Treat your cat with wallet-friendly toys… they won’t know the difference, we promise.
Tunnels
Cats must indulge in their natural instincts—they love running, climbing, clawing, hiding, pouncing… anything they can do to practice their hunting skills. That’s a cat’s version of fun. And, hey, it’s pretty fun to watch them do it, too.
Tunnels offer many benefits: they can be a source of exercise, mental stimulation, and confidence building. But beyond that, who doesn’t love a kitty bouncing and full of zoomies?
If you’re looking for a cat tunnel that’s less than $30, here are two options to consider:
Cat Tunnel – Blue – Leaps & Bounds
Cost: $22.99
Reviews: 4.7 / 5 Stars
Materials: Crinkle Plastic Film (interior), Faux fur (interior & exterior), Wire (support)
This was Bean’s favorite before the Cat Wave Scratcher came into our lives. This tunnel is long, collapsible, has a little hole for your cat to pounce into and out of, and features an oh-so-swattable ball at one end. Throw in a toy and a bit of catnip or treats, and you’re good to go. Well, they are.
Also, it crinkles. Loudly. Try not to keep this one in your bedroom.
The website mentions clasps for collapsing, but it’s three loops you hook onto three anchors. (We mention this for those who may have difficulties accessing a fabric loop.)
Cat Wave Scratcher – Boots & Barkley™
Cost: $14.99
Reviews: 4.6 / 5 Stars
Materials: Cotton, Polyester, Cardboard (Carpet & Sisal sides)
We consider this a half-tunnel.
Our purr-fessional tester, Bean (a male domestic shorthair), loves to scratch it and dive under its cover. He sometimes stands on top and swats at us as we walk by! This is one of his favorite toys by far—he loves to roll onto his back and kick it until it flips. Then he’ll lay in it and let it rock… until he flips it again.
Teasers
Teaser wands (also known as teaser poles, or just teasers) mimic prey animals that cats would hunt in the wild. As you move it through the air, whether it be feather, fur, plastic, or otherwise, your cat gleefully chases and pounces in response.
These toys can include strings, or simple a stick with a trinket at the end. Either way, the play method is similar: go wild, and watch your cat match your energy.
As they have their own personalities, they may prefer a roped toy or the pole toy. Bean likes the teaser wands with rope, so I offer these, which we’ve personally bought:
Fringe Fish Wand Cat Toy – Orange – Boots & Barkley™
Cost: $3.99
Reviews: 4.0 / 5 Stars
Materials: Polyester (fish, embellishments), Wood (stick)
The sturdy stick of this toy is a pet parent must-have! It’s sturdy and doesn’t flex or snap under my cat’s weight. With the pale wood, twine, yellow and orange fish, and pale green balls, it’s got a pleasing color palette to boot.
Bean likes it, too. He flings himself after it and chirps when we throw it high. He’s grown accustomed to dragging it around by the wand to show us he wants to play!
Catfisher® Teasers – Worm Wand – FAT CAT®
Cost: $7.99
Reviews: 4.3 / 5 Stars
Materials: Plastic (Stick), Catnip (in Plush)
We were given this toy as a gift for Bean’s adoption. He’s had it for three years and simply adores it. The worm is big enough for an eight-pound cat to lay on and kick up in the air with his back feet. Inside the plush, there’s a nice helping of catnip to entice your cat, too.
Bean prefers chewing on it, until his little ears flex. It’s so cute!
Heating Pad
If there’s one thing I wish I’d gotten for Bean sooner, it’d be a heating pad. It’s similar to laying in the sun, warming up their body temperature when they may be cold. Plus, they’re comfy and remind cats of security.
Please keep in mind you should keep an eye on your cat when using heating pads. Too hot of a pad, or prolonged exposure, can cause burns.
Pet Heating Pad (M) – NICREW
Cost: $26.99 (Currently on Sale as of 06/13/2023) – Reg. Price: $35.99
Reviews: 4.5 / 5 Stars
Materials: Polyester (cover), Alloy Steel (cable wrap), Heating Wire (interior), PVC film (waterproofing inner)
The tallest cat trees and deepest, plushiest beds… Nothing compares to a warm heating pad on the floor, apparently. We’ve had this particular heating pad for over a year with daily use. Bean loves it and spends most of his sleeping time directly on top. We have the adjustable temperature version, which is good for differences in ambient temperature.
Note: This pad is meant for indoor use (and shouldn’t get wet).
Matatabi Sticks
These all-natural chewing sticks are admittedly a hit-or-miss with some cats, as it’s similar to catnip and other silvervine products… but if your cat likes them, they work well in supplementing dental health maintenance. The natural process of chewing aids in the cleaning of their teeth, without the use of chemicals or the hassle of fending off claws mid-toothbrush.
Make sure when giving your cat a stick to supervise them at all times—splinters can devastate their mouths and digestive tract. Holding the matatabi for your cat makes it easier to ensure they aren’t hurting themselves and that the stick isn’t starting to shred.
(It also makes removing the stick from their possession much easier. If you want the same hilarity when introducing silvervine and catnip products, limit exposure. Otherwise, the “silly mode” reaction will fade!)
Remember to check in with your veterinarian for guidance regarding oral and dental health.
Matatabi Cat Chew Sticks (5 Count) – PrettyKitty
Cost: $12.90
Reviews: 3.6 / 5 Stars
Materials: Matatabi (silvervine; Actinidia Polygama)
Kicker Toys
Larger than other plush cat toys, a kicker toy gets its name from its purpose: it’s made for cats to hold and kick. Some offer additional fun through motorized movement, such as below, which is a fish that wiggles around and satisfies a cat’s hunting instinct.
Flopping Fish – Carp – Potaroma Cat Toys
Cost: $13.99 (Currently on Sale) – Reg. Price: $18.99
Reviews: 4.1 / 5 Stars
Materials: Polyester (cover), Lithium Ion battery (included), Catnip pouch (included)
All information deemed accurate as of 06/13/2023.
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