The good news is that the best toys dont necessarily cost the most money.

Anecdotally speaking, cats tire of automated toys fairly quickly.

Laser pointers that move erratically and spinning mice are no substitute for playtime with their favorite toyyou.

‘Figment’ in a Galaxy Z Fold 6 next to an 8BitDo Pro 2 controller.

All the toys listed below are better when youre involved, and some are wholly powered by human technology.

While some of these toys might not seem that high-tech, to your cat they can be utterly mesmerizing.

Other toys provide audible and visual stimulation that can keep cats engaged.

Terminal window showing the manual page for the Mutt email client on Linux

Some can even be used with treats to encourage pay and deliver a pay-off that your cat will love.

We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise.

These little critters arent completely self-reliant since youll need to turn them on.

Roger with a Yeowww catnip toy

Tim Brookes / How-To Geek

The bugs work using a vibrating motor, which causes them to move forward.

As they bump into objects or your cat interacts with them, they will change direction and scurry off.

Each HEXBUG uses two LR44 button batteries (which are included).

HEXBUG Nano Flash

Spin Master

The Sphero Mini is a ball that it’s possible for you to control with asmartphone app.

The ball opens up for charging, so theres no reliance on induction charging or bulky base stations.

Download the Sphero Play app foriPhoneandAndroidto take direct control, or download theSphero Edu appto start programming the ball.

Sphero robot

Still, to this day, Im amazed by how obsessed my cats are with these wands.

This makes them an easy recommendation if youre looking for a toy that will get your cat moving.

One of my cats loves the feather attachment while the other is far more interested in thesparkler attachment.

Attachment for Go Cat Da Bird wand

Fortunately, you might quickly swap them out, and weve even had success repairing the old attachments ourselves.

A wand toy with replaceable attachments that is bound to get your cat up and about.

What cat toy could be more high-tech than one that physically alters your cats brain activity?

Ducky World Yeowww Catnip Krinkle Bug

Well, this one even crinkles when your cat plays with it.

Probably the most potent catnip toys on the market, now with crinkling action!

The lightweight balls are slightly larger than the opening that runs around the outside of the figure-eight.

KONG Active Cat Eight Track toy

ThePet Zone IQ Treat Ballis an inexpensive puzzle feeder that will engage your cats brain and stomach.

Puzzle feeders arent just fun exercises that will keep your cat engaged.

Turn meals and treats into a fun game with a puzzle feeder, complete with adjustable difficulty controls.

Pet Zone IQ puzzle feeder ball

FAQ

Are laser toys good for cats?

Some cats love to chase laser pointers, but there is mixed evidence about whether theyre good cat toys.

This could be a treat, a meal, or the opportunity to catch prey like a soft toy.

HEXBUG Nano Flash

Spin Master

Should I put cat toys away at night?

Youll need to strike a balance with your cats personality and your desire for a tidy living room.

Its a good idea to cycle cat toys so that they dont get tired of the same old things.

Sphero Mini remote-controlled robot ball

Sphero

Taking a toy away can help keep it exciting.

Should I limit how long my cats play with their toys?

Cat experts recommend letting your cat decide when playtime is over.

Go Cat Da Bird wand toy

Go Cat

Ducky World Yeowww Catnip Krinkle Bug

Ducky World

KONG Active Eight Track cat toy

KONG

Pet Zone IQ Treat Ball for Cats

Pet Zone