What Toys Do Cats Like?

Although house cats are small and domesticated, they still share similar instincts with their large cat cousins, lions and tigers. Since pet cats can't chase wild prey across wide open plains, it is up to their human owners to provide playtime to satisfy those instincts. While every cat is different, there are several types of toys that most cats find entertaining.

  1. Fishing Pole Toys

    • Cats have a strong natural instinct to chase fast-moving prey; toys that can be flicked or flung around are a favorite, according to the Humane Society of the United States. This primarily includes fishing-pole style toys, which have a handle for the owner to hold, a long string attached to it and a small stuffed or feathered toy at the end. When humans use the pole to make the end toy move and jump erratically, a cat's prey-drive kicks in and it will pounce and chase the toy.

    Paper Toys

    • Cats are a creative species due to their instinct to forage and can amuse themselves endlessly with simple items, often choosing paper as a toy. Crumpled up paper balls can be batted, chased and bitten. Another cat favorite is paper bags -- cats love to hide inside them, knock them over and roll around in them. Strips of paper tied to a post will create a fluttering target for pouncing upon.

    Catnip Toys

    • Catnip is an herb that has a very attractive smell to cats. Many toys come infused with catnip already, or catnip can be purchased on its own and placed inside a favorite toy. This herb stimulates a cat's senses, and many cats will happily roll around with and toss around catnip toys, making it a huge favorite among felines.

    Soft Toys

    • Wrestling with a playmate is an enjoyable activity for cats, according to the Humane Society of the United States, even if that playmate is a stuffed animal. Some cats like larger stuffed toys with long tails and legs, which provide a solid wrestling partner. Other cats like smaller stuffed toys that they can carry around after playtime. It depends on the individual cat, but most cats like stuffed toys.

    Noise-Making and Moving Toys

    • According to Paws, Whiskers, and Claws Feline Hospital, cats are drawn to small toys that chirp like birds or make other small prey-animal noises. Again, this is related to their hunting instinct. Many of these toys also move around either by battery, remote control or wind-up. The stimulation of the sound and movement delight the senses, making these a favorite type of cat toy.