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10 Best Cat Toys for Older Cats – 2024 Top Picks & Buyer’s Guide

Ashley Bates

By Ashley Bates

Hepper Catnip Stick Toy - White Cornish Rex on Bed

As our cats start to age, their activity levels might decrease. You want to give your mature feline something they can be stimulated by, but also something that won’t be difficult either. So, getting toys that fit the bill can be a little tricky.

We went ahead and asked our senior cats what toys they liked best. Here are the reviews for their top picks. We think you’ll find something for every kind of kitty personality.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Rating Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
Hepper Catnip Stick Toy Hepper Catnip Stick Toy
  • Handmade in the US
  • Durable materials for rough play
  • 100% pure organic catnip
  • Budget Buy
    Second place
    Hepper Catnip Mouse Set Hepper Catnip Mouse Set
  • Organic catnip
  • Durable stitching
  • Affordable
  • Third place
    ORSDA Electronic Cat Toy ORSDA Electronic Cat Toy
  • Electric operated
  • Detects movement
  • Naturally enters rest mode
  • Frisco Foldable Crinkle Play Frisco Foldable Crinkle Play
  • Crinkling encourages play
  • Doubles as a napping hideout
  • Folds up easily
  • Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy
  • Stays in place
  • Self-entertainment
  • Easy play
  • The 10 Best Toys for Older Cats

    1.  Hepper Catnip Stick Toy – Best Overall

    Hepper Blue Catnip Stick Toy - Domestic Shorthair Tortoiseshell Cat

    Hepper’s Catnip Stick Toy is our best overall option. We love these sticks for their handmade durability, so your cat can get feisty with the sticks unapologetically. We also love that they’re 100% pure organic catnip— there are no fillers in these sticks, whatsoever.

    Something else to rave about is the lack of plastic. Cats destroy toys easily, leaving plastic bits everywhere. It’s not safe or appealing, but you don’t have to worry about that with this catnip toy. The material is strong, long-lasting, and comes in three stunning pastel colors.

    If your cat loves catnip, we highly recommend giving this toy a try!

    You might have guessed, this is our own product—but we love it so much we just have to share it, and hope you get to own one too!

    Pros
    • Handmade in the US
    • Durable materials for rough play
    • 100% pure organic catnip
    • No plastic pieces
    • Comes in three beautiful colors
    • Great for teeth cleaning

    Cons
    • Some cats aren’t interested in catnip


    2. Hepper Catnip Mouse Set Toys – Budget Buy

    Hepper Mouse Set - Hussein - Best Posts

    We believe that the Hepper Catnip Mouse Set is a terrific choice for the thrifty buyer. It gives them the buzz they crave, catnip stuffed. Plus it’s totally safe for your kitties.

    This product is made of burlap fabric with ultra-durable stitching, so you won’t have to worry about it tearing with hard play. There are no harmful materials or small pieces.

    The catnip used in this product is 100% organic and safe for your senior cat. The only downfall we see is that eventually, the catnip will lose potency which is minor since these are affordable enough to replace them as necessary!

    Pros
    • Organic catnip
    • Durable stitching
    • No harmful additives
    • Affordable
    • Two sizes

    Cons
    • Catnip loses potency over time


    3. ORSDA Electronic Cat Toy

    ORSDA Electronic Cat Toy (1)

    Sure, for a stand-alone cat toy, it might seem like the ORSDA Electronic Cat Toy is a bit on the expensive side. But once you realize how this toy operates, it might be just what you need for your older cat. We think the features are worth the dollars. This toy encourages your older cat to play using a 2-in-1 feature. It uses an attachment feather piece that is colorful and attractive—there for four total. Inside, there is a ball that glides along the track to stimulate play.

    This toy is battery-operated, taking four AA batteries at a time. However, it also can power up using a USB and wall charger for ease of use. This fancy gadget detects movement and tracks time. It is active during the day and naturally enters rest mode at night.

    While we love this toy, you do have to change the batteries. This creates an ongoing maintenance expense if you don’t use the USB.

    Pros
    • Electric operated
    • Detects movement
    • Naturally enters rest mode

    Cons
    • Batteries create an ongoing expense


    4. Frisco Foldable Crinkle Play

    Frisco 47-in Foldable Crinkle Play Tunnel

    Do your aging cat’s pupils still turn black like a kitten, straight into attack mode, every time they hear a crinkling sound? The Frisco Foldable Crinkle Play toy will get your cat’s motor running by sensory alone. This toy offers 47 inches of cylinder-shaped fun your cat can crawl in and out of.

    We love that this design folds up so easily when your cat isn’t engaged. You can wrap it up and put it away in waiting for the next play date. But do be careful when you’re unwrapping it again—it slings out like a jack-in-the-box surprise.

    This design has a hole in the middle and a dangling ball at the end to make play even more appealing. And who knows—your tired old guy might even curl up for a nap inside.

    Pros
    • Crinkling encourages play
    • Doubles as a napping hideout
    • Folds up easily

    Cons
    • Might not appeal to all cats


    5. Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy

    Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy (1)

    Your senior kitty doesn’t have to be young and agile to bat this thing around. The Petstages Cat Tracks Cat Toy will keep them entertained without making them strain or tire. It involves a little muscle power to get the balls moving but is captivating enough to make even the laziest old-timers want to romp around.

    We loved that it is a three-tier design, providing extra encouragement for your guy or gal to play. It’s terrific for self-entertainment, so no action is needed on your part. We think that this option is an excellent way to get the blood pumping without over or underdoing it.

    Even though this is a nice shot to get your senior active, not all cats will show interest. However, because it is self-play, motivating, and affordable, we think most older cats can get good use from the product.

    Pros
    • Stays in place
    • Self-entertainment
    • Easy play

    Cons
    • Not all cats will show interest


    6. Penn Plax Purr Pet Bag

    Penn Plax Purr Pet Bag

    If your older cat likes to keep it simple, consider the Penn Plac Purr Pet Bag Mice cat toys. Classic and useful, these furry rodents might become your cat’s new favorite toy in no time. There are 12 total, so you can keep these nice in every room of the house and still have some to spare.

    These mice also rattle to really rev things up. The furry texture and noisemakers will have your older cat ready to play, pounce, and claw.

    Since there are so many in one pack—these will last quite a long time. So, if your senior is a sucker for a good mouse, you won’t have to worry about replenishing their supply right away. But if they don’t take to them, you’ll have 12 unused mice with no purpose, so keep that in mind.

    Pros
    • 12 total mice
    • Noisemakers inside to motivate play
    • Furry texture

    Cons
    • Not every cat will take to the toys


    7. Pet Craft Silly Snacks & Funny Food Crinkle Cuddling Toys

    Pet Craft Silly Snacks & Funny Food Crinkle Cuddling Toys (1)

    If you want an adorable little double pack, the Pet Craft Supply Silly Snacks and Funny Food Crinkle Cuddling Catnip toys might be just what you’re looking for. These simply cute designs will be in your cat’s cozy bed in no time.

    Each stuffy is an ice cream shape with the happiest little faces. But if that doesn’t strike your fancy, they also have a ton of other cute design options, like BLT, Chips & Gauc, Meow Mocha, Mewshi Chef, Noodle Bowl, and Taco Truck. So no matter what you’re in the mood for—you’re covered.

    We liked how compact each design is, giving your cat a paw-fect-sized toy to gnaw on or bat around. The catnip is totally organic—so only the best for your feline friends. Of course, it doesn’t work on all cats, so if your kitty is immune to catnip effects, they may be indifferent.

    Pros
    • Adorable designs
    • Organic catnip
    • Well-made

    Cons
    • Won’t attract all cats


    8. Gigiwi Interactive Electronic Cat Toy

    Gigiwi Interactive Electronic Cat Toy

    If you really want to get your kitty’s attention, try out Thai GiGwi Interactive Electronic Cat Toy. It will capture their ears with its beautiful song, just asking to be attacked.

    These little noisemakers also come in other options—including three-packs. Some other designs include a bee, hedgehog, mouse, cricket, parrot, and toucan. These little toys are perfect for the paws, fitting nicely therein.

    You pull out the strip to activate the noises. Each one mimics real sounds from animals to inspire your cat’s hunting roots. Not every human is a fan of noisy toys, though. So, if you don’t feel like listening to it, you might want another toy.

    Pros
    • Real noises to inspire hunting instincts
    • Tons of cute designs
    • Perfectly sized

    Cons
    • Might be too noisy for some homes


    9. Prestages Catnip and Dental Cat Toys

    Prestages Catnip and Dental Cat Toys (1)

    As your cat ages, their dental health declines—so here’s a toy that can help them maintain their overall mouth health. The Prestages Catnip and Dental Toy is made of a mesh material that is firm, helping to clean teeth.

    As your cat chews on the toy, the abrasiveness of the material really works plaque free. This particular design is an adorable happy avocado. It doubles as a fun toy to bat around, as you can stuff it with catnip to encourage play

    Since this is a triple whammy with dental, entertainment, and chewing behavior perks, we think your senior can really benefit from it. However, because not all cats are interested in catnip, your senior might not be interested.

    Pros
    • Cleans teeth
    • Stuffed with catnip
    • Encourages play

    Cons
    • Only for chewers
    • Not all cats enjoy catnip


    10. tiopeia 2Pcs Cat Treat Dispenser Toy

    tiopeia 2Pcs Cat Treat Dispenser Toy

    This cute two-pack is terrific if you want to make your senior work for their food. The tiopeia 2Pcs Cat Treat Dispenser Toys are durable, plastic mouse-shaped toys that can encourage play and reward your cat at the same time.

    This product works especially well if you have an overweight kitty that naps on a regular. It can spark their appetite and inspire them to work for their meal. There is a small section in the front that your cat can bat food from.

    The clear design helps so your pet can see the food inside. This can motivate them to get it out. Because this mouse has a gravity-weighted base, the toy won’t tip over for free food pebbles. We can say that this toy is a little flimsy and might not stand up against long-term use.

    Pros
    • Encourages slow eating
    • Clear design
    • Weighted base

    Cons
    • Not recommended for overweight cats
    • Might not stand up to long-term use

    Buyer’s Guide: Selecting the Best Toys for Older Cats

    So, how do you know what constitutes a perfect toy for senior cats? There is a small list of things to consider. After all, your old guy or gal won’t have as much energy as they did in their younger days. Here are a few good toy options when you shop—and what to avoid.

    Types of Toys to Avoid for Seniors

    Senior cats don’t have the energy levels that require extensive exercise. But even though they slow down with age, they still need to keep their bodies capable.

    Older cats might suffer from medical conditions that affect their joints, causing mobility issues. That means these kitties aren’t good candidates for running around. You need to avoid certain toys and, instead, choose toys that accommodate their current state.

    Of course, you might have a senior who is just as spry as they ever were. In this case, use your best judgment.

    Most of the time, you’ll want to stay away from toys like:
    • Laser Pointers: Laser pointers aren’t always a bad choice for older cats, because you can always take it easy on them. However, toys that have erratic laser motions can be distressing for an older cat. Also, they might not be able to keep up, causing injury.
    • Feather Teasers: Feather teasers wouldn’t be so bad if you played gently. However, they might require too much physical mobility, rendering some cats unable to play. So, even though you could make it work, it might not be the best use of your money.
    • Motorized Toys: Toys that have wheels and operate themselves might not work well for senior cats. They could have trouble keeping up, and lose interest as a consequence. Since these types of toys seem to be more expensive, you might want to choose other options.
    • Exercise Wheels: Exercise wheels for cats are growing in popularity. However, if you have a senior with mobility issues—or even other health problems—these wheels might be counterproductive.

    Types of Toys to Buy for Seniors

    Seniors need a variety of toys to keep them busy, but they need options they can use, too. Older cats benefit greatly from mild forms of exercise, and they are very motivated by extras—like catnip or snacks.

    You can still buy interactive toys that you can play together, but it is best to get age-appropriate toys that suit their needs specifically. You’ll need to use your own discretion here, as problems can be unique depending on your feline.

    • Stuffed Toys: Toys that are stuffed with catnip can be a great way to motivate your kitty. However, some cats aren’t affected by catnip at all—so it is sometimes pointless. By the time your cat reaches their golden years, you should know if this green magical herb gets them excited.
    • Treat Toys: What cat doesn’t love to eat? There might be nothing that motivates your older gent to get their blood pumping than offering them a delicious snack as a reward. You can stuff treats into the toy, or buy a toy that dispenses treats slowly.
    • Puzzle Toys: Even though your cat is aging, you’ll want to keep their wits sharp. You can buy them a puzzle toy to keep them occupied.

    Conclusion

    Hopefully, our reviews led you to some fabulous products you can pick from. We think your senior will really enjoy the Hepper Catnip Stick Toy. It doesn’t require much effort for them to become engaged and it provides instant joy for most older cats.

    If you want to save a few bucks, try the Hepper Catnip Mouse Set. It comes stuffed with organic catnip to tantalize your kitty—and it is completely affordable.

    No matter what you choose, your older kitty is sure to love their new piece of entertainment.


    Feature Image Credit: Hepper.com

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