12 of Our Favorite Artisanal Cat Toys

A good toy can do more than keep your cat entertained; it can also provide a fun way for you to interact with your furry friend. "The best toys are ones that allow you to engage with your cat, such as wand toys or any other toys you can dangle for your cat," says Jackson Cunningham, founder of Tuft + Paw. "These kinds of toys are popular because they're interactive and encourage play." Along with dangling, wind-style toys, Cunningham says there are other kinds of toys that your cat is sure to find amusing. "'Cat kicker' toys, are long rectangular shaped toys that your cat can spoon, grip, and kick ferociously with their hind paws," he says. "These should be made of a durable material, otherwise they'll get ripped to shreds."

A little catnip can also go a long way in a cat toy. Scientifically known as Nepeta cataria, catnip is a plant that is a member of the mint family—and is something that cats almost always get excited for. "I'd say catnip is pretty essential to keeping your cat's interest," Cunningham says. "Look for toys that have catnip embedded in them, with an added bonus if there's the option to replace/refill the catnip."

Of course, it doesn't hurt if a cat toy is fun for the owner to play with, too. "We love designing toys that have very distinct, almost cartoon-y shapes and silhouettes," Cunningham explains. "We try to think of things that would make humans laugh when their cat is playing with it." In the market for such a find? From feather brushes to faux sushi rolls, here are a dozen of our favorites.