Cats are smart, curious creatures that love to play. If you have a feline friend at home, it's only natural that they get bored when left alone. To keep your kitty entertained and stimulated while you're away at work or running errands, it's worth investing in one of the best toys for cats.
Cats can be fastidious about their toys, so it's important to find something they'll love – maybe a mouse that moves around on its own or a colorful crinkle ball they can bat around the floor. Toys are also great for keeping your cat fit and healthy as well as calming them down if they suffer from anxiety.
We've rounded up some of the very best toy options available today below, including everything from cheap but cheerful deals to premium products with features like laser lights and hidden treat compartments. So whether you have a young kitten who needs entertaining or an older cat looking for new ways to pass the time, there should be something here for everyone.
We hope you find your next favorite thing from the list below! Each product was independently selected by our editors. ConsistentReviews may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page if you decide to buy something (that's how we stay in business). We hope you find your next favorite thing!
How We Choose
We looked at a variety of cat toys, including catnip toys, puzzle toys, and laser pointers. We also looked at reviews from customers to get an idea of which toys were the most popular with cat owners. From there, we narrowed our list down to the 10 best home-alone cat toy
according to the following criteria:
Cats need playtime - It's important for your cat to spend some time playing each day, so we only included the best cat toys on our list that would be fun for your kitty.
Toys should be engaging - We only included toys on our list that would keep your cat interested while they're home alone. That way, you can feel confident knowing they'll have something entertaining to do while you're out!
Why We Love It
The Kalimdor Cat Door Frame Interactive Toy is a great choice for owners who want to engage their cats in fun and interactive play. This toy features an elastic rope that extends from 10 inches to 70.8 inches, making it suitable for use with most door frames.
What You Should Know
The plush material provides added comfort and cushioning, while the metal springs provide extra stimulation and movement. The dangling catnip adds to the excitement and can be removed for easy cleaning if desired. The toy also comes with a replacement string so you don't have to buy new every time it gets worn out.
This product is made of 100% non-toxic materials, which means you won't have to worry about your cat ingesting any harmful components when playing with this toy. It's designed to last longer than many other hanging toys on the market, making this a good value considering its durability and long-lastingness.
UPSKY Cat Toy Roller 3-Level Turntable Cat Toy Balls
Perfect for One or More Cats
Why We Love It
The Upsky Cat Toy Roller is a fun and interactive toy that will keep your cat entertained for hours. This turntable provides three different levels of play, so you can adjust the challenge to suit your cat's skill level.
What You Should Know
The top-level features a plastic cat head on top of the toy, which adds an extra layer of fun and entertainment. The middle level has six colorful balls that move around when the toy is moved around, making it easy for your cat to catch them with its paws. The bottom level features a sturdy base that keeps the ball in place during playtime.
This product is designed specifically for indoor cats but can also be used as a stress reliever or mental exercise tool if you're not at home. It's great for one or more cats to play together since it'll make them happier and enhance their friendship.
Why We Love It
Legendog 5-Piece Catnip Toy Set is a great choice for any pet parent whose cat loves to play with toys. This set comes with five different toys, including mice and a ball, that are filled with catnip to keep your feline friend entertained.
What You Should Know
The Legendog Catnip Toy Set is made from high-quality materials that ensure durability and safety. The cotton linen used in the stuffing is soft and breathable, making it perfect for chewing without causing harm to your kitty's teeth or gums. The toy also features fine stitching on the edges that makes it durable enough for biting.
This Legendog Catnip Toy Set is a great way to help reduce your pet's boredom and can help ease anxiety caused by separation. It's an ideal indoor toy or outdoor activity for cats of all ages, so make sure you have one handy when needed!
Potaroma Cat Toys 3-in-1 Automatic Interactive Kitten Toy
Durable and Safe for Cats
Why We Love It
The Potaroma Cat Toy 3-in-1 Automatic Interactive Kitten Toy is a great choice for cat owners who want to keep their kitties busy and entertained. This interactive toy comes with three different play modes, including an automatic feather that flutters around randomly, trackballs that move along the track, and a butterfly that flutters around the room.
What You Should Know
The random movement of the feather adds an extra layer of fun for your cat to enjoy as they try to catch it. The dual power supplies allow you to use this toy on battery or USB power so you can choose how convenient it is for you. It's also designed with safety in mind, featuring a PP resin shell that is safe for cats and has no sharp edges or parts that could harm them.
With multiple play modes, these automatic cat toys will keep your cat engaged and entertained without getting bored. It's also smart enough to know when batteries need replacing so there's no hassle involved in changing them out - just replace the batteries when needed!
Why We Love It
The Cat Dancer 101 Interactive Cat Toy is an excellent choice for any cat that loves to play. This toy features a ball with a string attached, which allows your cat to bat the toy around and chase after it.
What You Should Know
The goal of this toy is to entice your cat to bat the ball around so that you can get closer and closer shots of them playing with it. The product comes in three different colors - green, blue, and black - so you can match the look of your home or room. It's made from safe materials and has no sharp edges or points that could hurt your pet if they were to accidentally ingest it.
This is one of the best interactive home-alone cat toys on the market today, especially if you're looking for something fun that will keep your cat happy for hours on end.
SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy
Help Improve Your Cat's Health and Fitness
Why We Love It
The SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy is a great option for cat owners who want to keep their feline's attention focused on them rather than roaming around the house. This toy features an electronic motion that flutters and zips underneath the rustling fabric in fast unpredictable spinning movements, which mimics real-life prey.
What You Should Know
The SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy comes with batteries included and is easy to set up and use. The product also features speed controls that allow you to customize the wand's movements to better cater to your cat's preferred play style. The SmartyKat Hot Pursuit Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy encourages your cat to give chase, swat, and pounce, engaging them in physical activity that can help improve their health and fitness while they are playing.
Overall this is a great option for cat owners who want their pets engaged in some fun yet mentally stimulating activity without having too much of an impact on the housekeeping chores around the house.
Why We Love It
The Migipaws Cat Toy is a great option for those who want a simple and affordable cat toy. This automatic moving ball bundle comes with three colorful plush cats love mice, which are designed to be attached to the ball using a string or elastic band.
What You Should Know
Once you've set it up, just let your cat have fun! The mouse will move erratically while your cat chases after it. The best part? It's completely silent so you don't have to worry about annoying noises bothering your neighbors. And since the ball moves automatically, there's no need to turn it on and off every time your cat plays with it.
The downside? It doesn't bounce very high, so if your cat prefers jumping over chasing mice then this may not be the right toy for them. However, if they like playing with balls and enjoy seeing their movements move around - this could be perfect!
Valonii Rechargeable Motion Activated Cat Laser Toy
Interactive Cat Toys for Indoor Cats
Why We Love It
The Valonii Pet Laser Toy is a great choice for any cat owner who wants to stimulate their feline's hunting instincts. This toy features an automatic rotating laser light that moves across the floor or wall, stimulating your kitty's natural hunting instinct.
What You Should Know
The product comes with two modes - Quickly press the button to switch speed, and set the product higher if you want it to move faster. The long-range motion-activated sensor means that this toy will work well even when your cat is moving around in another room. It also intelligently activates and automatically turns off after 15 minutes of use, so there's no need to worry about burning your fingers while trying to turn it off yourself!
This toy is powered by a 1200mAh rechargeable large-capacity battery which can be recharged using a USB adapter - making it easy to get going whenever you need some fun for your cat! While this toy isn't as durable as other toys on our list, its low price point makes up for that in most cases.
Why We Love It
The Potaroma Chirping Cat Toy Balls are a great way to keep your cat entertained while giving them exercise at the same time. These plush toys come with three balls that make different animal noises, making it fun for your cat to play with them.
What You Should Know
They also have a built-in battery so you don't have to worry about replacing batteries all the time. The plushy material is durable and holds up well against aggressive play, so you know these will last a while.
The bonus fresh catnip blend could be a great addition to making your cat's playtime fun - simply remove the lid and put in some fresh catnip blend and watch their tails start wagging!
Fashion's Talk Cat Toys Variety Pack for Kitty 20 Pieces
perfect choice for Cat
Why We Love It
The Fashion's Talk cat treat toy set is an affordable and fun way to keep your feline busy. This set comes with 20 different toys, including mice, balls, bells, and more.
What You Should Know
The toys are made of high-quality materials that stand up to lots of playtimes without breaking or getting damaged. The feathers on the toy mouse are soft and gentle for scratching enjoyment while the teaser feather is a little bit tougher for more advanced clawing skills.
This treat toy set also includes a variety of different colors so you can pick one that matches your decor perfectly. Whether you're looking for something simple and easy to use or want to impress your cat with a new toy - this Fashion's Talk Set will have them entertained in no time!
Best Toys For Cats Home Alone FAQs
You want the best toys for your best cat toy, but you don't know where to start.
With so many options out there, it can be tough to figure out which ones are good and which ones will end up as a waste of money. Plus, with all the conflicting information on the internet, it's tough to figure out who to trust about what's best for your kitty!
We've put together a list of some Frequently Asked Questions about choosing the perfect toy for your cat, plus we've curated a list of some of our favorite toys that our customers have loved below!
How Do I Keep My Cat Entertained Home Alone?
Cats are smart and curious, but they also need mental stimulation. If your cat is home alone all day, you'll want to provide it with plenty of toys and other things to do so it doesn't get bored. Try hiding treats throughout the home so your cat has a puzzle to solve while you're gone. You can also give your cat a new toy every week or two, especially if it's particularly attached to an old toy that's showing wear and tear. Regular playtime will help your cat relieve stress too!
You don't have to leave cats home alone for long periods of time unless absolutely necessary, as this is stressful for them (and there are many benefits of having a pet sleep in bed with you). However, if you work full-time and are gone all day, consider getting a pet sitter who can stop by regularly to let the cat out – or even take the feline with them on errands! While this may be more expensive than other options like roll scratcher cat toy, self-entertaining toys, or apps designed for cats when left solo, some animals prefer human contact over anything else.
What Toys Do Cats Play With By Themselves?
Cats are extremely curious and intelligent animals, so naturally, they love to play games that stimulate their senses. This includes toys that keep them entertained when you're away for work all day or even just for a few minutes while you grab a cup of coffee!
Cats often like catnip toys, which mimic the smell cats find most appealing. Cats also seem to enjoy mouse toys (including electronic versions), especially if they can catch the little critters themselves! If your cat is an outdoor kitty and likes water, some fishing pole toy options exist as well.
What Toys Keep Cats Busy While I'm At Work?
Toys that keep cats busy while their owners are away can be a godsend for pet parents who work long hours. These cat toys entertain your adult cat and help them relieve boredom and anxiety. They also give your cat some playtime before your return home.
Many of these toys come in the form of puzzles that require cats to manipulate the pieces to make treats or other rewards come out. This type of toy keeps cats' brains active, which is good for their overall health. It's especially important for senior kitties and adult cats since it helps with stimulation and memory retention.
Other types of toys mimic prey animals like mice, so they encourage hunting behavior in cats another healthy activity that satisfies their natural urge to capture prey. Toys such as fishing pole cylinders and electronic rodents are especially good at keeping cats engaged for longer periods of time, providing entertainment when you're away from home for several hours or even days at a time.
What Toys Should I Leave My Cat On Vacation?
When you're leaving your cat alone in your home, it's important to find the right toys to keep them entertained. For example, pet containment systems like cat fences and cat enclosures can help stop cats from getting into trouble while you're away.
You'll want to make sure these toys are out of harm's way though so that your kitty isn't tempted by them while you're gone. You may also want to leave a toy or two for your cat to play with during your vacation so they don't get too bored when left alone throughout the day.
Alternatively, if possible, bring along a new toy for each day of your vacation so that you have something new for them every time you check back in on them throughout the day.
What Do Cats Do When Left Alone Too Long?
Cats are territorial animals and, left alone for too long, they may feel their territory is being invaded. This can lead to stress behaviors such as cat litter box aversion or destructive scratching.
If you're leaving your cat home alone for the day, make sure there's food and water in their normal feeding spot so they don't have to hunt around to find a meal. You can also set up a timed food dispenser (we like the Catty Cones) so your pet has regular access to food throughout the day without having to wait at the bowl.
You can also invest in puzzle toys that will keep them entertained while you're away. Cats are very solitary creatures when it comes to playtime, so it's important there's something entertaining them while they're on their own – whether that be a laser toy or catnip mouse!
How Do I Leave My Cat Home Alone For 8 Hours?
It's hard to imagine leaving your cat home alone for 8 hours but if you're away for work, vacation, or some other reason then this is a question that needs answering. Cats are incredibly resourceful animals and can sometimes be left alone for periods of time without any problems. However, it's not ideal and they will suffer from stress during this time. It's worth noting that cats have different personalities so yours may fare better than others in certain situations.
To be able to leave your cat alone in your home while you're away, you need to make sure they have somewhere safe to hide. A good place might be an interior closet with plenty of blankets inside so they feel secure. You should also put down their favorite toy so they have something to distract themselves with while you're gone. Cats are also very clean creatures so having access to a litter box is important too as well as ample food and water sources.
You should stay in contact with someone who can check on your cat after a few hours just in case there are any issues or things don't go according to plan.
Are Indoor Cats Happy To Be Left Alone?
Many cats do seem to be happy and content when left alone, but others get depressed or even ill from the lack of human contact. If you're away from home for long periods at a time, consider investing in a cat sitter to visit your pet and provide companionship. You can also buy toys that simulate prey movement to stimulate hunting behaviors, which may help keep your cat occupied while alone. Be sure to consult with your veterinarian about ways you can keep your cat mentally stimulated while you're away.
Do Cats Get Bored Alone All Day?
Cats are prey animals and they love to be busy hunting and exploring. Cats also have a very strong sense of smell, so regular games that stimulate their sense of smell can keep them stimulated too.
The problem is that cats are very solitary creatures and don't really like playing with other cats unless they're in the mood to do so. This means cat lovers who work all day often have relatively inactive pets for large portions of the day, which can lead to boredom. So what do you do? You need to come up with some interactive cat toys that will keep your furry friends entertained when you're not around. Many pet stores sell cat puzzle boxes filled with treats, but these tend not to be all that stimulating because they only offer one challenge at a time. We recommend either buying several different types of puzzle boxes or creating your own homemade puzzle box by drilling holes in a sturdy cardboard box, then placing treats inside followed by closing the lid – this way your cat will need to solve puzzles each time he tries it!
How Long Can Cats Stay Alone By Themselves?
Cats are very resourceful creatures and can stay by themselves for long periods of time, but it's important to note that this is not recommended. Cats have a tendency to overeat if left alone without supervision, so you should always monitor their food intake and make sure there aren't any open containers around.
Cats also need regular playtime with humans or other cats in order to stay happy and healthy. If you're going on vacation or leaving for an extended period of time, you should consider boarding your cat at a local pet care facility. These facilities will allow your cat to socialize while receiving the proper nutrition and attention they need.
How Do You Keep An Isolated Cat Happy?
Cats are territorial by nature and even more so if they're in an isolated area. Providing cat toys to play with is a great way to keep your pet happy, but you'll also want to look into cat trees and other structures that provide places for cats to perch high off the ground while feeling like they have control over their territory.
Pellet cat litter is another great option for keeping your pet happy. Cats naturally prefer litter made from sand or clay, but most communities won't let you bury the waste in a backyard garden bed. Pellet cat litter mimics the texture of sand or clay without being heavy enough to sink through the pellets on your cat's tree perch!
As we have discussed, there are many different factors to consider when choosing the best toys for cats. Whether you have multiple cats or just one, whether your cat is young or old, energetic or lazy – all these aspects should be taken into account when selecting which toys would be best suited for them. You also need to think about things like the safety and durability of the toy as well as how interactive it is with your pet so they don't get bored quickly.
Overall, it's important to find a balance between entertaining and stimulating their curiosity while keeping them safe at home alone. With some research and consideration of all the relevant details, you'll be able to find the perfect toy that will keep your furry friend entertained while away!
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