Dog owners are painfully aware of their pet’s need for safe chew toys, frequently at the expense of their shoes. However, cat owners might not know that their kitties also benefit from chewing on toys. Teething kittens need relief just like puppies do.

Chewing helps adult cats manage boredom and improve their dental health. If you’re searching for chew toys for your cat, we are here to help! In this article, you’ll find reviews of what we think are the 10 best chew toys for cats. After you read our thoughts, refer to our detailed buyer’s guide to help you pick the right chew toy for your cat.

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The 10 Best Chew Toys for Cats

1. Hepper Catnip Stick Toy – Best Overall

Our pick for the overall best chew toy for cats is the Hepper Catnip Stick Toy. Chew toys need to be durable, and Hepper’s Catnip Stick features double-layered protection over the catnip. We also like the versatility of this chew toy.

Thanks to the slender design and length, cats of all ages can hold, kick, and gnaw on the Catnip Stick Toy. It can also be used for games of fetch and allows your cat to practice natural behaviors like stalking and “hunting.” The Hepper Catnip Stick Toy is available in several colors to match any home design palette. It’s made in the USA and filled with organic catnip.

However, the catnip can’t be refilled and may lose potency after a few weeks. Some cats won’t care, while others may lose interest in playing with the toy.

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!

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 2. Hepper Catnip Mice Toy Set in Flax – Budget Buy

Our budget buy pick is the Hepper Mice Toy Set in Flax. This simple, affordable chew toy also comes in a 2-pack, making it a good choice for homes with more than one cat.

Filled with organic catnip to attract your kitty’s attention, the mice set can also be used for self-guided play. The durable flax fabric on the toy increases its durability ensuring the toy will last your feline many play sessions. These toys are suitable for all ages and help satisfy your cat’s desire to hunt!  Once the catnip scent wears off, these toys are affordable enough to buy replacements as 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!

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3. Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Toy

The Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Toy is one of the most-loved and highest-rated cat chew toys we discovered in our research. Most reviewers weren’t sure how to explain why their cats love this unusual toy, but the results speak for themselves.

The American-made Yellow Banana toy features organic catnip and natural dyes. It’s made of sturdy cotton twill, allowing it to withstand tough play and chewing. Even cats that don’t respond to catnip will enjoy batting, gnawing, and chasing after the Catnip Yellow Banana Toy. However, the catnip can’t be refilled, and the toy is not machine washable, leaving owners with limited options to keep it clean.

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4. Pet Life Durable Fish Plush Cat Toy with Catnip

Teething kittens need a chew toy that’s tough enough to withstand frequent use but soft enough not to irritate already tender gums. The Pet Life Durable Fish Plush Cat with Catnip is perfect for growing, teething kittens. It’s made of heavy-duty material with extra secure stitching and is built to last.

Since it’s filled with soft recycled materials and catnip, the Pet Life Durable Fish Plush Cat is friendly toward the earth and sore gums. Best of all, the toy is machine-washable and water-resistant. It comes in two sizes and multiple colors, too.

However, the catnip can’t be refilled. You’ll need to monitor the wear and tear on this toy and replace it to prevent any accidental ingestion of parts.

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5. Bawan Silvervine Sticks Cat Dental Toy

For cats who turn up their noses at catnip, try these Bawan Silvervine Sticks Cat Dental Toys. They’re made of natural materials and designed to be chewed on and played with by cats of all ages. The sticks help clean teeth and freshen breath, providing entertainment and enrichment.

The company offers a 100% money-back guarantee, but most users report their cats enjoy chewing the Silvervine Sticks. Hard chewers may go through these sticks rapidly, but they come in a convenient three-pack. Watch out that your cat doesn’t chew off and swallow any of the grass or strings.

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6. Catstages Plaque Away Pretzel Dental Cat Toy

For cats who want to chase down their toys before chewing, try Catstages Plaque Away Dental Cat Toy. This affordable chew toy is just the right size to serve as “prey” for your cat. You can use it for interactive games of fetch or let your cat entertain themselves while you’re away.

Either way, the soft netting surrounding the Plaque Away Pretzel helps keep your kitty’s teeth clean while they chew. Available in multiple colors, the toy also contains catnip. However, it is not refillable, so don’t rely on the catnip to keep your cat interested long-term. Some customers mentioned that the toy starts unraveling after a short period of hard use.

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7. Pioneer Pet Nip Nibblers Catnip Toy

If you’re looking for a lightweight chew toy designed to appeal to catnip lovers, the Pioneer Pet Nip Nibblers Catnip Toy might be the one for you. These simple tubes are packed with catnip, which is released in doses as the cat chews on the toy.

The toys can easily be picked up, carried, and batted around by cats of any age for added fun. Cats that aren’t stimulated by catnip may not find these toys as much fun to play with on their own. However, you can use them for interactive playtime instead and help your cat stay in shape. The catnip in these toys can’t be refilled.

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8. Legendog Catnip Cat Chew Toy

These adorable cat chew toys might be as much fun for humans as they are for cats. The Legendog Catnip Chew Toy is made of breathable, durable cotton linen to give your cat a full whiff of the catnip inside. Extra stitching helps the toy last longer as well.

It’s available in a 5-pack and is a great option for multi-cat households to avoid conflict over their favorite chew objects. Since it’s bigger than traditional catnip mice, the Legendog Catnip Chew Toy can also be used for wrestling and kicking, but some cats may try to chew off the tail. The catnip can’t be refilled, and some pet owners mentioned that aggressive chewers can destroy the toy quickly.

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9. Catstages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel

Cats that need a tougher chewing surface may prefer the Catstages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel. It’s made of food-safe rubber, and this knobby wheel contains catnip oil to hold your cat’s attention. The non-toxic toy is gentle on the cat’s mouth but helps keep their teeth clean when chewed.

Cats of all ages can enjoy this toy, including kittens and older cats with limited mobility.  The attached streamers are designed to add interest to the toy but could be a choking hazard. Users also cautioned that your cat may be able to chew off and swallow the tiny nubs. Despite the tougher materials, hard chewers can still destroy this toy.

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10. Gochanmon Silvervine Stick Catnip Ball

This unique chew toy appeals to cats that love to play with balls and gnaw on their prey. The Gochanmon Silvervine Stick Catnip Ball is handmade from natural materials with no preservatives or additives. The bell and catnip ball only add to this chew toy’s appeal.

The company offers a money-back guarantee if your cat is uninterested in this toy. Chewing on the Gochanmon toy helps promote dental health and proper digestion. However, some customers said that if your kitty shares a home with dogs, the pups may try to steal this toy and chew it themselves! Regardless, most pet owners appreciated the toy’s size, which is not easily lost under furniture like other balls.

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Chew Toys For Cats

As you can see, there are multiple cat chew toy options available if your kitty needs dental support or environmental enrichment. Keep the following key points in mind as you decide which toy will work best for your cat.

Materials and Texture

If you’re looking for a chew toy to stop your cat from destroying household items, pay careful attention to the materials and texture it’s made from. Many cats prefer to chew only on certain textures, such as rubber, fabric, or cardboard.

If you pick a chew toy made from similar materials, you have a better chance of persuading the cat to gnaw on it instead of your things.

Your Cat’s Age

As we mentioned, teething kittens are frequently most in need of safe chew toys. However, teething also tends to result in sore, bleeding, tender gums. Your kitten may need to chew but avoids it due to pain if the toy is too hard. Soft chew toys tend to be better tolerated by these young cats.

Your Cat’s Chewing Style

Some cats may gnaw on toys merely as part of hunting or stalking games. Others may chew with the dedication of a teething puppy. Not all toys can withstand hard chewing, so your cat’s chewing style will help guide your choice of play object.

Even if you choose a toy that’s considered more durable, you should monitor your cat as they chew and replace the item when it begins to wear out.

How We Selected Our List of Chew Toys For Cats

Catster has an experienced, expert team of writers, editors, and veterinarians who carefully consider a wide range of parameters when choosing cat chew 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 cat chew 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!

Conclusion

As our best overall chew toy for cats, the Hepper Catnip Stick Toy offers the right combination of durability and versatility. Our budget buy pick, the Hepper Mice Toy Set in Flax, is an affordable choice for those looking to encourage self-play and satisfy hunting instincts! Choosing the right chew toy for your cat can seem overwhelming at times, but we hope our reviews of these options give you the insight you need to simplify your decision.

• See Also: 8 Best Matabi Silvervine Chew Sticks

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Featured Image Credit: MTS_Photo, Shutterstock