Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

9 Best Cat Toys for Exercising Your Cat (2024) – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on February 14, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy-FI

9 Best Cat Toys for Exercising Your Cat (2024) – Reviews & Top Picks

Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy-FI We often think of dogs as needing a lot of exercise, but it is also true that cats need a workout just as much. Keeping your feline energized, stimulated, and at a healthy weight is important for their overall well-being.

Now, most cats are not going to run with you on a leash, play fetch outside, or go for a swim…at least none in our feline circles. Instead, the best way to keep your pet moving is by providing toys they want to play with.

If you find the right toy, getting your pet to play with it will be easy. It’s finding the right toy that is difficult. Even if you narrow it down to a specific type of toy, there will most likely be hundreds of options to choose from.

To help keep your tabby moving, we have found ten of the best toys for exercising your cat. We will review each and share details like its use, durability, material make-up, and much more. We will also share tips on keeping your furball interested in their preferred sport.

cat paw dividerA Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Plush Mouse Kicker Toy Hepper Plush Mouse Kicker Toy
  • Durable & bite-resistant
  • Features a bell
  • Contains catnip
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Hepper Furball Toy Set Hepper Furball Toy Set
  • Great for self-play
  • Multisensory
  • Set of 2
  • Third place
    Catit Design Senses Circuit Super Roller Catit Design Senses Circuit Super Roller
  • Customizable and expandable
  • Easy to set-up
  • Durable and safe
  • SmartyKat Electronic Concealed Motion SmartyKat Electronic Concealed Motion
  • Quiet
  • Single or multi-cat
  • Two-tail options
  • Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy
  • Non-skid pads
  • Durable and safe
  • Encourages longer play
  • The 9 Best Cat Toys for Exercising Your Cat

    1. Hepper Plush Mouse Kicker Toy – Best Overall

     

    Hepper Mouse kicker

     

    The Hepper Plush Mouse Kicker Toy is the best overall toy for exercising your cat due to its fun shape, durability, and the fact that it contains catnip. Let’s start with the shape of this toy first. It’s large, a great choice for cats of all sizes, and fun to roll around with, which is sure to keep your cat entertained. It was made to hold up over time even with increased clawing and biting. It’s made with durable, bite-resistant materials, which helps to ensure the maximum product quality.

    Plus, the smell of catnip entices your cat to play with this toy, even if the potency of the catnip wears off over time. It has a hidden bell inside thats sure to draw in your cat once they start to bat at it. The only downside to this product only comes in one design but that’s minor since most cats love a good mouse toy!

    Overall, we think this is the best cat toy for exercise.

    At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    Pros
    • Durable, bite-resistant fabric
    • Contains catnip
    • Provides physical & mental stimulation
    • Features a hidden bell
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Only comes in one design

    2. Hepper Furball Toy Set – Budget Buy

    Hepper Furballs

    Keeping your cat fit should not break the bank. If you are looking for something affordable, the Hepper Furball Toy Set is another great pick. Your feline will go wild batting these furry spheres around since they offer visuals that lend well to their natural prey drives.

    This is a safe toy that can help reduce feline inactivity. You can even teach your cat to fetch with this set since they are extremely lightweight and easy for your feline to pick up with their mouth and return to you. On the other hand, this is also a great option for entertaining your kitty when you are not at home since the internal bell keeps them locked in. What’s more, it can be played with by more than one cat at a time. Think cat soccer!

    This toy is fun and will keep your cat’s attention since it caters to multiple senses. The only downside is that they do not come catnip-infused but can be easily topped with your favorite catnip product if that’s what your cat enjoys.

    At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

    Pros
    • Great for all budgets
    • Set of two
    • Multisensory
    • Great for self or interactive play
    Cons
    • Doesn’t contain catnip

    3. Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy

    Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy

    If your cat enjoys the hunt, and you have a little extra coin to spend, the Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy is a good option to check out. This is a set of “circuits” where a ball rolls around keeping your pet’s attention keen on the hunt. It comes in either the small play size, medium speed option, or the large super roller. The bigger the unit, the more circuits it comes with.

    Not only will the Catit Design Senses stimulate your pet’s instincts to hunt, but it also engages their hearing and touch. There are “peek-a-boo” holes throughout the circuits where your feline can bat the ball. You can also set-up the track in different designs to keep them interested.

    This cat exercise toy is safe, easy to set up, and easy to clean. It is also durable and will take a lot of rough tumbling from one or more cats. There are no batteries or outlets needed, either. The ball initially moves by a slight decline and then is pushed along by your cat’s paws. As mentioned, the only drawback to this toy is it’s more costly than our top two picks.

    Pros
    • Durable and safe
    • Customizable and expandable
    • Stimulates sight, touch, and sound
    • Easy to clean
    • Easy to set-up
    Cons
    • More expensive

    4. SmartyKat Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy

    SmartyKat Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy

    The SmartyKat Electronic Concealed Motion Cat Toy is an option that will drive your feline wild with delight. This is a spinning arm with a tail that your pet can chase, hunt, and pounce. It comes with two different tails, and you can customize the motion. There are two speeds and it moves in a varied and unpredictable way.

    The SmartyKat can be used by one or two felines at a time. Even better, you can set it up to engage your pet while you are not at home. One of the downsides, however, is the two AA batteries only give you about an hour of playtime. Typically, it is recommended that your cat gets about 15 to 20 minutes of play per day with a toy, so you would get three to four uses before you have to change the batteries.

    Something else to note about this toy is the overall construction. Although it is durable, the tails will only take so much abuse before they unravel. Unfortunately, you cannot buy replacement wands. That being said, many pet-parents have found that attaching their own toys or even feathers works just as well once the originals have perished. Just make sure that you attach them securely with nothing that could harm your tabby.

    Besides those few drawbacks, your cat will enjoy this toy. It is quiet, easy to keep clean, plus safe for your feline. It has been tested for child safety standards, so you will also not have to worry about little ones getting a hold of it.

    Pros
    • Safe
    • Customizable speeds and varied movement
    • Two-tail options
    • Quiet
    • Single or multi-cat
    Cons
    • Batteries don’t last long
    • Replacement tails are not available

    5. Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy

    Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy

    Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy is a top-like toy that has three levels of tunnels where a golf ball spins and rolls around. The colored balls will catch your puss’s attention and allow them to bat the ball around inside. In fact, one of the great features of this toy is they won’t lose the balls under the couch or anywhere else.

    The Petstages encourages extended play, plus it’s durable and safe. It has non-skid pads on the bottom as well, so the toy will not slide all over the place. This feline fun toy can be used by a single cat or with multiple pets. Not only that, but it’s easy to clean, and your cat can play independently with it when you are not available for entertainment.

    Pros
    • Durable and safe
    • Encourages longer play
    • Single or multi-cat play
    • Three levels
    • Keeps balls from getting lost
    • Non-skid pads
    Cons
    • Extras fit felines

    6. Outward Hound Tail Teaser Pet Toy

    Outward Hound Tail Teaser Pet Toy

    The Outward Hound Tail Teaser Pet Toy is a standard tail on a stick that has been a favorite feline past time for decades. This type of toy allows your pet to jump, race, pounce, tug, and hunt. It will keep their attention for longer periods, as well.

    This cat exercise toy option can be used indoors or outdoors. It comes with two different faux fur tails that squeak and rattle to cause extra excitement. Unfortunately, the tails do not last long and overly aggressive cats will go through them quickly. We also wanted to point out that this is a game better suited for a single tabby if you have two cats where one is more aggressive than the other.

    Besides that, this is a safe toy for your furballs, and there is no snapback. The durable nylon string won’t break, yet it provides a flexible pull and bounce. The only other consideration is this toy will need your hand, so independent play is not possible. Although you can cleverly attach it to a table or other surface, cats tend to get bored quickly when playing this way.

    Pros
    • Safe with no snapback
    • Two faux fur tails
    • Various play activities
    • Indoor/outdoor
    Cons
    • Tails don’t last long
    • Not for multi-cat play
    • Not for independent play

    7. KONG Laser Teaser Cat Toy

    KONG Laser Teaser Cat Toy

    The KONG Laser Teaser Cat Toy is a similar tail on a stick as our option above, however, this one has a laser attached to the bottom. There is a small character toy that your cat will love to chase, pounce, and tug, plus there are multiple characters to choose from (sold separately). It is durable and comes with the necessary batteries included.

    Something to consider with this cat exercise toy option is though felines love to chase the laser pointer, it’s hard to control on the end of the stick. Not only that but because the light mechanism is heavier, it can snap back and cause injury. On the other hand, this is a great toy for multiple cats, although they cannot play independently with it.

    The KONG will keep your tabby running, and it can be used inside or outside. Just make sure you are giving your furball some praise as laser lights do not provide a reward after the chase. Other than that, the stick portion and nylon rope are strong, plus the laser will not hurt your feline’s eyes. It’s simple, and earns its spot as one of the best toys for cats that need exercise.

    Pros
    • Safe
    • Multi-cat play
    • Batteries included
    • Various game activities
    Cons
    • Can snap back
    • No reward with laser light
    • Not for independent play
    • Hard to control

    8. Frisco Peek-a-Boo Cat Chute Cat Toy

    Frisco Peek-a-Boo Cat Chute Cat Toy

    Another tunnel option is the Frisco Peek-a-Boo Cat Chute Cat Toy. This is a three-ended tube with a top hole that your feline can pop in and out of, or even jump right through. They can use this option to play hide and seek, chase, or use it as a place for them to relax away from noise and other stimulation.

    As mentioned with the toy above, however, your pets can become bored with this option quickly. In fact, if they get used to using it as a hiding spot or sleeping space, they may not use it as a toy at all. The overall construction is also not durable. The nylon is thin and will catch on their nails.

    The Frisco tunnel is not recommended for multiple cat use if you have a timid animal as they get cornered in the multiple tubes. You should also note there are small pieces that can cause a choking hazard. Beyond that, it is hard to fold down.

    Pros
    • Three tunnels
    • Top hole
    • Hide and seek play
    Cons
    • Not durable
    • Cats will get bored
    • Not for multiple cats
    • Choking hazards

    9. Cat Amazing Best Cat Toy

    Cat Amazing Best Cat Toy

    Our number nine pick is the Cat Amazing Best Cat Toy. This is a treat maze and puzzle where you can hide snacks in the different holes so your pet can find and fish them out. There are three different levels from easy, medium, and hard. Unfortunately, it seems that most cats either find it too easy or too hard to use.

    This toy is made of 30% recycled cardboard, and it has metal-free graphics. That being said, as it is essentially a cardboard box, it is difficult to clean. It is also not durable and will be destroyed with one wrong step. The Cat Amazing toy is designed for single-cat use, but they often become bored with the toy. What’s more, the treats often fall out, and it does not provide a challenge.

    Pros
    • Made with recycled material
    • No metal in graphics
    Cons
    • Hard to clean
    • Not durable
    • Treats fall out
    • Cats become bored quickly
    • Not for multiple cats

    cat paw divider

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Toys for Exercise

    Keeping Your Cat Fit

    It is not uncommon for cats to become overweight and obese, especially among indoor felines. When they are left to laze about all day in a warm spot, they can quickly pack on the pounds. It is even more likely if they are being fed rich diets with plenty of treats in between.

    To keep your furball healthy with the best life expectancy, it’s important to exercise your pet as best you can. Though most felines are not going to walk on a leash, there are ways to get them up and moving. One of the best ways is with an interesting toy. Take a look at these features that will help:

    • Stimulation: One of the most important aspects of getting your feline moving is stimulating their senses. Cats are natural hunters, and they use their sight and hearing to locate prey. Toys that will catch their attention are key.
    • Multi-play: Another mark of a good toy are the ones that can be played with in different ways. For example, felines like to stalk, pounce, tug, wrestle, and even chew on their various playthings.
    • Diversity: Something else to consider is toys that make erratic movements or can be set up in different ways to keep their attention. Cats can become bored just like us. Keeping it interesting will hold their attention.
    • Alone or Assisted Toys: It is important to play with your tabby. It will create a bond between the two of you, plus you are better able to create life-like patterns or movements. That being said, a toy they can play with when you are not around is helpful.
    • Rewards: Gratification after a long hunt is important to your pet. Typically, catching their prey is reward enough, so it’s important to have a treat or snack if using a laser pointer or other type of toy they can’t physically get their paws on.
    • Safety: Finally, everything you provide your cat must be safe. Not only for their well-being but if your cat is frightened, they probably won’t play with the toy again.

    3 cat divider

    Conclusion

    Keeping your tabby on their toys is important for their health and well-being. Providing them with some fun toys will keep them moving and entertained. That being said, picking out the best option can be difficult. In our opinion, the Hepper Bamdoll Cat Toy is the best toy available. It will keep them on their feet and engage their senses.

    If you need something that will be lighter on your purse, the Catit Treat Ball Cat Toy is a good pick. Not only will your pet appreciate the tasty reward, but they will have fun batting this ball around. If neither is right for your feline, we hope the above reviews have helped you find the best cat exercise toys for your cat’s needs.

    See also: 


    Featured Image Credit: Chewy

    Get Catster in your inbox!

    Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
    Catster Editors Choice Badge
    Shopping Cart

    Pangolia

    © Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.