Find the best toy
for your cat.
Every cat plays differently — a bold kitten and a shy senior want opposite things. Tell us about yours and get 5 toy picks matched to their breed, age, energy, and play style.
Get my 5 toys
How it works
- 1
Tell us about your cat
Breed, age, weight, energy level, and how they like to play — plus anything else (allergies, fears, home-alone all day).
- 2
We match it to feline play research
Your answers run against a knowledge base of what actually keeps different cats engaged.
- 3
Get 5 tailored picks
Ranked best-fit first, each with why it suits your cat and how to play — a mix of store-bought and DIY.
Tell us about your cat
Takes about a minute. The more you share, the sharper the picks.
Cat toy questions, answered
What toys do indoor cats like best?+
Indoor cats get the most out of toys that mimic prey — wand toys with feathers or fabric, small skittery balls, and puzzle feeders. Movement that darts away from the cat triggers the chase; toys that just sit there get ignored fast. Rotating a few toys weekly keeps them interesting.
What are the best toys for kittens?+
Kittens have huge energy and need several short, intense play sessions a day. Lightweight wand toys, crinkle balls, spring coils, and a cardboard box or tunnel to ambush from all work well. Avoid anything with small parts they could swallow, and never leave string or ribbon out unattended.
What toys are good for senior cats?+
Older cats still benefit from daily play, just gentler and lower to the ground. Slow-moving wand toys, soft plush 'kickers', and easy puzzle feeders keep them moving without straining stiff joints. Keep sessions short and let the cat set the pace.
Are laser pointers bad for cats?+
They're fine in moderation, but always end the game by letting the cat 'catch' a real toy or treat — otherwise the hunt never resolves and some cats get frustrated or fixated. Never shine it near their eyes.
How much playtime does a cat need each day?+
Most cats do well with two or three sessions of 10–15 minutes. Young and high-energy cats need more; seniors need less but still benefit from daily play. Ending a session near a meal mirrors the natural hunt-eat-groom-sleep cycle.
Do all cats like catnip?+
No — roughly a third of cats don't respond to it at all, and it's inherited. If catnip does nothing for your cat, try silvervine or valerian, which trigger a similar response in many non-responders.
Are homemade cat toys any good?+
Often better than store-bought. A crumpled paper ball, a cork, a sock stuffed with a little filling and catnip, or a toilet-roll tube with kibble inside can all be favourites. Just supervise, and keep anything small enough to swallow or any loose string away between sessions.