The Amazon back-to-school edit: 100+ products to kick off the year
Back-to-school season hits with the same chaotic energy as a double espresso spilled on your white shirt at 8:01 a.m. Whether you're a parent, student or teacher already emotionally bracing for the first bell, there's one universal truth: you need stuff.
Pens that work past Wednesday, backpacks that don't fall apart by October, and maybe a few things that make you look like a fully-functioning, organized human being. That's where this glorious, well-researched caffeine-fueled guide comes in.
We've scoured the vast, algorithmic jungle that is Amazon to find over 100 of the absolute best back-to-school products so you don't have to spend three hours debating between two nearly identical pencil cases. Whether you're shopping for a first grader who insists their water bottle be 'aesthetic,' a high schooler who suddenly needs a graphing calculator and a skincare routine, or yourself (because teachers deserve nice gel pens too), we've got you covered.
Think of this as your syllabus for smarter shopping. From genius organizational tools to tech that'll survive a semester, dorm-friendly finds, lunch gear that doesn't leak and even some hidden gems with cult followings — you'll find picks that are practical, stylish, and borderline life-changing (OK, maybe not life-changing, but definitely locker-life-enhancing).
We've broken it all down by category, with notes on what's trending, what's budget-friendly and what's TikTok-famous (because, like it or not, Gen Z is driving the school bus now). You'll laugh. You'll bookmark. You might even finally understand what the difference is between a planner and a bullet journal.
So grab a snack, sharpen your metaphorical pencils and dive in. These are the 100+ best back-to-school products on Amazon, and you're about to leave your shopping experience feeling like you just scored an A+.
Amazon
This back-to-school edit would be incomplete without the Owala Kids FreeSip Insulated Water Bottle with Straw. Priced at $25, it's the add-to-cart find that will keep your beverage ice-cold for the entire school day.
Amazon
If you're on a quest for new earbuds, the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds is a fantastic pair. In honor of back-to-school season, they're 20% off and boast true noise-cancelling technology with up to 45 hours of battery life.
Amazon
Yes, kids can rock a smartwatch, too. The Fitbit Google Ace LTE Kids Smartwatch with Call, Message & GPS is one of the best in the biz, boasting a slew of smart features and a comfortable, modern design. What's not to love?
Amazon
Upgrade your home desk situation with the HP 24-inch All-in-One Desktop PC, a model that looks sharp on your desk and boasts brilliant picture quality. Its slim design is excellent for smaller spaces, too.
Amazon
It's official: denim isn't going anywhere. The Levi's Girls' Denim Trucker Jacket is an essential for girls, especially for hailing from a trusted brand and looking great with any outfit.
Amazon
When it comes to back-to-school shopping, JanSport typically lands on top. The JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack is a top seller on Amazon, offered in many prints with a less-than-$40 price tag and plenty of storage.
Amazon
Hey Alexa, play the Moana playlist. The Amazon Echo Pop Kids (newest model) can do that and so much more. In short, it's a kids' bedroom essential that's borderline a personal assistant. Nothing gets better than that.
Amazon
Hello, calculus class. The Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Color Graphing Calculator is now on sale, perfect to pick up if required for one of your math or STEM classes.
Amazon
Kids can sport a handsome watch, too. With an olive-rimmed face and camo band, the Timex TIME Machine Elastic Fabric Kids Watch is how to put the 'C' in cool for the school year.
Amazon
Food containers are great for school and weekend extracurricular activities, so be sure to stock up on the S'well S'nack Stainless Steel Food Container. It's only $20 and extremely durable.
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America's go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We're not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren't already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we're known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
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That said, no sound at all is often better than loud squeaks, especially for timid cats. "Loud electronic squeaks may frighten more than entice," says Dr. Aimee Warner, a veterinarian at Waggel. Constructed from hollow plastic wrapped in soft fabric, they're sturdy yet lightweight enough for cats to carry or slide across floors. Rather than hard plastic eyes and nose that could come loose and be ingested, these mice feature soft felt pieces that are glued in place. I pulled firmly on the ears, tail, seams, and felt details, and everything stayed securely attached. "Usually cats try to grab the object, the prey, and run away with it," Siracusa says. "So it's important that it is safe." Best automatic Each morning, my cat Atlas waits patiently for me to switch on her favorite toy, the Potaroma 3-in-1 Hide-and-Seek Cat Toy. This has been part of her routine for over two years. We love it so much that I've gifted one to my brother-in-law's cats and recommended it to several friends. It has a motorized butterfly that spins and flutters on top and a fluffy toy that circles unpredictably under a fabric cover. "Motorized 'prey under fabric' mats invite low-impact, extended activity — perfect for calorie burn without joint stress," Warner says. The butterfly moves realistically, and the hidden toy pops out with an element of surprise. "If the toy always moves in the same way, the cat will quickly realize it isn't real prey and lose interest," says Heather Alvey, certified cat behavior consultant and owner of Felidae Behavior Consulting. The best automatic cat toys don't run endlessly, Siracusa says. "If you leave the game going and the cat can't grab anything, the cat will lose interest and might even become frustrated." While cats can bite the butterfly and fluffy toy, the Potaroma also stops automatically after five minutes of inactivity. It stays in standby mode for two hours, so your cat can reactivate it with a touch. I typically charge it overnight about every three days, turning it on twice daily for my cats to enjoy. Replacement toy attachments are sold separately. Best teaser wire Cat Dancer Products Original Cat Dancer This affordable cat toy uses springy wire and soft cardboard ends to mimic unpredictable bug-like movements. Check price at Amazon Check price at Petco What we like Springy wire creates random, lifelike movements Affordable Rolled cardboard ends satisfy cats' urge to bite Expert recommended Providing your cat with the best toys isn't about having the fanciest ones, Siracusa says. What matters more is finding toys that entice your cat to play and give them a chance to complete the hunting sequence. Enter the Original Cat Dancer — a $4 piece of metal wire with rolled cardboard on each end. "Does your cat love chasing moths? Try the Cat Dancer," Alvey says. Its secret is the springy wire that makes the cardboard rods bounce unpredictably, like a real bug. For our cat tester Chowder, the Cat Dancer isn't just a toy — it's an obsession. Chowder becomes completely locked in when the Cat Dancer is in motion, like a fly buzzing around the room. When it's put away, he whines for its return. The soft cardboard gives your cat something satisfying to bite or claw into, fulfilling the "kill" part of the hunt. Geller recommends letting your cat successfully grab the toy in their mouth or paws before starting the game again. "Real prey might lose stamina during the hunt or play dead to trick the cat," she says. These little captures are what trigger feel-good chemicals. The soft cardboard also gives your cat something satisfying to bite or claw, fulfilling the "kill" part of the hunt. Geller recommends letting your cat successfully grab the toy in their mouth or paws before starting the game again. "Real prey might lose stamina during the hunt or play dead to trick the cat," she says. These little captures are what trigger feel-good chemicals. I've gone through several Cat Dancers over the years, since determined cats can eventually rip the cardboard off. But for its low price, it's an easy toy to replace when the old one finally gives out. For a deeper dive into what makes it a fan fave for one editor's cat, check out our Cat Dancer review. Best ring Some cats will turn just about anything into a toy — milk rings, bread ties, you name it. It's entertaining to see them get creative, and it might save you a few bucks on toys. But those household items aren't designed to hold up to rough play or a cat's teeth and claws. They can break into small pieces or cause an intestinal blockage. Fat Cat Cat Crazies are a safer, more durable alternative. These colorful rings skitter and slide across the floor like little bugs. I can twist and tug them without snapping them apart. After a few years of tossing these rings across our house, I still haven't found a single broken one. My cat goes wild when they zip across the tile floor, sending her sliding after them on her furry paws. Sometimes I'll add the Ripple Rug to the mix so the ring skips over the carpet before gliding onto the hardwood. Your cat might even retrieve the ring and bring it back to you, ready for another round. The rings will definitely end up under your stove or couch, but at around $4 for a pack of four, it's a small price to pay. Best catnip kicker Yeowww! is well-known for making cat kicker toys that many cats love. They use only catnip leaves and flower tops for maximum strength — a combination that revs many cats up. I especially like their rainbow and banana kickers because they have a slight curve. Warner says curved kickers hug the belly, making them easier for cats to grab and hold compared to straight ones. Our tester Chowder was particularly enthusiastic about her banana kicker. "She likes to get super 'high' on it and bounce around the house. I'm not sure if she enjoys the catnip or the toy more, but she's having fun," says her human, Lauren Savoie, Insider Reviews deputy executive editor. While my cats might not bounce around the room the house after playing with their rainbow kicker, they certainly enjoy intense bunny kicking sessions, often pausing to bite and lick the toy between kicks. "Kicking with the back legs is a behavior cats will use with larger prey, like if they catch a rabbit," Siracusa says. With all that kicking power, you need a kicker that's built to last. Yeowww! toys are made of sturdy twill with strong seams, and their catnip stays impressively potent. The best cat kicker toys are large enough for your cat to firmly grasp and kick with their back legs, about 8 to 10 inches, Warner says. The Yeowww! rainbow and banana kickers measure 6 and 7 inches, respectively. Best crinkle These crinkle balls have been a longtime favorite of our feline tester. They make a soft rustling sound and have an irresistible texture. "Papaya loves the noise these crinkle toys make! She especially enjoys when we squish them in our hands to create fun sounds before tossing them for a few minutes of batting and kicking," says her human, Sally Kaplan, Insider Reviews executive editor. According to Siracusa, short bursts of play — about three to five minutes — are ideal for cats. As soon as their interest starts to fade, it's the perfect moment to wrap up with a treat or a small meal for a satisfying "game over" in the hunting sequence. Each pack comes with 12 brightly colored crinkle balls. Papaya has been enjoying hers for years without any shredding or damage. Each ball measures about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in diameter, meeting Warner's safety guideline to avoid any toy smaller than 1 1/4 inches across. Best ball What we like Affordable Unpredictable bounce Durable and resistant to chewing or tearing Suitable for solo or interactive play Specifics Best for:Stalking, chasing, pouncing, pawing, batting Materials:Plastic When your cat prefers a ball with a little more oomph, a ping pong ball might do the trick. I like to bounce them off the floor or send them rolling down the stairs. My cat Lyra will leap into the air trying to swat them down, and both cats love chasing them down the stairs, only for the balls to ricochet and bounce off in a new direction. Ping pong balls aren't ideal if your cat wants to retrieve the toy, but they're a smart choice for cats who chew or try to ingest softer materials. Siracusa says if your cat happily bats and chases them, ping pong balls work well. You can also make an enrichment game for your cat by adding them to a cake pan filled with shallow water, creating an extra challenge when your cat tries to scoop them out from an unstable surface. Best food puzzle toy overall Daily food enrichment is essential to the emotional well-being of cats and supports their natural behaviors of hunting, foraging, and eating multiple small meals. Food puzzle toys dispense food or treats when manipulated and allow cats to think through challenges in a physically active way, says Dr. Jamie Richardson, head of veterinary medicine at Small Door Vet. Food puzzles range from beginner to expert levels, and Geller recommends the Nina Ottosson Rainy Day Puzzle and Play as an expert-level challenge — but don't let that intimidate you or your cat. What I love about this puzzle is how adjustable it is to many skill levels. I introduced this puzzle slowly to my less food-motivated cat Atlas to keep her engaged without frustrating her, which Siracusa says can look like giving up or walking away. At first, I placed kibble in the open wells, then started covering some with the swiveling raindrops. Once she got the hang of that, I added the spinning wheel. Now she's solving the scent peg challenge, which requires her to move the peg over the well to release the food within, then shift it again to reach the prize. Janelle Leeson/Business Insider There are lots of ways for your cat to use this puzzle, which is exactly what makes it such a worthwhile buy. Atlas has been working on it for a few years now, and it also works with wet food. On special occasions, we'll squeeze Churu treats into a few compartments. It has no removable parts, which can easily become lost. The shallow wells and raindrop shapes take a little extra effort to scrub with a sponge, but I find it easier to clean than other puzzles we've tried with narrow tubes or deep ridges. Best easy food puzzle toy Catit Senses Food Tree The Catit Senses Food Tree encourages your cat to move for their food without being too challenging for novices. Check price at Chewy What we like Encourages movement Slows down fast eaters Good for beginners What we don't like Doesn't work with wet food May be too physically demanding for cats with limited mobility Specifics Best for:Foraging, problem solving, pawing, batting Materials:Plastic Even though this puzzle is ideal for beginners or cats who get frustrated by moving parts, your cat will still have to work for their reward. The three-tiered Catit Senses Food Tree encourages them to sit up, paw, and bat for their food. They may even need to circle around it to find the best angle to reach their treats. Siracusa says some of the best food puzzles for cats are the ones that get them moving. To use this puzzle, pour kibble or crunchy treats into the top. As the pieces fall through, they land within the staggered levels, which feature slots. It's up to your cat to reach in through small holes to pull the food out or push it downward, level by level, until it finally drops into the dish at the base. Janelle Leeson/Business Insider The Food Tree doesn't work with wet food, but the openings are large enough to fit many kinds and sizes of treats and kibbles. It's easy to take apart and wash by hand. Best ball on track Catstages Chase Meowtain Interactive 4-Tier Cat Track Toy This ball track toy offers a low-impact hunt for cats, whether they prefer to lounge and bat or circle and chase. Check price at Chewy Check price at Amazon What we like Safer to leave out for solo play Non-slip feet help keep it in place Low-impact play can be great for lower-energy or mobility-challenged cats What we don't like Slides around a bit on hard floors despite non-slip feet Some cats may lose interest in the repetitive movement Recommended for cats 12 weeks and older Specifics Best for:Batting, pawing, chasing Materials:Plastic Cats often lose interest in toys when they move too repetitively or predictably. "Unpredictable movement is key," says Dr. Sarah Cortright, chief medical director of the Under Dog Community Project. Still, lower-energy adults, cats with mobility challenges, and kittens may enjoy the low impact of ball track toys — something I saw firsthand while fostering a semi-socialized cat who'd just given birth to five kittens. She was exhausted and wary of people, and no toy seemed to catch her eye. That is, until one day, I heard the rhythmic clack of the roller ball track toy. The Catstages Chase Meowtain features four circular tiers, each with a lightweight plastic ball that circles its track. Some cats like to lie on their sides and lazily bat the balls, like my foster kitty. Others sit and paw at them, watching and waiting for the ball to circle the track for the next swat. More engaged cats might walk or sprint around the pyramid for a more active play session. Janelle Leeson/Business Insider The balls aren't removable from the track, so there's no risk of losing them under the couch. In fact, there are no small or removable parts, wires, or strings, which makes this one of the best cat toys to leave out for solo play. It has non-slip feet, though it still slides around a bit on hard surfaces. Best tunnel Kitty City Cat Tunnel This rustling tunnel encourages cats to hide, stalk, and ambush, then doubles as a cozy nap spot once the hunt is over. Check price at Chewy Check price at Amazon What we like Rustling material enhances stimulation Two entrances/exits Cushioned bed offers a resting spot after play Versatile configurations What we don't like Cats may pounce on passing feet without the addition of interactive play Takes up floor space Tunnel portion is spot-clean only Specifics Best for:Hiding, stalking, pouncing, swatting, chasing, wrestling, lounging Materials:Wire frame, polyester tunnel cover, fiberfill bed In the wild, cats spend a lot of time stalking their prey and pouncing at them from under cover. A cat tunnel can create that feeling for your cat, down to the sound of tall grass subtly rustling. As my cats race through the Kitty City Cat Tunnel Bed, it rustles just enough to mimic the thrill of sneaking through vegetation. It has two entrances, each with a dangling toy, though my cats are usually too busy stalking and pouncing on passing wands and teasers to pay them much notice. Don't underestimate the importance of interactive play alongside the tunnel. You don't want your movement to be the only thing that looks like live prey, Siracusa says. A tunnel offers cats a place to hide and plan ambushes, but it's up to you to direct that hunting instinct toward toys — not your feet or ankles. Janelle Leeson/Business Insider When the "hunt" is over, reward your cat with a treat before allowing them to curl up in the cozy bed at the tunnel's center before the next hunt. The Kitty City Cat Tunnel Bed also took top honors in the tunnel category in our guide to the best cat beds, where it won praise for its versatility and dual uses for lounging and play. Best subscription KitNip KitNipBox The KitNip monthly cat toy subscription box is a fun way to explore a variety of high-quality toys and treats, helping you discover what your cat enjoys. Check price at KitNip What we like Great way to discover what types of toys and play styles your cat prefers Can swap treats for an extra toy Choose from three box sizes to fit your budget and number of cats No long-term commitment What we don't like Limited customization options Some cats may still ignore certain toys despite the variety Little information on website about treat options Specifics Pricing:Starting at $25.99 per box per month Customizable:Can exchange treats for an extra toy Shipping cost:Free What's included:5 items; 4 toys plus a treat (or swap for a fifth toy), larger boxes are also available If you've made it to the end of this best cat toys roundup and still feel unsure where to start — or if it seems like your cat doesn't like anything you've tried — a subscription box can be a smart way to discover what excites them. "Don't give up," says Siracusa. "Don't just try one or two toys because they're popular. If your cat doesn't like them, it doesn't matter. We're all different, and cats are too." Even if you don't stick with it long-term, a few deliveries can help pinpoint your cat's play style. If you do find toys that are a hit with your cat, rotating toys every few days can help maintain novelty. With the KitNipBox, five new cat items arrive monthly, with 5% of the proceeds supporting animal welfare. You can pick larger boxes if you'd like more toys, and cancel anytime before the next charge. The variety and quality of toys in my first box really impressed me, and my cats were instantly drawn to all of them. The second box, however, was less exciting, with fewer unique toys, though Atlas still happily purred as I unpacked it. While this suggests the boxes may lack variety some months, all the toys are designed in-house, which makes each box feel special. Janelle Leeson/Business Insider Our first Happy Cat Box, intended for one cat, included a two-pack of '90s-inspired catnip-filled hair scrunchies, a sisal and raffia chew toy (Lyra went straight for this), two strong catnip kickers, and a wand with a long ribbon, bell, and sturdy wooden handle (my cats' favorite). The featured treats were Vitakraft lick treats made with salmon broth, salmon, and other meats, and just 8 calories each. A lick mat was included for serving, but you can swap the treats for an extra toy instead. The second box was packed mostly with plush kicker toys, one of them filled with catnip, plus crunchy Emerald Pet Feline Dental Treats. Despite the lack of variety in my second box, it's worth giving KitNip a chance if you're striking out elsewhere, don't know where to start, or just want to mix things up for your cat. What to look for in cat toys The word "toys" doesn't fully capture how important playthings are for cats. "Playful behavior is something that is part of the nature of cats themselves, because it allows them to kill animals multiple times throughout the day," Siracusa says. My experts recommend choosing toys that spark your cat's hunting instincts. This way, they can complete their "hunt" and won't seek out other, less desirable activities or outlets. Here are the key qualities of the best cat toys to help channel your cat's instincts: Biologically appropriate features: Experts agree that the best cat toys tap into a cat's instinct to hunt. When evaluating a toy, consider: Movement: Does it move sporadically and realistically, or can you manipulate the toy to mimic the motion of prey? "The best automated toys move erratically, stop and start, or hide under fabric — like a mouse scurrying under a blanket," Cortright says. Automatic toys should also be designed to be caught by the cat to prevent frustration. When it comes to the best teasers and wands, look for wires that bounce or feathers that flutter. "Prey doesn't dangle in a cat's face or bop them on the side," Alvey says. Functionality: Does the toy inspire stalking, chasing, pouncing, biting, foraging, or hiding? These are all important activities that allow your cat to be a cat. Design: Does it resemble real prey in size, shape, or texture? Look for fur-like fabric, feathers, or crinkly materials. Surprise: Are there moving or disappearing elements, like toys that pop out from fabric or tunnels? "Predictability is a fast death for interest," Warner says. Safety and durability: Cat toys are meant to be hunted and "killed" through chasing, pouncing, biting, and kicking, so they need to hold up to rough play. According to my experts, these safety guidelines will help keep your cat safer while playing: Choose toys without small parts like beaded eyes, noses, or foam pieces. Check seams and parts regularly by gently pulling on them. Toss any toy with loose pieces or exposed stuffing. Avoid toys smaller than 1 ¼ inches in diameter, Warner says. Anything smaller can be swallowed and cause choking or a blockage. Store anything with long strings out of reach (like wands) until supervised playtime. Safer options for solo play include catnip kickers, soft mice, and rubber balls. Suitability for your cat's age and physical abilities: Siracusa says kittens prefer social play — like chasing, wrestling, and mock fighting — but few toys truly replicate that. A simple mouse toy can come close for kittens who like to retrieve. On the other hand, adult cats develop their own hunting styles and usually prefer object play, using toy objects to practice their skills. If you have an aging cat or a cat with mobility issues, you'll likely need to adjust both the toys you choose and how you play. A senior cat with arthritis in their back legs, for example, may not want to bunny kick a catnip toy or jump after a wand. Warner says in these cases, try low-impact toys like treat balls, slow-feed puzzles, and motorized "prey under fabric" mats. You can also adapt your wand play by scooting the toy under a blanket or engaging your cat with slow, low movements of the toy so your senior isn't forced to overextend their arms. Siracusa says a change in how often or how engaged a cat is in play can be a normal part of aging. However, any sudden changes in play or activity level should be discussed with your veterinarian. He says diseases as common as dental disease can make play painful for cats. Enticing extras: Some plants, including catnip, silvervine, and valerian, release chemicals meant to keep plant-eating insects away. But for cats, the effect is anything but threatening. Sniffing it sends many cats into a state of joy: rubbing their heads on objects, rolling around, and purring in what scientists dub the "catnip response." Not every cat feels the same euphoria from catnip. However, our experts say fresh dried buds and cut leaves are often more exciting than powdered catnip. Sound and texture matter, too. Crinkle materials can mimic the rustling of prey through grass, triggering a cat's hunting instincts. The texture adds tactile interest. However, loud squeakers or motors could be scary rather than fun to some cats. How we tested the best cat toys Janelle Leeson/Business Insider I'm a lifelong cat parent, including one cat with orthopedic issues, and I've fostered nearly 50 cats and kittens. I know firsthand how selective cats can be, and how rough they can be on their toys. To get a wide range of opinions, I recruited six Insider Reviews editors and reporters and their cats to help test the best cat toys. We tested over 30 cat toys, taking note of their features, our cats' level of enthusiasm, and how they held up to play. Some toys were tested in multiple households. Here's the approach we took: Safety and Durability: We inspected every toy straight out of the box, checking for small parts, glued-on pieces, or fabric trim that could come loose. We gently tugged on any attachments to see if they detached easily. For soft or fabric toys, we pulled and twisted them to test the seams and stitching. We also bent or lightly compressed plastic components to see if they cracked, warped, or popped apart. For electronic toys, we let the battery run all the way down to measure battery life, then noted how long it took to recharge. During play, we watched closely for wear and tear. Biologically appropriate features: Based on expert advice, we awarded points to toys that triggered a cat's hunting instincts, such as ones that wiggled, fluttered, or moved erratically. We checked each design to see if it looked like real prey in size, shape, or texture. We preferred toys with details like feathers, fur-like fabric, or a crinkly feel. Finally, we also gave high marks to toys that offered an element of surprise, like components that popped out from tunnels or disappeared under fabric. Subscription boxes: In addition to evaluating the toys themselves, I evaluated each cat toy subscription based on ease of sign-up, customization of the plan, and ability to swap toys for other toys or treats. I also checked whether the service provided clear shipping and delivery notifications and whether you could easily pause deliveries or cancel the subscription. Cat toys FAQs Gabrielle Chase/Business Insider What toys do cats like the most? Play is all about hunting, so the best cat toys are ones that look, move, smell, and/or sound like real prey. "Wand toys, crinkle balls, and kicker toys are among the most popular cat toys," Cortright says. What toys are best for indoor cats? Toys that encourage your indoor cat to move and practice their natural hunting skills help keep them physically fit, and protect your feet, hands, furniture, and other pets from becoming their "prey". "Cats typically prefer soft textures like plush or felt, and movements that are fast, fluttery, or unpredictable," Cortright says. How do I figure out what toys my cat likes? It can take some trial and error to figure out which toys your cat likes best, but Alvey has a helpful tip: "Observe what your cat is already interested in and find toys that mimic those experiences," she says. For example, if your cat likes chasing bugs, a wand toy with fluttering feathers or a toy like the Cat Dancer might be a great fit. If they enjoy breaking into cupboards, try a challenging food puzzle. If your cat is known to shred toilet paper rolls, a catnip-filled kicker toy can satisfy their need to kick and bite. You can also explore DIY food puzzle options and see examples of commercial food puzzles rated by difficulty level through this cat food puzzle resource. What toys make cats lose weight? Any toy that gets your cat up and moving can help them lose weight. Wand toys, like the Pet Fit For Life wand, are a great choice because you control how vigorously the "prey" moves. Even if your cat only walks behind the toy at first, that's a good start. The Catit Senses Food Tree even encourages your cat to circle around the puzzle to bat pieces of food. What kind of toys do senior cats like? Even older cats enjoy playtime, but they often prefer gentler activities due to lower energy or mobility issues. Many senior cats like toys they can bat at rather than pounce on or chase. You can adapt your play style to accommodate their mobility by playing closer to the floor. Watching a toy move slowly can be just as enriching for cats as leaping through the air. Ultimately, you know your cat best. Consider their unique preferences and physical abilities when choosing the best cat toys. Janelle Leeson Freelance Writer Janelle Leeson is a Portland, Oregon-based contributor for Insider Reviews, where she tests and writes about products for pets. She holds a bachelor of science in biology and transitioned to freelance writing after a decade-long career in the field. Her approach to pet care writing and reporting is rooted in scientific principles which consider a pet's biological need for play, proper nutrition, and environmental enrichment. In addition to writing about animal health, behavior, and nutrition, Janelle also writes about sustainability, beauty, and fashion. Her work on pets and other topics appears at Daily Paws, Great Pet Care, Rover, Shop Today, USA Today Reviewed, Fetch by The Dodo, and elsewhere. Her work has also appeared in print in Inside Your Dog's Mind, Inside Your Cat's Mind, and Paw Print magazines. You can find Janelle on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. Read more You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at reviews@
