Cat Products
Best Cat Trees for Indoor Cats: A Buying Guide
Height, stability, platform size and placement — the four things that decide whether a cat tree gets used or becomes furniture.
7 min read
Best Cat Toys for Indoor Cats: What to Look For
Most toy purchases fail for the same reasons: the toy needs a human and never gets one, or it moves in a way no prey animal ever has. Here is how to choose by function.
The Urban Feline EditorialUpdated 7 min read
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Wand toys — the essential category
A wand lets you control speed, direction and hiding, which is what makes play feel like hunting. Look for a replaceable lure, a length that keeps your hand out of the action, and a string that is not left out unsupervised.
Foraging and puzzle toys
These work when you are not home. Start with an easy design that releases food generously, then increase difficulty. A puzzle that is too hard is simply ignored.
Solo toys
- Small soft mice the cat can carry and toss
- Crinkle balls and springs that move unpredictably on hard floors
- Track-and-ball toys for batting practice
- Catnip or silvervine toys, offered occasionally to keep the response strong
Safety checks before buying
| Risk | What to check |
|---|---|
| Swallowing | No small glued-on eyes, bells or beads |
| Strangulation | Never leave string, ribbon or wand toys out unattended |
| Breakage | Inspect monthly; discard damaged toys |
| Overheating | Battery toys should be supervised and switched off after |
Frequently asked questions
- How many toys does one cat need?
- Fewer than most homes have. A good wand toy, one or two foraging toys, and a handful of small solo toys on rotation cover almost every cat.
- Are laser pointers safe?
- Never shine one at the eyes, and finish the session by landing the dot on a real toy or food so the hunt ends in a catch.
- Do cats grow out of playing?
- Play declines with age but rarely disappears. Older cats often prefer slower, floor-level games and shorter sessions.
About this guide
We research, write and update every guide on this site. Our articles are general educational information for cat owners and are reviewed against current guidance from veterinary and feline welfare organisations. Read our editorial policy.
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