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Home > Cats > 18 Best Toys for Cats Home Alone in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

18 Best Toys for Cats Home Alone in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Burmese cat face before pounce hunting to toy mouse

When we’re not home, there’s no telling what mischief our cats can get up to. After a long day, there’s nothing worse than coming home to scratched-up furniture and all your valuables knocked off your shelves.

Keeping your cat entertained while you’re away may be easier said than done, as it relies on finding a toy that your cat will play with for hours without needing human input. Choosing between crinkle balls, rolling tracks, puzzles, and electronic toys is where the difficulties start.

So, we put together these reviews to introduce you to the best cat toys for your stay-at-home feline. Whether you’re day-tripping with the family, on a shopping spree, or at work, these toys will keep your cat entertained and out of mischief.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Catnip Stick Toy Hepper Catnip Stick Toy
  • Made with 100% catnip
  • Does not include fillers
  • Durable design
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    SmartyKat Fuzzy Ball Cat Toys SmartyKat Fuzzy Ball Cat Toys
  • Catnip included
  • No chemical pesticides
  • Interactive or independent play
  • Third place
    SnugglyCat Ripple Rug Cat Play Mat SnugglyCat Ripple Rug Cat Play Mat
  • Playmat
  • Scratching spot
  • Suitable for cats of all sizes
  • Frisco Cat Tracks Butterfly Cat Toy Frisco Cat Tracks Butterfly Cat Toy
  • Three-tier track
  • Bouncing butterfly toy
  • Suitable for multi-cat households
  • Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy
  • Expandable track
  • Encourages hunting instinct
  • Suitable for multi-cat homes
  • The 18 Best Toys for Cats Home Alone

    1. Hepper Catnip Stick Toy — Best Overall

    Hepper Blue Catnip Stick Toy - Domestic Shorthair Tortoiseshell Cat

    Weight: 0.32 oz.
    Material: Linen, catnip
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: Yes

    Our choice for the best overall toy for cats home alone is Hepper’s Catnip Stick Toy. It’s made with 100% catnip, designed to make your feline friend bounce off the walls with excitement. No fillers are included in the catnip stuffing, so you can rest assured that your cat will not get into anything that they shouldn’t during playtime.

    But even if there were fillers inside, it would be incredibly difficult for your cat to get to them. Hepper’s Catnip Stick Toys are built with durability in mind, and they are designed to survive plenty of play sessions. The double-bagged structure makes it resistant to punctures.

    These toys are specially handmade in the United States and come in adorable pastel colors that are sure to make your house look like spring has come early. Just imagine how cute your kitty will look when they hug one of these pastel toys!

    Hepper’s Catnip Stick Toy can be wiped down but cannot be cleaned in a machine. This generally shouldn’t be too much of a problem unless the toys find their way into something particularly messy.

    At PetKeen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    Pros
    • Made with 100% catnip
    • Does not include fillers
    • Durable design
    • Handmade in the United States
    Cons
    • Need to be manually cleaned

    2. SmartyKat Fuzzy Friends Plush Ball Cat Toys — Best Value

    SmartyKat Fuzzy Friends Plush Ball Cat Toys

    Weight: 32 ounces
    Material: Polyester
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: Yes

    Available in a pack of two, the SmartyKat Fuzzy Friends Plush Ball Cat Toys is the best toy for cats home alone for the money. Not only are these crinkle balls adorable, but they’re also filled with catnip to entice your cat to carry them everywhere. The included catnip uses no chemical pesticides, to ensure that your cat can play in a healthy way.

    Suitable for interactive and independent playtimes, these SmartyKat Fuzzy Friends give you the option to play with your cat or let your feline enjoy themselves while you’re gone.

    Small in size, your cat may lose these toys under furniture while you’re out of the house. The catnip is also not replaceable and can’t be removed from the toys, so it may require supervision.

    Pros
    • Catnip included
    • No chemical pesticides
    • Interactive or independent play
    Cons
    • Catnip may require supervision
    • Possible to lose under furniture

    3. SnugglyCat Ripple Rug Activity Play Mat — Premium Choice

    SnugglyCat Ripple Rug Cat Activity Play Mat

    Weight: 8 pounds
    Material: Recycled materials, polyester, rubber
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: No

    If your cat loves to play under rugs, the SnugglyCat Ripple Rug Cat Activity Play Mat gives them a durable playmat to scratch, hide in, and sleep on. With Velcro fastenings and safety slits to keep your feline’s playtime safe, cats of all sizes can fit through the multiple holes with ease.

    Made from a sturdy carpet material so your cat can scratch to their heart’s content, this mat is also comfortable and makes for a great napping spot. It can be folded into various tunnel shapes to keep your cat interested.

    Despite the included safety features to ensure that your cat doesn’t get trapped, it’s a good idea to supervise your cat’s first few play sessions. It might take several sessions before you’re happy enough to leave your cat alone with this option.

    The SnugglyCat Ripple Rug is also expensive and takes up a large amount of floor space.

    Pros
    • Playmat
    • Scratching spot
    • Durable
    • Suitable for cats of all sizes
    Cons
    • Space consuming
    • Expensive
    • Built-in safety features may require supervision to ensure that they work

    4. Frisco Cat Tracks Butterfly Cat Toy

    Frisco Cat Tracks Butterfly Cat Toy

    Material: Plastic
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: No

    Kittens dart between toys like they’re going out of fashion, so the Frisco Cat Tracks Butterfly Cat Toy gives them three rolling ball tracks and a bouncing butterfly toy to keep them entertained. Suitable for multi-cat households, this toy doesn’t contain batteries and can’t scare timid felines with loud noises. Instead, it works to entice your cats to play with the bright colors, along with the bouncing and rolling movements.

    There’s a replacement butterfly included, but that part of the toy isn’t durable and may get lost.

    While this toy is a great way to keep your cats entertained when you’re at work, it is lightweight, and more energetic felines can easily knock it over.

    Pros
    • Three-tier track
    • Bouncing butterfly toy
    • Replacement butterfly
    • Suitable for multi-cat households
    Cons
    • Removable butterfly toy might break off
    • Easy to knock over

    5. Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy

    Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy

    Weight: 6 ounces
    Material: Polyester
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: No

    Another great toy for cats left home alone is the Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy. Made from a durable polyester, the light-up ball included in this track is battery operated and designed to pique your cat’s interest. The holes in the tunnel cover encourage your feline’s hunting instincts by enabling them to bat at the ball as it passes.

    For a unique experience, this circuit toy is expandable using other tracks of the same make. It also requires little to no human input past the initial setup, which makes it perfect for cats home alone.

    The light-up ball batteries don’t last long, however, and the only way to replace them is by purchasing new balls.

    Pros
    • Expandable track
    • Suitable for multi-cat homes
    • Encourages hunting instinct
    Cons
    • Ball batteries don’t last long
    • Replacement balls sold separately

    6. Hepper Bamdoll Cat Toy

    Hepper bamdoll toy

    Weight: Unknown
    Material: Linen, cotton, polyester, catnip
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: Yes

    A good recommendation for cats that are home alone is the Hepper Bamdoll Cat Toy. It’s designed to withstand pawing, chewing, and scratching for hours on end, so your feline friend will stay busy while you’re away. It’s infused with catnip to keep your cat interested, and it’s handmade from natural materials, which reduces your eco-footprint.

    The only downside to this fun toy from Hepper is that it can’t be washed. However, it is quite durable, so we don’t think that you’ll need to replace it anytime soon.

    At PetKeen, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    Pros
    • Catnip infused to promote interest
    • Unique shape encourages cats to play
    • Durable and long lasting
    Cons
    • Not washable

    7. Frisco Scratch & Roll Scratcher Cat Toy With Catnip

    Frisco Scratch & Roll Scratcher Cat Toy With Catnip

    Material: Plastic, cardboard
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: Yes

    Containing a rolling ball track and a built-in scratcher, the Frisco Scratch & Roll Scratcher Cat Toy With Catnip takes care of both your cat’s claws and their boredom. If the rolling ball toy doesn’t capture your cat’s attention, the included packet of catnip will draw them in and convince them to scratch or bat the ball around the track.

    Since the ball is enclosed in the track, your cat doesn’t need human companionship as they play.

    Although many cats love the texture of corrugated cardboard, it isn’t as durable as some other scratching materials. The cardboard scratching pad also shreds easily and leaves a mess everywhere, requiring frequent cleanup sessions.

    Pros
    • Rolling ball track
    • Built-in scratcher
    • Includes catnip
    Cons
    • Corrugated cardboard doesn’t last long
    • Cardboard makes a mess

    8. SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy

    SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy

    Weight: 8.8 ounces
    Material: Plastic
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: No

    Designed for independent play, the SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy is a great way to keep your feline happy while you’re away. Battery operated, it uses a mechanical arm and attached feather toy to trigger your cat’s hunting instinct by mimicking the movements of hiding prey.

    Not only does this toy encourage your cat to get a healthy amount of exercise, but you can also leave it on while you’re away from home to keep them entertained. There are several different speeds for all cats to find suitable.

    Since this toy is electronic, it makes a humming noise while in use and may scare timid cats. Neither the mechanical arm nor the plastic cover is suitably durable.

    Pros
    • Encourages exercise
    • Mimics hidden prey movements
    • Different speeds
    Cons
    • Electronic humming when in use
    • Not that durable

    9. Petstages Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play Cat Toy

    Petstages Buggin' Out Puzzle & Play Cat Toy

    Weight: 2 pounds
    Material: Wood
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: No

    Doubling as a food bowl to slow down cats that eat their meals too fast, the Petstages Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play Cat Toy encourages your bored feline to solve puzzles to reach their treats. Made with wood for durability, there are no removable parts to pose a choking risk to your cat, and it can withstand a beating from eager paws.

    Dry food and treats work best with this cat toy because wet cat food can cause a mess that’s difficult to clean up. Inquisitive claws might also get caught in the moving parts.

    The wooden construction requires this toy to be hand washed only.

    Pros
    • Encourages problem-solving
    • Can be used as a food bowl
    • Slows down speedy eaters
    • No removable parts
    Cons
    • Treats not included
    • Unsuitable for canned food
    • Hand wash only
    • Unsuspecting claws might get caught in moving parts

    10. Hexbug Nano Robotic Cat Toy

    Hexbug Nano Robotic Cat Toy

    Weight: 3 ounces
    Material: Plastic, rubber
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: No

    For cats that are fascinated by bugs, the Hexbug Nano Robotic Cat Toy was created to mimic the movements of insects. Battery operated—batteries are included for out-of-the-box playtime—and soundless to soothe even a timid feline’s nerves, this toy uses vibration technology to move across hardwood floors. The feathered tail, bright color, and simple movements all work to attract your cat’s attention and awaken their inner hunter.

    As a small toy, it is easily lost beneath furniture, and the vibration technology only works on hard surfaces. You’re also unable to choose the color of the Hexbug that you receive.

    Pros
    • Vibration technology
    • Electronic
    • Encourages independent play
    • Batteries included
    Cons
    • Can get lost under furniture
    • Only works on hard surfaces
    • Random color

    11. Frisco Variety Pack Cat Toy

    Frisco Variety Pack Cat Toy

    Material: Polyester, plastic
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: Yes

    If you’re new to cat ownership and aren’t sure what type of toy your feline will like best, the Frisco Variety Pack Cat Toy has a range of different toys for your cat to try.

    The tri-tunnel includes a hanging ball toy and plenty of space for multiple cats to hide, play, and nap together. Some of the included toys have catnip, while others are simple crinkle balls or plush mice. As a 20-count variety pack, there are plenty of choices for multi-cat households to play with.

    Your cat may accidentally tear the tunnel material with their claws as they play, and the noise created by some of the toys may frighten more timid felines.

    Pros
    • 20-count variety pack
    • Tri-tunnel
    • Includes catnip
    • Suitable for multi-cat households
    Cons
    • Tunnel material tears easily
    • Some cats may dislike the noise of some of the toys

    12. Frisco Squirrel Refillable Catnip Cat Toy

    Frisco Refillable Catnip Cat Toy

    Material: Polyester
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: Yes

    If your cat is a fan of catnip and squirrels, the Frisco Squirrel Refillable Catnip Cat Toy combines their favorite things. Using soft, plushy material, this stuffed squirrel toy has a sealable and refillable compartment for catnip. It’s machine washable if it gets too grimy or if your cat prefers playing without catnip.

    A packet of Canadian catnip is included with the toy. For felines that aren’t used to catnip, the usage of the plant may require supervision. The catnip option may be unsuitable for some stay-at-home cats.

    Due to the plush material used in this toy, the faux fur may shed when attacked by particularly energetic or excited felines.

    Pros
    • Canadian catnip included
    • Refillable
    • Soft material
    • Catnip is optional
    • Machine washable
    Cons
    • Catnip may require supervision
    • Plush material may shed

    13. Spot Ethical Pet Mylar Balls Cat Toy

    Ethical Pet Mylar Balls Cat Toy

    Weight: 8 ounces
    Material: Mylar
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: No

    Spot Ethical Pet Mylar Balls Cat Toy captures your cat’s attention with its shiny and bright colors. It comes in a pack of four, so you have plenty of backups if your cat manages to lose one. About 1.5 inches in diameter, they’re small and lightweight, enabling your feline to carry and toss them around without human assistance.

    These Mylar balls are designed to crinkle and draw your cat’s attention, but some felines may be scared by the noise. They’re also not durable enough to withstand constant attacks from energetic cats.

    If your cat prefers to chew toys rather than play, they may require supervision to ensure that broken pieces aren’t swallowed. In this case, these crinkle balls are unsuitable to use when the cat is home alone.

    Pros
    • 1.5-inch mylar balls
    • Attention-grabbing, shiny material
    • Four pack
    Cons
    • Crinkle noise may scare some cats
    • Fall apart under constant attacks
    • Some cats require supervision

    14. Ethical Pet Thin Colorful Springs Cat Toy

    Ethical Pet Thin Colorful Springs Cat Toy

    Weight: 92 ounces
    Material: Plastic
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: No

    Bouncy and unpredictable, the Ethical Pet Thin Colorful Springs Cat Toy distracts your cat from the tempting valuables that they love knocking off your bookshelf. Lightweight so your cat can easily carry and bat them around, the thin springs are also colorful enough to catch the attention of any feline.

    These toys are sold in packs of 10, so you can easily replace lost springs, but their size means they often disappear under furniture and kitchen appliances. Due to the plastic construction, the edges of these springs have sharp points that need to be clipped off. Age and sun damage may also make these toys brittle.

    Pros
    • 10 pack
    • Colorful and bouncy
    • Encourages activity
    Cons
    • Can get lost under furniture
    • Sharp edges need to be clipped off
    • May become brittle with age

    15. Hartz Just For Cats Peek & Play Pop-Up Tent Cat Toy

    Hartz Just For Cats Peek & Play Pop-Up Tent Cat Toy

    Weight: 24 ounces
    Material: Polyester
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: No

    The Hartz Just For Cats Peek & Play Pop-Up Tent Cat Toy is a great option for kittens and smaller cats. With the open windows and hanging toys, it encourages exploration and playtime while remaining a safe place for your best friend to take a nap.

    Although this toy requires assembly, it’s a simple pop-up construction, so you and your cat can use it straight out of the box. The design also includes a detachable crinkle mat that doubles as a scratcher.

    Some cats dislike the noise from the crinkle mat, and the general construction doesn’t last long, being lightweight and easy to tip over. It’s also smaller than some other tunnels and may be unsuitable for large cats.

    Pros
    • Detachable scratcher
    • Two hanging toys
    • Pop-up assembly
    Cons
    • Doesn’t last long
    • Some cats dislike the included crinkle mat
    • Unsuitable for large cats
    • Lightweight and may tip over

    16. Frisco Basic Plush Mice Cat Toy With Catnip

    Frisco Basic Plush Mice Cat Toy With Catnip

    Weight: 9 ounces
    Material: Polyester
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: Yes

    Frisco Basic Plush Mice Cat Toy With Catnip convinces your favorite cat to play by mimicking the natural look and feel of mice. Fuzzy in texture with string tails, these stuffed mice are infused with Canadian catnip and trigger your feline’s hunting instincts.

    Available in packs of three or five, this option is suitable for multi-cat households and cats that are fond of carrying their toys off so you can’t find them.

    The catnip in these toys is infused with the general construction and can’t be replaced when it wears out. These mice are also small and are easily batted under sofas, stoves, fridges, and other household furniture.

    Pros
    • Three or five pack
    • Includes Canadian catnip
    • Fuzzy texture and string tails
    Cons
    • Can get lost under furniture
    • Catnip can’t be replaced

    17. SmartyKat Chickadee Chirp Electronic Bird-Sound Cat Toy

    SmartyKat Chickadee Chirp Electronic Bird-Sound Cat Toy

    Weight: 48 ounces
    Material: Polyester
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: Yes

    The SmartyKat Chickadee Chirp Electronic Bird-Sound Cat Toy is designed for cats that can’t get enough of watching birds in the garden. Battery operated, this toy mimics real bird sounds every time your cat touches it, calling to their hunter instincts. Stuffed with catnip, both the noise and tempting smell will lure in your cats and make for a fascinating playtime.

    Unlike most battery-operated toys, the SmartyKat Chickadee can’t be turned off, and the batteries aren’t replaceable, making the toy useless when the batteries die. The artificial noises may also scare some cats.

    As with most cat toys of this size, your cat can carry and toss this one around with ease. It’s also easy to lose under furniture.

    Pros
    • Noise is activated by touch
    • Mimics real bird sounds
    • Stuffed with catnip
    Cons
    • Can get lost under furniture
    • Noise may scare timid cats
    • Can’t be turned off
    • Batteries can’t be replaced

    18. Ethical Pet Sponge Soccer Ball Cat Toy

    Ethical Pet Sponge Soccer Ball Cat Toy

    Weight: 4 ounces
    Material: Sponge
    Independent: Yes
    Catnip: No

    The Ethical Pet Sponge Soccer Ball Cat Toy is made with a foam material that is soft for cats with missing teeth—and for humans who accidentally step on their cat’s toys. Sold in a pack of four so you always have spares or can scatter them in different rooms around the house, these mini soccer balls are lightweight to make playtimes fun and are brightly colored to make finding them simple.

    Besides being easy to lose around the house, the soft foam is no match for particularly vigorous playtimes, and cats that prefer to chew their toys may accidentally swallow small parts. Some owners have also complained about a chemical plastic smell coming from this toy.

    Pros
    • Four pack
    • Sponge soccer balls
    • Soft for humans to step on
    Cons
    • Can get lost under furniture
    • Smelly
    • Easy to tear apart

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    FAQ: Choosing the Best Toys for Cats Home Alone

    While searching through the vast selection of cat toys available, you may wonder how to even begin choosing one. If you are a new cat owner, figuring out the toys that your new kitten likes best can feel like an insurmountable obstacle.

    So, we put together this list of questions to keep in mind as you’re looking through your options. Hopefully, they’ll help you come to an easy decision.

    cat playing an interactive toy
    Image Credit: Maire, Pixabay

    Does Your Cat Like Loud Noises?

    Some cats are boisterous and show no fear. They’ll beg ear scratches from everyone, from your neighbor to the friend whom you haven’t seen in years. Others are the epitome of “scaredy-cats.” They’ll bolt at even the quietest strange noise and disappear before your best friend—the human one—can step anywhere near your doorbell.

    Knowing whether your cat is timid or brave will help you figure out what type of toy they’ll like best. These two types of cats typically have different preferences when it comes to toys. While your mini-lion may love bells and doesn’t mind the electronic whirring from battery-operated toys, your timid feline might prefer something quieter.

    For the timid feline, simple is always the way to go. Try a rolling ball track that doesn’t use batteries or even a tunnel with hanging toys and plenty of space to hide away when the world gets a little too scary.

    What Is the Difference Between Interactive and Independent Toys?

    There are two types of toys for your cat. Both are popular for various reasons, but not all varieties are suitable for cats to play with on their own while you’re away from home.

    Interactive toys are products that require a human to play along, from laser pointers to those “fishing pole” toys where a feathered ball hangs on a stick. While your cat can probably play with the latter option by themselves without a problem, they’re the sort of toy that’s only truly interesting when the cat’s favorite human plays too.

    Conversely, independent toys are toys that your cat can play with alone. Battery-operated toys, multi-tiered rolling tracks, or even a simple catnip-infused ball are all varieties of toys that your feline will enjoy pouncing on and chasing around the house without needing much input from their human friends.

    Some toys are more independent than others, and some are a hybrid of interactive and independent, like your cat’s favorite mouse toy that they keep batting under the fridge for you to find.

    two cats playing with toy at home
    Image Credit: Axel Bueckert, Shutterstock

    Do You Need Additional Benefits?

    By “additional benefits,” we mean anything that goes beyond the simple design of the toy—for example, a rolling track with a built-in scratching pad or a play tunnel that doubles as a napping spot. These toys serve multiple purposes. They keep your cat’s playtimes fun and exciting, while also being a good place to keep their claws healthy or curl up and take a nap. Sometimes, simple is better, but depending on how much trouble your cat gets into while you’re away, you may find that you need more of an incentive to keep them out of mischief.

    How Much Space Do You Have?

    Most toys are small enough to get lost under furniture—much to the protest of our knees and backs when we’re the ones who have to retrieve them. Others are bigger. Choosing a toy for your cat depends on both their preferences and the available space in your home.

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    Final Thoughts

    If you’re looking for a completely independent cat toy for when you’re away, the best overall is the Hepper Catnip Stick Toy. It’s both durable and enticing, so your kitty will never be bored. If you want a budget-friendly option, the SmartyKat Fuzzy Friends Toy is adorable and comes in a pack of two in case one goes missing—or your cat refuses to give one back.

    Check out the other reviews for the best cat toys for when you’re not at home. By considering all your options, you’ll soon find the best toy for your home-alone feline.

    Another interesting read:


    Featured Image Credit: Viacheslav Lopatin, Shutterstock

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