Yahoo Lifestyle15 Gifts We're Getting Our Favorite Feline Friends for the Holidays
- 1/16
15 Gifts We're Getting Our Favorite Feline Friends for the Holidays
If you can't swing by the pet store for a food or litter restock without an adorable toy or two finding their way into your cart, we understand. There's nothing cuter than watching your kitty roll around on the floor with their favorite plaything, and watching that tail twitch as you take a new cat toy out of the package.
But cat toys aren't just fun for Fluffy; they're actually good for cats' health. Veterinarians say that playing has several very real benefits for felines. First, it can help them maintain a healthy weight if they're running around the house regularly, rather than sleeping every moment away. That, in turn, can help them live longer and keep chronic health conditions like heart disease and diabetes at bay. Play also keeps them mentally sharp. Just like people doing crosswords or Sudoku to limber up their brains, puzzle play engages cats' minds and staves off boredom, which also boosts their mood.
Plus, playing with your pet can improve your bond, too. Whether dangling a feather toy, tossing a catnip mouse across the room, or setting up a cat obstacle course (yes, they exist!), engaging with your pet will strengthen your relationship, which can even lead to better-behaved pets. If you're convinced, check out our list of top-rated cat toys below — and share your favorites in the comments! Have a dog, too? We've also got recommendations for the best dog toys you can buy.
- 2/16
1) Cat Toy Starter Pack
Youngever
amazon.com
$13.95
If you just brought home a new furever friend, welcome them with a starter pack with plenty of variety. With a tunnel for hiding, a dangling wand, balls, springs and mice, this set of 24 toys will give your cat lots of options as they figure out which types of playthings they prefer.
RELATED: 30 Gifts for Cat Lovers That Are Purr-fect in Every Way
- 3/16
2) Concealed Motion Cat Toy
SmartyKat
amazon.com
$9.99
For the tech-savvy kitty, try a concealed motion toy that encourages them to pounce and play. Just turn it on and let colored lights and a fluffy-ended wand get your cat dancing. It works great for independent playtime and has adjustable speeds, so you can customize it to your pet's agility level.
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- 4/16
3) Three-Level Roller Cat Toy
Easyology
amazon.com
17.00
Interactive puzzle toys like this one typically keep your cat busy for longer than less-engaging catnip mice or bell balls, which can reduce boredom-related destruction. The balls' movement mimics prey, so kittens and elder cats alike will love chasing them.
- 5/16
4) Electric Flutter Rotating Cat Teaser
Zenes
amazon.com
$13.69
For cats that like to play with feather wands, set up this automatic flutter toy to keep them occupied. The colorful butterflies rotate sporadically, encouraging them to bat and chase them. It comes with replacement butterflies too, just in case they catch and shred one.
- 6/16
5) Refillable Catnip Cat Toy
SmartyKat
amazon.com
$3.97
Catnip toys are classic for a reason: Just about every feline loves them. Most cats will get excited when they smell the catnip and chase it around, then adorably cuddle the soft toy when they get tired. These refillable versions come in fluffy mouse and koala designs, and the catnip is produced without added chemicals or pesticides.
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- 7/16
6) Electric Moving Interactive Fish Toy
Potaroma
amazon.com
This realistic-looking fish toy wiggles and flops when you turn it on, enticing your cat to chase and catch it. It also comes with a catnip pouch for extra play incentive, and recharges via USB so you don't have to worry about replacing batteries.
- 8/16
7) Interactive Cat Feather Wand
ChicWow
amazon.com
$9.59
Give your cat some much-needed exercise by dangling colorful feathers for them to chase. The retractable wand adjusts for larger or more limited spaces and it comes with a number of feather bunches, to keep things interesting.
- 9/16
8) Wool Felt Ball Toys for Cats
Earthtone Solutions
amazon.com
$11.33
These low-fi felt ball toys work great for those who don't like noisy or electronic playthings. They're also pretty enough that you may not mind as much if your little furry angel leaves them all over the living room.
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- 10/16
9) Collapsible Cat Scratcher and Lounger with Toys
YOUTHINK
amazon.com
$35.99
For small spaces, go for this collapsible corrugated cardboard lounger that's also a scratching post. It comes with an attached bell toy, to get them engaged. You can also change up the toy's shape, so they don't get tired of it over time.
RELATED: How to Adopt a Cat and What to Know About Bringing One Home
- 11/16
10) Swimming Robot Fish With LED Lights
BlackHole Litter Mat
amazon.com
$15.99
Give your outdoor cat some fun stimulation (and keep them from hunting birds and squirrels) with these colorful electronic swimming fish. Just turn them on, set them in a bowl of water, and let your cat bat them around. They also light up, for extra engagement.
- 12/16
11) Automatic, Interactive Laser Cat Toy
PetSafe
amazon.com
25.00
Many cats (and even some dogs) love chasing laser pointers. If yours is one of those, get them this automatic laser toy that they can chase without you. The light will move randomly across the floor for 15 minutes so your cat doesn't get overstimulated and you also don't have to remember to turn it back off.
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- 13/16
12) Robotic Interactive Cat Toy
PetDroid
amazon.com
$34.90
Keep your cat from chasing your robot vacuum by giving them another critter to follow. These rolling toys work on carpet, tile, and wood floors and will move in a similar way to natural prey. The set also comes with several attachments, so your cat can play with a crinkle ball one day, a ribbon another and a feather the next, to keep them from getting tired of it.
- 14/16
13) Colorful Springs Cat Toys
Ethical Pet
amazon.com
$3.35
If you need a stocking stuffer for your kitty, look no further. Cats love the bouncing motion of these colorful springs when you toss them across the floor.
- 15/16
14) Bite-Resistant Catnip Toys
Legendog
amazon.com
$11.48
Many cheaper catnip toys fall apart quickly, especially if your kitten uses them for teething or your adult cat gets really excited as they play. Because of their sturdier fabric, these bite-resistant catnip toys will last longer, and they come in a five-pack so you can replace each one when it does wear out.
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- 16/16
15) Windmill Cat Toy with Catnip Ball and Massage Center
Fairwin
amazon.com
$8.99
For a unique toy that really does it all, try this windmill cat toy. It rotates when your cat bats at the light-up balls, to encourage them to keep playing, and also comes with catnip to get them even more interested. The base has a suction cup you can attach to the floor or the wall for stability. Its nubbly center can act as a massager or a chew toy to help clean your cat's teeth, too.
Your cats will *love* these toys.
