All cat owners know that kittens are active little creatures with curious minds. Kittens can be fun and have a natural desire to play. These little balls of energy need exercise, as well as mental stimulation.
Mental stimulation plays a vital role in their overall health, and toys provide the necessary stimulation—a kitty with plenty of toys is a happy kitty. But with all the different options, how do you pick the right toy?
In this guide, you’ll find reviews that will help you make an informed decision on the right kitten toy that will suit you and your kitten’s needs.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2023)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Hepper Fish and Chews
Handcrafted
Many ways to play
Promotes hunting instincts
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Best Value
Frisco Plush, Ball & Tunnel
Great Value
Wide variety of toys
25 enticing toys
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Premium Choice
Bergan Turbo Scratcher
Replacement parts available
Keeps kitten’s interest
Great for mental and physical stimulation
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Frisco Bird Teaser Toy
Well made
Great value
Kitten approved
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SmartyKat Skitter Critter Value Pack Cat Nip Cat Toys
An interactive toy
Lightweight
Kitten friendly
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The 12 Best Kitten Toys
- Hepper Fish and Chews – Best Overall
Check Price on HepperCat wand toys are a great way to interact and play directly with your feline. However, not all cat wands are made equal. The Hepper Fish and Chews is made out of very simple materials, but it is one of the highest-quality options on the market. It is completely handmade and is made with some of the best materials.
It may cost a bit more than other cat wands out there. However, it is constructed better than other similar products and made to last years – not months like much of the competition. You’ll save money in the long run with this product, despite the higher upfront cost.
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Cat wand toys are a great way to interact and play directly with your feline. However, not all cat wands are made equal. The Hepper Fish and Chews is made out of very simple materials, but it is one of the highest-quality options on the market. It is completely handmade and is made with some of the best materials.
The sleek design features a stuffed fish on the very end of the string, as well as a ball directly above it. This dual design gives felines two places to grab on and promotes more play. The design of this toy allows it to be played with in a multitude of ways, whether the cats are chewing on the string or chasing the fish.
To conclude, we think this is the overall best kitten toy out there this year.
At PetKeen.com, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
Pros
Handcrafted
Promotes hunting instincts
Many ways to play
Sleek, modern design
Durable
Cons
More expensive than other options
- Frisco Plush, Teaser, Ball and Tunnel Variety Pack Cat Toy with Catnip – Best Value
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Material: Fleece
Toy Feature: Feather, catnip, crinkle, variety pack
Life Stage: Kittens and adults
This 25-count variety pack will have your kittens going wild during playtime. With many different choices, your kittens will have a blast. This toy includes a tunnel, fuzzy mice, feathers, crinkly pom-poms, rolling balls, and a wand. The tunnel offers a game of hide and seek, and some toys have catnip for an extra amount of fun. The wand is a little short, so be prepared to have slight kitty scratches.
Handcrafted
Promotes hunting instincts
Many ways to play
Sleek, modern design
Durable
- Handcrafted
- Promotes hunting instincts
- Many ways to play
- Sleek, modern design
- Durable
More expensive than other options
- More expensive than other options
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Material: Fleece
Toy Feature: Feather, catnip, crinkle, variety pack
Life Stage: Kittens and adults
All in all, this variety pack offers many options at a great value, making it the best kitten toy for the money.
Pros
Great value
Wide variety of toys in one purchase
Cons
The wand could be larger
Some toys may be loud
- Bergan Star Chaser Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy – Premium Choice
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Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 2 inches
Weight: 15 pounds
Material: Plastic, cardboard
Life Stage: All ages
This interactive toy provides plenty of stimulation for your kitten. The toy comes with an LED replaceable ball that is motion-activated and a scratch pad in the center. As an extra bonus, a sample pack of catnip is included. It comes in two colors: aqua or mulberry. Your kitten will love to swat at the ball, and the toy itself stays in place. Both ball and scratchpad are replaceable.
Great value
Wide variety of toys in one purchase
- Great value
- Wide variety of toys in one purchase
The wand could be larger
Some toys may be loud
- The wand could be larger
- Some toys may be loud
Dimensions: 16 x 16 x 2 inches
Weight: 15 pounds
Material: Plastic, cardboard
Life Stage: All ages
This toy can be loud, so there is a chance your kitten may be intimidated at first, and sometimes the ball may come out of the track.
This toy is a hit with kittens and provides hours of entertainment and stimulation. It is a little more than average for a cat toy, but the exercise and stimulation are well worth the money.
Pros
Replacement parts available
Keeps kitten’s interest
Great for mental and physical stimulation
Cons
Can be noisy
The ball can jump out of track
- Frisco Bird Teaser and Feather Cat Toy – Best for Kittens
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Material: Polyester
Toy Feature: Catnip, crinkle, feather
Life Stage: All ages
The Frisco Bird Teaser and Feather Cat Toy will be a hit with your feline companion. Suitable for kittens and cats, this toy will encourage playtime right off the bat. The colorful feathers provide mental and physical stimulation. This toy also creates a bonding time between you and your kitten.
Replacement parts available
Keeps kitten’s interest
Great for mental and physical stimulation
- Replacement parts available
- Keeps kitten’s interest
- Great for mental and physical stimulation
Can be noisy
The ball can jump out of track
- Can be noisy
- The ball can jump out of track
Material: Polyester
Toy Feature: Catnip, crinkle, feather
Life Stage: All ages
We recommend monitoring your cats and kittens while they play with this toy. The string can break and become a choking hazard.
From the colorful feathers to the added catnip, this toy is best for kittens and will provide plenty of exercise and enjoyment for you, too.
Pros
Well made
Great value
Kitten approved
Cons
Not a solo toy
The string can break, monitor for safety
This 10-count pack is a great value and offers hours of playtime for your kitten and adult cats. All the critters are soft and not too big for your kitten’s mouth. Your kitten will appreciate the organic catnip stuffed inside, and these critters induce hunting instincts. They are made of a soft, plush material that adds to the safety of this toy. The ears and tails on the critters keep your kitten intrigued, but do be aware that some kitties may tear the critter open sooner rather than later.
Well made
Great value
Kitten approved
- Well made
- Great value
- Kitten approved
Not a solo toy
The string can break, monitor for safety
- Not a solo toy
- The string can break, monitor for safety
Material: Polyester
Toy Feature: Catnip
Life Stage: All ages
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With this kitten toy, you’ll stay entertained by watching your kitten bat, swat, and chew while getting exercise and mental stimulation.
Pros
An interactive toy
Lightweight
Kitten friendly
Cons
May not last long with some cats
- Frisco Basic Plush Mice Cat Toy with Catnip
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Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 1.3 inches
Material: Polyester
Toy Feature: Catnip
All cat parents know that cats love to chase mice, and this toy will provide that stimulation to provoke your kitten’s hunting instincts. This toy is made of a fuzzy material that kittens love, and it promotes exercise to keep your kitty healthy. The catnip inside will attract your kitten’s interest, and then playtime is on.
An interactive toy
Lightweight
Kitten friendly
- An interactive toy
- Lightweight
- Kitten friendly
May not last long with some cats
- May not last long with some cats
Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 1.3 inches
Material: Polyester
Toy Feature: Catnip
This toy is not refillable, and the tails on the mice might be too long for your kitty. If that’s a worry or problem, you can simply cut the tail to avoid injury.
This toy is available in a 3-count or 5-count, and it’s sure to stimulate your kitty’s brain for hours of playtime and stimulation.
Pros
Mice have bright colors cats love
Great for mental and physical stimulation
Soft texture
Cons
Not refillable
May need to cut tail for safety
Related Read: 10 Best Kitten Foods – Reviews & Top Picks
Mice have bright colors cats love
Great for mental and physical stimulation
Soft texture
- Mice have bright colors cats love
- Great for mental and physical stimulation
- Soft texture
Not refillable
May need to cut tail for safety
- Not refillable
- May need to cut tail for safety
- Frisco Double Cat Scratcher Toy and Catnip
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Dimensions: 18 x 9.75 x 2 inches
Weight: 05 pounds
Material: Cardboard
Toy Feature: Catnip
This double cat scratcher will give your kitten something to scratch instead of your furniture. Inside the rectangular box, your kitty will find grooved cardboard that shreds with ease, providing the perfect place for scratching. This toy also comes with a packet of catnip to sprinkle on the cardboard for an added bonus. When one side gets worn, simply flip it over for more fun. Refillable scratch pads are available, and the size is ideal for one kitty or two.
Dimensions: 18 x 9.75 x 2 inches
Weight: 05 pounds
Material: Cardboard
Toy Feature: Catnip
You’ll want to monitor your kitty because some cats are known to chew cardboard, and this toy may not be suitable if you have a biter.
Pros
Catnip included
Perfect for sharpening nails
Refillable scratch pads
Double-sided
Cons
Not for cats or kittens who like to chew and bite
The toy itself may slide while in use
Your kitten will love this colorful toy. Sown by hand, these toys come stuffed with organic catnip, and there are no dangerous pieces for your kitty to swallow accidentally. Your kitten will love to swat and tackle this rainbow, and the durable cotton should hold up for quite a while. However, some cats may have the ability to tear this apart at some point.
Catnip included
Perfect for sharpening nails
Refillable scratch pads
Double-sided
- Catnip included
- Perfect for sharpening nails
- Refillable scratch pads
- Double-sided
Not for cats or kittens who like to chew and bite
The toy itself may slide while in use
- Not for cats or kittens who like to chew and bite
- The toy itself may slide while in use
Material: Cotton
Toy Feature: Catnip
Life Stage: All ages
Overall, this simplistic yet interactive toy will keep your kitty satisfied with playtime and keep it entertained. You may even catch your kitty snuggled up with the rainbow during nap times.
Pros
Durability, longevity
No small parts
Cons
Some cats may tear it up easily
- Frisco Fabric Teaser Cat Toy
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Material: Soft fabric, plastic wand
Toy Feature: Neon bubbles and retro bubbles
Life Stage: All ages
If you’re looking to have some quality bonding time with your kitten, this is it. This interactive toy promotes your kitten’s natural instincts to hunt and will also entice play. The fabric ribbon is soft, and the wand allows you to interact with your kitten for mental and physical stimulation. Twirl it around and watch your cat have the best time. The wand is short, so be careful to protect your fingers during playtime.
Durability, longevity
No small parts
- Durability, longevity
- No small parts
Some cats may tear it up easily
- Some cats may tear it up easily
Material: Soft fabric, plastic wand
Toy Feature: Neon bubbles and retro bubbles
Life Stage: All ages
This toy is easy to grab, making playtime with your kitten a breeze. Your kitten will jump and leap, and you’ll be happy you made the inexpensive purchase. This toy is also suitable for adult cats.
Pros
Suitable for kittens and adults
Great value
Cons
Handle is short
- Furry Fido Laser Cat Toy, Small
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Material: Stainless steel
Toy Feature: Exercise
Life Stage: All ages
The good ole’ laser pointer never disappoints. The laser will ignite your kitten’s hunting instincts in a flash (or the hit of a button), the red dot will immediately engage your kitten. The laser pointer offers your kitty plenty of stimulation and exercise to keep it healthy. Not only is this a fun toy for your kitty, but it also serves as a flashlight and comes with a USB charging cord. Another bonus is the UV detector light—if you suspect your kitty has had an accident outside the litter box, you’ll find it.
Suitable for kittens and adults
Great value
- Suitable for kittens and adults
- Great value
Handle is short
- Handle is short
Material: Stainless steel
Toy Feature: Exercise
Life Stage: All ages
You’ll need to monitor how your kitten reacts at first because kittens can get discouraged and stressed if they can’t catch the red dot. If this happens, replace the laser with a different toy.
All in all, the laser pointer offers excellent exercise, and it’s fun for you both.
Pros
Great exercise
Easy access for playtime
Rechargeable battery
USB charging cord
Cons
Can cause stress in some cats
Talk about hide and seek! This tunnel will have your kitten’s attention the minute you take it out of the box. The length of the tunnel is perfect for kittens, and they’ll love the crinkle sounds. This tunnel is made from durable nylon fabric and will last a long time. When your kitty is finished playing, the tunnel collapses into a circle for convenient storage.
Great exercise
Easy access for playtime
Rechargeable battery
USB charging cord
- Great exercise
- Easy access for playtime
- Rechargeable battery
- USB charging cord
Can cause stress in some cats
- Can cause stress in some cats
Material: Plastic, nylon fabric
Toy Feature: Crinkle, squeaky
Life Stage: All ages
When unpacking the tunnel, take heed to the instructions. The package is spring-loaded, so you’ll need to open it slowly and away from your face while holding the product together.
This product is at a good price point, is durable, and should last a long time. Cats love the crackling sound, and you’ll enjoy watching them play.
Pros
Sturdy/durable
Perfect for kittens
Collapsible for easy storage
Cons
Some cats may not like the crackling sound
- Frisco Moppy Ball and Cat Toy
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Material: Polyester
Toy Feature: Catnip
Life Stage: All ages
Kittens love to pounce on this moppy ball, and it’s great for swatting, batting, and biting. The inside is filled with catnip, so your little feline companion will be curious and want what’s inside. It’s suitable for solo play, as well as interactive play between you and your kitty. The ball is lightweight and soft, offering plenty of hours for your kitty to swat it around the house. Some kittens may be intimidated at first, but most learn to love the moppy ball. Also, throw away if your kitty tears it up because it may become a safety hazard.
Sturdy/durable
Perfect for kittens
Collapsible for easy storage
- Sturdy/durable
- Perfect for kittens
- Collapsible for easy storage
Some cats may not like the crackling sound
- Some cats may not like the crackling sound
This moppy ball is a fun toy and will give your kitty hours of stimulation.
Pros
Promotes solo play
Includes catnip
Cons
Can become a safety hazard if torn
Kittens may be afraid of it
50% of cats do not respond to catnip
Related Read: 7 Best Electronic Cat Toys for Playtime – Reviews & Top Picks
Promotes solo play
Includes catnip
- Promotes solo play
- Includes catnip
Can become a safety hazard if torn
Kittens may be afraid of it
50% of cats do not respond to catnip
- Can become a safety hazard if torn
- Kittens may be afraid of it
- 50% of cats do not respond to catnip
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Kitten Toys
With so many options on the market for kitten toys, here are a few things to consider before purchasing.
Safety
When you buy a toy for your kitty, you want to make sure that it’s safe. Some things to look for are small pieces that your kitty may be able to chew off and swallow. You also need to check for any strings that may be a hazard. If your kitty has a favorite toy, but you’re worried about the string, simply cut it off.
Monitor Playtime
Monitoring your kitty while they play is a must. Never leave toys that can be a potential hazard out and accessible when you’re not home. That way, if there’s a problem, you will be there to take care of the situation.
Toy Size
Make sure that the toy is large enough to where your kitty can’t swallow it. Kittens love to pounce and bat at anything that rolls, but be sure they can’t eat them if you have little round ball toys for this purpose.
Related Read: 10 Best Litter Boxes for Kittens – Reviews & Top Picks
Conclusion
The Hepper Fish and Chews offers endless possibilities for entertainment and is therefore our best overall kitten toy. They’re big enough so that your kitty can’t swallow, and it brings out their hunting instincts. For the best value, we recommend the Frisco Plush, Teaser, Ball, and Tunnel Variety pack. This toy offers a wide variety of options at a great price.
We hope you’ve enjoyed these reviews, and it helps in your decision when buying kitten toys for your little furry ball of energy.
Featured Image Credit: Chewy
