10 Best Toys For Cats That Like To Hunt: Pounce And Play!
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Just like their wild counterparts, our domestic cats have an ingrained need to hunt.
If they don’t have a way to fulfill this natural instinct, they can quickly become bored, frustrated, and even depressed.
This is important because it can lead to behavior problems that nobody wants to deal with.
Peeing outside the litter box? Excessive meowing? Aggressive behavior?
Not if I can help it!
It’s always better to prevent issues like these from arising in the first place, rather than having to fix them later on.
Providing your cat with toys that will help satisfy their hunting instincts is a great way to start.
The best toys for cats that like to hunt are those that mimic prey movements and entice them into spirited play sessions.
Read on for my carefully curated list of the best cat toys that will keep your hunting enthusiast entertained and engaged.
From interactive gadgets to classic feather wands, there’s something for every cat on the prowl!
#1. Flapping Bird Cat Toy
The Potaroma Flapping Bird plush pet toy is a great option for cats that love to hunt and play.
The realistic sandpiper simulation also keeps your kitty engaged and promotes exercise even when you are away from home.
- Hanging rope design allows for interactive fun between cats and pet parents.
- Automatic built-in motion sensor kicks into action every time your cat touches the toy.
- Fluffy sandpiper makes lifelike chirping sounds once playtime begins.
- Catnip pouch inside the bird belly to entice your cat to interact.
- USB chargeable feature saves you from the hassle and costs of replacing batteries.
- Chargeable mechanism is detachable for convenient cleaning.
- Stays dormant and quiet when left alone to save battery power.
Keep In Mind
- Movements may not be dramatic enough to hold the interest of some cats.
- May be on the small side for larger cats to play with comfortably.
#2. Hunting Snacker For Cats
The Spot Doc & Phoebe’s Hunting Snacker for Cats features a mouse-shaped dispenser that can be filled with treats, which are then released through an adjustable slide.
Keep In Mind
- Some cats may lose interest.
- You may need to experiment with treats (or even catnip) to encourage your cat to play.
- Made mostly of plastic, which may not be as durable as other materials.
- Cloth case may experience wear and tear over time.
#3. Interactive Cat Toy Ball With Super Driver
The Aukl Interactive Cat Toy features a rolling ball that is designed to stimulate a cat’s hunting instinct.
- Can run on both hard floors and carpets.
- Motion-activated by cats, making it easy for cats to start playing even when their owner isn't around.
- Has three working modes, fast, slow, and interactive.
- Includes bird sounds to stimulate cats' interest.
- Comes with a Type-C charging cord and accessories, including plush covers and wool balls.
- Designed to be small and agile, simulating the movement of a mouse.
- Includes flip design so it can turn around and mimic erratic prey movements.
- Automatic shut-off feature after 5 minutes of use to allow pets to rest.
- 12-month warranty and 24-hour online service available.
Keep In Mind:
- Some cats may lose interest over time.
- Some cats may be fearful of the chirping sound.
- Cat hair may get entangled in the mechanism.
#4. Interactive Electronic Cat Toy
The Gigwi Interactive Electronic Cat Toy features a bundle of three squeaky electronic toys: 1 x cat bird toy, 1x cricket cat toy, and 1 x red parrot cat toy.
There are two modes of play: the classic squeaky bird design, which features a realistic bird sound that catches cats’ attention, and an advanced design that includes a small ring on the bird’s back, allowing it to be connected to a cat stick or ring for interactive play mode.
- Variety pack of toys is suitable for all breeds of cats and fits all kitty's needs.
- Designed to provide mental and physical stimulation for cats, providing an outlet for their hunting instincts.
- Easy to use, with motion-activated feature that activates the toy
- Toys produce realistic sounds.
- Non-toxic plush toys.
- Electronic components that meet European and American environmental quality standards and safety requirements.
- Come with service guarantee.
Keep In Mind:
- Some cats may need help noticing the sounds.
- Take care not to lose the small ring on the bird’s back.
#5. Play-N-Squeak Twice The Mice Cat Toy
The OurPets Play-N-Squeak Twice The Mice Cat Toy is a great toy that encourages interactive physical play and mental stimulation by appealing to your cat’s natural instincts.
Keep In Mind:
- Some cats may lose interest in the toy over time.
- The electronic sound module may not be as durable as other materials.
#6. Smart Interactive Rolling Ball Cat Toy
The Cheerble Smart Interactive Rolling Ball Cat Toy is a smart interactive cat toy that bounces or rolls depending on how your cat interacts with it.
- 3 interaction modes: Normal, Passive, and Gentle mode, to match different styles of play.
- Automatically moves, shakes, or bounces.
- LED lights come on when ball is in motion.
- Surface made of soft, felt-like synthetic fiber.
- Has a play-and-rest cycle that helps cats avoid overstimulation.
- Automatic obstacle avoidance so it won't get stuck in tight spots.
- Suitable for hard floors.
- Can last for up to 160 minutes on a single charge.
Keep In Mind:
- Not recommended for carpets.
- Not waterproof.
#7. Catnip Toys
If your cat is a catnip lover (but some aren’t, so don’t worry if yours is one of those!), the Legendog Catnip Toys, with their five enticing options in different colors, are excellent toys for unleashing your cat’s inner hunter.
Keep In Mind:
- Enthusiastic cats may tear the fabric.
- Additional catnip may need to be added to keep the toy interesting.
#8. Flopping Fish Cat Toy
The Potaroma Flopping Fish Cat Toy is a fun, interactive option for keeping your cat entertained.
Keep In Mind:
- Needs to be charged before use.
- Inside motor must be removed before washing the toy.
#9. Electronic Motion Cat Toy With Running Mouse
The Pawaboo Electronic Motion Cat Toy With Running Mouse features a speedy mouse that plays hide and seek with your cat.
Keep In Mind:
- Requires 3 AA batteries to operate.
- Batteries not included.
#10. Da Bird Cat Wand Toy
The GoCat Da Bird Cat Wand Toy, with its flight-like motion and prey-like appearance, is one of the all-time classic wand toys for cats that like to hunt.
- Realistic feather grouping on the end of the wand you can wave around for your cat to chase, jump up at, pounce on, and catch.
- 2-part pull-apart 36" 'fishing pole' for easy storage.
- Handcrafted in the USA with top-quality materials.
- Also includes 32" nylon string and one feather dangler.
- Replacement feathers can be ordered separately.
Keep In Mind:
- If your cats are anything like mine, you might need those replacement feathers sooner than you think!
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Best Toys For Your Cat Who Likes To Hunt
When choosing the best toys for cats that like to hunt, there are a few things to consider.
Here are some features to look for when shopping for a new toy:
Material And Durability
Choose toys made from non-toxic materials that are safe for your cat to play with.
Look for toys that are durable and can withstand your cat’s playtime.
Avoid toys that are easily breakable or that have small parts that can be swallowed.
Size And Shape
Cats enjoy toys that are small and lightweight, making them easy to bat around and carry.
Toys that mimic the size and shape of different types of prey, such as mice or birds, are especially appealing to cats.
Interactive Features
Toys that have interactive features, such as those that make noise or have moving parts, are great for engaging your cat’s hunting instincts.
Look for toys that have bells, crinkle sounds, or feathers that move to keep your cat entertained.
Style Of Play
In my experience, different cats have different styles of play that they prefer.
Some cats like to jump up in the air and swat at things.
Others like to chase something along the ground.
And there are those who like to lie in wait for a hidden toy that makes a sudden, unexpected appearance.
The anticipation is often as good as the reward itself!
Note too that some cats prefer toys they can play with on their own, while others enjoy interactive toys and playtime with their owners.
By paying attention to the style of play your cat likes, you can make sure you buy the right toys to satisfy your cat’s needs.
Variety
Cats can get bored easily, especially if they are indoor cats, so it’s important to offer a variety of toys to keep them engaged.
Look for toys that offer different textures, shapes, and sizes to keep your cat interested.
It’s also important to rotate your cat’s toys so different toys are available at different times.
If the toys are left lying around the house with easy access 24/7, you are less likely to keep your cat’s interest.
Food Puzzles For Cats That Like To Hunt
I haven’t mentioned puzzle feeders in this article, but they are another great way to provide mental stimulation and engage your cat’s inner hunter – especially for food-motivated cats.
To find out more about food puzzles, check out my article, 10 Best Cat Puzzle Feeders: Interactive Brain Games For Cats.
Why I Don’t Recommend Laser Pointers For Cats
Let’s talk about why using laser toys might not be the best idea for your cat.
While it may seem like harmless fun, constantly chasing that elusive dot can actually lead to frustration and anxiety for your cat.
They never get the satisfaction of catching their “prey.”
Plus, shining the laser into their eyes can be damaging to their retina.
That being said, if you still want to use a laser cat toy, try throwing down a toy furry mouse for your cat to pounce on while they’re chasing the dot.
This way, they can fulfill their natural predatory instincts and let all that built-up adrenaline go somewhere.
It’s up to you, of course, but consider these points before using a laser pointer as a cat toy.
The Predatory Sequence: How Cats Master The Art Of Hunting
The predatory sequence is a chain of behaviors cats follow when hunting for prey.
A typical sequence looks something like this:
- Stare: Cats fix their gaze on the target, fully focused on their prey.
- Stalk: With stealth and patience, cats sneak closer to their unsuspecting prey.
- Chase: If the prey senses danger and tries to run, the cat goes into pursuit.
- Pounce: Propelled by their mighty hind legs, cats pounce forward to seize their prey.
- Grab: Cats snag their prey with sharp claws and strong jaws, aiming for total immobilization.
- Bite: A precise bite to the neck or spine disables the prey’s ability to escape or fight back.
- Kill: The cat may carry its prized catch to a safe spot, savoring the most nourishing parts first, like the internal organs.
Why Do Cats Need To Hunt Even Though They’re Not Hungry?
Cat owners often wonder why their cat still needs to hunt when there’s always a lovely bowl of fresh cat food on tap.
But hunting isn’t just about food for cats.
Even if they’re well-fed, cats still have a natural instinct to hunt.
It’s in their DNA!
Hunting provides cats with more than just a full belly.
It gives them mental and physical stimulation, exercise, and a sense of accomplishment and reward.
Note too that cats have small stomachs (about the size of a ping-pong ball).
In the wild, a cat will typically eat 8–12 times a day, mainly during the dawn and dusk hours.
Introducing The “Seeking” System: A Cat’s Natural Instinct For Exploration
When cats engage in their natural foraging and exploratory behaviors, it activates something called the “seeking” system in their brains.
The “seeking” system helps cats not only understand their environment but also navigate it effectively.
It guides them toward valuable resources while steering them away from potential dangers.
When a cat is actively hunting, the “seeking” system kicks into high gear.
This triggers a rush of endorphins and releases dopamine, creating a pleasurable emotional state.
But here’s an interesting fact: research suggests that the anticipation of a reward is just as, if not more, exciting than the reward itself.
The Power Of Rational Thinking: Calm And Content Cats
When cats engage their rational thinking skills, their emotional brain takes a backseat.
This actually helps them achieve a state of calm and relaxation and is an integral part of preventing behavior problems.
One way to engage your cat’s brain is by
Providing your furry friend with mental challenges, like toys that give them an outlet for their innate need to hunt, will keep them mentally stimulated and provide valuable environmental enrichment.
Benefits Of Toys For Cats Who Like To Hunt
The affordable and easy-to-use toys featured in this article provide a variety of great options to give your cat a safe yet exciting environment to explore and practice their hunting skills without harming any real prey.
But the benefits don’t end there.
Investing in toys for your hunting-loving cat also promotes physical activity and exercises their brain.
Let’s finish by exploring the advantages:
- Natural Instinct: Cats are born with a genetic predisposition to hunt. Even our domesticated feline friends retain their ancestors’ drive to stalk, pounce, and capture prey.
- Play And Exercise: Interactive cat toys that mimic hunting activities offer play and exercise rolled into one. By engaging in these activities, cats can stretch their limbs, burn off excess energy, maintain their agility, and stay physically active – regardless of their hunger levels.
- Mental Stimulation: Hunting-like endeavors provide mental stimulation for cats. The challenge of strategizing their approach to “prey” and executing a successful “capture” keeps their minds sharp and boredom at bay. It’s a win-win for their mental health and overall well-being.
- Sensory Stimulation: Hunting involves utilizing a cat’s keen senses – sight, sound, smell, and touch. By encouraging predatory behavior, these toys for cats that like to hunt help cats stay connected to their environment and enhance their sensory experiences.
- Territorial Behavior: Cats may engage in hunting to defend their territory, even when they’re not hungry. It’s a natural way for them to establish their presence and mark their territory.
- Stress Release: Hunting-like behavior can serve as a stress reliever for cats. By engaging in activities that mimic hunting, they have an outlet for their natural instincts and can better cope with stressors in their environment.
- Feels Good: The anticipation and actual act of hunting trigger the release of endorphins in cats, providing immense satisfaction and making them feel good. This release helps alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, fear, boredom, and frustration.
- Social Interaction: In multi-cat households, hunting-like play can serve as a means of social interaction. Cats can “hunt” each other, engaging in mock chases and pounces, strengthening their social bonds and overall happiness.
With all these incredible benefits, it’s clear that toys for our furry natural hunters are a must-have for any cat owner.
So do check out some of the products on this list.
It’s the best way to provide your feline friend with the mental and environmental enrichment they both need and deserve.
Your cat will thank you for it!
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Resources
- Cats: In Crisis – Dr. Liz Bales
- SEEKING – Animal Emotions/Module 6 [Educational Course] – Dr. Karolina Westlund/Illis Animal Behaviour Courses