Best Mice Toys

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio

Keeping your pet active is important, and the right toys can help you rest assured that your kitty is getting the exercise and mental stimulation that she needs. Plus, playtime can help prevent boredom and frustration that might lead to negative or destructive behaviors. And one of the most popular toys for kitties is the classic mouse-shaped toy.

But with so many different types of mice toys to choose from, you might be wondering which ones are the right ones for your frisky feline. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you learn about the benefits that these toys can provide, to discuss your various options, and to showcase some of the products that we recommend checking out when you’re ready to shop.

Why Do Cats Like Playing with Toy Mice So Much?

Everyone knows that cats like to hunt down mice, so it’s no wonder that there’s such a wide range of mouse-shaped toys to choose from when shopping for your furry friend. Regardless of your kitty’s age, you can find mice toys that she can use to unleash her inner hunter. She can pretend that she’s stalking prey, pouncing on it, and grabbing it to take it down.

Kittens practice becoming more coordinated as they play with mouse toys that they can grab from the air when you toss them or that they can chase on the ground, grab, and claw at. And older cats are also often excited to play with the same types of toys, as they can continue feeling the thrill of winning a chase, even if it’s only with a toy.

Basically, because cats need to hunt for their food, they have an instinct to go after small animals—or, in the case of an indoor kitty, a toy that’s designed with felines in mind, such as one that is shaped like a mouse.

How to Use Toy Mice to Make Playtime Even More Fun for Kitties of All Ages

Using mice toys can be a good way to encourage your cat to play, and it can also be a nice way to add variety to your pet’s toy collection, especially if she seems to be bored with her current toys or she’s not really interested in playing with other types of toys.

Interactive play can be fun for your cat, too, and a great way for you to bond with her, so find ways of using the toy mice to get your pet excited to get some exercise while also spending time with you.

For those times when you can’t interact with your pet for playtime, consider leaving some mice toys scattered throughout the house for her to find and play with whenever she wants. Of course, you’ll want to regularly inspect the toys to be sure they’re in good condition, and replace any toys that have become damaged and might pose a risk to your pet’s safety and well-being.

When playing with your cat and using these types of toys, you can do things like toss them across the room for her to chase them down on the ground, or toss them into the air so she can catch them with her claws. If you get a mouse toy that’s at the end of a string, you can use that to make your kitty chase her prey, but be sure to let her win so she can feel the thrill of victory. You might even give her a little treat at the end of playtime to mimic the reward of food that she would enjoy after a real hunt.

Note: Keep in mind that there are certain types of mice toys that might be fine to leave out for your kitty to find, but there are also others that shouldn’t be left out. So, in addition to ensuring that your cat’s toys are in good condition if you are planning on leaving stuffed mice around the house for her to find, it’s also wise to put away any toys that may pose a health and safety hazard, such as toys with strings, and any other toys that are meant to be used only during supervised play sessions.

The Different Types of Mice Toys Available for Cats

There are a variety of mice toys available for cats, so you can use a little bit of trial and error to figure out which types of toys your unique feline friend prefers most. You can also use this to your advantage by switching out the toys that your cat plays with from time to time in order to keep things interesting for her. If you notice that your pet isn’t playing with a particular toy much anymore, you might try putting it away for a while before reintroducing it to see if she’s interested in it again.

Also, when you start shopping for mice toys, you will quickly realize that there are so many great designs to choose from. For example, some toy mice have feathers attached, so they can be a great choice for cats that love to play with feather toys. Others are electronic and battery-operated, so they can move on their own, enticing your kitty to run after them. And still others are made of materials that make a crinkling sound or they have bells inside to grab your kitty’s attention and get her ready to play. Plus, there are also mice toys that are filled with catnip for those felines who love catnip, so that’s another nice way to add to the collection of pet toys in your home.

Tip: As you shop for mice toys for your cat, keep her preferences in mind if you already know what she likes when it comes to sounds, textures, and even the size of her toys. If you aren’t sure, you can buy different types of toys, figure out which ones she likes playing with most, and then use that knowledge to shop even more strategically whenever you want to get her new toys.

Mice Toys for Cats That We Think Your Pet Will Love

To help you get started when you are ready to search for toys for your pet, we have compiled a handy list of mice toys, showcased in no particular order, that we think are worth checking out.

Remember, every cat is different, with her own preferences, so, as we mentioned above, you might need to do a little trial and error before finding the types of toys, including the types of mice toys, that she likes best. But it’ll be worth it because, once you find the perfect toys, she’ll have loads of fun while getting some much-needed exercise, and you’ll be able to bond with her during playtime, while laughing at her adorable antics.

1. Editor’s Pick: All Kind Paw & Play Mouse Cat Toy, 10-Pack

If you are looking for a classic mouse toy for your cat, this pack of 10 little mice might be just what you need. These fuzzy toys come in multiple colors (white, gray, black, tan, and brown). And they are great for interactive play, as you can toss them for your cat to chase, or hold them by the tail to entice your kitty to grab them out of your hand. Then, when your pet wants to play on her own, you might find that these toys can keep her occupied and active.

These toy mice are small, measuring around 4.25” x 1”, and they feature a long tail that’s sure to get your cat’s attention. Plus, because you get so many of them in a pack, this can also be a good choice for multi-cat households, as there will be plenty of toys to go around.

2. Runner Up: Our Pets Play-N-Squeak MouseHunter Cat Toy

The Our Pets Play-N-Squeak MouseHunter Cat Toy has a few features that are designed to get your cat’s attention when it’s time to exercise through play. First, it’s shaped to look and feel like a furry mouse with a long tail, and it measures roughly 3.25”, so it can be a good size for kitties of all ages. Second, it makes a squeaking sound when it is batted around, and this mimics the sound that a real mouse would make. And, finally, it is also filled with North American catnip to attract your kitty and keep her interested.

Made to stimulate your pet’s mind, while also helping her avoid boredom, this is a toy that she can play with on her own, as well as one that you can use during interactive play sessions with your pet. Overall, we think this is a nice little mouse toy that may be worth adding to your pet’s collection, especially if she prefers toys that contain catnip or toys that make sounds.

3. Best Rattle Toy: Ethical Pet Spot Rainbow Plush Rattling Mice Cat Toy with Catnip, Color Varies, 12-pack

Another nice set of mice toys is this Ethical Pet Spot Rainbow Plush Rattling Mice Cat Toy with Catnip. It is a pack of 12 colorful mice, so there will be plenty of toys to go around if you have more than one kitty. You can hide them throughout your house for your furry companion to find, use them in a puzzle toy, or use one at a time and have enough backups ready when they get worn out.

Covered in faux fur, these mice are filled with catnip, so if your feline companion loves the smell of catnip, this is a great way to attract her to a new toy that she can play with on her own and with you. They are a good size for batting and grabbing, and you can toss them easily to encourage your kitty to run after them. Plus, they make a rattling sound, too, so they come with an extra feature that can grab your pet’s attention.

4. Best for Swatting: SmartyKat Skitter Critters Value Pack Catnip Cat Toys, 10 count

The SmartyKat Skitter Critters Value Pack is a pack of 10 plush catnip mice that are lightweight and perfect for tossing, batting, swatting, pouncing on, and carrying around the house like prey. Basically, everything cats like to do, they can do it to these unsuspecting plush mice! They make a great enrichment toy that will allow your kitty to satisfy her instinctual urges as a hunter without being destructive for your living room decor – or the neighborhood flora and fauna.

Whether your kitty prefers playing solo or you want to join in on the fun, these little mice can entice your pet to exercise, especially if she is attracted to toys that contain catnip. We also like that the catnip that’s used in these mice is free of chemicals and pesticides. And if you ever need to clean these toy mice, you can simply wipe them with a damp cloth. Budget-friendly, engaging and entertaining, and simple to clean – what’s not to like?

5. Best Lightweight: Frisco Plush Mouse Cat Toy, 3 count

Yet another cute set of plush, soft mice for cats is this option from Frisco. It is a 3-pack of multi-colored mice with long tails that can get your kitty’s attention. A great way to encourage your pet to let her energy out in a positive way through play, these feature a texture that is described as fuzzy, and they also contain Canadian catnip to keep your feline friend interested.

You can play with your cat by grabbing these by the tail and dangling them in the air or tossing them across the room for your pet to chase. They are also lightweight and easy for your cat to pick up and carry around with her teeth.

6. Best for Dental Health: Petstages Mice Cat Chew Toy with Catnip

The Petstages Mice Cat Chew Toy is a good option when you want to introduce some toys that can help with keeping your kitty’s teeth clean, no matter her age. The netting that is on the exterior of this toy is designed to help remove tartar from your pet’s teeth, as well as massage the gums, when she bites down on it. Think of it as a floss-like action that happens when your kitty is chewing on this mouse toy, which is also filled with catnip to get her interested in it and keep her playing with it.

This toy is also lightweight and small in size, so it is designed to be easy for cats to grab and hold during playtime. You can interact with your pet by tossing these colorful toys into the air, or you can let her play on her own with them when she’s feeling bored or restless.

7. Best Stuffing Free: Ethical Pet Skinneeez Mouse Cat Toy with Catnip, Color Varies

If you want to introduce a mouse toy that’s a little bigger in size, check out the Ethical Pet Skinneeez Mouse Cat Toy with Catnip, which measures roughly 6” x 0.75” x 4”. This can be a great toy for cats that like to pounce on their toys and bat them around. Your kitty can hunt down this mouse by chasing it, grabbing it, and carrying it in her mouth.

Unlike so many other toy mice on the market, this one doesn’t have any stuffing inside, but it is plush and shaped to encourage your kitty to have fun and get some exercise through play. It also contains catnip, so if you are worried about your companion being interested in this toy, the smell of the catnip might be enough to get her excited to play with it.

8. Best Refillable: KONG Refillable Frosty Mice Catnip Cat Toy

The KONG Refillable Frosty Mice Catnip Cat Toy is described as snuggly, plush, and soft. What’s nice about it is you can open it up to add fresh catnip whenever you need to. The convenient pouch is easy to open and close, and it is made to stay sealed so you can confidently let your kitty play with this toy on her own or with you. So, unlike other mouse toys that contain catnip that may lose its potency over time, you can continue keeping your cat interested in this one by removing the old catnip and refilling it again and again.

This toy, which measures roughly 5.5” x 2”, features a shape and texture that is attractive to cats. It comes with a container of KONG’s premium North American catnip, which you can store in your freezer to keep it nice and fresh. And, if you ever need to clean this toy, it is washable once the catnip has been removed from it.

9. Best With Feathers: Petlinks 3 Blind Mice Cat Toy, Color Varies

This is a pack of three furry mice toys that are a great size for tossing, chasing, grabbing, and biting. They measure 7” x 1” and have long tails that help grab cats’ attention. Leave them around the house for your kitty to find, or use them to have fun interactive play sessions with your pet.

If your kitty loves to play with toys that have feathers, this soft mouse toy might be just what you need to add some variety to her toy collection and keep her active, as there is a pom-pom and feathers at the end of the tail of each mouse too. And, to clean these toys, simply use a damp cloth.

10. Best Spring Based: Andiker Interactive Spring Rotating Mouse

This mouse sits high on top of a stainless-steel fabric covered spring just begging your feline to try and get its paws on it. The base of the toy is covered with a plush material and the center can be used by your cat like a mini scratching pad. Then using a rotating spring design, perched delicately on the top is a little mouse naively waiting. But who is really caught in this game of cat and mouse because when your cat goes to pounce on the mouse the spring gets sprung into action creating all kinds of resistance? This will not be an easy catch for your pretty Mittens. You can play along with your cat or they can spend time expanding their intelligence as they go after the mouse. When unfurled the spring reaches as tall as 20 centimeters so your cat will have to stand on their hind legs if they are going to come down with that prized mouse in their paws.

11. Best Hide-and-Seek: PETGEEK Interactive Cat Toy

Made from eco-friendly ABS materials, this quiet electric toy runs for 10 minutes before going into standby mode to provide your fur baby with short bursts of physical activity to keep them busy and entertained.

If you’re looking for a toy that can keep your cat occupied while also appealing to a number of their senses, this is the toy for you. The PETGEEK interactive cat toy sends a mouse’s tail spinning in random directions while emitting realistic mouse sounds to entice your cat’s natural hunting instincts.

It’s 360 dome shape encourages a game of hide and seek and also allows multiple cats to get in on the action. Oh, and the small fluffy mouse inside the dome is stuffed with catnip!

12. Best With Silver Vine: Hartz Cattraction Cat Toys with Silver Vine and Catnip

Filled with a combination of catnip and silver vine, these plush mice toys are a great way to stimulate your cat’s natural instincts while encouraging active play.

If your cat isn’t responding to catnip the way you hoped, introducing a bright, plush toy that’s filled with a blend of natural catnip and silver vine might just hold their attention. Silver vine is another common cat attractant that has been shown to stimulate livelier play, especially when paired with catnip!

As for the toys themselves, each set comes with two fluffy mice adorned with animated facial expressions, colorful pastels and a jingle bell! They’re lightweight and the perfect size for cats to kick around or snuggle with.

13. Best for Bonding: SmartyKat Bouncy Mouse Set

If you’re looking for a toy that both you and your cat can enjoy during playtime, then this set of bouncy mice filled with catnip is the perfect way to get involved.

A lot of mice toys are great for solo play, but what if you want to get in on the action? Taking the time to play with your cat – specifically with a toy that they love – is an amazing way to bond with your cat, and this SmartyKat Bouncy Mouse Set is a way for you to do just that.

Each soft, plush mouse is attached to a stretchy string and connected to a small ring that you can slip on your finger. This not only gives you control of the movements, but it brings you right into the heart of playtime.

14. Best Pack: CHIWAVA 4.1” Furry Interactive Cat Toy

Budget friendly and easy to clean, these Chiwava Furry Interactive Cat Toys are sold in packs of 36 or 60 and are filled with fluffy, colorful mice made of synthetic fur. Oh, and they also rattle!

If you live in a multi-cat household or have a feline friend who loves hoarding toys, then this 36 pack of small mice is perfect for you. These furry little mice measure approximately 4” in length (including the tail), and feature beads that are stuffed into the body to create a rattling noise when your cat interacts with the toy.

These colorful mice are an ideal option for cats young and old, but because of their small size, you should keep an eye on your pet while they interact with these toys.

15. Best Interactive: FYNIGO Cat Interactive Toy with a Running Mice and Scratching Pad

Looking for a fun new way to keep your cat engaged? Investing in an interactive cat toy like this 2-in-1 device can help to stimulate your cat’s mind and keep them moving.

If you know your fur baby loves playing with mice but gets bored fast, then this Fynigo interactive toy may be the perfect solution. A tiny mouse is attached to a pivoting arm that moves only when your cat gives it a nudge – no batteries required! The semi-closed track provides them with a fun game of hide-and-seek and encourages them to catch the toy. We also love that the top of the dome doubles as a scratch pad!

16. Best Electronic: Petlinks Electronic Motion Cat Toys

Although fluffy on the outside, this electronic toy is a great way to get your feline friend up and moving while stimulating their brain. The best part? It comes with its own batteries!

Who said mice toys couldn’t be electronic? This Petlinks Electronic Motion Cat Toy is a great way to get your furry friend moving and engage their natural hunting instincts. This plush toy moves in quick, erratic movements to imitate the mannerisms of a mouse being chased. Not only is this a good toy for convincing your cat to get up and exercise, but it’s also a good way to stimulate your cat’s mind.

So, which mouse toys will you choose for your furry feline?

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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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