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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 "channel their brain power and instincts into productive outlets," veterinary behaviorist Karen Sueda, DVM, 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 Heidi Cooley, DVM, a veterinarian at Banfield Pet Hospital in Vancouver, Washington.
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Here are our top picks for the best interactive cat toys:
Best puzzle board: Nina Ottosson Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play - See at Amazon
With hidden compartments, sliding knobs, and swiveling leaves, Nina Ottosson Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play encourages cats to bat, hunt, and forage for food.
Best overall food-dispensing toy: Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree - See at Chewy
The Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree challenges your cat's mind by stimulating problem-solving and advanced foraging skills.
Best rolling food-dispensing toy: Petsafe Egg-Cersizer - See at Chewy
The easy-to-fill, easy-to-clean Petsafe Egg-Cersizer keeps your cat fit and healthy as they chase and hunt for treats or kibble.
Best multilevel rollerball toy: Petstages Chase Meowtain Toy - See at Petco
With four levels of ball-rolling fun, the Petstages Chase Meowtain entices kittens and lower-energy cats to play.
Best rollerball-scratcher combo toy: Bergan Turbo Star Chaser - See at Petco
The Bergan Turbo Star Chaser combines a rollerball track, a light-up ball, and a cardboard scratcher for versatile stimulation and fun.
Best floor scratcher: K&H Scratch, Ramp, and Track Cardboard Toy - See at Chewy
The sturdy K&H Scratch, Ramp, and Track Cardboard Toy will hold up to vigorous horizontal clawing from any angle.
Best scratching post: On2Pets Skyline Scratching Post - See at Chewy
The On2Pets Skyline Scratching Post encourages both vertical and horizontal scratching with three sisal towers and a wide base covered in artificial turf.
Best play tunnel: Catit Vesper Cat Tunnel - See at Chewy
The curved Catit Vesper Cat Tunnel and its detachable outer sleeping cushion are designed for optimal hiding, seeking, and snoozing.
Best catnip kicker: Hartz Cattatraction Unicorn Kicker - See at Amazon
The adorable, durable Hartz Cattatraction Unicorn Kicker is perfectly shaped for rabbit-kicking, wrestling, and snuggling.
Best catnip mice: Hartz Just for Cats Kitty Frenzy Cat Toy - See at Rural King
Hartz Just for Cats Kitty Frenzy mice are the soft, fuzzy prey your cat will never get sick of hunting.
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