15 Best Kitten Toys of 2026 - Reviews & Top Picks

Kittens are always on the go, and giving them plenty of toys to entertain themselves is one of the best ways to wear out their boundless energy. Depending on their personality, your kitten’s preferences can lean toward jingle balls, stuffed mice, catnip, or simple tunnels.

It’s a fun but challenging task to find your kitten a toy that they will never turn up their nose at. These reviews include the best kitten toys to assist you in your search for your cat’s newest favorite.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2026

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Hepper Catnip Stick Toy	100% North American catnip Double lined for durability Neutral, pastel colors to match your décor	Check Price
		Hepper Mice Toy Set in Hessian	2-pack Durable Encourages physical and mental activity	Check Price
		Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy	Supports multi-cat homes Triggers hunting instincts Large openings for cats to play	Check Price
		Catstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy	Three levels Balls included Non-slip feet for stability	Check Price
		Hartz Just for Cats Peek & Play Pop-Up Tent Cat Toy	Two hanging toys Holes for games of peek-a-boo Removable scratch mat	Check Price

The 15 Best Kitten Toys

1. Hepper Catnip Stick Toy — Best Overall

The Hepper Catnip Stick Toy is a simple but effective toy that suits cats of all ages, especially your new kitten. Hand stitched and double lined, it’s designed to be bite-proof to ensure that it’s durable enough to withstand the rigors of playtime. As the best overall kitten toy, it contains no unnecessary materials, such as cheap fillers, and uses 100% organic North American catnip.

There are several colors to choose from. Each is a soft, pastel shade that won’t clash with your home décor. The catnip stick toy is also designed to be easy to clean, and you can wipe off the dirt with a damp cloth as needed.

As with all catnip toys, you should supervise your kitten during playtime. Some cats are also immune to the effects of catnip or might have an aggressive response, so you’ll need to adjust their playtime accordingly. 

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

2. Hepper Mice Toy Set in Hessian

Kittens are always on the go, and small, catnip-infused toys are a great way to keep them physically and mentally active. With 2 different-sized toys included in the pack, the Hepper Mice Toy Set is the best kitten toy for the money.

This set also caters to the preferences of several kittens at once, especially if they have different play styles - such as hunting prey, indulging in catnip, carrying or swatting - you name it!

The Hepper Mice Set is made from a durable hessian material that will withstand the roughest of play sessions, and is filled with a soft premium cotton, making it a great throw toy if your interested in teaching your kitten fetch. If your toys lose their catnip scent, they are affordable enough to purchase replacements when you need them.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

3. Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy

The Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy has an expandable track, a peek-a-boo design, and balls with battery-operated lights to trigger the hunting instincts in your kitten. It's designed to encourage both independent and interactive play, and your kitten can propel the balls around the track themselves, or you can join in.

With an expandable design, the track is large enough for multiple cats to play at once, with large openings for them to bat at the balls without getting stuck. It can be formed into circles or a figure-8 design.

The balls in the Catit circuit toy have battery-operated lights to enable them to capture the attention of your cat. However, the batteries don’t last long and can’t be replaced. If you want light-up balls, you’ll need to get new ones.

4. Catstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy

With three levels and rolling tracks, the Catstages Tower of Tracks Cat Toy offers your kitten a way to entertain themselves without your input. They can bat the included balls around the tracks without losing them under the furniture, and the non-slip feet are designed to keep the tower in place. You also have the option of replacing the balls with sturdier or more interesting alternatives that your cat may prefer to play with.

While the Catstages Tower of Tracks is a simple way to keep your kitten entertained, some cats enjoy it more than others. The balls can also stick and be difficult to roll around the track, which can make them less enticing for your kitten. It also has a lightweight design that doesn’t suit vigorous playtimes.

5. Hartz Just for Cats Peek & Play Pop-Up Tent Cat Toy

The Hartz Just for Cats Peek & Play Pop-Up Tent Cat Toy gives your cat a place to hide, play, nap, and scratch. It has holes for games of peek-a-boo and for inquisitive kittens to climb through and two hanging toys for them to bat around. Large enough for multiple cats, this pop-up tent is easy to assemble and can be squashed for easy storage. The built-in scratch mat is also removable if your kitten doesn’t like the sound of crinkling material.

Like most pop-up tent structures, this is made with thin polyester. It's not scratch-proof and can be easily damaged. The size also makes it difficult to fold into a shape small enough to store.

6. Frisco Scratch & Roll Scratcher Cat Toy With Catnip

Toys that entertain and help your cat manage their other needs are among the best ways to save space. The Frisco Scratch & Roll Scratcher Cat Toy With Catnip enables your kitten to play and tend to their claws at the same time.

With a built-in cardboard scratcher that can be replaced as necessary, the toy has a rolling ball track that entices your kitten to bat a ball around. This scratch-and-roll product also includes a bag of catnip so you can sprinkle some on as necessary.

Although the cardboard scratcher is designed to be replaceable, it isn’t held in place that well, and kittens can pull it out while scratching. The flakes of cardboard also make a mess when scratched.

7. SmartyKat Flutter Balls Feathery Cat Toy

For kittens that can’t make up their mind whether they want to pounce on feathers or chase a ball around, the SmartyKat Flutter Balls Feathery Cat Toy offers the best of both worlds. Soft and lightweight, the flutter balls are easy for cats to carry around and play fetch with. It's sold in a pack of two, so you can play with several cats at once. The filler is made with 100% recycled plastic.

Despite the durability of the ball, the feathers aren’t as long lasting. Vigorous play sessions or more playful kittens can break off the feathers easily. Neither of the balls has bells or rattles, and some kittens prefer a toy that jingles when they’re playing.

8. Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Cat Toy

Young kittens might not be as affected by catnip as adult cats, but if they’re older than 6 months, the Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Cat Toy is worth a try. Made with cotton, it’s hand sewn and filled with organic catnip.

While you should remove the care tag to prevent your kitten from eating it, the toy doesn’t contain plastic or unnecessary filler materials. It’s designed to be bite- and scratch-proof for vigorous play sessions.

Even if your kitten is over 6 months old, some cats are naturally immune to catnip and don’t react to it. The catnip in this toy also isn’t refillable if the scent wears off and can spill out of the seams if they break.

9. KONG Eight-Track Cat Toy

Designed to give kittens a range of textures and toys to play with, without taking up space, the KONG Eight Track Cat Toy has three features: a covered, figure-8 track, rattle balls for your kitten to bat around, and a catnip tail and feather toy to keep their interest. It encourages independent play, making it a great choice for when you’re at work and your kitten needs something to play with.

The rattle balls are included but can break apart easily, resulting in a choking hazard due to the contained bell. The lightweight design of the track is also a problem if your cat plays too vigorously and knocks it over. Finally, although the catnip contained in the tail is refillable, it doesn’t work on all cats, and younger kittens might not react to it.

10. Pet Fit For Life 5 Piece Squiggly Worm Wand Cat Toy

If you’re looking for a way to play with your kitten without risking your hands getting scratched, the Pet Fit For Life 5 Piece Squiggly Worm Wand Cat Toy is a fun solution. It has five brightly colored wiggler worms and a wand so you can wake your kitten’s hunting instincts while keeping your hands safe. The nylon string is designed to be durable and resist fraying.

Although the wand is designed to come apart in two halves for easy storage, it doesn’t have any way to secure the pieces while in use. Energetic playtime can lead to the wand falling apart. Some cats destroy the included wiggler toys quickly, and the bits of fluff can present a choking hazard. The metal clasp is also heavy and can be dangerous when the toy is flung around too quickly.

11. Frisco Foldable Play Tri-Tunnel Cat Toy

Many kittens adore hiding and jumping out at unsuspecting feet or their favorite toy. The Frisco Foldable Play Tri-Tunnel Cat Toy gives them a place to stalk their fellow cats and play in an enclosed shelter. It also doubles as a secure napping spot once their games are over for the day.

Designed with thin fabric and thin wires, this foldable play tunnel has a pop-up design for easy storage. It’s a good choice for households with multiple cats due to the three entrances and the useful hole in the center.

However, this is a relatively small tunnel design and might not be big enough for older kittens or large breeds. The thin material is also not that durable or scratch resistant, and the wire framework doesn’t hold up well under pressure.

12. Frisco Colorful Springs Cat Toy

Erratic movements and bright colors are always fascinating to cats, and the Frisco Colorful Springs Cat Toy employs both to capture attention. The springs are lightweight for kittens that love to carry things around. They are also naturally bouncy to keep your kitten on their toes, stimulate their hunting instincts, and keep games of chase interesting.

The springs are sold in small packs and are bunched together, so several cat owners have had issues untangling the springs when they receive them. Some cats have also been known to chew off pieces of plastic or the springs unwind and trap their tail, paws, or neck. Don’t let your cat play with these without supervision.

13. SmartyKat Chickadee Chirp Electronic Bird-Sound Cat Toy

Many kittens love hunting toys that jingle or rattle. The SmartyKat Chickadee Chirp Electronic Bird-Sound Cat Toy uses a recorded chirping sound to mimic real birds and draw your kitten’s attention. Activated by touch, the SmartyKat Chickadee will make noise every time your kitten bats at or grabs it. It also contains catnip that can be replaced whenever necessary, to entice your kitten to pay attention to the toy.

Some cat owners have experienced faults with the built-in chirp, and there’s no way to replace the batteries. While the catnip makes this toy usable without the chirping sound, some kittens don’t react to it.

14. Hexbug Nano Robotic Cat Toy

Designed to mimic the movement of real bugs to draw attention, the Hexbug Nano Robotic Cat Toy uses vibrations to move and navigate around obstacles. It works best on hard surfaces, making it unsuitable for carpeted floors, and the tail gives an extra point of interest for curious kittens. It’s battery-operated and quiet, so it won’t scare timid cats or interrupt your work with loud buzzing.

The Hexbug does come in various colors, but unfortunately, you can’t choose the option that you receive. It’s also non-rechargeable and the battery is disappointingly short lived. You also shouldn’t leave your kitten unattended when playing with this toy, as it can easily get lost beneath furniture and the tail can break off.

15. SunGrow Kitty Crinkle Balls Indoor Cat Toy

If you have two kittens to entertain, multi-packs of toys are always a lifesaver. The SunGrow Kitty Crinkle Balls Indoor Cat Toy contains 12 crinkle balls that are brightly colored and shiny to draw attention. While the noise captures your kitten’s attention as they play, the toys are soft and lightweight enough for them to carry and bat around as much as they want.

The crinkle balls aren’t the most durable, though, and the material has been known to tear. You’ll need to supervise your kitten during playtime to make sure they don’t eat the material by accident. The balls are also easy to crush and lose their shape easily.

Why Do Kittens Need Toys?

Whether you have one kitten or two — or more — you’ll need to give them plenty of things to do. While a variety of toys is useful for trying to manage your kitten’s energy, that’s not the only reason that toys are important.

Various textures and styles of toys help your kitten learn. As they play with catnip mice, a wand toy, or even a jingle ball, they slowly learn how to develop and hone their hunting instincts. Each toy moves differently, whether it’s propelled by you or your cat or battery operated, and it will teach your cat how to adapt their skills accordingly.

Finding the type of toy that your kitten will enjoy the most is the best part! It’s a fun challenge, and you will be able to strengthen the bond between you by spending time playing with your kitten. Once you find their favorite toy, your kitten might even bring it to you whenever they want to play.

Interactive or Independent Toys?

Variety is always best, and you should get a selection of options that your kitten can play with alone and with you. Knowing the difference between independent and interactive toys will help you here.

Independent toys are often battery-operated ones or rolling ball tracks. These enable your kitten to play without requiring any input from you. This makes them perfect for whenever you’re out of the house or busy with chores.

Interactive toys require you to join in the fun. You’ll need to hold onto the wand or throw the ball down the corridor. These toys are the best for when you can spend time with your kitten.

There are also combinations of both types of toys. For example, a jingle ball can be batted around by your cat even when you don’t have time to play. You should still make sure to spare a few minutes every day to play with your kitten, no matter how many independent toys they have.

How We Selected Our List of Kitten Toys

Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing the kitten toys. This includes but is not limited to customer reviews, brand reputation, veterinary experience, hands-on testing, and of course, our cats have a say in the process too! We aim to select and review only the best products available, to help you make the best possible choice and most informed decision for your and your cat’s needs.

Why Trust Catster?

A trusted online brand since 2001, Catster has a lot of experience with kitten toys. Our team of cat-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to helping you make the best decision for your precious cats. Our aim is to provide the best information available for cat owners to help cats live their best life possible. To do this, we scour reviews from the most trusted sources available and this, combined with our veterinary team’s experience and expertise, helps us gather the best options available to readers. Our team is deeply invested in the health and welfare of cats the world over, and believes that expert knowledge and veterinary guidance will help you make the right choices—for you and your cats!

Final Thoughts

These best kitten toy reviews include a variety of choices to suit all kittens. Double-lined and durable, the Hepper Catnip Stick Toy is our overall favorite for rambunctious kittens as they develop their hunting skills. If you want more choices for your kitten’s entertainment, the Hepper Mice Toy Set is the next best option. There are catnip mice, suitable to various play preferences. Finally, the Catit Design Senses Circuit Cat Toy is pricey but enables kittens to play on their own, keeping them busy when you’re out of the house.

Featured Image Credit: CebotariN_Shutterstock