Buying Guide
How to Buy Cat Toys and Play Accessories
A short, practical guide to choosing safe, stimulating and durable toys and play accessories for indoor cats. Covers the main buying considerations, the types of products available, the key features to check and quick tips to avoid common mistakes.
Key factors to consider
Safety first - choose toys with no small removable parts, smooth edges and secure attachments. Consider your cat's age and energy level - kittens need fast-moving, interactive play while older or less active cats prefer gentler toys. Material and durability - look for sturdy plastics, thick cardboard for scratching furniture and soft fabric for face-level toys. Power and convenience - rechargeable toys with USB charging and clear runtime information save money and fuss with batteries. Space and size - check toy footprints and tunnel dimensions to ensure they fit your home and your cat's size. Multi-cat households - choose toys and structures that allow several cats to play at once to reduce conflict.
Types available
- Automatic electronic toys - motion-activated lasers and moving lights. Look for adjustable speed modes, motion sensors and sleep or timer functions to prevent overuse.
- Track and tower toys - multi-level ball tracks that allow solo play. These are good for sustained interest and multi-cat play.
- Scratching houses and hideaways - cardboard or recycled-fibre houses with built-in scratch pads. Check size and suggested weight limits so larger cats fit comfortably.
- Tunnels and collapsible play tubes - portable and space-saving. Collapsible steel-frame tunnels are quick to fold away for storage.
- Variety packs and teaser wands - low-cost sets with many small toys for rotation and short play sessions. Wands are best for interactive play with an owner present.
Important features and specifications to look for
- Battery and charging - note battery capacity, full charge time and claimed runtime. USB rechargeable toys that charge in a few hours and last several days are convenient.
- Timer and sleep mode - automatic on/off cycles and motion activation prevent overstimulation and save battery.
- Adjustable settings - multiple speed or pattern modes let you match activity to your cat's mood.
- Materials - ABS or thick plastics for base parts, soft fabric for close-contact pieces and heavy-duty recycled cardboard for scratch furniture.
- Anti-slip and stability - non-slip pads or wide bases stop toys from sliding during vigorous play.
- Replaceable parts - detachable feathers, balls or springs make the toy last longer and safer to maintain.
- Dimensions and weight limits - especially for houses and tunnels, check the listed measurements and recommended cat weight.
Where to buy, common mistakes and expert tips
- Online versus retail - online shops offer wider choice and reviews, but check delivery times, returns and seller support. In-store lets you inspect build quality and size before buying.
- Common mistakes - buying the cheapest item without checking materials or safety, ignoring size specs, and forgetting to check battery type or charging method.
- Quick expert tips - rotate a selection of toys to keep interest high; fully charge electronic toys before first use; supervise initial play with new moving or laser toys; prefer fabric attachments for face-level pieces rather than hard plastic; use catnip sparingly and test a cardboard house size against your cat's measurements.
- Aftercare - replace worn feathers or cracked plastic parts promptly and clean fabric toys according to instructions to avoid bacteria build-up.
Final Thoughts
Choose toys that match your cat's size and energy, prioritise safety and durability, and favour rechargeable, timer-equipped electronics for convenience. Combine a few interactive pieces, a stable scratching house and a tunnel or wand to keep indoor cats healthy and entertained.
