Toys are more than just playthings for our feline friends; they are essential for their mental and physical well-being.
But what happens when your cat is a little on the lazy side and doesn't seem interested in playtime? This is a common issue, especially with older cats.
While playful kittens can turn almost anything into a toy, some cats, as they age, lose their desire to play.
This lack of interest can be attributed to health issues like obesity or simply to an individual cat's temperament.
Regardless of the reason, encouraging your cat to embrace their mischievous side is beneficial for their overall health.
One of the most effective ways to entice a lazy cat to play is by offering them the right toys.
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've curated a list of top-quality, stimulating cat toys that are sure to tempt even the most lethargic feline into action.
1. The Cat Dancer Products Rainbow Cat Charmer
Whether your cat loves to pounce, chase or simply bat at their toys, a colorful charmer is a great addition to their toy collection.
Click here to see this cat charmer on Amazon.
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 BENTOPAL Interactive Robot Cat Toy
Part RC car and part feather teaser is a device that can be set up to move automatically.
Click here to see this interactive cat feather toy on Amazon.
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.
3. The FYNIGO Cat Interactive Toy with Running Mouse
To help your slow-paced feline keep on their toes, the FYNIGO cat toy comes equipped with a running mouse that requires only the lightest tap to set it into motion.
Click here to see this FYNIGO interactive cat toy mouse on Amazon.
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. LEKEWPET Retractable Cat Feather Toy
This is a product made by the LEKEWPET Pet and is ingeniously designed to attach to a door frame or any suitable spot.
Click here to see this interactive doorway hanging toy on Amazon.
Just tug on its elastic cord, and the bell-adorned pompom ball springs to life, bouncing enticingly.
Besides the door-mounted cat feather toy adorned with a pompom ball, the product has six detachable hooks and an extra bell-feather combination for swapping out as needed.
5. PetFusion Ambush Interactive Cat Toy
Cats have a natural hunting instinct.
The next toy is from PetFusion which mimics natural hunting behaviors by offering your cat six different points where their “prey” emerges, facilitating that instinct perfectly.
Click here to see this PetFusion ambush interactive cat toy on Amazon.
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. Automatic Cat Laser Interactive Toy
This exciting pet laser pointer rotates in a random pattern across floors which stimulates the natural hunting instinct of cats.
Click here to see this automatic interactive laser toy on Amazon.
Both features offer 360 degrees of fun, and an automated timer to give your cat some time to rest between sessions.
7. Migipaws Electronic Action Toy – Mice Whack-A-Mole
Seven points of action make for an enthralling game of hide-and-seek for any cat.
Click here to see this interactive automatic cat toy on Amazon.
The smart sensor detects the cat's presence within 5 inches, triggering an automatic feather pop-in and pop-out function. It also has a convenient 5-minute auto-off feature.
Has durable vibrant feathers, designed to attract cats, are three times more resilient to withstand sharp claws. Four refill feathers are also included.
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8. OurPets Batting Practice Interactive Cat Toy
A simple toy that is quickly installed on the top of nearly any doorframe could give your cat endless hours of batting practice.
Click here to see this OurPets batting practice interactive cat toy on Amazon.
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 of all ages.
9. Laser Pointers
What makes this product stand out above other laser pointers is that you don’t have to keep your finger on the button to keep the fun going.
Click here to see this laser pointer on Amazon.
Plus, it is rich with pattern designs such as dots, mice, smiles, stars, and butterflies.
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. This handheld pointer is a USB charging device, no need to buy batteries!
10. HEXBUG Mouse Robotic Cat Toy
For play on hard surfaces, this robotic cat toy from HEXBUG is a highly engaging and interactive teaser.
Click here to see this Hexbug mouse robotic cat toy on Amazon.
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 mouse 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.
Click here to see this SmartyKat loco motion cat toy on Amazon.
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. PetSafe Zoom Laser Interactive Cat Toy
With the power of three AA batteries, this dual laser toy is the perfect addition to your cat’s toy box. The automatic programming allows for hands free play.
Click here to see this multiple laser cat toy on Amazon.
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
Another 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.
Click here to see this Prosper Pet cat tunnel on Amazon.
There is also a peephole along one of the routes that let 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.
Click here to see this Catit design senses super roller circuit on Amazon.
The ball located within the segments of the track moves at a high speed, giving your cat plenty of opportunities to wear out its 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. Ethical Pet Colorful Springs Cat Toys
Erratically bouncing springs make for interesting and adventurous play for cats of all ages.
Click here to see these ethical pet colorful spring cat toys on Amazon.
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.
Click here to see these toys collection from The Natural Pet Company on Amazon.
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 below could be exactly what you need.
Click here to see this Fashion’s Talk variety pack on Amazon.
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!
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