7 Best Toys For Cats That Like To Hunt!
Contents
- These Are The Seven Best Toys For Cats That Like To Hunt
- Ontel Flippity Fish Cat Toy
- PAWZ Road Cat Scratching Post Cat Interactive Toys
- Friends Forever Interactive Laser Cat Toy
- Catit Senses 2.0 Ball Dome
- PetDroid Interactive Dog/Cats Ball Toys
- OurPets Play-N-Squeak Mouse Hunter Cat Toy
- Cat Dancer Cat Charmer Toy
- Choosing The Best Toy For Cats That Like To Hunt
- Durability
- Easy To Use
- Cheapest Cat Toy
- Most Engaging
- The Best Toys For Cats That Like To Hunt – FAQ’s
- Do cat toys help my cat unleash its hunting instincts?
- Do cat toys help my cat exercise?
- Can Cats Get Bored With Toys?
- Are cat toys noisy?
- Conclusion
- Sources
Cats are natural hunters. Play lets them stalk, chase, pounce and bite, which gives them exercise and keeps them from getting bored.
The ASPCA notes that play involves the same predatory behaviors as hunting. It also says long hours alone without chances to play can contribute to play aggression, where cats pounce on people's hands and feet.
The Cornell Feline Health Center suggests heading off play aggression by distracting your cat with play. Toys that let your cat hunt something other than your hands are an easy way to do that.
There are a lot of toys for cats that like to hunt, and not every cat likes every toy. Below are seven popular options, plus tips on choosing one.
Try a few different toys to see what your cat enjoys most. If your cat ignores a toy, try another one or bring it back out in a few weeks.
Toy features and listings change over time, so check the current product details before you buy.
These Are The Seven Best Toys For Cats That Like To Hunt
Look for toys that move like prey and let your cat stalk, chase and pounce. Some also make sounds or carry the scent of catnip.
Supervise play with any toy that has strings, feathers or small parts. Put those toys away afterward, because swallowed string can seriously injure a cat's intestines.
Ontel Flippity Fish Cat Toy
The Flippity Fish is a plush fish that flips, flops and wiggles when your cat touches it. The motion makes it a good fit for cats that like to bat at and pounce on "prey."
It is designed to switch on when your cat touches it and has a pouch for catnip. Check the toy regularly and replace it if the fabric tears or parts come loose.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Has catnip pouch | Might be boring for some cats |
| Moves on its own when touched | Might scare some anxious cats |
| Rechargeable |
PAWZ Road Cat Scratching Post Cat Interactive Toys
Scratching is normal cat behavior. Cats scratch to shed the outer layer of their claws, stretch and leave scent marks. If they don't have a good place to do it, they may use your sofa, curtains or rugs.
A scratching post allows your cat to exercise their claws without messing up your sofas and other furniture. This post has a dangling toy that adds something to bat at and chase.
Place the post near where your cat already likes to scratch. Reward your cat for using it rather than scolding it for scratching furniture.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Loved by many cat owners | Some cats might ignore scratching posts |
| Will entertain your cat | |
| Gives your cat an alternative to furniture | |
| Easy to assemble |
Friends Forever Interactive Laser Cat Toy
Many cats love chasing a laser dot. This automatic laser toy moves the dot around the floor in a random pattern, so your cat can chase it without you holding a pointer.
The toy has adjustable settings and an automatic shut-off timer, so play sessions don't go on too long. Check the current listing for the exact speeds and timer length.
Lasers have one drawback: your cat can never actually catch anything. Many owners end a laser session by tossing a toy the cat can grab, so the "hunt" ends with a catch. Never shine a laser into a cat's or person's eyes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Automatically rotates | Lightweight, so your cat may knock it over |
| Adjustable settings | Your cat can never "catch" the dot |
| Has automatic timer | |
| Moves randomly |
Catit Senses 2.0 Ball Dome
The Catit Senses 2.0 Ball Dome works like a peek-and-play toy. A ball moves around inside a dome, and your cat reaches in through openings to bat at it.
The listing describes a motion-sensor mode that turns the toy on when your cat comes near and off when your cat walks away.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to assemble | Not good for bigger cats |
| Can automatically turn on when your cat is near | |
| Great for kittens |
PetDroid Interactive Dog/Cats Ball Toys
This motion-activated ball is sold for both cats and dogs. When your cat touches it, the ball rolls on its own, which invites chasing and pouncing.
It runs on a rechargeable battery. Check it for cracks or damage regularly, and supervise play with large dogs, which may chew it.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use | May not roll well on thick carpet |
| Moves on its own | |
| Rechargeable battery |
OurPets Play-N-Squeak Mouse Hunter Cat Toy
The Play-N-Squeak Mouse Hunter is a toy mouse that makes squeaking sounds when your cat bats at it. The sound adds to the "hunt" and encourages stalking and pouncing.
As with any small toy, check it regularly and throw it away if it starts to come apart.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple and inexpensive | Doesn't move by itself |
| Realistic mouse with sounds | The sound might be irritating for owners |
| Help your cat to exercise | Some cats might ignore them |
| Fun to use |
Cat Dancer Cat Charmer Toy
The Cat Charmer is a simple wand toy with a long fabric streamer. You move it around and your cat chases, jumps and pounces, so it works for kittens and adult cats.
Because you control it, a wand toy lets you mimic real prey: moving away from your cat, hiding behind furniture and letting your cat "catch" it now and then. It's also a great way to bond with your cat.
Put it away after each session so your cat can't chew or swallow the streamer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Help your cat to exercise | Requires human effort |
| Lets you mimic real prey | Not good for cats that love to chew things |
| Good for bonding | |
| Simple design |
Choosing The Best Toy For Cats That Like To Hunt
Durability
The Cat Dancer Cat Charmer Toy has no electronics to break. It is not automatic and needs you to play, but that's also why it's great for bonding with your cat. Put it away between sessions so it lasts longer and stays safe.
Easy To Use
The electronic toys above run on their own once switched on. The scratching post, squeaky mouse and wand toy are simple to use, but the wand toy needs you to play.
Cheapest Cat Toy
Simple toys like the OurPets Play-N-Squeak Mouse Hunter Cat Toy and the Cat Charmer wand usually cost less than electronic toys. Check current listings, because prices change.
Most Engaging
Many cats find the Friends Forever Interactive Laser Cat Toy very engaging because the dot moves unpredictably. For a satisfying "hunt," finish laser play with a toy your cat can actually catch.
Battery-powered and laser toys are best used when you're home. Don't leave electronic toys running with an unsupervised cat.
The Best Toys For Cats That Like To Hunt – FAQ’s
Do cat toys help my cat unleash its hunting instincts?
Yes. Toys that move like prey let your cat stalk, chase and pounce, which uses the same behaviors it would use when hunting.
Do cat toys help my cat exercise?
Yes. Active play gets your cat moving, which helps with fitness and weight control. Short, regular play sessions work well for most cats.
Can Cats Get Bored With Toys?
Yes. Cats often lose interest in a toy that is always out. Rotate toys every few days and try different types to see what your cat likes.
Are cat toys noisy?
Some are. The OurPets Play-N-Squeak Mouse Hunter makes squeaking sounds, and motorized toys make some motor noise. Wand toys and scratching posts are quiet.
Conclusion
Choose toys that let your cat stalk, chase and pounce. Cats are natural hunters, and play gives them a safe outlet for those instincts.
Every cat is different, so try a few toys and see which ones your cat plays with most. Supervise play with string and small-part toys, and talk to your vet if your cat suddenly loses interest in play, since that can be a sign of illness.
Sources
- Aggression in Cats, ASPCA
- Feline Behavior Problems: Aggression, Cornell Feline Health Center
