Key Points
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Balls and toys shouldn’t be small enough for your cat to swallow.
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Several toys have balls that run on tracks to ensure your cat doesn’t lose or swallow them.
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The Yeowww! Catnip Toy Yellow Banana is the best catnip toy of 2023 according to Woman’s Day.
As a cat owner, you know the importance of play for your feline friend. Cats need stimulation and exercise to keep them content, and investing in cat toys is an essential part of providing that. It also allows you to bond with your cat and have fun!
To help you choose the best cat ball toys for your kitty, we have a list of the top five options. As a dedicated pet parent, rest assured that the information in this comprehensive article is accurate. Let’s start with an overview of why toy balls are good for your cat and then delve into the details of the toys.
Have a Ball!
Cats love chasing and hunting. For indoor cats that don’t have live prey, you must simulate the experience with toys. Balls bounce and roll around as your cat chases them. They’re an inexpensive but effective toy for stimulating exercise. Just make sure they’re not too small.
In a 2018 post, the experts from Beattie Pet Hospital in Ontario advise about toys that are safe for your kitten.
“Balls and toys should not be small enough to be inhaled or swallowed,” they warn. “Ping pong or practice golf balls (the ones with holes in them) are a good size and weight for kittens. Place the balls in a captive area, such as in a bathtub, for maximum fun. Or put one in an empty tissue box so your kitten can fish for it.”
With these economic options, there’s no stuffing to worry about and no small pieces. Your cat may get bored with them and the balls tend to roll under a fridge or sofa, so you may want to explore other methods of play.
The following are some of the most popular ball toys for cats, but if you’re on a budget, find ways to make your own cat toys!
by Bergan
Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy
Maybe your cat loves to chase balls, but you’re afraid they’ll swallow them. This is a perfect solution. The ball stays on its track while still tempting a chase.
Design and Features
Designed to provide hours of entertainment, the Bergan Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy combines an engaging interactive track with a replaceable scratchpad. The circular track features a ball that your cat chases, while the central pad is perfect for satisfying their natural urge to scratch.
The scratchpad is easily replaceable, ensuring a long-lasting, fresh experience for your cat. Add a bit of catnip to encourage use.
Benefits for Your Cat
This toy offers both physical and mental stimulation to your cat. Chasing the ball around the track and scratching the pad not only keeps your cat’s claws healthy but also provides an outlet for pent-up energy. This toy encourages your cat to practice their natural scratching behavior in a positive, safe environment, keeping your furniture safe from potential damage.
© Cattitude Daily Testing Lab.
Customer Reviews and Recommendations
Customers find the Bergan Turbo Scratcher to be a popular option for multi-cat households. Its sturdy construction is suitable for kittens and adult cats alike.
However, some customers note that their cats lose interest in the ball rather quickly. By regularly switching up the ball or adding additional toys to the track, you keep your cat engaged longer.
by Catit
Catit Design Senses Super Roller Circuit Toy
If your cat gets bored with chasing a ball in circles, try this circuit. Once your cat gets used to one track, you restructure it into a different shape.
Unique Design Elements
The Catit Design Senses Super Roller Circuit Toy is a visually engaging option for your cat’s playtime. It features a peek-a-boo track with an illuminated ball that moves up and down slopes and around bends. This design element stimulates your cat’s natural curiosity and encourages them to investigate and interact with the toy.
Benefits for Your Cat
Playtime with this track toy offers sensory engagement and improved hunting skills. The illuminated ball rolling through the track taps into your cat’s natural predatory instincts as they attempt to catch the ball. This activity keeps their mind sharp and provides valuable exercise to maintain their health.
Customer Feedback
Customers generally express satisfaction with this product. They appreciate how the toy creates a captivating play environment for their cats. However, some users mention a few drawbacks, such as the toy’s large size and its need for batteries. Despite these concerns, the Catit Design Senses Super Roller Circuit Toy remains an engaging and stimulating option for your cat.
by Petstages
Petstages Tower of Tracks Interactive Cat Toy
With three balls to chase, multiple cats find entertainment at once. This is also a great option if you have to leave your cat alone during the day.
Multilevel Design
The Petstages Tower of Tracks Interactive Cat Toy offers an innovative three-level design that provides your cat with an exciting play experience. Each level features a colorful ball securely mounted within the track.
Benefits for Your Cat
This multilevel toy promotes play and exercise and satisfies your cat’s natural hunting instincts. Your cat enjoys swatting, chasing, and batting the balls on multiple levels simultaneously, making it an excellent choice for preventing boredom and encouraging physical activity.
User Experiences
Users have found the Petstages Tower of Tracks suitable for cats of all ages. To prompt play, some owners suggest placing the toy near a window or high-traffic area. This allows your cat to view the outside world as they play. Customers report that this toy even manages to keep multiple cats entertained at the same time.
by SmartyKat
SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toy
These critters may not be balls, but they’re not far off. These little mice are easy to throw around and let your cat chase them. They’re also light enough that your cat carries them around like their defeated prey.
The SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Cat Toy is the classic play mouse but with the added enticement of catnip. They come in packs of two, three, four, five, 10, or 20, so your cat never runs out of fun.
Catnip-Infused Plush Toys
These adorable, plush critter toys by SmartyKat have an irresistible catnip scent. The Skitter Critters’ soft bodies and delightful designs make them perfect for your cat to cuddle and play with.
Benefits for Your Cat
Skitter Critters provide stress relief and encourage natural play behavior in cats. The potent catnip scent entices your cat to bat, kick, and carry these toys, while also offering a comforting presence when they’re not in play.
Feedback From Cat Owners
Customers like the affordability and quality of these Skitter Critters, but there are some concerns about their durability and the longevity of the catnip. To prolong your cat’s enjoyment, consider rotating these toys out with other options and refresh their scent with catnip spray.
Take them away if you see your cat tear off the ears, eyes, or tail. Once this happens, the stuffing may come out as well.
by Yeowww!
Yeowww! Catnip Toy Yellow Banana
To call this one a ball is a bit of a stretch (and a curve), but your cat still has a ball playing with it. On May 30, 2023, Ysolt Usigan, an editor for Woman’s Day, listed this as the “Best Catnip Toy” in an article of the “15 Best Cat Toys of 2023.”
Vibrant Design and Quality Material
The Yeowww! Catnip Toy Yellow Banana features a colorful and eye-catching design. Made with soft, quality fabric and filled with 100% organic catnip, this unique toy is both engaging and durable.
Benefits for Your Cat
This irresistible banana-shaped toy entertains and comforts your cat while soothing any feline anxiety. The organic catnip provides a calming effect, while the toy itself offers a perfect outlet for your cat’s playful nature.
Consumer Reviews
Owners find that their cats are highly attracted to the Yeowww! Yellow Banana Catnip Toy. Numerous customers praise its long-lasting catnip potency. As with any plush toy, durability may vary depending on your cat’s play style.
The Ball’s in Your Court
Finding the right toy for your cat is crucial for a happy and healthy kitty. Each of the top cat ball toys discussed in this article has unique attributes that cater to different feline preferences.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with these toys to find what best suits your cat’s needs. Get more than one and switch them out on occasion. With the right toys on hand, you promote physical activity, mental stimulation, and well-being for your furry friend.
You have the information, now take the ball and run with it.
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