Best Cat Toys For Kittens

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Jeanne Schneider
Latest posts by Jeanne Schneider (see all)

Bringing a new kitten home is a time full of joy and excitement. Now that your kitten has been separated from his littermates, he will need some toys to keep him entertained and stimulated. This guide will inspire you with the best cat toys for kittens, taking into consideration the needs of young, developing cats and their new cat owners.

 

Tops Picks

Interactive Feather Wand – B07F45GGPT

Your new kitten will go crazy for this feather wand toy. It mimics the motion of a real bird soaring around the room and will get your kitten excited to hunt and pounce. A nice feature of this wand is that the feather attachments are easy to replace if your kitten destroys it frequently. You can get your kitten running around the house chasing it to tire her out for the day. Just be careful not to leave your small kitten unsupervised with this toy because you don’t want her to ingest the feathers.

Andiker Cat Spiral Spring – B0839FGPFG

This 12 pack of small, colorful springs will keep your cat fit and active. They love watching them roll around the floor and batting them with their paws. They are easy for a young kitten to grab and chase, and also are a safe, durable toy. Spiral Springs are also a great budget option (only $5-$6)that will keep your cat occupied for hours.

Tempcore Pet Cat Tunnel – B07YKRPYJH

Cat will have fun running and hiding in this three-way cat tunnel. The material makes an enticing crinkle sound to stimulate cats. It’s also easily collapsible for efficient storage when playtime is done. There are over 10 colors and patterns to choose from to match you personal style or the decor of your home. The tunnel is an enclosed space to satisfy your cats need to hide. They can even peek out of the side holes to spy of you or their “prey.” The dangling balls at the opening of the tunnel are a great interactive feature that will keep your cat busy with self-play.

HARTZ Just For Cats Toy Variety Pack – B00KFOH8PQ

Hartz Just For Cats Toy Variety Pack is a diverse and affordable bundle of small cat toys. It includes soft, catnip mice to chase, pom poms for batting around, colorful plastic balls with bells and a wand toy. This is the perfect starter pack of small toys to satisfy your kitten’s natural need to play, chase and hunt. With so many toys to choose from, you can see what type of toy your kitten is attracted to the most for future toy purchases.

Cowjag Laser Pointer With 5 Adjustable Patterns – B0BGBHXSWH

A good quality laser pointer is a must-have for cat owners. You can sit comfortably on your sofa with the laser pointer, giving your cat a workout with a great game of chase. This laser pointer by Cowjag has 5 adjustable patterns that you can swap in and out to keep things interesting for your cat. It’s stainless steel design make it durable and it smoothly fits in your pocket. We love that it has USB port for charging, so you can plug into your computer or charger, and you don’t need to worry about changing the batteries frequently.  Cowjag is a very reliable brand and even offers a lifetime guarantee for their products and 24/7 customer service.

AUOON Cat Scratcher Rolling Ball Track Toy – B0751CQ4VL

Your kitten will be mesmerized by this rolling ball track toy. They can push the ball with their paw and watch as it rolls around the track. A cat scratcher in the middle of the track will attract your kitten to scratch and play, while encouraging appropriate scratching. The continuous movement is very intriguing for your cat, and it can be a fun challenge for them to try to get the ball loose. This rolling ball track is sturdy and will provide your kitten with great entertainment value.

Rainbow Cat Charmer – B007VPFC8C

The rainbow car charmer is another wand toy that your kitten is sure to enjoy. The long, colorful felt strands are bouncy and soft, inspiring your kitten to hunt and pounce. It’s non-toxic and durable making it a safe choice. Since you control the wand, it is a great way for you to bond with your kitten and have fun and laugh. The material is flexible and durable, so it should last a long time without being destroyed by claws and teeth.

KONG Kickeroo Giraffe Pattern – B001JQLKU8

KONG has an excellent reputation for making the safest, most durable, high-quality pet toys. Your kitten can tackle and pounce on this soft, plush toy with a feather on the end. It provides snuggly, comfort for your kitten and stimulates their senses with a crinkle sound. The material is great quality and will not be torn easily through chewing. Your cat can drag this around the house and pick it up in his mouth with pride. We think this could be your kitten’s next favorite toy.

Motion Activated Automatic Cat Laser – B0C7GMX4FT

This motion activated automatic cat laser toy is a upgrade from the traditional pointer laser. With a built in motor and motion-detection, the toy automatically actives and points the laser in random patterns. Your cat will be left guessing what will happen next, so it challenges them mentally while also giving them exercise. There are three speed modes to choose from – fast/slow/mixed. With the automatic setting, you can set this toy up to keep your cat entertained while you are away.

Legendog Bite Resistant Catnip Toy – B07QZQWDGY

These bite resistant catnip toys come in a variety of shapes and colors and are made with breathable, lightweight fabric so the catnip smell will quickly reach your cat’s nose. The cotton is strong and safe for your cat to chew on and they definitely will eat this up. This toy is ideal for freeing your cat from boredom and anxiety as the catnip will make them playful and then calm. Your cat will be very happy to play with these bite resistant catnip toys.

FAQs On The Best Cat Toys For Kittens

What kind of toys do kittens like the most?

Kittens are exploring the world for the first time, so they are curious about lots of things and are easier to engage in play than older, mature cats. Kittens love feathers and anything that mimics prey that they can stalk, pounce and chase. Catnip mice that can be batted around and chewed are also a great choice. Give your kitten a variety of toys to see which one they gravitate towards the most. They might be bored with a plastic ball, but will love the rolling action of a spring that they can easily pick up in their mouth.

What kind of toys can a 12 week old kitten have?

By twelve weeks, your kitten is big enough that standard cat toys will be safe for them to enjoy without worrying that they will inject something harmful or toxic. Mouse toys, pom pom balls, wand toys with feathers and ribbons are all great choices to get your kitten’s energy out with healthy playtime and exercise. Make sure to invest in high-quality, durable toys that won’t be easily destructed by your kitten’s sharp teeth. Also don’t leave your kitten unsupervised or they could end up ingesting pieces of toys or choking.

How do I keep my kitten entertained?

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on high-tech toys to keep your kitten entertained and stimulated. They can enjoy simple household items like a paper shopping bag, an empty toilet paper role or a small box. Having a variety of toys and swapping them out or rotating every few days will also help hold your kittens interest, so it will be like experiencing a new toy that they have forgotten about.

Kittens can also be very mischievous, so make sure to keep your household safe by keeping electric wires and toxic household cleaners in a safe place where you kitten can’t get in to them. If you have children, small toys like Legos, could also be hazardous for a curious kitten.

Should kittens have toys at night?

If you are going to leave your kitten unsupervised with toys out, make sure they don’t have small parts that can be chewed off and swallowed. It’s best to give your kitten a good play session with wand toys, a laser pointer or interactive toys so that they are exhausted and settle down for sleep at night. Kittens can get the “zoomies”at night making it hard for you and your family to sleep, so it’s better to ware them out first. Then you will have a happy, relaxed and satisfied kitten.

What should kittens not play with?

You should be very cautious of your kitten playing with wires, string and yarn. If swallowed, the string can get stuck in the intestine, causing severe damage and it may have to be removed through intensive surgery.

If you think your kitten has swallowed a toy or other foreign object, get to your vet immediately. They vet may be able to remove the toy more easily than if it travels down to your cat’s intestine.

What are the benefits of interactive toys?

Interactive toys not only satisfy your kitten’s physical needs to play, but they offer mental stimulation and increase intelligence. Interactive toys like wands, laser pointers and puzzle toys challenge your kitten’s mind and can also increase your bond with your kitten when you spend playtime together. These toys are more unpredictable, so your kitten won’t get bored easily and will be entertained for hours.

Why do some toys have catnip, and is it safe for kittens?

Catnip,or Nepeta cataria, is a herb that is part the mint family. Cats have very sensitive senses of small and are drawn to catnip as it imitates sex hormones and induces a sense of euphoria that can make your cat more playful or relaxed. Catnip makes toys more appealing and encourages play. Some cats go crazy for catnip. Just make sure to monitor your kitten’s reaction and don’t offer in in large amounts or too often. Check with you vet for more guidance.

How can I encourage my kitten to play if they seem disinterested?

Your kitten has his own individual preferences for toys, so offering a variety of toys may help see what your kitten enjoys most. Kittens also crave your attention, so using interactive toys like wands with ribbons or feathers, can encourage your kitten to play if they don’t play by themselves. Adding catnip toys may also make your kitten more interested. You can buy pre-stuffed catnip plush toys that they can bite and tackle, or sprinkle some catnip on a scratcher or tunnel to get them engaged. Kittens also do better in pairs, so if you have two kittens or more, they should engage in games of chase and tackle.

How long should I play with my kitten each day?

Kittens are full of energy and need regular play sessions to stay mentally stimulated and physically fit. Two to three play sessions a day, lasting 10 -15 minutes should help meet your kittens needs and keep them out of trouble. Make sure to schedule playtime before you leave for work for the day and before bedtime. If you don’t have a lot of free time to devote to your kitten, you might want to consider having multiple cats for companionship and more playtime with no effort.

The Bottom Line

Find the best cat toys for the kitten can ensure that your new furry friends is developing and growing into a great pet. A selection of toys keeps your cat fit physically and mentally. If kittens have toys to play with they can get their energy out with healthy playtime, making in less likely that they will engage in bad behaviors around the house, like destroying furniture or electronics or improper litter box use. The kitten phase is short lived, so make sure to enjoy this time with your growing feline and form a strong bond.

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