All cat owners know that kittens are active little creatures with curious minds. With a natural desire to play, these little balls of energy need exercise, as well as mental stimulation.
Mental stimulation plays a vital role in their overall health, and toys provide the necessary stimulation—a kitty with plenty of toys is a happy kitty. But with all the different options, how do you pick the right toy?
In this guide, you’ll find reviews that will help you make an informed decision on the right kitten toy that will suit you and your kitten’s needs.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2024)
| Image | Product | Details | ||
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Best Overall
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Hepper Catnip Stick Toy |
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Check Price |
Budget Buy
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Frisco Plush, Ball & Tunnel |
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Check Price |
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Bergan Turbo Scratcher |
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Check Price |
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Frisco Bird Teaser Toy |
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Check Price | |
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Hepper Fish and Chews |
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Check Price |
The 13 Best Kitten Toys
1. Hepper Catnip Stick Toy – Best Overall
Almost no cat—not even the sweetest little kitten—can resist the call of a catnip toy. The Hepper Catnip Stick Toy is made with 100% North American organic catnip and doesn’t contain any fillers that are often used in poor-quality catnip toys. And because it is handmade with care, you don’t need to worry about any other suspicious materials going into the construction of your kitten’s new toy.
If your kitten is particularly aggressive with its toys, this stick was built with durability in mind and won’t explode apart after one overly energetic play session. It is hand-stitched and features a double-lined exterior for durability so your kitten can play for hours on end as aggressively as it likes without wrecking its toy.
The best feature of the Catnip Stick Toy, and one of the main reasons we believe it is the best overall kitten toy, is its long and lean shape. Cats are predators through and through, and this toy’s shape resembles the prey your kitten would stalk in the wild. The shape encourages your kitty to pursue and “catch” its prey, making for an enriching and fulfilling experience.
Unfortunately, this product is not refillable. Despite that and considering how many uses you will get out of a single stick, we think this is the best kitten toy on the market!
At PetKeen.com, 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!
| Material: | Fleece |
| Toy Feature: | Feather, catnip, crinkle, variety pack |
| Life Stage: | Kittens and adults |
This 25-count variety pack will have your kittens going wild during playtime. With many different choices, your kittens will have a blast. This toy includes a tunnel, fuzzy mice, feathers, crinkly pom-poms, rolling balls, and a wand. The tunnel offers a game of hide and seek, and some toys have catnip for an extra amount of fun. The wand is a little short, so be prepared to have slight kitty scratches.
All in all, this variety pack offers many options at great value.
3. Bergan Star Chaser Turbo Scratcher Cat Toy
| Dimensions: | 16 x 16 x 2 inches |
| Weight: | 15 pounds |
| Material: | Plastic, cardboard |
| Life Stage: | All ages |
This interactive toy provides plenty of stimulation for your kitten. The toy comes with an LED replaceable ball that is motion-activated and a scratch pad in the center. As an extra bonus, a sample pack of catnip is included. It comes in two colors: aqua or mulberry. Your kitten will love to swat at the ball, and the toy itself stays in place. Both ball and scratchpad are replaceable.
This toy can be loud, so there is a chance your kitten may be intimidated at first, and sometimes the ball may come out of the track.
This toy is a hit with kittens and provides hours of entertainment and stimulation. It is a little more than average for a cat toy, but the exercise and stimulation are well worth the money.
| Material: | Polyester |
| Toy Feature: | Catnip, crinkle, feather |
| Life Stage: | All ages |
The Frisco Bird Teaser and Feather Cat Toy will be a hit with your feline companion. Suitable for kittens and cats, this toy will encourage playtime right off the bat. The colorful feathers provide mental and physical stimulation. This toy also creates a bonding time between you and your kitten.
We recommend monitoring your cats and kittens while they play with this toy. The string can break and become a choking hazard.
From the colorful feathers to the added catnip, this toy is best for kittens and will provide plenty of exercise and enjoyment for you, too.
5. Hepper Fish and Chews
Cat wand toys are a great way to interact and play directly with your feline. However, not all cat wands are made equal. The Hepper Fish and Chews is made out of very simple materials, but it is one of the highest-quality options on the market. It is completely handmade and is made with some of the best materials.
It may cost a bit more than other cat wands out there. However, it is constructed better than other similar products and made to last years – not months like much of the competition. You’ll save money in the long run with this product, despite the higher upfront cost.
The sleek design features a stuffed fish on the very end of the string, as well as a ball directly above it. This dual design gives felines two places to grab on and promotes more play. The design of this toy allows it to be played with in a multitude of ways, whether the cats are chewing on the string or chasing the fish.
At PetKeen.com, 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!
6. SmartyKat Skitter Critter Value Pack Cat Nip Cat Toys, 10 Count
| Material: | Polyester |
| Toy Feature: | Catnip |
| Life Stage: | All ages |
This 10-count pack is a great value and offers hours of playtime for your kitten and adult cats. All the critters are soft and not too big for your kitten’s mouth. Your kitten will appreciate the organic catnip stuffed inside, and these critters induce hunting instincts. They are made of a soft, plush material that adds to the safety of this toy. The ears and tails on the critters keep your kitten intrigued, but do be aware that some kitties may tear the critter open sooner rather than later.
With this kitten toy, you’ll stay entertained by watching your kitten bat, swat, and chew while getting exercise and mental stimulation.
7. Frisco Basic Plush Mice Cat Toy with Catnip
| Dimensions: | 5 x 4 x 1.3 inches |
| Material: | Polyester |
| Toy Feature: | Catnip |
All cat parents know that cats love to chase mice, and this toy will provide that stimulation to provoke your kitten’s hunting instincts. This toy is made of a fuzzy material that kittens love, and it promotes exercise to keep your kitty healthy. The catnip inside will attract your kitten’s interest, and then playtime is on.
This toy is not refillable, and the tails on the mice might be too long for your kitty. If that’s a worry or problem, you can simply cut the tail to avoid injury.
This toy is available in a 3-count or 5-count, and it is sure to stimulate your kitty’s brain for hours of playtime and stimulation.
8. Frisco Double Cat Scratcher Toy and Catnip
| Dimensions: | 18 x 9.75 x 2 inches |
| Weight: | 05 pounds |
| Material: | Cardboard |
| Toy Feature: | Catnip |
This double cat scratcher will give your kitten something to scratch instead of your furniture. Inside the rectangular box, your kitty will find grooved cardboard that shreds with ease, providing the perfect place for scratching. This toy also comes with a packet of catnip to sprinkle on the cardboard for an added bonus. When one side gets worn, simply flip it over for more fun. Refillable scratch pads are available, and the size is ideal for one kitty or two.
You’ll want to monitor your kitty because some cats are known to chew cardboard, and this toy may not be suitable if you have a biter.
9. Yeowww! Catnip Rainbow Cat Toy
| Material: | Cotton |
| Toy Feature: | Catnip |
| Life Stage: | All ages |
Your kitten will love this colorful toy. Sown by hand, these toys come stuffed with organic catnip, and there are no dangerous pieces for your kitty to swallow accidentally. Your kitten will love to swat and tackle this rainbow, and the durable cotton should hold up for quite a while. However, some cats may have the ability to tear this apart at some point.
Overall, this simplistic yet interactive toy will keep your kitty satisfied with playtime and keep it entertained. You may even catch your kitty snuggled up with the rainbow during nap times.
| Material: | Soft fabric, plastic wand |
| Toy Feature: | Neon bubbles and retro bubbles |
| Life Stage: | All ages |
If you’re looking to have some quality bonding time with your kitten, this is it. This interactive toy promotes your kitten’s natural instincts to hunt and will also entice play. The fabric ribbon is soft, and the wand allows you to interact with your kitten for mental and physical stimulation. Twirl it around and watch your cat have the best time. The wand is short, so be careful to protect your fingers during playtime.
This toy is easy to grab, making playtime with your kitten a breeze. Your kitten will jump and leap, and you’ll be happy you made the inexpensive purchase. This toy is also suitable for adult cats.
11. Furry Fido Laser Cat Toy, Small
| Material: | Stainless steel |
| Toy Feature: | Exercise |
| Life Stage: | All ages |
The good ole’ laser pointer never disappoints. The laser will ignite your kitten’s hunting instincts in a flash (or the hit of a button), the red dot will immediately engage your kitten. The laser pointer offers your kitty plenty of stimulation and exercise to keep it healthy. Not only is this a fun toy for your kitty, but it also serves as a flashlight and comes with a USB charging cord. Another bonus is the UV detector light—if you suspect your kitty has had an accident outside the litter box, you’ll find it.
You’ll need to monitor how your kitten reacts at first because kittens can get discouraged and stressed if they can’t catch the red dot. If this happens, replace the laser with a different toy.
All in all, the laser pointer offers excellent exercise, and it is fun for you both.
12. SmartyKat Crackle Chute Collapsible Tunnel Cat Toy
| Material: | Plastic, nylon fabric |
| Toy Feature: | Crinkle, squeaky |
| Life Stage: | All ages |
Talk about hide and seek! This tunnel will have your kitten’s attention the minute you take it out of the box. The length of the tunnel is perfect for kittens, and they’ll love the crinkle sounds. This tunnel is made from durable nylon fabric and will last a long time. When your kitty is finished playing, the tunnel collapses into a circle for convenient storage.
When unpacking the tunnel, take heed to the instructions. The package is spring-loaded, so you’ll need to open it slowly and away from your face while holding the product together.
This product is at a good price point, is durable, and should last a long time. Cats love the crackling sound, and you’ll enjoy watching them play.
13. Frisco Moppy Ball and Cat Toy
| Material: | Polyester |
| Toy Feature: | Catnip |
| Life Stage: | All ages |
Kittens love to pounce on this moppy ball, and it’s great for swatting, batting, and biting. The inside is filled with catnip, so your little feline companion will be curious and want what’s inside. It’s suitable for solo play, as well as interactive play between you and your kitty. The ball is lightweight and soft, offering plenty of hours for your kitty to swat it around the house. Some kittens may be intimidated at first, but most learn to love the moppy ball. Also, throw it away if your kitty tears it up because it may become a safety hazard.
This moppy ball is a fun toy and will give your kitty hours of stimulation.
Buyer’s Guide: Finding the Best Kitten Toys
With so many options on the market for kitten toys, here are a few things to consider before purchasing.
Safety
When you buy a toy for your kitty, you want to make sure that it’s safe. Some things to look for are small pieces that your kitty may be able to chew off and swallow. You also need to check for any strings that may be a hazard. If your kitty has a favorite toy, but you’re worried about the string, simply cut it off.
Monitor Playtime
Monitoring your kitty while they play is a must. Never leave toys that can be a potential hazard out and accessible when you’re not home. That way, if there’s a problem, you will be there to take care of the situation.
Toy Size
Make sure that the toy is large enough to where your kitty can’t swallow it. Kittens love to pounce and bat at anything that rolls, but be sure they can’t eat them if you have little round ball toys for this purpose.
Conclusion
The Hepper Catnip Stick Toy offers endless possibilities for entertainment and is therefore our best overall kitten toy. They’re big enough so that your kitty can’t swallow, and it brings out their hunting instincts. We also liked the Frisco Plush, Teaser, Ball, and Tunnel Variety pack. This toy offers a wide variety of options at a great price.
We hope you’ve enjoyed these reviews, and it helps in your decision when buying kitten toys for your little furry ball of energy.
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Featured Image Credit: Michelle Raponi, Pixabay
