At a Glance
- WIRED-tested interactive toys keep even picky cats engaged for hours
- Prices range from $9 Silvervine sticks to $499 modular trees
- USB-charged flapping bird, motion lasers, and app-controlled cameras star
- Why it matters: finally stop wasting money on toys your cat ignores
Cats ignore most toys, but these tech-forward picks survived brutal feline focus-group testing by News Of Fort Worth staffers and their own spoiled kitties.
Interactive Toys That Beat Boredom
The Sofolor Interactive Cat Toy ($40) runs six days on one USB charge and cycles through Normal, Active, and Interactive modes. Ryan J. Thompson‘s cats play with it for hours, making the splurge the year’s best purchase in her house.
The Potaroma Flapping Bird ($17) chirps and flaps in 10-second bursts when pawed. After initial suspicion, cats bat it around and lick the feather tail; battery needs recharging only every few weeks.
Motion-activated lasers divide owners, but the Valonii Laser Toy ($19) has three modes and auto-shuts off to prevent frustration. A treat reward after play sessions keeps cats happy.
Feed-Play Hybrids and Subscription Surprises
Puzzle feeders turn snack time into brain work:
- Catstages Melon Madness/Buggin’ Out ($13) lets you hide treats under leaves or inside cups for adjustable difficulty
- Meowbox subscription ($24-28) ships themed toys and treats monthly; each box donated feeds shelter cats
Furniture That Doubles as Enrichment
Mau’s solid-oak Reiya ($399) earns mid-century-art comparisons while withstanding daily clawing. Baskets are plastic rattan, cushion covers zip off, and optional pom-poms dangle for playful cats.
The Omlet Freestyle modular tree (from $199) bolts floor-to-ceiling up to 14 ft, letting owners add platforms, hammocks, ramps, and scratchers. Ryan J. Thompson‘s cats use theirs every day despite the tricky assembly.
Lesure’s Cat Tunnel Bed ($45) zips into a 30-inch doughnut; cats chase lasers through the tunnel or nap in the plush center. One tester zipper failed after three months, but safety pins kept it functional.
Key Takeaways
- USB or rechargeable toys last days, not minutes-saving money long-term
- Modular furniture grows with your space and cat’s climbing needs
- Subscription boxes solve toy fatigue while donating food to shelters
- Always measure window or desk mounts before buying perches
Stop guessing: these WIRED-tested picks keep cats entertained and owners sane.
