You already know your cat is picky, so choosing toys they’ll actually enjoy can get tricky. It’s happened to us so many times. You spend hours choosing the perfect toy to keep your cat active and engaged, you present it to them eagerly and…they couldn’t care less. In fact, they’re far more interested in the packaging the toy came in. And that’s fine, too. The important thing is that they’re getting exercise and satisfying their hunting instincts.
Here are a few tips on how to keep your cat curious, playful, and active.
What to Look for in a Cat Toy
Because cats are predators at heart, the toys they are most likely to enjoy mimic prey. Toys that move erratically, toys that squeak or chirp, and toys with textures like fur or feathers are more likely to send a cat into play mode. Scents can get a cat going, too. Not all cats respond to catnip, but some of them prefer catnip toys over any other.
- Size: Choose a small toy that is roughly the size of a mouse or bird, something your cat can bat around or carry in their mouth. Toys that are too big will likely frustrate your pet or simply be ignored.
- Movement: A cat’s hunting instinct is triggered by unpredictable motion, like rolling, fluttering or darting from one direction to another. Motion-activated toys and laser pointers deliver the movement that attracts a cat’s attention.
- Texture: Feathers and fur-like fabrics are more engaging because they’re reminiscent of prey, like mice or birds. Crinkly material is fun for cats, too, as well as anything they can really sink their claws into.
- Sound: Some cats enjoy toys that squeak, but others can be sensitive to noise. If your cat doesn’t play with a toy that makes noise, then they probably prefer quiet toys.
- Scent: Catnip toys are filled with catnip–a dried plant that’s part of the mint family and includes nepetalactone, which generally gives cats something like a natural “high.” Not all cats have a strong reaction to it, but cats that do tend to roll around and act mellow.
Figuring Out Which Kind of Toys Your Cat Likes
Cats, like people, have unique personalities and preferences, and the toys that one cat loves will leave another completely bored. Whether your cat enjoys the chasing, stalking, batting or chewing, their toy preferences can change over time.
- Chase toys: Balls, rolling toys, and anything that moves across the floor, as well as retrieving toys you throw
- Stalking toys: Wand toys and feather teasers that cats can stalk and pounce on
- Batting toys: Toys they can swat at, like crinkle balls, small plush toys, bottle caps
- Chewing toys: Toys with texture that cats can bite and wrestle with
- Food toys: Puzzle feeders, lick mats, and treat dispenser toys can keep cats engaged in play longer
Sometimes a cat will ignore one toy just because they prefer a different one at the time. Keeping a couple of each type of toy in reserve and rotating them can sometimes spark new interest. But if your cat ignores the same type of toy over and over, that’s how you can tell it’s not their style.
How to Help Your Cat Get More Exercise Through Play
Play not only provides mental stimulation, it also helps indoor cats get more exercise. Cats who stay physically active avoid unnecessary weight gain and the health problems that go along with it. While there are other ways to manage your cat’s weight, such as food choices and feeding schedules, play is an easy and natural way for your cat to stay fit.
Exercising your cat doesn’t have to be that time-consuming, either. Just 10-15 minutes of active play, twice a day, is usually enough. Just remember that cat’s don’t do cardio (except for those zoomies at 4am). Keeping them in constant motion can make them tired and bored. Watch for signs that your cat has had enough, then signal to your cat that playtime is over by putting the toys away and offering a treat.
When you play, give your cat a chance to use their natural hunting skills, especially slow stalking, a quick pounce, and then a brief rest. Choose different toys every day to keep playtime fresh and your cat interested. Even on busy days, choosing a puzzle feeder or a motion-activated laser toy can give your cat a little extra mental stimulation.
Schedule a Checkup for Your Cat in Gilbert
Healthy energy levels, joints, appetite, eyesight, and hearing are all essential for robust and satisfying play. If you want to make sure your cat lives the best possible quality of life, a vet visit is a great place to start. Let the caring team at East Valley Animal Hospital assist you with any concerns about your cat’s health, diet, or behavior. Contact us to schedule a checkup today.
Photo by Piotr Musioł on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 06/15/2026.