Kittens have lots of energy to spend, so it’s important to choose the right toys for your pet’s pleasure and your own peace of mind.
© MaraZe - Shutterstock
The best kitten toys in 2024
It's important to let young kittens play with toys. They need them to have fun and to use their energy, but also to develop physically and mentally. Check out our buyer's guide and choose the best ones for your pet!
From fish plushies to bouncy balls, there are plenty of different cat accessories to choose from. You can also opt for interactive devices, which move or emit light. There are even cat ball toys filled with catnip! Choose durable balls and cuddly toys and don't hesitate to vary the pleasures from day to day so that your pet doesn't get bored. If your new kitten is about to arrive, it's time to choose the toys that will welcome them in their new home. Distract them with the colours, textures or movements, so that your kitty feels less stressed. Take a look at the comparison we have written for you and choose the best kitten toys.
Summary
Which toys are suitable for kittens?
Young kittens love to play and start discovering their environment as soon as they open their eyes, at around one week old.
Rolling toys are the most popular with young cats. They can claw and chase them non-stop. Their hunting instinct makes them see balls as prey.
Kittens also like toys with a string at the end. You can wiggle the string to move the toy around, much to the delight of your kitten, who will be trying to catch it.
You can also opt for a cat tunnel, where your pet will enjoy playing as well as sleeping and hiding.
How do I use kitten toys to interact with my pet?
Kittens love small ball toys, which you can gently throw at them. They will immediately want to run after and catch them.
Kittens are also fond of chasing objects. There are many different types of kitten toys that you can make yourself! For example, tie a feather or a toy mouse on a string and drag it across the floor.
Or run a small laser pointer light along the wall. Cats go crazy for these and your pet will spend a lot of time trying to catch one. When you finish the game, remember to throw your cat a small ball, so that they don’t get frustrated to be left with empty paws.
What toys should I choose to keep my kitten entertained?
If your kitten is bored, they may develop certain disorders and behaviours such as aggression, obesity, or depression. That's why it's essential to give your kitten toys to keep them occupied and help fight their loneliness. Keep in mind that cats are active for 3 to 4 hours a day.
You can opt for interactive toys that will keep your kitten's attention for a while. There are, for example, mice that run by themselves, or fish that make realistic movements.
Kittens also love self-spinning toys that arouse their curiosity with bright and moving dots. Some owners even drag feathers or toys behind them, to awaken the cats' hunting instincts.
What should I look out for when buying a kitten toy?
When choosing toys for your new kitten, make sure they don't have any small parts that your baby cat could swallow.
Plastic mice are sometimes too small for kittens and can be easily ingested! You should also avoid toys that have pieces of string or rubber bands that are easy to rip off. If your kitten eats them, they could cause intestinal obstruction.
If possible, go with hypoallergenic toys. Some kittens have very sensitive skin and may suffer from rashes on contact with certain materials.
How do I keep my kitten interested in their new toys?
To prevent your kitten from getting bored of the toys, put them away in a cupboard and only take them out from time to time. This way, you can vary the fun by presenting your pet with different toys each day! They will have the impression of discovering their balls and cuddly toys once again. In addition, this will increase the lifespan of your animal's toys.
Choose textures and shapes that appeal to your pet. Some cats love hanging toys, while others prefer stuffed animals. It's up to you to understand your kitty's tastes!
How often should I play with my kitten?
To bond with your kitten and encourage their development, it's important to play with them for at least an hour every day. Organise several short 15-minute sessions throughout the day, so as not to tire them out.
If your kitten is sleeping, don't wake them up on purpose to play. Cats need plenty of sleep to stay fit and healthy.
When your kitten is fully grown, they will need less playtime. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't play with your furry friend anymore! Spending time with you will make your cat happier. For example, you can play with your pet for ten minutes before you leave for work in the morning and then play again when you come home in the evening.
