Toys that look like prey, something a cat would hunt in the wild, typically interest pets the most. "Look for small bugs, small mice, and feather attachments that have a nice natural fluid movement," said Johnson. She cautions that many toys are designed to appeal to humans rather than a cat's prey instincts. "Avoid giant objects, loud toys, and honestly, bells scare a lot of cats," she added. Cats can make just about any small, lightweight object into a toy so it's not necessary to go out and spend a lot of money on them. However, trying a variety of options can help you find the best matches for a cat's play style and energy level. Regularly rotating toys in and out of sight and refreshing them with catnip can help keep them enticing to your cat, according to both Johnson and Geller. verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ Ingrid Johnson, owner and certified cat behavior consultant, Fundamentally Feline, Marietta, Georgia Be the bug! That's what Johnson recommends. "Evoke prey drive, move the toy away from them, hide it behind something, wiggle and squirm as if the toy has lost a limb," she explained. "Birds do not fly at cats' faces. Prey runs!"

Most of the dozens of toys we tested were good fun and it was a close call across a few categories. Below, we included three toys that didn't quite make the cut but were nonetheless among our favorites. There are also a few toys we don't recommend due to their safety, durability, or price. Dr. Andrew Moffatt, veterinarian, founder, and CEO of VetnCare Animal Hospitals, San Francisco Bay Area, California The unique Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree engages your cat's brain as they forage, problem-solve, and chow down.Cats who do not have enough mental or physical stimulation [will create] their own stimulation by getting into trouble," said Andrew Moffatt, founder and CEO of VetnCare Animal Hospitals. In addition to playing with your cat regularly, feeding them from a puzzle toy engages their senses and provides an outlet for behaviors like foraging and hunting. "Interactive activity toys and puzzle feeders are great options as they allow cats to overcome a challenge by involving problem-solving behaviors," explained Rachel Geller, a cat behaviorist with Wellness Natural Pet Food. You are! "Although we think of cats as relatively solitary creatures, they are actually very social," said Moffatt. "Toys are great, but they don't fulfill that social need. Owners need to play with their cats." When you can't take the time to engage with them, Geller recommends using puzzle feeders and interactive cat toys to provide extra stimulation.

Flippity Fish Cat Toy:This robotic toy's writhing and wriggling is way too intense, loud, and long-lasting for most cats. Mine steered clear when its flipping was triggered.Catit Senses 2.0 Digger Toy: With no rolling or moving parts, this slow-feeder puzzle toy is great for both confident and shy cats. Read more in our review of the Catit Senses 2.0 collection. Frisco 35-in Foldable Crinkle Play Tunnel: Frisco's play tunnel is made of soft, sueded polyester, lined with satisfying crinkle material and folds up for storage in seconds.