Best Moving Cat Toys for Hours of Fun

Key Points

• The Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy combines a cardboard scratcher and a fun ball to chase on a track.

• Cats love toys that move or make sounds that mimic live prey.

• Pestages Tower of Tracks is good for independent play if your cat is alone during the day.

Cats are curious creatures that thrive on interaction and play. Toys provide a bloodless alternative to their natural prey.

Moving cat toys, in particular, offer hours of fun and entertainment for your feline friend and mimic the movements of live animals. Some are good for independent play and others create an opportunity to bond with your cat in a fun way.

This article explores some of the best-moving cat toys and discusses their features, benefits, and customer feedback. Whether your cat enjoys chasing, pouncing, or swatting, there's a toy on this list for every play style.

Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy Assorted Colors

$24.50

by Bergan 

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08/17/2024 12:01 pm GMT

Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy

The Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy is versatile and popular. It's a two-in-one cardboard scratch pad and a ball track. The circular scratch pad in the center allows your cat to satisfy their urge to scratch, sharpen and shed their claws. The toy includes a removable ball that spins around as your cat paws at it, stimulating their feline hunting instincts.

© Cattitude Daily Testing Lab.

If your cat seems uninterested in the scratcher, sprinkle a bit of catnip on it.

Customers praise the Bergan Turbo Scratcher's solid construction and durability, even in households with multiple cats. Replace the worn pads when needed.

Some reviews say the ball comes out after repeated use, but this isn't the norm.

Cat Dancer Interactive Cat Toy

The Cat Dancer Interactive Cat Toy is a simple yet captivating toy that consists of a curved wire with a small cardboard catnip-infused toy at the end. The wire allows for bouncy and unpredictable movements that imitate prey, triggering your cat's hunting instincts.

The lightweight design makes it easy for you to create enticing movements to entertain your feline companion. Its affordability and effectiveness make it a hit for cats and their owners.

Cat owners report that their cats go wild over this toy — pouncing, swatting, and leaping to capture the elusive mouse. One of the best parts about the toy is that it requires human interaction, which strengthens the bond between you and your cat.

With the Cat Dancer Interactive Cat Toy, your cat has a blast chasing after their "prey" for hours on end.

Jackson Galaxy Butterfly Ball Cat Toy

The Jackson Galaxy Butterfly Ball Cat Toy flutters like a butterfly, captivating your cat's attention and triggering their instinct to chase. The toy features a round weighted base with a butterfly attached to a wire that is enclosed in a clear plastic ball.

When your cat paws at the ball, sensors cause the butterfly to flutter, catching your cat's attention.

Customers appreciate the realistic movements of the butterfly and the sturdy build of the toy. Since the ball encloses all parts, the Butterfly Ball provides a safe and interactive way for indoor cats to engage in hunting behaviors.

There are no small pieces to worry about, so it's safe to leave it with your cat while you're gone during the day. With the Jackson Galaxy Butterfly Ball, your cat enjoys hours of independent playtime.

KONG Kickeroo Cat Toy

The KONG Kickeroo Cat Toy appeals to your cat's natural instincts. It features a generously sized plush toy that is perfect for your cat to wrestle, attack, and kick.

The Kickeroo's high-quality catnip enhances its appeal to your pet.

Customers say their cats love the KONG Kickeroo. The crinkle sound produced by the toy adds an extra level of interest.

Some cat owners report that it may not be for aggressive cats that tend to tear and chew through their toys.

Many cat owners recount that their cats bunny-kick, wrestle, and snuggle with the Kickeroo, showing how much they enjoy this toy. With its enticing catnip and satisfying texture, the KONG Kickeroo is sure to be a hit with your cat.

PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy

The PetSafe Bolt Interactive Laser Cat Toy provides endless entertainment by emitting a randomized laser pattern to engage your cat in a chase. Set it on a table or the floor, or hold it in your hand for more interaction with your cat.

Avoid pointing the laser at the cat's eyes, which can cause discomfort.

Cat owners appreciate the ease of use and the automatic shut-off feature but lament the short battery life.

The PetSafe Bolt offers interactive play without requiring constant supervision, allowing the cat to indulge in satisfying play sessions and burn off excess energy.

Petlinks Electronic Motion Cat Toy

The Petlinks Electronic Motion Cat Toy offers several options.

One features a moving rod with various attachments, such as feathers and ribbons. Another is a "dizzy thing" with felt leaves attached by ribbons. Others move like ladybugs or mice. One is like a spinning top.

The Indoor Pet Initiative of the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine published an article on the importance of cat toys.

"Because of cat's heritage," they say, "they like toys that do something. Toys that squeak, chirp, jitter, swing, or vibrate remind them of moving meals, enticing him to interact with it."

Petlinks falls perfectly in line with this idea. The unpredictable movements engage and entertain cats, preventing boredom.

The toys have small parts, so monitor your cat's play with them.

Some of the toys have multiple speed settings, allowing you to customize the play experience based on your cat's preferences.

Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy

The Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy keeps your cat active and mentally stimulated. It features a sturdy base with three levels of tracks and six brightly colored balls that roll around, encouraging your cat to swat and bat at them.

The tower is sturdy with a non-slip base. Many cat owners have observed their cats spending hours entertained by the Tower of Tracks.

It's great for senior cats that may not move around as easily. Multiple cats can play together with this toy, batting the balls back and forth.

SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy

The SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy is a captivating toy that features a wand with a rotating toy concealed beneath a fabric cover. This one is on Good Housekeeping's list of the best cat toys of 2023. They say it's the best cat toy for curious cats.

Customers appreciate the vibrant visual appeal of the SmartyKat Hot Pursuit and its ability to keep cats engaged for extended periods. The variable speed control allows you to adjust the intensity of the play session.

Some customers don't like the use of small parts that may come loose. Most say their cats love this toy, but it isn't the sturdiest choice.

It has two extra replacement wands.

Cats love to hunt hidden prey. The SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Cat Toy indulges your cat in thrilling playtime sessions.

A TikTok video posted July 2, 2023, shows a cat playing with this toy.

Keep 'Em Moving

Your cat wants to catch live prey, but you may not be so keen on the idea of letting them loose on a real mouse! Instead of witnessing a real-life game of cat-and-mouse, give them a moving toy that provides the same satisfaction without stopping a living heartbeat.

Before choosing a toy, consider your cat's physical abilities, age, and individual preferences. Think about how aggressive they are and whether the toy has small parts easily ripped apart.

Fun is important, but safety is a top priority.

Give your cat the loving joy of moving toys. Stave off boredom, provide exercise, and let them have a little fun too. Any toy on this list is sure to be appreciated by your cat.

Try one (or two) out today.

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