Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Nicole Cosgrove
Kittens are always on the go, and giving them plenty of toys to entertain themselves is one of the best ways to wear out their boundless energy. Depending on their personality, your kitten’s preferences can lean toward jingle balls, stuffed mice, catnip, or simple tunnels. Treat Dispenser Dog Toy
It’s a fun but challenging task to find your kitten a toy that they will never turn up their nose at. These reviews include the best kitten toys to assist you in your search for your cat’s newest favorite.
Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Hepper Dimensions: 6 x 1 inches Materials: Catnip, fabric Features: Handmade, double-lined, bite-proof
The Hepper Catnip Stick Toy is a simple but effective toy that suits cats of all ages, especially your new kitten. Hand stitched and double lined, it’s designed to be bite-proof to ensure that it’s durable enough to withstand the rigors of playtime. As the best overall kitten toy, it contains no unnecessary materials, such as cheap fillers, and uses 100% organic North American catnip.
There are several colors to choose from. Each is a soft, pastel shade that won’t clash with your home décor. The catnip stick toy is also designed to be easy to clean, and you can wipe off the dirt with a damp cloth as needed.
As with all catnip toys, you should supervise your kitten during playtime. Some cats are also immune to the effects of catnip or might have an aggressive response, so you’ll need to adjust their playtime accordingly.
At Catster, 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!
Check Price on Amazon Check Price on Hepper Dimensions: Big – 7 in ; Small – 4.7 in (tail included) Materials: Hessian/burlap, premium cotton Features: Catnip, encourages self play, mimics prey
Kittens are always on the go, and small, catnip-infused toys are a great way to keep them physically and mentally active. With 2 different-sized toys included in the pack, the Hepper Mice Toy Set is the best kitten toy for the money.
This set also caters to the preferences of several kittens at once, especially if they have different play styles – such as hunting prey, indulging in catnip, carrying or swatting – you name it!
The Hepper Mice Set is made from a durable hessian material that will withstand the roughest of play sessions, and is filled with a soft premium cotton, making it a great throw toy if your interested in teaching your kitten fetch. If your toys lose their catnip scent, they are affordable enough to purchase replacements when you need them.
At Catster, 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!
Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Dimensions: 5 x 4 x 13 inches Materials: Polyester Features: Expandable track, battery-operated
The Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy has an expandable track, a peek-a-boo design, and balls with battery-operated lights to trigger the hunting instincts in your kitten. It’s designed to encourage both independent and interactive play, and your kitten can propel the balls around the track themselves, or you can join in.
With an expandable design, the track is large enough for multiple cats to play at once, with large openings for them to bat at the balls without getting stuck. It can be formed into circles or a figure-8 design.
The balls in the Catit circuit toy have battery-operated lights to enable them to capture the attention of your cat. However, the batteries don’t last long and can’t be replaced. If you want light-up balls, you’ll need to get new ones.
Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Dimensions: 10 x 5.5 x 10 inches Materials: Polypropylene Features: Non-slip feet
With three levels and rolling tracks, the Catstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy offers your kitten a way to entertain themselves without your input. They can bat the included balls around the tracks without losing them under the furniture, and the non-slip feet are designed to keep the tower in place. You also have the option of replacing the balls with sturdier or more interesting alternatives that your cat may prefer to play with.
While the Catstages Tower of Tracks is a simple way to keep your kitten entertained, some cats enjoy it more than others. The balls can also stick and be difficult to roll around the track, which can make them less enticing for your kitten. It also has a lightweight design that doesn’t suit vigorous playtimes.
Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Dimensions: 5 x 14.8 x 24 inches Materials: Polyester Features: Crinkle material, feathers, pop-up tunnel
The Hartz Just for Cats Peek & Play Pop-Up Tent Cat Toy gives your cat a place to hide, play, nap, and scratch. It has holes for games of peek-a-boo and for inquisitive kittens to climb through and two hanging toys for them to bat around. Large enough for multiple cats, this pop-up tent is easy to assemble and can be squashed for easy storage. The built-in scratch mat is also removable if your kitten doesn’t like the sound of crinkling material.
Like most pop-up tent structures, this is made with thin polyester. It’s not scratch-proof and can be easily damaged. The size also makes it difficult to fold into a shape small enough to store.
Toys that entertain and help your cat manage their other needs are among the best ways to save space. The Frisco Scratch & Roll Scratcher Cat Toy With Catnip enables your kitten to play and tend to their claws at the same time.
With a built-in cardboard scratcher that can be replaced as necessary, the toy has a rolling ball track that entices your kitten to bat a ball around. This scratch-and-roll product also includes a bag of catnip so you can sprinkle some on as necessary.
Although the cardboard scratcher is designed to be replaceable, it isn’t held in place that well, and kittens can pull it out while scratching. The flakes of cardboard also make a mess when scratched.
Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Dimensions: 77 x 1.77 x 5.9 inches Materials: Polyester Features: Catnip, feathers
For kittens that can’t make up their mind whether they want to pounce on feathers or chase a ball around, the SmartyKat Flutter Balls Feathery Cat Toy offers the best of both worlds. Soft and lightweight, the flutter balls are easy for cats to carry around and play fetch with. It’s sold in a pack of two, so you can play with several cats at once. The filler is made with 100% recycled plastic.
Despite the durability of the ball, the feathers aren’t as long lasting. Vigorous play sessions or more playful kittens can break off the feathers easily. Neither of the balls has bells or rattles, and some kittens prefer a toy that jingles when they’re playing.
Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Dimensions: 7 x 1 x 3 inches Materials: Cotton Features: Catnip
Young kittens might not be as affected by catnip as adult cats, but if they’re older than 6 months, the Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Cat Toy is worth a try. Made with cotton, it’s hand sewn and filled with organic catnip.
While you should remove the care tag to prevent your kitten from eating it, the toy doesn’t contain plastic or unnecessary filler materials. It’s designed to be bite- and scratch-proof for vigorous play sessions.
Even if your kitten is over 6 months old, some cats are naturally immune to catnip and don’t react to it. The catnip in this toy also isn’t refillable if the scent wears off and can spill out of the seams if they break.
Designed to give kittens a range of textures and toys to play with, without taking up space, the KONG Eight Track Cat Toy has three features: a covered, figure-8 track, rattle balls for your kitten to bat around, and a catnip tail and feather toy to keep their interest. It encourages independent play, making it a great choice for when you’re at work and your kitten needs something to play with.
The rattle balls are included but can break apart easily, resulting in a choking hazard due to the contained bell. The lightweight design of the track is also a problem if your cat plays too vigorously and knocks it over. Finally, although the catnip contained in the tail is refillable, it doesn’t work on all cats, and younger kittens might not react to it.
Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Dimensions: 30 x 0.25 x 0.25 inches Materials: Plastic, nylon Features: Wand toy, removable bell, multi-colored wigglers
If you’re looking for a way to play with your kitten without risking your hands getting scratched, the Pet Fit For Life 5 Piece Squiggly Worm Wand Cat Toy is a fun solution. It has five brightly colored wiggler worms and a wand so you can wake your kitten’s hunting instincts while keeping your hands safe. The nylon string is designed to be durable and resist fraying.
Although the wand is designed to come apart in two halves for easy storage, it doesn’t have any way to secure the pieces while in use. Energetic playtime can lead to the wand falling apart. Some cats destroy the included wiggler toys quickly, and the bits of fluff can present a choking hazard. The metal clasp is also heavy and can be dangerous when the toy is flung around too quickly.
Many kittens adore hiding and jumping out at unsuspecting feet or their favorite toy. The Frisco Foldable Play Tri-Tunnel Cat Toy gives them a place to stalk their fellow cats and play in an enclosed shelter. It also doubles as a secure napping spot once their games are over for the day.
Designed with thin fabric and thin wires, this foldable play tunnel has a pop-up design for easy storage. It’s a good choice for households with multiple cats due to the three entrances and the useful hole in the center.
However, this is a relatively small tunnel design and might not be big enough for older kittens or large breeds. The thin material is also not that durable or scratch resistant, and the wire framework doesn’t hold up well under pressure.
Erratic movements and bright colors are always fascinating to cats, and the Frisco Colorful Springs Cat Toy employs both to capture attention. The springs are lightweight for kittens that love to carry things around. They are also naturally bouncy to keep your kitten on their toes, stimulate their hunting instincts, and keep games of chase interesting.
The springs are sold in small packs and are bunched together, so several cat owners have had issues untangling the springs when they receive them. Some cats have also been known to chew off pieces of plastic or the springs unwind and trap their tail, paws, or neck. Don’t let your cat play with these without supervision.
Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Dimensions: 5 x 1 x 2 inches Materials: Polyester Features: Catnip, electronic
Many kittens love hunting toys that jingle or rattle. The SmartyKat Chickadee Chirp Electronic Bird-Sound Cat Toy uses a recorded chirping sound to mimic real birds and draw your kitten’s attention. Activated by touch, the SmartyKat Chickadee will make noise every time your kitten bats at or grabs it. It also contains catnip that can be replaced whenever necessary, to entice your kitten to pay attention to the toy.
Some cat owners have experienced faults with the built-in chirp, and there’s no way to replace the batteries. While the catnip makes this toy usable without the chirping sound, some kittens don’t react to it.
Designed to mimic the movement of real bugs to draw attention, the Hexbug Nano Robotic Cat Toy uses vibrations to move and navigate around obstacles. It works best on hard surfaces, making it unsuitable for carpeted floors, and the tail gives an extra point of interest for curious kittens. It’s battery-operated and quiet, so it won’t scare timid cats or interrupt your work with loud buzzing.
The Hexbug does come in various colors, but unfortunately, you can’t choose the option that you receive. It’s also non-rechargeable and the battery is disappointingly short lived. You also shouldn’t leave your kitten unattended when playing with this toy, as it can easily get lost beneath furniture and the tail can break off.
Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Dimensions: 5 x 1.5 x 1.5 inches Materials: Crinkle material Features: 12-pack, shiny and crinkly material
If you have two kittens to entertain, multi-packs of toys are always a lifesaver. The SunGrow Kitty Crinkle Balls Indoor Cat Toy contains 12 crinkle balls that are brightly colored and shiny to draw attention. While the noise captures your kitten’s attention as they play, the toys are soft and lightweight enough for them to carry and bat around as much as they want.
The crinkle balls aren’t the most durable, though, and the material has been known to tear. You’ll need to supervise your kitten during playtime to make sure they don’t eat the material by accident. The balls are also easy to crush and lose their shape easily.
Whether you have one kitten or two — or more — you’ll need to give them plenty of things to do. While a variety of toys is useful for trying to manage your kitten’s energy, that’s not the only reason that toys are important.
Various textures and styles of toys help your kitten learn. As they play with catnip mice, a wand toy, or even a jingle ball, they slowly learn how to develop and hone their hunting instincts. Each toy moves differently, whether it’s propelled by you or your cat or battery operated, and it will teach your cat how to adapt their skills accordingly.
Finding the type of toy that your kitten will enjoy the most is the best part! It’s a fun challenge, and you will be able to strengthen the bond between you by spending time playing with your kitten. Once you find their favorite toy, your kitten might even bring it to you whenever they want to play.
Variety is always best, and you should get a selection of options that your kitten can play with alone and with you. Knowing the difference between independent and interactive toys will help you here.
Independent toys are often battery-operated ones or rolling ball tracks. These enable your kitten to play without requiring any input from you. This makes them perfect for whenever you’re out of the house or busy with chores.
Interactive toys require you to join in the fun. You’ll need to hold onto the wand or throw the ball down the corridor. These toys are the best for when you can spend time with your kitten.
There are also combinations of both types of toys. For example, a jingle ball can be batted around by your cat even when you don’t have time to play. You should still make sure to spare a few minutes every day to play with your kitten, no matter how many independent toys they have.
These best kitten toy reviews include a variety of choices to suit all kittens. Double-lined and durable, the Hepper Catnip Stick Toy is our overall favorite for rambunctious kittens as they develop their hunting skills. If you want more choices for your kitten’s entertainment, the Hepper Mice Toy Set is the next best option. There are catnip mice, suitable to various play preferences. Finally, the Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy is pricey but enables kittens to play on their own, keeping them busy when you’re out of the house.
Featured Image Credit: TarasBeletskiy, Shutterstock
Dog Rocking Squeaky Toys Nicole is a lover of all animals, especially of the feline variety. She's mom to four, three fur babies and a human baby. She and her husband, John, live on a large forest property down in New Zealand. Their beautiful Burmese cat Baby (who is now 17 years old) was their first child, though he is now called Baby Cat since their human baby joined the party in 2022. The dogs Rosa and Mac also love cats, but the whole family agrees that King Baby Cat is enough cat for this household. Nicole is the Director of Content Management at Catster and Pangolia. With a Bachelor's degree in Education and years of online experience, she shares her pet knowledge and the knowledge of other professionals with the world, aiming to improve pets and pet parents' lives.