Pete Wise, a journalist and lifelong cat lover, tested over a dozen cat toys with a panel of feline testers, including kittens from Cat Action Trust 1977 and his own cat Martha. The top pick is Nature's Goodies colourful long raffia tail teaser sticks, priced at £12.50, praised for their natural materials and interactive play. The best budget option is Pets at Home scrunchie ball at £1, which sent kittens chasing and batting. For scented toys, Zebedee's valerian mouse (£7.49 for two) combines stimulating scent with durable fabric. PetSafe Peek-A-Bird (£31.10) excels as an electronic toy, with a motion sensor for all-day play. Honeysuckle Cat Toys honeysuckle and catnip pouch (£7.45) proved irresistible to Martha, eliciting nuzzling and drooling. Wise notes that cats often tire of toys quickly, so rotating different types is recommended.
How the toys were tested
Wise engaged a panel of feline testers, mostly from Cat Action Trust 1977, including a group of hand-reared kittens and an adult cat named Hovis. Each toy was tested with multiple cats to account for individual preferences. Wise observed play behaviour, considered the human's experience, and left toys with the cats after testing. All test cats have since been homed, but the charity often has foster cats available for adoption.
Best cat toy overall: Nature's Goodies colourful long raffia tail teaser sticks
These teasers are beautifully made from natural materials like raffia and pine wood. Martha chased the grass-like strands enthusiastically, especially when the toy was moved behind furniture. The rustling sound added excitement. Other teasers from the brand also pleased rescue kittens and Hovis. However, cats may eventually tire of any teaser, so buying a few types is advisable.
Best budget cat toy: Pets at Home scrunchie ball
At just £1, this shiny scrunchie ball triggered hunting instincts in Dianne's foster kittens, who chased and batted it long after the initial throw. Its glinting effect enhances appeal. Wise recommends having several scatter toys like ping-pong balls, but notes these are easy to lose under furniture.
Best scented cat toy: Zebedee's valerian mouse
Valerian scent is known to make cats playful and relaxed. Dianne's kittens initially sniffed the mouse cautiously but soon attacked its tail, with fabric resisting sharp claws. Wise's mum's cat Bertie also enjoys this toy. However, finding the right scent for each cat can require trial and error, as genetics influence response to valerian, silvervine, or catnip.
Best electronic cat toy: PetSafe Peek-A-Bird
This electronic bird-shaped toy twiddles a feather through slots and activates with a tweeting sound. It sent kittens scarpering from side to side as they attacked the moving feather. It offers two modes: 10-minute play or all-day with a motion sensor. A replacement feather is included, as playful cats may tear out the original.
Best catnip cat toy: Honeysuckle Cat Toys honeysuckle and catnip pouch
Martha immediately nuzzled, rolled, purred, and drooled after sniffing this pouch. The organic catnip and ground honeysuckle wood filling is high grade. The toy's textured fabric cover allows cats to rub their faces. Interest wanes within hours, but occasional sniffing continues for days. Each batch uses different fabric patterns.
Other notable toys
PetSafe Dancing Dot Laser Toy (£27.46) was Hovis's favourite, but it needs to be elevated to project the dot effectively. Pets at Home Rainbow Cat Teaser (£5) provided hours of fun for Martha with its jingling rattle, but Wise prefers natural materials. Catit Senses Super Circuit (£19.49) offers configurable track sections for puzzle play, though it takes up floor space. Willow's Catnip Leek Kicker Toy (£6) stimulated kittens with mixed textures, but kicker toys are hit or miss.
Why cats get bored and how to keep them engaged
A University of Southampton study led by John Bradshaw found that cats lose interest in specific toys rather than types of play. Replacing old favourites with slightly different toys of the same type can help. Household objects like scrunched paper or cat-safe grasses can also entertain. Scented toys may regain potency if stored in a plastic bag between uses.
