Keeping a cat entertained is no easy task. However, they must have plenty of mental and physical exercise to remain happy and healthy. Enter interactive toys. The toys described in our reviews will all help meet these needs. From tunnels to balls to feeder puzzles, we have a wide range of styles and sizes here to tempt even the most discerning or laziest cat into a fun play session. Keep reading to learn more and find your cat’s next favorite plaything.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Frisco Plush Ball & Tunnel Cat Toy
25 toys in 1
Includes catnip
Plenty of variety
Check Price
Best Value
PetSafe Funkitty Treat Dispenser Cat Toy
Easy to clean
Fun and inexpensive toy
Great for exercise and mental stimulation
Check Price
Premium Choice
Petscapes Interactive Cat Puzzle Toy
Great for exercise
14 different compartments
Mental stimulation for your cat
Check Price
Best for Kittens
Catit Vesper Cat Tunnel Toy
Scratch area
Fuzzy ball for play
Removable cover for easy cleaning
Check Price
Bergan Star Chaser Cat Scratcher
Great for exercise
Ball and scratchpad in one
Replacement pieces available
Check Price
The 10 Best Interactive Cat Toys
- Frisco Plush Ball & Tunnel Cat Toy Variety Pack – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Features: Tunnel, balls, catnip
Size: 16” x 16” x 3”
Ease of Use: Easy
Our overall best interactive cat toy is the Frisco Plush, Teaser, Ball, and Tunnel Variety Pack. As the name implies, this toy has a little bit of everything. For a low price, your cat will get hours and hours of entertainment and exercise. This toy comes with a crinkly tunnel, balls, catnip, pom-poms, and a wand. Your cat will never be bored as there’s always a new way to play. In total, there are 25 different things for your kitty to play with. It’s a great choice for cats that need a little extra motivation to move. Pros
25 toys in 1
Plenty of variety
Includes catnip
Cons
Tunnel might be too narrow for bigger cats
- PetSafe Funkitty Egg Treat Dispenser Cat Toy – Best Value
Check Latest Price
Features: Treat dispenser, chaser
Size: 3” x 3” x 4”
Ease of Use: Easy
The best interactive cat toy for the money is the PetSafe Funkitty Egg Treat Dispenser Cat Toy. This egg-shaped toy allows you to hide treats for your cat to find. The treats come out as your cat chases and rolls the dispenser, so they also get exercise. You can adjust the difficulty and make your cat work harder for each treat for an added fitness bonus. But if you want your feline to play back-to-back games, you need to standby to fill it back up each time. Pros
Fun and inexpensive toy
Easy to clean
Great for exercise and mental stimulation
Cons
You have to fill it for each play session
- Petscapes Interactive Cat Puzzle Toy – Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Features: Hidden treat compartments
Size: 1” x 13” x 10”
Ease of Use: Easy
This Petscapes Interactive Cat Puzzle Toy is an excellent toy for the cat who likes mental and physical challenges. It has 14 different compartments in which you can hide treats for your kitty to sniff out. You can also use this as a feeder for the cat that tends to gobble their food down too quickly. It’s a wonderful way to keep a bored cat occupied for hours at a time. You can also alter the levels of difficulty so that they never know exactly what to expect. Pros
Mental stimulation for your cat
14 different compartments for long-term play
Great for exercise
Cons
You must fill for each use
- Catit Vesper Cat Tunnel Toy – Best for Kittens
Check Latest Price
Features: Soft, ball, scratch area, tunnel
Size: 7” diameter
Ease of Use: Easy
The Catit Vesper Cat Tunnel Toy is the perfect toy for your curious kitten. It has a soft pad that your little furbaby can scratch instead of your furniture. There is a fun ball for them to bat at and plenty of space in the tunnel to dash through. This is also a cozy hiding place for the shy kitten who likes having their own place. The cover of the extra pad has a removable cover so you can wash it as needed. Pros
Removable cover for easy cleaning
Fuzzy ball for play
Scratch area
Cons
Some cats don’t care for tunnels
- Bergan Star Chaser Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy
Check Latest Price
Features: Light-up ball, track, scratchpad
Size: 16” x 16” x 2”
Ease of Use: Easy
Cats love scratching and hunting. The Bergan Star Chaser Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy gives them an outlet for both. Your curious kitty will love chasing the light-up ball around the track. They can also ease stress by scratching away at the inner scratchpad. You can sprinkle catnip on the pad or leave it as is. Replacement balls and scratch pads are available, so you don’t have to worry about the heavy use of this toy. Beware, it might frighten timid kitties at first. Pros
Ball and scratchpad in one
Replacement pieces available
Great for exercise
Cons
Ball might be too loud for shy cats
- Petstages Rainy Day Puzzle & Play Cat Toy
Check Latest Price
Features: Puzzle, treat compartments
Size: 14” x 14” x 2”
Ease of Use: Easy
This toy is an excellent choice for the cat who needs to eat more slowly as it will make them work for their food with the Petstages Rainy Day Puzzle & Play Cat Toy. It can also be used to keep a bored cat entertained as they solve the puzzles and are rewarded with tasty treats each time they move a peg. This toy also contains no removable parts that can become a choking hazard if they fall off. Pros
Fun way to give treats
Good for mental stimulation
Slows down fast eaters
Cons
Requires refilling for each use
- Petstages Chase Meowtain Track Cat Toy
Check Latest Price
Features: Balls, multiple levels
Size: 7” x 10” x 10”
Ease of Use: Easy
If your kitty likes chasing balls and darting around, then the Petstages Chase Meowtain Track Cat Toy is a great toy for them. There is a four-level track and four spinning balls to bat and chase around the track. It’s very sturdy and won’t tip over too easily. This toy will keep your cat intrigued and help them get their daily dose of exercise in, but you’ll have to keep an eye on it, as the balls can come off the tracks. On the plus side, this toy is big enough for two cats to play with at the same time. Pros
Easy to play with
Sturdy plastic
Multi-cat play
Cons
A little noisy for some kitties
Balls can come off the track
- Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy
Check Latest Price
Features: Balls, track
Size: 1” x 4” x 14”
Ease of Use: Easy
Cats love chasing things and stalking their prey. The Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy allows them to exercise that instinct. The balls in this toy are inside of a tunnel where your cat can see them move. There are holes along the tunnel that give your cat a sneak peek of the plastic balls and allow them to touch them with their paws. The track is also expandable so you can switch it up to keep it interesting for your cats. It’s also a good toy for multi-cat homes, but you have to buy it all over again once the battery runs out, as they aren’t replaceable. Pros
Fun for multiple cats at once
Expandable track
Easy set-up
Cons
Cats might get frustrated because they can’t get to the balls
Batteries aren’t replaceable; must buy a new ball
- PetFusion Ambush Interactive Electronic Cat Toy
Check Latest Price
Features: Lights, feathers, batteries
Size: 7” x 7” x 3”
Ease of Use: Easy
The PetFusion Ambush Interactive Electronic Cat Toy is a bunch of fun for kitties that like to play peek-a-boo with their toys. There are six different holes that the feather can pop out of at random. Your cat will love to dart around and catch the feather as it appears. It’s a great toy for exercise and as an outlet for your cat’s natural hunting instinct. The bottom of the toy has non-slip grips so that it stays in place during play sessions. Pros
Comes with replacement feather
Great for exercise
Auto-shutoff
Cons
Requires batteries
You must turn it on for your cat
- SmartyKat Chickadee Chirp Electronic Bird-Sound Cat Toy
Check Latest Price
Features: Catnip, chirping noise
Size: 2” x 1” x 2”
Ease of Use: Easy
For the cat looking for a simple, yet fun toy, the SmartyKat Chickadee Chirp Electronic Bird-Sound Cat Toy is the perfect choice. This small, inexpensive toy packs a lot of excitement. It makes a chirping sound when your cat kicks it. The catnip inside is refillable for long-lasting enticement and excitement. Just make sure you don’t lose this one under the couch! Pros
Inexpensive
Cat activated
Filled with catnip
Cons
Toy can be kicked under furniture
Must replace catnip
Buyer’s Guide: Finding The Best Interactive Cat Toys You probably noticed that all of the toys in our reviews have two things in common—they exercise your cat’s brain and body. These are the keys for the interactive cat toys. To narrow down the best choices for you, here are some important considerations to take into account:
Does it have small parts that can come off?
Do you need to be present to start the toy or fill it with treats?
Does it make startling noises that might frighten your cat?
What are your cat’s preferred playthings: balls, feathers, wands, catnip, etc.?
Can it roll under furniture where your cat can’t get it?
Ideally, you want your cat to be able to play with their toys whether or not you’re home. You also want to make sure that a toy can withstand your cat’s weight and size during play.
Conclusion Now that you’ve read our reviews, you know the best interactive cat toy options out there. For the overall best interactive cat toy, you’ll adore the Frisco multi-pack. The best interactive toy for the money is the simple, yet effective PetSafe FunKitty Egg-cersizer. You really can’t go wrong with any of the toys on our list. They’ll all keep your kitty happy and in great physical condition.
Keeping a cat entertained is no easy task. However, they must have plenty of mental and physical exercise to remain happy and healthy. Enter interactive toys. The toys described in our reviews will all help meet these needs.
From tunnels to balls to feeder puzzles, we have a wide range of styles and sizes here to tempt even the most discerning or laziest cat into a fun play session. Keep reading to learn more and find your cat’s next favorite plaything.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Frisco Plush Ball & Tunnel Cat Toy
25 toys in 1
Includes catnip
Plenty of variety
Check Price
Best Value
PetSafe Funkitty Treat Dispenser Cat Toy
Easy to clean
Fun and inexpensive toy
Great for exercise and mental stimulation
Check Price
Premium Choice
Petscapes Interactive Cat Puzzle Toy
Great for exercise
14 different compartments
Mental stimulation for your cat
Check Price
Best for Kittens
Catit Vesper Cat Tunnel Toy
Scratch area
Fuzzy ball for play
Removable cover for easy cleaning
Check Price
Bergan Star Chaser Cat Scratcher
Great for exercise
Ball and scratchpad in one
Replacement pieces available
Check Price
The 10 Best Interactive Cat Toys
- Frisco Plush Ball & Tunnel Cat Toy Variety Pack – Best Overall
Check Latest Price
Features: Tunnel, balls, catnip
Size: 16” x 16” x 3”
Ease of Use: Easy
Our overall best interactive cat toy is the Frisco Plush, Teaser, Ball, and Tunnel Variety Pack. As the name implies, this toy has a little bit of everything. For a low price, your cat will get hours and hours of entertainment and exercise. This toy comes with a crinkly tunnel, balls, catnip, pom-poms, and a wand. Your cat will never be bored as there’s always a new way to play. In total, there are 25 different things for your kitty to play with. It’s a great choice for cats that need a little extra motivation to move.
Check Latest Price
Features: Tunnel, balls, catnip
Size: 16” x 16” x 3”
Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
25 toys in 1
Plenty of variety
Includes catnip
Cons
Tunnel might be too narrow for bigger cats
- PetSafe Funkitty Egg Treat Dispenser Cat Toy – Best Value
Check Latest Price
Features: Treat dispenser, chaser
Size: 3” x 3” x 4”
Ease of Use: Easy
The best interactive cat toy for the money is the PetSafe Funkitty Egg Treat Dispenser Cat Toy. This egg-shaped toy allows you to hide treats for your cat to find. The treats come out as your cat chases and rolls the dispenser, so they also get exercise. You can adjust the difficulty and make your cat work harder for each treat for an added fitness bonus. But if you want your feline to play back-to-back games, you need to standby to fill it back up each time.
25 toys in 1
Plenty of variety
Includes catnip
- 25 toys in 1
- Plenty of variety
- Includes catnip
Tunnel might be too narrow for bigger cats
- Tunnel might be too narrow for bigger cats
Features: Treat dispenser, chaser
Size: 3” x 3” x 4”
Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
Fun and inexpensive toy
Easy to clean
Great for exercise and mental stimulation
Cons
You have to fill it for each play session
- Petscapes Interactive Cat Puzzle Toy – Premium Choice
Check Latest Price
Features: Hidden treat compartments
Size: 1” x 13” x 10”
Ease of Use: Easy
This Petscapes Interactive Cat Puzzle Toy is an excellent toy for the cat who likes mental and physical challenges. It has 14 different compartments in which you can hide treats for your kitty to sniff out. You can also use this as a feeder for the cat that tends to gobble their food down too quickly. It’s a wonderful way to keep a bored cat occupied for hours at a time. You can also alter the levels of difficulty so that they never know exactly what to expect.
Fun and inexpensive toy
Easy to clean
Great for exercise and mental stimulation
- Fun and inexpensive toy
- Easy to clean
- Great for exercise and mental stimulation
You have to fill it for each play session
- You have to fill it for each play session
Features: Hidden treat compartments
Size: 1” x 13” x 10”
Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
Mental stimulation for your cat
14 different compartments for long-term play
Great for exercise
Cons
You must fill for each use
- Catit Vesper Cat Tunnel Toy – Best for Kittens
Check Latest Price
Features: Soft, ball, scratch area, tunnel
Size: 7” diameter
Ease of Use: Easy
The Catit Vesper Cat Tunnel Toy is the perfect toy for your curious kitten. It has a soft pad that your little furbaby can scratch instead of your furniture. There is a fun ball for them to bat at and plenty of space in the tunnel to dash through. This is also a cozy hiding place for the shy kitten who likes having their own place. The cover of the extra pad has a removable cover so you can wash it as needed.
Mental stimulation for your cat
14 different compartments for long-term play
Great for exercise
- Mental stimulation for your cat
- 14 different compartments for long-term play
- Great for exercise
You must fill for each use
- You must fill for each use
Features: Soft, ball, scratch area, tunnel
Size: 7” diameter
Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
Removable cover for easy cleaning
Fuzzy ball for play
Scratch area
Cons
Some cats don’t care for tunnels
- Bergan Star Chaser Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy
Check Latest Price
Features: Light-up ball, track, scratchpad
Size: 16” x 16” x 2”
Ease of Use: Easy
Cats love scratching and hunting. The Bergan Star Chaser Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy gives them an outlet for both. Your curious kitty will love chasing the light-up ball around the track. They can also ease stress by scratching away at the inner scratchpad. You can sprinkle catnip on the pad or leave it as is. Replacement balls and scratch pads are available, so you don’t have to worry about the heavy use of this toy. Beware, it might frighten timid kitties at first.
Removable cover for easy cleaning
Fuzzy ball for play
Scratch area
- Removable cover for easy cleaning
- Fuzzy ball for play
- Scratch area
Some cats don’t care for tunnels
- Some cats don’t care for tunnels
Features: Light-up ball, track, scratchpad
Size: 16” x 16” x 2”
Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
Ball and scratchpad in one
Replacement pieces available
Great for exercise
Cons
Ball might be too loud for shy cats
- Petstages Rainy Day Puzzle & Play Cat Toy
Check Latest Price
Features: Puzzle, treat compartments
Size: 14” x 14” x 2”
Ease of Use: Easy
This toy is an excellent choice for the cat who needs to eat more slowly as it will make them work for their food with the Petstages Rainy Day Puzzle & Play Cat Toy. It can also be used to keep a bored cat entertained as they solve the puzzles and are rewarded with tasty treats each time they move a peg. This toy also contains no removable parts that can become a choking hazard if they fall off.
Ball and scratchpad in one
Replacement pieces available
Great for exercise
- Ball and scratchpad in one
- Replacement pieces available
- Great for exercise
Ball might be too loud for shy cats
- Ball might be too loud for shy cats
Features: Puzzle, treat compartments
Size: 14” x 14” x 2”
Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
Fun way to give treats
Good for mental stimulation
Slows down fast eaters
Cons
Requires refilling for each use
- Petstages Chase Meowtain Track Cat Toy
Check Latest Price
Features: Balls, multiple levels
Size: 7” x 10” x 10”
Ease of Use: Easy
If your kitty likes chasing balls and darting around, then the Petstages Chase Meowtain Track Cat Toy is a great toy for them. There is a four-level track and four spinning balls to bat and chase around the track. It’s very sturdy and won’t tip over too easily. This toy will keep your cat intrigued and help them get their daily dose of exercise in, but you’ll have to keep an eye on it, as the balls can come off the tracks. On the plus side, this toy is big enough for two cats to play with at the same time.
Fun way to give treats
Good for mental stimulation
Slows down fast eaters
- Fun way to give treats
- Good for mental stimulation
- Slows down fast eaters
Requires refilling for each use
- Requires refilling for each use
Features: Balls, multiple levels
Size: 7” x 10” x 10”
Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
Easy to play with
Sturdy plastic
Multi-cat play
Cons
A little noisy for some kitties
Balls can come off the track
- Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy
Check Latest Price
Features: Balls, track
Size: 1” x 4” x 14”
Ease of Use: Easy
Cats love chasing things and stalking their prey. The Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy allows them to exercise that instinct. The balls in this toy are inside of a tunnel where your cat can see them move. There are holes along the tunnel that give your cat a sneak peek of the plastic balls and allow them to touch them with their paws. The track is also expandable so you can switch it up to keep it interesting for your cats. It’s also a good toy for multi-cat homes, but you have to buy it all over again once the battery runs out, as they aren’t replaceable.
Easy to play with
Sturdy plastic
Multi-cat play
- Easy to play with
- Sturdy plastic
- Multi-cat play
A little noisy for some kitties
Balls can come off the track
- A little noisy for some kitties
- Balls can come off the track
Features: Balls, track
Size: 1” x 4” x 14”
Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
Fun for multiple cats at once
Expandable track
Easy set-up
Cons
Cats might get frustrated because they can’t get to the balls
Batteries aren’t replaceable; must buy a new ball
- PetFusion Ambush Interactive Electronic Cat Toy
Check Latest Price
Features: Lights, feathers, batteries
Size: 7” x 7” x 3”
Ease of Use: Easy
The PetFusion Ambush Interactive Electronic Cat Toy is a bunch of fun for kitties that like to play peek-a-boo with their toys. There are six different holes that the feather can pop out of at random. Your cat will love to dart around and catch the feather as it appears. It’s a great toy for exercise and as an outlet for your cat’s natural hunting instinct. The bottom of the toy has non-slip grips so that it stays in place during play sessions.
Fun for multiple cats at once
Expandable track
Easy set-up
- Fun for multiple cats at once
- Expandable track
- Easy set-up
Cats might get frustrated because they can’t get to the balls
Batteries aren’t replaceable; must buy a new ball
- Cats might get frustrated because they can’t get to the balls
- Batteries aren’t replaceable; must buy a new ball
Features: Lights, feathers, batteries
Size: 7” x 7” x 3”
Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
Comes with replacement feather
Great for exercise
Auto-shutoff
Cons
Requires batteries
You must turn it on for your cat
- SmartyKat Chickadee Chirp Electronic Bird-Sound Cat Toy
Check Latest Price
Features: Catnip, chirping noise
Size: 2” x 1” x 2”
Ease of Use: Easy
For the cat looking for a simple, yet fun toy, the SmartyKat Chickadee Chirp Electronic Bird-Sound Cat Toy is the perfect choice. This small, inexpensive toy packs a lot of excitement. It makes a chirping sound when your cat kicks it. The catnip inside is refillable for long-lasting enticement and excitement. Just make sure you don’t lose this one under the couch!
Comes with replacement feather
Great for exercise
Auto-shutoff
- Comes with replacement feather
- Great for exercise
- Auto-shutoff
Requires batteries
You must turn it on for your cat
- Requires batteries
- You must turn it on for your cat
Features: Catnip, chirping noise
Size: 2” x 1” x 2”
Ease of Use: Easy
Pros
Inexpensive
Cat activated
Filled with catnip
Cons
Toy can be kicked under furniture
Must replace catnip
Inexpensive
Cat activated
Filled with catnip
- Inexpensive
- Cat activated
- Filled with catnip
Toy can be kicked under furniture
Must replace catnip
- Toy can be kicked under furniture
- Must replace catnip
Buyer’s Guide: Finding The Best Interactive Cat Toys
You probably noticed that all of the toys in our reviews have two things in common—they exercise your cat’s brain and body. These are the keys for the interactive cat toys.
To narrow down the best choices for you, here are some important considerations to take into account:
Does it have small parts that can come off?
Do you need to be present to start the toy or fill it with treats?
Does it make startling noises that might frighten your cat?
What are your cat’s preferred playthings: balls, feathers, wands, catnip, etc.?
Can it roll under furniture where your cat can’t get it?
Ideally, you want your cat to be able to play with their toys whether or not you’re home. You also want to make sure that a toy can withstand your cat’s weight and size during play.
Does it have small parts that can come off?
Do you need to be present to start the toy or fill it with treats?
Does it make startling noises that might frighten your cat?
What are your cat’s preferred playthings: balls, feathers, wands, catnip, etc.?
Can it roll under furniture where your cat can’t get it?
- Does it have small parts that can come off?
- Do you need to be present to start the toy or fill it with treats?
- Does it make startling noises that might frighten your cat?
- What are your cat’s preferred playthings: balls, feathers, wands, catnip, etc.?
- Can it roll under furniture where your cat can’t get it?
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read our reviews, you know the best interactive cat toy options out there. For the overall best interactive cat toy, you’ll adore the Frisco multi-pack. The best interactive toy for the money is the simple, yet effective PetSafe FunKitty Egg-cersizer. You really can’t go wrong with any of the toys on our list. They’ll all keep your kitty happy and in great physical condition.
