Whether it's because they sleep for up to 16 hours a day or because they live independent lives in which humans are most valuable for their ability to open cans, we tend to provide our cats with far less daily stimulation than their canine counterparts. But just like dogs, a bored cat can be a troublemaker.
Play can go a long way toward helping a cat to "channel their brain power and instincts into productive outlets," veterinary behaviorist Dr. Karen Sueda of VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital told Insider Reviews.
To give your cat the mental and physical stimulation they need, we recommend bringing some interactive cat toys into your home. Over the last six months, my cats Ostio and Phoebe have been the lucky testers of 42 different toys, most of which were provided as editorial review samples by their manufacturers. While most of the products we tested were good, if not great, only a handful could be crowned the best.
As my cats played, I also consulted with experts to understand why cats play the way they do and the types of toys that help them thrive. In addition to Sueda, I spoke with cat behavior consultant Daniel "DQ" Quagliozzi, owner of Go Cat Go! in San Francisco, and Dr. Heidi Cooley, a veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Here are our top picks for the best interactive cat toys:Prices and links are current as of 9/25/20. Added new categories and picks based on testing and included additional slides at end of article about why it's important to play with your cat and how to encourage them to engage with toys.