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10 Best Cat Toys in Australia in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on January 9, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

cat playing with Petface Retractable Cat Wand Toy

10 Best Cat Toys in Australia in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

cat playing with Petface Retractable Cat Wand Toy

Despite sleeping for large portions of the day, cats tend to have high energy demands in their waking hours. They exist on a level of either 0 or 100 and can move quickly between! To save your overhanging feet while you lay in bed at night, you should provide your cat with plenty of toys designed for cat play!

However, the range of cat toys out there these days is insane. As a cat owner just trying to provide their cats with some fun, it can get overwhelming quickly. Don’t fret too much as we’ve done all the hard stuff for you and come up with our top ten list of best cat toys. Each toy is highly rated and supported by positive reviews from genuine cat owners, so you can be assured you’re making the right choices.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Yeowww Bananas Singles Catnip Toy Yeowww Bananas Singles Catnip Toy
  • 100% organic cotton
  • Size and curvature is great for cats to hold
  • Affordable
  • Best Value
    Second place
    SmartyKat Twirly Top Electronic Motion Cat Toy SmartyKat Twirly Top Electronic Motion Cat Toy
  • Usable on all surface types (even carpet)
  • Replaceable batteries
  • Affordable
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Kitty City Bubble Window Cat Cubby Kitty City Bubble Window Cat Cubby
  • Large size for comfortable use for all aged cats
  • Comes with catnip
  • Dome top to encourage investigation
  • Best for Kittens
    SmartCat Peek-a-Prize Toy Box SmartCat Peek-a-Prize Toy Box
  • Durable
  • Safe to chew on
  • Mentally stimulating
  • Catit 43000 Play 3 in 1 Circuit Ball Toy Catit 43000 Play 3 in 1 Circuit Ball Toy
  • 3-in1 value
  • Replaceable scratchpad
  • Added catnip to entice cats
  • The 10 Best Best Cat Toys in Australia

    1. Yeowww Bananas Singles Catnip Toy – Best Overall

    Yeowww Bananas Singles Catnip Toy

    Toy type: Catnip, stuffed toy
    Material: Cotton/twill fabric and organic catnip
    Usage: Solo play, pouncing, nuzzling, bunny kicking

    Now, our best overall cat toy is kind of a strange one. There is an insane amount of cat toys on the market with all sorts of sophisticated features, but we’ve chosen a simple banana toy; why? It’s simple, really; our research has found this toy to be incredibly top-rated with raving reviews from cat owners.

    Its simple design is the key to its success. The curvature makes it easy for cats to hold on to while kicking and manipulating it. The organic catnip center makes cats go crazy for it. Review after review, is filled with positive words about this humble catnip banana. The simple premise of a toy appeals to the simple drives of cat instinct. It offers a world of fun with minimal downside.

    Pros
    • 100% organic cotton
    • Size and curvature is great for cats to hold
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Cotton cover wears out over time

    2. SmartyKat Twirly Top Electronic Motion Cat Toy – Best Value

    SmartyKat Twirly Top Electronic Motion Cat Toy

    Toy type: Spinning, teaser, automatic
    Material: Plastic, ribbon
    Usage: Solo play, chasing

    As far as automatic cat toys go, this product is of great value. We’ve rated it as the best cat toy for the money simply because it offers some great features for a reasonable price. Highly rated by many reviewers, this toy is loved by cats. Its automatic features cause the toy to spin. The top is adorned with ribbons that spin with the toy, creating an irresistible target for a playful cat.

    It is battery-powered and has reasonable battery life. It should be noted, however, that even the positive reviews said the toy was somewhat fragile. The wand often comes off with rough play, but it’s easily put back together to carry on playing.

    Pros
    • Usable on all surface types (even carpet)
    • Replaceable batteries
    • Affordable
    Cons
    • Fragile

    3. Kitty City Bubble Window Cat Cubby – Premium Choice

    Kitty City Bubble Window Cat Cubby

    Toy type: Furniture, scratcher
    Material: Cardboard
    Usage: Hiding, scratching, nesting

    This product combines play and scratching together. Often scratcher posts are separate items, but cats’ scratching behavior is closely related to their play behavior.

    This cubby has a domed top to encourage your cats to play behavior in investigating small spaces, hiding, and nesting. The added scratchpad brings these behaviors together. Many owners say this is their “must-have product” and the one that saved their furniture from cat scratches!

    However, reviewers don’t like the fact that the base of the cubby is smooth, as when placed on smooth surfaces, it slips across the ground. Extra adhesion is needed to keep it in place.

    Pros
    • Large size for comfortable use for all aged cats
    • Comes with catnip
    • Dome top to encourage investigation
    Cons
    • Smooth bottom slips around on smooth surfaces
    • Costly

    4. SmartCat Peek-a-Prize Toy Box – Best for Kittens

    SmartCat Peek-a-Prize Toy Box

    Toy type: Puzzle
    Material: Wood
    Usage: Problem solving, investigation

    While all the products on this list are suitable for both kittens and adult cats alike, this product is one of the best kitten toys. The design is solid wood. There are no loose parts that will be harmful to small kittens. The natural material is safe if ingested, as kittens will often chew new items.

    This toy is designed to be mentally stimulated as small balls rolling inside the puzzle box encourage a cat’s natural hunting behavior. It’s a safe way for young kittens to start exploring these instincts.

    However, the provided balls are too small and easily fall out of the box. Past customers say this box is best used with other larger toys or even some tasty treats.

    Pros
    • Durable
    • Safe to chew on
    • Mentally stimulating
    Cons
    • Provided balls are too small
    • Strange scent to the wood

    5. Catit 43000 Play 3 in 1 Circuit Ball Toy

    Catit 43000 Play 3 in 1 Circuit Ball Toy with Scratch Pad

    Toy type: Rolling ball, scratcher, teaser
    Material: Plastic, cardboard scratcher
    Usage: Scratching, chasing, batting

    This product is the ultimate cat toy. It entices cats in with its dusting of catnip, it has a scratching board for cats to tear at, it has the classic rolling ball circuit, and it has a bendy wand teaser. It really hits all the marks when it comes to cat play behavior.

    This product is probably highly rated because it has something for every cat. In addition, the product is durable for a roughhousing cat. The ball does come out of the circuit easily, however. The scratchpad in the middle is replaceable, increasing the lifespan of this toy.

    Pros
    • 3-in1 value
    • Replaceable scratchpad
    • Added catnip to entice cats
    Cons
    • Ball comes out easily

    6. Petface Retractable Cat Wand Toy

    Petface Retractable Cat Wand Toy

    Toy type: Wand, teaser
    Material: Plastic handle, carbon fiber wand, nylon, naturally dyed feathers
    Usage: Interactive, chasing, jumping

    No cat toy collection is complete without the classic wand. Wand toys are popular for great reason. They drive cats bananas by flittering a teaser around through the air, encouraging them to jump and chase.

    This wand toy is especially human-friendly as the retractable wand and the long nylon cord keeps the toy far away from your hands. You can happily enjoy interactive play with your cat without worrying about catching a cat claw in your hand.

    This toy is lightweight, making it easy to hold and use. In addition, its retractable nature makes it easy to pack away when not in use.

    Pros
    • Retractable
    • Lightweight
    • Rod and cord keep the toy well away from your hand
    Cons
    • Feather can come out with force

    7. Outward Hound Rainy Day Treat Dispensing Cat Toy

    Nina Ottosson by Petstages Rainy Day Puzzle & Play

    Toy type: Puzzle, treat-dispensing
    Material: Wood/plastic composite
    Usage: Feeder, problem-solving

    This toy has double usage. It can be a regular fun toy for the curious cat to investigate and interact with. It can also be a feeder to regulate a fast eater. Made from food-safe materials, it is safe to put both treats and your cat’s regular diet inside. It has no removable parts, so it is easy and quick to clean.

    This toy’s moving parts and puzzle-like quality offer mental stimulation to cats, and treats can keep them interested in engaging with it. The puzzle is relatively simple, though, and many cats quickly learn how it works and lose interest. Alternating its use will keep it fresh and exciting for your cat.

    Pros
    • Can be used as a regular bowl
    • Made from food-safe materials
    • Easy to clean
    • Mentally stimulating
    Cons
    • Quickly learned

    8. Rosewood Jolly Moggy

    Rosewood Jolly Moggy Catnip Tune Chaser Bird Cat Toy

    Toy type: Catnip, noise emitting
    Material: Cotton, feather
    Usage: Solo play, pouncing, stalking

    As our number one product, this toy is a simple one. A simple stuffed animal with an added twist – a loud bird chirping. This toy is motion-activated, and when set off, it will let off a bird call. While this stimulates the predator drive of many cats, it can also elicit fear in some more sensitive cats.

    Most reviews say that it is loved by cats, less so by owners! The toy is highly sensitive to motion and is set off easily. The noise it emits is loud and often scares owners. If you can deal with this noisy little thing in your home, your cat may love to chase this little catnip bird around the house.

    Pros
    • Emits a bird-like chirping
    • Cheap
    • Durable
    Cons
    • Loud
    • Highly sensitive
    • Frightens delicate cats

    9. Petface Crinkle Bag Cat Toy

    Petface Crinkle Bag Cat Toy

    Toy type: Sensory, hiding, nesting
    Material: Polyester, cotton
    Usage: Diving, investigatory

    Cats love bags. They love to get inside anything they can, always looking for places to nestle themselves into, like a little cave. This bag is an excellent toy for just that! Its soft outer is soft for cuddling into and makes a great place to take a nap after play.

    Considered a sensory toy, this bag emits a crinkling noise when touched, and cats love to interact with it to see how it changes and reacts to their activity. The tunnel feel of the bag entices cats to dive inside. However, the size won’t fit a full-sized cat inside. The nature of this toy is also rather noisy, which may be fun for the cat but less fun for you at 2am in the morning!

    Pros
    • Stimulates the senses
    • Reactive to touch
    Cons
    • Noisy
    • Too small for larger breed cats

    10. PetSafe FroliCat Portable Cheese Automatic Cat Teaser

    PetSafe FroliCat Portable Cheese Automatic Cat Teaser

    Toy type: Teaser, “peek-a-boo”
    Material: Plastic
    Usage: Automatic, solo play

    This automatic toy is great for a game of peek-a-boo with your cat. The allure of moving parts that come in and out of view is a great way to really ignite a cat’s natural stalking instincts. This toy offers unpredictable motions of multiple moving parts, much like kitty whack-a-mole. This random movement reduces the likelihood of your cat becoming sick of this toy.

    The design is stable and durable, so even the roughest cats should not easily destroy this product. However, it is more on the pricey side than many other toys, and in addition, it is rather noisy. Some users said that kittens like it but adult cats couldn’t be bothered.

    Pros
    • Unpredictable motion
    • Stable & durable
    Cons
    • Expensive
    • Noisy

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    Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Best Cat Toys in Australia

    There really is a fantastic array of cat toys on the market. It can be hard to know where to even begin when looking for stimulating cat toys for your furry friend. There is a range of things to consider – what will this toy do for my cat? Is it safe? Will they even play with it? Don’t stress too much about the nuances of your cat toys and use our buyer’s guide to help you pick out the best toys for your cat!

    Cat Play Behaviors

    When looking at cat toys, you obviously want something your cat will actually engage with. Cats are notorious for being aloof and sometimes, frustratingly, ignore even the most expensive cat toys. Get to know your cat and find out what gets them going to help you choose toys that encourage these behaviors.

    Common cat play behaviors include:

    • Stalking – a classic cat hunting behavior. Stalking allows your cat to creep closer to its prey so that they can easily catch them. This behavior is also seen during play with cats. When your cat shows stalking body language, you know they are stimulated by the toy in front of them. They see the toy as prey and are trying to sneak up on it.
    • Pouncing – this usually comes after stalking. The act of pouncing is driven by the predatory drive that cats possess. It shows they are stimulated, and their instincts are sparked by an item.
    • Jumping – cats will jump to catch prey mid-air. These incredible feats of acrobatics may be seen in your playtimes, especially with the use of wand teasers, which can encourage cats to become airborne!
    • Bunny-kicking – once a cat captures their prey, they hold on tight and basically kick the life out of them. This is seen in play with toys such as stuffies or, perhaps, your hand!
    • Investigation – cats often have a nonchalant attitude about life, so a toy that engages them mentally is great for their stimulation. Toys that pique your cat’s interest and perhaps make them a little skeptical can be enriching.
    • Problem-solving – cats are usually very aggressive players, with most of their play behaviors relating to natural hunting behavior. However, there are toys on the market designed to be for problem-solving. These toys are great for cats who need mental stimulation but be aware not all cats care for puzzles.

    Solo vs. Interactive

    Cats are mostly solitary and don’t mind playing alone. Encouraging solo play is crucial as you are not always going to be around to engage with your cat. Toys that they can play with all on their own are ideal as they can play anytime. If they need more intense play and stimulation than simple cat toys can provide, consider automatic toys. Toys that you can set to work and let your cat engage with them, such as automatic teasers and laser toys.

    Interactive toys can also have their benefits. Firstly, when you play with your cat directly, it is super fun for you! Watching your cat jump around with the flick of your wrist provides endless entertainment. Play between you and your cat can also strengthen your bond. Play between cats shows a level of trust as playing is an act that makes them vulnerable. Building this trust will help you foster a close relationship with your cat.

    cat playing with Nina Ottosson by Petstages Rainy Day Puzzle & Play

    Safety

    On a less fun note, you also need to keep your cat’s safety at the forefront of your mind when choosing toys. While most cat toys on the market will be safe for cats in general, you need to consider your specific cat – particularly their age. Not all toys are suitable for cats of all sizes. Kittens may be at risk to some specifics of adult-directed toys.

    Follow the safety directions on all items you bring into your home. If the toy has loose pieces or strings, you may want to only bring these toys out when you can safely supervise your cat’s playtime. You’d be surprised the trouble an unwatched cat can get into.

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    Conclusion

    From all the toys we reviewed, we found the Yeowww Banana Catnip toy superior in its simplicity. High-rated, affordable, and, most importantly, adored by cats, this toy really stood out. We then chose SmartyKat Twirly Top Cat Toy as our best value for all the fun features offered for a very respectable price.

    We also compiled a list of all our other favorite toys, all highly-rated. We hope this gives you a great place to start sourcing some awesome toys to provide your cat with boundless fun!

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