Providing our cats with quality playtime is crucial to their mental and physical well-being. But what do you do with a lazy cat that doesn’t seem to want to play?
This is an issue with many older cats. While kittens tend to play with just about anything, some cats lose the desire to play as they get older. Sometimes this is due to health problems, including obesity. Other times it’s just a question of innate temperament. Either way, if you can convince Kitty to bring out their mischievous side, you’ll be doing your feline friend a world of good.
One way of getting a cat to play again is by providing them with the right kind of toys. With that in mind, we’ve created a list of top-notch stimulating cat toys that have the potential to tempt even a lazy cat into playing.
17 Toys That Will Get a Lazy Cat To Play
You may have to experiment before you find the right toy for your cat. Just like humans, different felines have their own preferences. That’s why we chose a variety of toys to help you out.
1. The Cat Dancer Products Rainbow Cat Charmer
Whether your cat loves to pounce, chase or simply bat at their toys, this colorful charmer is a great addition to their toy collection. The durable and highly flexible rod prevents breakage while allowing your cat to play with the rainbow-colored material however they want.
The tough yet lightweight construction of this toy will stand up to even the strongest and most stubborn of felines. As long as you keep it out of reach when not in use, this cat charmer will stand the test of time.
2. The Petronics Mousr Interactive Robot Cat Toy
Part RC car and part feather teaser, this device can be set up to move automatically or under the control of your smartphone.
The automatic play isn’t one-size-fits-all, as it can be adjusted to complement your cat’s individual personality. The design of this interactive toy allows it to go over most household surfaces. It will even re-orient itself if it happens to roll over, so playtime never has to stop.
There’s no surprise that this toy was named 2018’s best pet toy by the American Pet Products Association.
3. The FYNIGO Cat Interactive Toy with Running Mouse
To help your slow-paced feline keep on their toes, this toy comes equipped with a running mouse that requires only the lightest tap to set it into motion. The durable shell is safe for all cats and comes topped with a scratching pad. Being able to catch the mouse time and time again makes for many great opportunities for exercise.
4. MOODY Pet Fling-Ama-String Cat Toy
This product, made by MOODY Pet, is a battery-operated, automatic toy that flings a string for your cat to enjoy. This durable, assembly-free toy was awarded Editors’ Choice in Cat Fancy magazine and has received recognition from several other cat-loving associations.
In addition to sturdy construction and hours of aerobic fun, MOODY also offers replacement items for this product for as long as you own it!
5. PetFusion Ambush Interactive Cat Toy
Cats have a natural hunting instinct. This toy, which mimics natural hunting behaviors by offering your cat six different points where their “prey” emerges, facilitates that instinct perfectly. The feathery toy pops in and out through six different ports, so they never know where it will spring up next! LED lights make this a great toy for daytime or nighttime use.
This toy comes with batteries included, an 8-minute automatic shut-off feature and a replacement featherhead. The base resists skidding, so no matter how hard your cat plays with it, this interactive toy isn’t going anywhere you don’t want it to.
6. Ancaixin Interactive Training Toy
This toy combines the aerobic exercise offered by two different methods: feathers and lasers! The two features can be used separately or together and the toy itself may be mounted nearly anywhere. Both features offer 360 degrees of fun, automated on a timer to give your cat some time to rest between sessions.
There is also a feeder attached to this battery-operated toy, which you can time as you wish, to reward your feisty feline for their play. This should get even your laziest kitty moving.
7. OurPets Electronic Action Toy – The Catty Whack
Five points of action make for an enthralling game of hide-and-seek for any cat. The five-pointed star construction is topped with a carpeted pad for scratching. Beneath it are different ports for a feathery toy to emerge and disappear into, triggering a cat’s natural inclination to hunt.
Accompanying the feather are realistic mouse sounds that closely imitate a real-life mouse hunt. The base of the toy is made of non-skidding rubber, so no matter how hard your kitty plays with it, it won’t move across the floor.
8. OurPets Batting Practice Interactive Cat Toy
Quick installation to the top of nearly any doorframe could give your cat endless hours of batting practice with this simple but effective toy. Batting at prey is a natural part of a cat’s hunting instincts, so this toy excels at indulging that very need.
The mouse on the end of the string comes with real-life mouse sounds and the alluring scent of catnip. This toy is great for solo play or for groups of cats across all ages.
9. Laser Pointers
What makes these products stand out above other laser pointers is that you don’t have to keep your finger on the button to keep the fun going. Once turned on, the light stays on until you are ready to turn it off. And it’s a pet-safe red laser, of course.
These handheld pointers function using batteries, which come included with your purchase. Even better, you can buy two laser pointers for the price of one!
10. HEXBUG Nano Robotic Cat Toy
For play on hard surfaces, this robotic cat toy is a highly engaging and interactive feather teaser. It navigates around obstacles in its path and can even turn itself back onto its feet if it is caught by your feline friend. Its realistic behavior engages a cat’s natural hunting impulse and gets them moving. At a glance, even you might think it’s a real bug as it skitters across the floor!
11. SmartyKat Loco! Motion Cat Toy
Attached to a rotating base is a durable (yet very flexible) wand. At the end of the wand is an enticing feather toy for your cat to catch, bat at and chase to their heart’s content. This toy appeals to a cat’s natural hunting instincts with its erratic movements – you can never tell where it’s going to turn next!
This battery-operated toy can be timed for up to two hours of consistent play. The speed is adjustable as well, so you can modify it to fit your cat’s activity level.
Because of its 50% recycled post-consumer material, owners get to feel good about buying this plastic toy.
12. Playdot! Cat Laser Toy
With the power of three AAA batteries, this four-mode laser toy is the perfect addition to your cat’s toy box. Three of the modes offered by this lightweight toy facilitate self-play. The fourth enables a hand-held mode that allows owners to engage with their pets for endless hours of fun and exercise.
Unlike many toys of its type, this laser toy operates without cords that need to be plugged in. There is no tripping or chewing hazard involved here. All you have to do is turn it on and set it down on a level surface.
13. Prosper Pet Collapsible Cat Tunnel
This toy enables your cat to navigate across three different tunnels, all formed of delightful crinkly paper material. At the end of one is a bell toy, giving your active kitty a jingly reward for their persistence. There is also a peep-hole along one of the routes that lets your cat take a look outside from the comfort of their new favorite toy.
The tunnels are composed of durable material that can be collapsed when not in use. This feature allows you to take this toy anywhere you may take your feline companion.
14. Catit Design Senses Super Roller Circuit
This eight-piece circuit design is host to an illuminated, motion-activated ball to get your cat moving. The ball located within the segments of the track moves at a high speed, giving your cat plenty of opportunities to wear out their natural energy and stay fit. And your cat doesn’t have to just look at it, either! There are gaps between the tunnels that allow them to safely reach in and touch the ball as it moves.
Owners can add or take away as many segments as they wish to accommodate the space available. You don’t even need to buy batteries, as this toy doesn’t require them.
15. Spot Brand Spring Toys
Erratically-bouncing springs make for interesting and adventurous play for cats of all ages. These colorful toys bound off in all different directions, keeping cats on their toes with their inherent unpredictability. The bright plastic is sure to entice while the function of the toy itself will keep your kitty interested.
16. The Natural Pet Company Toys Collection
Variety is an important part of keeping kitties engaged and active. This seven-piece set of feathered, all-natural toys provides ample opportunity for exercise and flexing of the natural hunting instinct. The composition of each toy is 100% natural, even the feathers, so you don’t have to worry about anything dangerous coming into contact with your pet.
The toys in this set come in different shapes, textures, and sizes, providing endless opportunities for kitties of any age.
17. Fashion’s Talk 20-Piece Variety Pack
If you’re tired of your cat giving up on their latest toy within days, this 20-piece assortment could be exactly what you need. This set has it all: catnip, feathers, bells, balls, mice and crinkly paper! Your cat’s every sense can be engaged with these toys. They might even find a few favorites out of the bunch.
All toys are durable and made of high-quality materials.
So, what did you think of this list? We’d love to hear your feedback, especially if you’re an owner of a lazy cat. Have you tried any of these? How did Kitty respond? What worked for you and what didn’t? Do you have other recommendations?
Leave a comment to let us know!
