Best Cat Ball Toys

Cats can go bouncy for balls! If your feline can’t get enough of them, here is our list of the best cat ball toys.

Dogs aren’t the only ones that like playing with toy balls; cats can have loads of fun with them too. Kicking and chasing balls can be a great way for cats to get some much-needed exercise on a regular basis, whether they’re playing solo or you are interacting with them. Plus, it’s also amusing to watch your kitty playing soccer with a toy ball that’s just the right size for her little paws.

Why Cats Have Fun Playing with Balls

A lot of cats really like playing with toy balls because they mimic the fast movement of prey as they roll across the floor. Much like you would use a wand to drag feathers across the floor and get your kitty to chase after them, you can toss a ball to let your pet hunt it down, grab it, and feel the satisfaction of successfully taking down her prey.

This is such a basic toy, but it can provide hours of fun for cats of all ages, including kittens. From balls that are crinkly and those that bounce, to those that are soft and easy to grab, there are a lot of ways to make playtime even more enjoyable for your feline friend.

The nice thing about toy balls is that you might be able to leave them out on the floor for your kitty to play with whenever she gets bored. But you can also certainly use these toys to enjoy interactive play with your pet.

No matter what, though, just be sure you keep an eye on the condition of the toy balls. And make sure they are the right size for your pet, as you don’t want your kitty to accidentally ingest a toy or any of its parts.

If a toy ball is starting to look worn, if there are loose parts, or if it breaks, throw it away and replace it with a new one. You always want playtime, whether it’s solo or interactive, to be safe for your cat, and that starts with ensuring all of the toys are intact and safe to use.

How to Use Toy Balls to Make Playtime More Fun for Your Cat

If you haven’t added balls to your kitty’s toy collection yet, it’s definitely worth getting some to see how your pet reacts to them. You might be surprised to find that she loves it when you throw a ball for her to chase down like prey, and she might even be one of the unique kitties who like to play fetch.

Plastic balls can be easy to roll around, and because they move fast, they can certainly be a good way to get your cat’s attention. You might even decide to give your kitty a plastic ball with holes in it so your pet can find it easier to pick it up with her teeth.

On the other hand, toy balls that are made from a soft fabric that your kitty can grab with her claws can also be fun. She can pounce on this type of ball, and then start holding it with her front paws while kicking at it with her back feet.

If your kitty isn’t all that interested in playing with balls, you might want to try those that are infused with catnip, as the scent might get your feline friend’s attention and motivate her to play. But, if that doesn’t work either, that’s okay! Different cats prefer different types of toys, and there are plenty of other toys that you can use to encourage her to play and exercise.

Side note: It can be frustrating if a toy ball ends up rolling under your furniture while your cat is playing with it, so some pet parents find a spot in their home where their kitties can play with balls without needing to worry about the toys getting out of reach.

Here are some examples: in addition to a regular ball that she can bat around, you can buy those that double as puzzle toys to mentally stimulate your pet and reward her with a treat when she figures out the puzzle. Or, if your kitty is a fan of catnip, you can add catnip-infused balls to the mix. And, of course, there are balls that have little extras, such as bells inside or feathers on them, to quickly grab your cat’s attention and get her ready for action.

Let your kitty unleash her inner hunter with ball toys that are so simple, yet so effective when it comes to helping her stay physically active and mentally stimulated. Here is our list of toys that we think are worth checking out to help you get started. But, as always, keep in mind that it might take a bit of trial and error to find the particular toys that your kitty prefers most.

The furry interactive cat ball toys will make your kitty go bananas! Made from pet-safe, resilient EVA materials, these cute little balls hide a secret: when touched, it emits lifelike animal chirping sounds (frog, cricket, and bird). Needless to say, these sounds will drive your pet crazy (in a good way) and ensure they stay engaged and interested in the balls – perfect if your feline friend is picky with their toys. In addition to being soft and safe for your kitty, EVA materials are quite resilient and durable, so you can rest assured these cute balls will withstand your little tiger’s aggressive play style. What’s more, there’s a catnip pouch in the balls if you really want to seal the deal and make sure these balls become your cat’s new favorite toy. These come in a set of 3 balls, each of which will offer over 10,000 chirps.

Plain ball toys bore your feline friend? Well, this innovative design is sure to occupy their attention. Designed to cater to your cat’s hunting instincts, the cage-like plastic ball holds a fluffy mouse trapped – one that transmits realistic squeaking mouse sounds when the ball is swatted. This fuels your pet’s desire to hunt and stalk and makes sure they’ll stay interested in the toy – and as if that wasn’t enough on its own, the mouse contains North-American grown fragrant catnip to further entice your kitty. Providing mental and physical stimulation, this cleverly designed cat ball toy is a great choice for bored indoor kitties and those felines that lack exercise in their life. You also get to pick between blue or brown ball color!

Perfect for batting around, chasing, and stimulating your pet’s natural hunting instincts, these colorful cat ball toys will keep them up and running around for hours on end. Made from quality plastics, these cool ball toys come in flashy, vibrant colors that are easy to spot and each contains a small bell inside, which will produce a sound when the ball is moved, further encouraging your kitty to swat at and chase after it. Thanks to the unusual texture of the balls, they move in an erratic pattern that cats love, so your pet won’t quickly grow bored with them. The set includes 7 ball toys, so this is a good choice even if you have more than one cat in the household.

What’s the one thing that could make a ball toy more fun for cats? Feathers! Cats love chasing after feathery toys and these nifty little balls are no different. Made from soft, plush materials, these feature a tuft of relatively large, natural feathers that will move with the ball as it’s being swatted, creating that teasing effect feathers seem to have on cats – it beats a feather dangle toy as you don’t have to tire out your wrists for your pet to get a feathery fix they crave. Plus, as the feathers are natural, you don’t have to worry about mishaps that can occur with faux feathers, for instance, if your cat accidentally ingests a part of a feather. The set includes 2 balls, which are suited to kitties of all sizes and ages.

This interactive ball for cats is just the thing for bored kitties or picky felines that aren’t interested in the classic cat toys. Made from sturdy, easy to clean plastic, this cat ball toy is motion-activated: when your pet chases it or when it rolls around, it will make sounds bound to pique your kitty’s interest. There are over 20 sounds, including chirps of various prey animals, meowing, and interactions such as “here kitty, kitty” so your feline friend will never know what to expect with this toy – and you know what? That’s why cats adore this talkative little ball. Catnip infused and with replaceable batteries, the babble ball will have your cat running around and spending hours swatting at the ball, providing mental enrichment and exercise that is essential for the wellbeing of indoor cats.

As mentioned above, these toys are so simple, yet they can be loads of fun for kitties. They are designed to look like colorful little soccer balls, and they feature a soft texture made of foam. Roll these around or toss them so your cat can chase after them like an athlete. Or, let your kitty play with these balls on her own by leaving them around the house for her to find. The soft foam means they will be bouncy, and she might find it easy to pick them up with her teeth and carry them around too.

Does your cat need a little extra encouragement to play with its toys? This smart, interactive ball from YOFUN is designed to bring your cat hours of fun. The ball is capable of 360 self-rotation, which will attract and keep your pet’s attention. It will move around your house with ease, capable of navigating wood floors, tile floors and thin carpet. However, if you have a thick carpet, the ball might struggle with movement, so it’s worth taking into consideration. A small red light on the ball will also add to the fun, especially when playing during the night. You don’t have to worry about the ball getting stuck in corners or against furniture, as it will naturally change direction when colliding with any objects.

Another perk of this YOFUN product is that it is fully rechargeable, meaning that you won’t have to continue paying for batteries. It will take approximately 1 ½ hours for a full charge and will last for up to four hours of playtime. The ball also has an automatic shut-off, turning itself off after 40 minutes of play to prevent your cat from overexerting itself.

If you are on the search for a cat toy that will grab your cat’s attention, these illuminated balls from Catit might be the perfect solution! Although the balls themselves have been designed to work with the company’s Senses Speed Circuit customizable ball track, they also make a fun and entertaining play option on their own.

Available in a pack of 2, these small green balls are motion-activated, lighting up anytime that your cat begins to play with them, appealing to your cat’s senses to encourage play, increase their physical activity and stimulate their mind. The light-up design can also add a lot of fun to nighttime play, with the lights illuminating nearby walls and furniture in fun and engaging ways. By keeping your cat up and moving, these low-cost cat balls will help to reduce the risk of obesity and relieve boredom (which often leads to stress and anxiety in cats).

These little crinkle balls may not look like anything fancy, but with cats, the simplest items are often the biggest hit! Made from soft & lightweight mylar and colored with bright metallic colors, they appeal to your cat’s senses in a variety of different ways. If you have a cat that seems uninterested in normal cat balls or jingle balls, the crinkle sound of the PetFavorites Original Mylar Crinkle Balls is attention-grabbing, tapping into the natural curiosity that cats are so often known for.

Measuring only 1.5” wide, they are the perfect size to bat, toss, pounce, chase and carry around during playtime. They are made from safe non-toxic mylar for both you and your pets. If you have ever stepped on a cat toy, you understand! Rolling these balls across the floor will trigger your cat’s hunting instincts. Sold in packages of 6, 12, or 24, you’ll have extras for the cats that like to hide their toys under the sofa.

Do you think your kitty’s toy collection is missing a good tennis ball that will bounce and make it even more fun for her to chase it down like prey? Then it is worth checking out the KONG Tennis Ball set, which comes in a pack of three. These colorful tennis balls feature a nonabrasive felt exterior, and they also have a bell inside that makes enough noise to grab your cat’s attention and keep her engaged. Overall, these might be a great tool that you can use to entice your pet to exercise through play. And because you get more than one ball in a single purchase, it can be a good option for multi-cat households as well.

The durable JW Pet Cataction Feather Ball with Bell Cat Toy is yet another ball toy that is a little different from the rest. This is a good option if you have a kitty that loves toys with feathers. And because it has cutouts in the durable, non-toxic rubber, it might be easy for your cat to pick this ball up with her teeth and carry it around. Bounce this ball around or roll it across the floor to get your pet interested in playing. The bell inside will help inspire her to chase down this ball, and the holes also make it easy for you to hold the ball while letting her play with the feathers on the end.

Want to get a toy that is a combination of a ball and a puzzle toy and irresistible to cats on top of that? Your best bet is Petmate Double Treat Ball which doubles as a treat dispenser and catnip-infused toy ball for cats. To get to the yummy reward inside it, your pet has to roll around and swat the ball so it dispenses the treats – and if just treats are not enough to get your kitty to run around, fear not.This ball is split in two halves, one filled with treats and other with catnip, so your pet gets double the enticement for being active and playing. It’s difficult for a feline not to be interested in this little ball, to be honest! Made of extra firm, lightweight rubber, this fun cat treat-dispensing ball is easy to fill and use, as well as clean.

The colorful and lightweight JW Pet Fun Fluffs Cat Toys are soft toy balls that come in a pack of three. These can be loads of fun for your kitty to bat around and carry in her mouth. You can let your cat use these balls during supervised solo playtime, as well as when you are playing with her to help her exercise. Made of fluffy and soft polyester, these balls are gentle on your floors, as well as on your kitty’s nose and paws. Just another way to add more variety to your cat’s toy ball collection!

The lightweight Frisco Moppy Ball Cat Toy is about 3” big, and it is yet another option when you want to add soft balls to the mix. This plush ball is designed to be easy to toss, chase, grab, and bat around. Your kitty can catch it easily with her claws, and you can use it to encourage your pet to run around the house to tackle it. Plus, because it contains catnip, it can help make it even easier to encourage your cat to stay physically active. And, like the other products on this list, it is another great way to give your kitty a toy that she can play with on her own (just remember, it is always best to supervise!).

Are you tired of all of your cat’s toy balls getting stuck under and behind your furniture? Then a product like the Petstages Chase Meowtain Track Cat Toy might be just what you and your feline companion need. Your pet will be able to play with balls, but they’ll be contained in one place, so you don’t need to worry about them rolling away out of reach. Plus, this is a good option when you are looking for something a little different than loose ball toys. Just set this sturdy, durable, four-tier tower up wherever your kitty likes to play, as it will stay in place with its non-slip base. Your cat can then go after the balls that are found on each track, letting them spin around in circles. And you can enjoy interactive play by pushing the balls and then letting your kitty work on stopping them and grabbing them.

More than just a place for your cat to interact with their toy ball, this Turbo Toy may also save your furniture by providing a safe spot for your cats to scratch!

The Auoon Cat Turbo Toy can do more than prevent stray balls from getting trapped under all sorts of furniture – it’s also a great resource to keep your cat engaged and exercising. With a designated ball track, your feline friend can watch the ball roll in circles while you walk freely around your house without having to worry about stepping on an escaped toy! The set includes one base (13” diameter) , one round corrugated cardboard scratcher that goes in it (the scratching surface has a diameter of 9.7”), a ball, and a mouse swatter. It comes in blue or pink color.

Perfect for rowdy felines or a multi-cat household, your cats can enjoy hours of uninterrupted playtime with this multi-tiered ball toy. It really doesn’t come as a surprise that this fun cat toy was awarded the #1 Best Seller spot in the Cat Toy Balls category on Amazon – pet owners and cats alike love it!

Another popular toy that may appeal to your furry friend is this Upsky 3-level Turntable Cat Toy. Made from durable, ultra-strong and tear resistant polypropylene, this structure was built to withstand rough paws. Each of its three rings can be taken apart for easy cleaning and come with a combination of two different balls (one solid and one with a bell) to keep your cat engaged. It comes in five different colors , and is suited for one or two cats – although it’s perfect for two kitties as there’s plenty of room for shared playtime and improving their bond.

These colorful and lightweight toys ring out when pawed by your cat! And although they may be simple in design, they can still provide hours of stimulating play.

Sold in a pack of four multicolored balls, these Spot Ethical lattice balls are made from safe and non-toxic materials so you can watch your cat chase their new toy without worrying about their health. Inside each of the four balls is a bell, perfect for keeping your cat’s attention and bugging you!

With a variety of colors in each pack, these fluffy and lightweight cat ball toys will encourage quiet active play and exercise!

Playtime doesn’t always have to be loud and rowdy – if you’re on the hunt for a fun toy for your cat that won’t ding or ring every time they swat their paw, these Chiwava Catnip Furry Cat Toys are a great option. These colorful and lightweight toys are made from a soft cotton inside and a furry plush outside. Their size is perfect for cats to carry or bat around, and each set includes 24 balls so you have plenty of backups for when they inevitably go missing.

Available in four different colors, the PetSafe Slimcat Feeder Ball is a handy way to help fast eaters digest their food as well as get some exercise.

Dinner doesn’t have to be a boring, bland experience. If you want to spice up your cat’s routine or help fast eaters better digest their food, opting for a ball that also dispenses food is a great enrichment tool. This dishwasher safe toy encourages your cat to exercise and hunt for their food – adjustable openings allow you to control how much food spills out to help speed up or slow down mealtime.

From encouraging your cat to move around, to cleaning their teeth and promoting digestion, these organic cage balls are bound to hold your cats interest! The combination of natural catnip, silvervine, and gall fruit makes these balls fully natural and safe for felines, and not to mention – irresistible!

The Potaroma Stick Cage Balls are another amazing option that will keep your cat busy. Each set includes three hand-woven organic silverine sticks with a variety of attractive features stashed away on the inside. From Gall fruit, to catnip and a bell, these balls can provide your cats with a handful of healthy benefits, such as improving their oral health, improving digestion and relieving stress.

We hope that the list above has helped shed some light on the many different toy ball options that are available, from those that are soft and fuzzy to those that are bouncy, as well as those that have little extras like bells, feathers, and lights. Once you find the right products, your cat is sure to be thrilled.

Additional resources:

• Our Guide to the Best Interactive Cat Toys
• Why Playtime Is So Important For Your Cat
• How To Prevent Boredom While Your Cat Is Home Alone

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