt, or maybe the homemade herb/catnip mix is just purrrrrrfect for him. But he will chase these everywhere." āBecca
Get a set of four from Simply B Vermont on Etsy for $16+Ā (available in three color combos; refills for the balls and catnip are also available).
17. A catnip-filled fortune cookie so Kitty Purry can take part in takeout nights as well. Her fortune? "You will have 10 lives."
Modern Beast is a woman-run LA-based small business from Lona Williams and Hope Reiners. They manufacture all of their products in the US and donate 100% of their profits to 501(c)(3) animal charities.
Get it from Modern Beast for $12.
18. An interactive treat maze for high-energy cats who could use a lil' mental stimulation. It even has three levels of difficulty ā beginner, intermediate and top-cat ā so you can switch things up as their hunting skills improve.
Just hide some treats or food in the various compartments and let your kitty get to work!
Promising review: "I'm going out of town for the first time since the pandemic. I wanted my girls to have enough stimulation during my absence. I bought this with my younger more active/energetic cat in mind. She's not very food motivated but my oldest is. While the cat I intended to gravitate towards it isn't, I'm pleased my older and chubbier cat will be more active. She's been trying to figure this puzzle out for the last 20 minutes, moving all over the living room. I love it! Would totally recommend to other cat lovers!" āCreatorCourt
Get it from Chewy for $16.95.
19. AĀ pair of play-'n'-squeak mice if your formerly feral babies still love to hunt and you'd prefer they stalk these instead of your toes.
Promising review: "My cat is flipping OUT. The instant I pulled the tab and tossed it to him, he flailed and slapped it across the floor. He's been playing for 20 minutes straight, and talking about it the whole time. Kitty's rough on his toys, so I anticipate having to perform emergency mouse surgery sooner than later ā but for now? This toy's worth every penny." āEmily S.
Get a pack of two from Amazon for $13.28.
20. SomeĀ mouse-shaped feedersĀ that will keep your cats on their toebeans by encouraging their natural hunting instincts. Fill them up with food, hide them somewhere in the house, and then let 'em loose.
Promising review: "YOU MUST BUY THIS RIGHT NOW. I heard about this product on a cat podcast (yes, Iām that type of cat mom) and this has helped my girl in so many ways. Sheās a Siamese so she gets pretty chunky, and I work long days so Iām not there to supervise or give her regular meals. My cat also has the intelligence of a Petco goldfish so I was worried she would never be able to learn how to use it. On the very first night I filled the mice she started to understand that food came out when she picked them up by the tail. This has helped me and her so much; she isnāt bored at home, she isnāt overeating (and pooping), and she isnāt driving me wildĀ in the middle of the night for more food. I love, love, love this product." āEmi Kusak
And here's more from BuzzFeed Shopping writer Mallory Mower!:
"I started a hunting system for my cats when I felt like they were getting lethargic. One of our cats was overweight because he would sit and eat the dry food left out when he was bored. With these he'll 'hunt,' eat one, and not eat again until he's ready to go hunting. I've written a full review on this clever feeding system before because I refuse to stop recommending it!"
Get it from Amazon for $14.96.
21. A durable octopus cat teaser certain to keep high-energy kitties nice and entertained. They may grow so obsessed they beg you to play with it while you're supposed to be working from home but typing with one hand (and dangling this with the other) is still better than none, right?
Suslu Paw Pet Toys is a small, eco-friendly pet toy biz run by a veterinary technician and animal rescue volunteer.
Promising review: "Super cute, and quality is great. My cat usually ruins his toys fast, but this one still looks brand new even after weeks of playtime!" āAshley
Get it from Suslu Paw Pet Toys on Etsy for $12.99 (available with or without catnip).
22. And a plush, catnip-filled piece of coal if your four-legged son/daughter is an absolute stinker but that'll never ever stop you from buying them presents.Ā
Miso Handmade is a Vallejo, Californiaābased small biz from Trish and Aidan Iriye-Robson. They sell all sorts of toys so even if your kitty isn't on the naughty list, they certainly still have something for them.Ā
Promising review: "This is the cutest idea!! I call my cat a 'naughty cat' and this year my stepson asked if she was going to get coal in her stocking from Santa! I hid it so that it would be a surprise for my stepson on Christmas morning, but the catnip must be really strong because the cat keeps finding it!! What a creative and fun idea ā thanks so much!" āmarleysenugent
Get it from Miso Handmade on Etsy for $22.
Reviews in this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.Ā