Kittens and cats are a bit like children: they delight in the stimulation and interaction that toys bring to their day. And just like a child’s toys, you will find cat toys scattered around the house – some adored, some completely ignored. Many cats even become quietly possessive of a favourite, carrying it about and guarding it as their own.
Toys are far more than a bit of fun, though. The right toys keep a cat physically active and mentally engaged, and that matters enormously for health and behaviour. We have all seen cats grow a little round and lazy over the years, and while a chubby cat can look endearing, carrying extra weight is genuinely hard on them. Good play is one of the simplest, most enjoyable ways to help.
Why Play Matters So Much
Play is hunting. When your cat stalks, pounces and bats at a toy, it is acting out the natural predatory sequence hardwired into every cat – queen, stud, kitten or elderly moggy alike. Satisfy that instinct and you get a calmer, happier, better-exercised cat. Neglect it, especially in an indoor cat, and that energy has to go somewhere – usually into your furniture, your curtains or your ankles.
For indoor cats in particular, daily play is not a luxury, it is part of responsible care. It burns energy, reduces boredom and stress, builds your bond, and heads off many of the behaviour problems that arise when a cat simply has nothing to do.
The Best Time to Play
The best time to play with your cat is in the morning, before you head out for the day. That way they get the attention they need before being left alone, and they use up a good deal of energy – which means far less chance of them redecorating the lounge while you are out. A second session in the evening, when cats are naturally more active, works brilliantly too.
Popular Types of Cat Toy
There is a huge range of toys out there, but most fall into a few broad families. Here are some tried-and-tested favourites and the kind of cat they suit.
- Wand and teaser toys – a length of wire or cord with feathers, ribbon or a rolled card lure on the end. You move it; your cat chases, leaps and pounces. Wonderful for interactive play and for cats who love to hunt and jump. Always put these away after use, as cords and strings are a swallowing hazard if left out.
- Ball-and-track toys – a ball trapped inside a circular or cylindrical track that your cat bats round and round. Many include a bell. Great for solo play and busy households.
- Catnip mice and kickers – soft, often catnip-filled toys shaped like the prey cats naturally hunt, such as mice. Cats grab, bite and rabbit-kick them. Ideal for independent play.
- Door-hung bouncing toys – a lure on an elastic cord hung over a door frame that bounces and darts as the cat swats it, keeping them entertained when you are not free to join in.
- Puzzle feeders – toys that release a few biscuits as the cat works at them. These combine play, mental stimulation and slower feeding, which is especially useful for a cat that needs to lose a little weight.
Laser Pointers and Cloth Toys
A laser pointer is a brilliant tool for exercising a cat – a wonderfully simple device that sparks their curiosity and sends them dashing after the dot for ages, with no risk to your furniture. One important tip: always finish a laser session by letting the dot land on a real, physical toy or a treat your cat can actually catch. Chasing something they can never quite catch can be frustrating, so giving them a ‘capture’ at the end leaves them satisfied.
Cloth toys are another great option, available from all sorts of sources and often shaped like the toads, mice and geckos cats love to hunt. As well as amusement, they give cats an outlet for those basic hunting and pouncing skills.
Choosing Toys Your Cat Will Actually Use
Here is the honest truth: the right toy depends entirely on your individual cat. Different cats like completely different things, so the trick is to match the toy to the cat – otherwise it will sit untouched in a corner.
Ask yourself what your cat most loves to do. Hunt? Climb? Tear around the house? All three? For keen hunters, small furry toys that look and sound like mice are usually a hit. For climbers and leapers, dangling and wand-style toys on a string work beautifully. Watch what your cat naturally gravitates to, then buy more of that. It is also worth rotating toys – putting some away for a week or two and bringing them back – so old favourites feel new again.
Keeping Playtime Safe
The single most important thing with any toy is to provide something that engages your cat’s mind while giving them a chance to exercise. That alone greatly reduces the odds of your cat finding mischief in things that were never meant to be toys.
Always check toys for safety. Look out for small parts, bells or eyes that could become choking hazards, and make sure there are no toxic materials. String, wool, ribbon and elastic deserve special care: they are fantastic during supervised play but should never be left out, as a swallowed length of thread can cause a serious internal injury. When in doubt, put it away after the game ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I play with my cat each day?
Aim for at least two short sessions a day, around 10 to 15 minutes each, though more is better – especially for energetic or indoor-only cats. Several short bursts suit a cat’s natural rhythm far better than one long marathon.
Why does my cat ignore the toys I buy?
Usually because the toy does not match what that particular cat enjoys, or because it has simply become too familiar. Try a different style – a hunter may want mice while a leaper wants a wand – and rotate toys in and out so they keep their novelty.
Are laser pointers bad for cats?
Not when used sensibly. They are great exercise, but always end the session by letting the dot settle on a physical toy or treat the cat can catch, so the hunt has a satisfying finish. Never shine a laser into your cat’s eyes.
Which toys are safe to leave out unsupervised?
Solid toys with no loose parts – ball-and-track toys, sturdy catnip mice and puzzle feeders – are generally fine. Anything with string, cord, elastic, small parts or feathers should be used only during supervised play and then put safely away.
Want a happier, better-behaved cat?
Play is just the start. Explore our behaviour and training guides for more on understanding what makes your cat tick.
For more on enrichment and play as part of a cat-friendly home, International Cat Care’s family and home life advice is a trustworthy, evidence-based resource. You might also enjoy our guides to keeping indoor cats happy, the indoor or outdoor cat question, and our wider behaviour and training section.
Written by Ross, lifelong cat breeder and owner. Find out more about me and this site here.
