Cats are beautiful, interesting, weird creatures. They’re also very picky. Finding cat toys that they'll actually play with is tough, especially with the oversaturation of the pet market today. Cats require a specific environment to play, scratch, and relax. Based on years of testing with our cats, these are our favorite WIRED-approved, techy cat toys (and furniture). Even if our cats rejected a particular product, we still examined overall construction, design, and value to determine whether it may be useful for other kitties.

We have tested everything on this list with our own cats. All of these toys have an element to engage their natural instincts, like an interactive mat that mimics the movements of prey or a puzzle toy so your cat has to use their pecan-sized brain to get rewarded with delicious treats. Plus, increasing vertical space with cat furniture is a great way to provide passive enrichment.

I'm a helicopter cat mom specializing in pet tech, and all of the cat toys and furniture in this guide are approved by my and other staffers’ (very spoiled) WIRED cats. Check out our other pet-related guides like the Best Automatic Cat Litter Boxes, Best Automatic Cat Feeders, Best Cat Water Fountains, and Our Favorite Fancy Cat Furniture. More of a dog person? We've got you covered! See our guide to the Best Accessories and Tech Essentials for Your Dog.

Updated January 2025: We've added the Potaroma Flapping Bird and Lesure Cat Tunnel Bed and updated prices and links throughout.

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Cat Toys

• Photograph: Molly Higgins

Sofolor

Interactive Cat Toy

This feline crowd pleaser is the cat toy I recommend everyone buy. My extremely spoiled cats rarely interact with a toy for more than five minutes, but they play with this interactive cat toy for hours on end. It has three modes so cats never get bored: Normal, Active, and Interactive, and it shuts off automatically after a period of time not being used. It has a simple USB charger (but lasts on a charge for about six days), and a button that controls everything, plus it comes with a replacement wand in case your cats are as rough-and-tumble as mine. Although this is a bit more than I like to spend on cat toys, it was the best purchase I've made this year.

• Photograph: Molly Higgins

Viwik

Interactive Cat Toy Mat

My cats go bonkers for interactive play mats, and although this one didn't keep their attention as much as the play mat above, it's still a solid choice and provides them with options when it comes to human-free play. The rechargeable rolling ball lights up and moves erratically inside the mat, which held my cats' attention for probably half an hour. I put this one away for a few days before bringing it back out to keep interest. You can even use the rolling ball as a toy outside the mat, but beware that it easily rolls under furniture and in hard-to-reach corners. My biggest gripe is that the rechargeable ball has a short battery life and needs to be charged after each play session.

• Photograph: Molly Higgins

Valonii

Motion Activated Cat Laser Toy

There's some controversy in the cat-owning community about whether lasers are too frustrating for cats, who may feel like they can never “catch” the “prey” (aka pouncing on the laser dot without actually being able to get it). My cats are both obsessed with laser toys, and it's a great way for them to get exercise and keep themselves entertained; I just always give them treats after to reward them for a job well done. This toy has three interactive modes and motion sensor activation to further keep cats' attention, and it lasts about a day before needing to be recharged.

• Photograph: Molly Higgins

Catstages

Interactive Cat Treat Puzzle

One of my cats is an extremely intelligent, high-energy cat who's also very food motivated, so it is a continual challenge to find things to keep him entertained—not to mention, I also have to make sure he doesn't inhale his food. With this toy, you can cover up the treats with the leaves or put them only in the cups for an extra challenge—I love that this puzzle toy is totally customizable based on your cat’s intelligence level. I have both the Melon Madness and Buggin’ Out models, and even years later, my cats are still entertained by them. I call that a good investment.

Courtesy of Meowbox

Meowbox

Subscription Box

If you can't figure out which kind of toy your cats will like, or you just want them to be refreshed every so often, former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano thought Meowbox was a great subscription. You can choose to get deliveries every one or two months, and they include both treats and incredibly cute toys with an equally cute theme. Plus, for every box sold, the company gives food to a shelter.

Courtesy of SnugglyCat

Snuggly Cat

The Ripple Rug

Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano's cats went nuts for this Ripple Rug. The bottom piece stays in place while the top can be configured into different shapes for playing (or hunting), and you can reshape it as often as you wish. The material feels like felt, but is made from 24 post-consumer plastic bottles and can withstand sharp claws.

• Photograph: Simon Hill

• Courtesy of Amazon

Kong

Kickeroo

All three of our cats love the Kong Kickeroo, and it has been one of the most long-lived cat toys we have ever bought. Bodhi is our eldest cat and rarely plays with toys anymore, but even he can’t resist the Kickeroo. It’s the perfect shape to grab and claw at with his back paws, and it has a tail, mixed textures, and crinkly material inside with a touch of catnip. We also tried the smaller model, but it was quickly chewed through, while the larger one has lasted for years. —Simon Hill

• Photograph: Molly Higgins

• Courtesy of Potaroma

Potaroma

Flapping Bird

This rechargeable, interactive toy realistically chirps and flaps its wings to help engage your cat's curiosity and natural hunting instincts. It's motion-activated, so when your pet paws at it, it'll automatically start flapping and chirping in 10-second intervals. Initially, my cats were super interested in and perplexed by (and maybe a little afraid of?) this loud, sort of chaotic toy. But it kept their attention, and eventually they were brave enough to bat it around. Plus, its tail is made of feathers, and my cat Clover loved to hold it and lick the feathers. (Why? No idea, but God forbid a woman has hobbies.) The battery lasts ridiculously long, so I only need to recharge it every few weeks via the included USB cord.

Courtesy of Amazon

Bawan

Silvervine Chew Sticks

My overactive cat Basil is one of roughly 40 percent of cats that don't react to catnip, which is a bummer because he gets FOMO watching his sister go wild. Luckily, both of my cats go crazy for these simple sticks. It helps them engage with natural kicking instincts and redirects aggressive chewing from my iPhone cord. I'd recommend that anyone with cats who don't react to catnip or have aggressive chewing tendencies give these a try.

Courtesy of Amazon

GoCat

Da Bird

I’ve had seven cats over the past 20 years, and every single one of them has been obsessed with this interactive toy. And not just any wand toy, this one specifically and its original feather attachment, which uses the same swivel mechanism as a fishing lure to create movement through the air that registers as 100 percent authentic to cats. There are other attachments available, like fur “mice,” but nothing hits quite like the original feather cluster. Make sure you stock up on refills, in case your cat finds the wand in the middle of the night and has its way with it. (Speaking from experience.) —Kat Merck

• Photograph: Molly Higgins

• Courtesy of Petcube

Petcube

Play 2

This pet camera has the ability to control a laser via app, so you can engage in play with your cat even when away, and it aims to auto-engage when motion is detected (but very often it didn't). Although I wish the motion sensors were a bit more sensitive to engage in play more often while I'm not home, it consistently kept my cats entertained, plus it was fun to be able to play with them through the app from afar.

• Photograph: Molly Higgins

Enabot

Rola PetPal Robot Pet Companion

Is it a toy? Is it a security camera? Is it a treat dispenser? There's no need to decide! While my cats were more curious than excited to play with this li'l robot pet camera, it did keep their attention, which is a win in my book. My cat Basil was obsessed with the toy attachment and loved finding different ways to proudly pull it off and bring it to me. The app can be a bit glitchy, and the robot is by no means smart, but it is a camera you can move about your house while you're away, and it'll roll, slam into objects, and shoot treats out at your confused cats. At the end of the day, the robot was great at keeping their attention, which is all we really want in the end.

Cat Trees and Furniture

Photograph: Kat Merck

Omlet

Freestyle Indoor Cat Tree

More than just a cat tree, the modular Freestyle lets you customize your own indoor or outdoor cat jungle gym from a series of bamboo platforms, beds, ramps, hammocks, and scratchers. The platforms are sturdy enough to support cats of any size or activity level, and the poles can accommodate ceilings up to 14 feet. The system is not inexpensive or especially easy to put together, but my cats Circe and Scylla spend every single day on theirs, making it worth the investment. —Kat Merck

• Photograph: Kat Merck

• Photograph: Kat Merck

The Purrgola

This is one of the most popular items I have ever tested with my cats. Neighbors love it, delivery people comment on it, and, of course, both my cats adore it. It’s super easy to assemble and install, provided you have a vertical sash window—just close the window on it, and raised acrylic stakes in the back will keep it in place. (You also have the option to screw the Purrgola to the window frame, which is recommended, and/or secure the window in place with window locks.) The thick, weatherproof acrylic—which is seriously thick; it even survived a tumble out of a first-story window during our test—is load-tested to 90 pounds, and the cushion inside has a soft, minky, machine-washable cover. The screens on either side are stainless steel mesh to prevent any funny business. It’s got an acrylic door on the room side that pulls out and down to close, but this part is fragile; I’ve now broken it twice taking it in and out of the window, but it glues back just fine. I wouldn’t recommend using a Purrgola during a very rainy season, as a little heavy rain will come in the side screens (though not a lot, and the makers say covers for the screens will be available soon), or where there are lots of bugs, as it’s not an airtight fit in the window. However, if your cats are indoor-only (and they should be!), this is a fun and stylish way for them to interact safely with the outdoors. Also note that it may take cats a while to get used to it—it took both of mine about a week, but after that, they were both in it every day. —Kat Merck

• Photograph: Kat Merck

• Photograph: Kat Merck

Mau

Reiya

No one does high-end cat furniture quite like Mau. WIRED has tested several of Mau’s cat trees over the years, and every one has been a banger: objectively beautiful, sturdy, well made, and beloved by cats. The solid-oak Reiya isn’t one of Mau’s flashier designs, and in fact, I’m surprised by how unassuming it looks online—in person, it reads as a midcentury work of art, Hans Wegner-esque with rounded edges and a glowing oak finish. Everyone who visits our house has commented on it. I admit I was a little worried about the baskets being clawed or unraveled, but they’re plastic rattan. The woolly Oeko-Tex cushion covers zip off for washing, and for younger, more playful kitties, there are rings on the underside of the top platform for dangling white, green, or pink optional pom poms ($12). The scratching pad is the hard kind of sisal material, which my cats don’t love, but they quickly warmed up to it with some training. In any case, a Mau cat tree is an investment, but you get what you pay for, and this is likely the last cat tree you will need to buy in your lifetime. If you’re not sure, Mau offers a 45-day trial period and one-year warranty. —Kat Merck

Photograph: Molly Higgins

Mau

Ivy 3

It's pretty clear that the WIRED reviews team loves Mau furniture. It's sleek, well made, and looks like a high-end piece of furniture rather than the ugly, cheaply made cat trees of yesteryear. This piece is solid, with a heavy wood base, two sturdy sisal-rope-lined trunk pieces that screw together, three woven baskets that screw into place, and three super-soft fur pillows. Plus, all of the pieces are replaceable, so that if something succumbs to wear and tear over time, you won't have to throw away the entire tree. The fur cushions are machine washable too, but make sure you read the cleaning directions to ensure they last as long as possible. Mau has free shipping (in the contiguous US and Canada), a 45-day return policy, and a one-year warranty. My cats use this tree every day, and I'm happy to have this stylish piece proudly on display in my living room.

Courtesy of Mau

Mau

Cento Cat Tree

Cats like to jump and climb whatever they can, so a cat tree should help keep them occupied and off your mantel or breakable glassware. Our favorite cat trees are made from materials that can be scratched up. (We also have a guide to the fanciest cat furniture we've tried if you really want the full scoop.) When you live in a small apartment, everything you decorate with matters because it's all on display—nothing gets hidden when you only have one to three rooms. Some of us want our cat's furniture to match, too. Mau's Cento is one of former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano's favorites. If you can afford it, your cats will thank you.

Photograph: Kat Merck

Mau

Kona End Table Scratcher

Mau is known for its high-end and tasteful cat furniture (including our Mau picks above), and its Kona side table fits right into the lineup with a midcentury mod vibe and scratching pad discreetly tucked into the back. The solid-wood table is very heavy and well-made, with options for an oak or walnut finish. It didn’t dissuade my cats from scratching the chair it’s next to, but it does come with a bag of catnip to help with encouragement. This table is popular and often sold out, but you can sign up on Mau’s website to be notified of the next restock. —Kat Merck

Photograph: Medea Giordano

K&H Pet Products

Kitty Sill Cat Window Perch

Our favorite window perch lets cats responsibly interact with the outside world. Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano loved these window seats because they are a great way for cats to bask in the sun and keep a watchful eye on the neighborhood while safely indoors. They're easy to install, too, with sticky strips that attach to your windowsill and can hold up to 40 pounds. You can also nail the base into the window frame, and there are even heated seats for super-spoiled kitties. The covers are removable and can be machine-washed. Heads up, you'll need a windowsill at least 2 inches deep to properly support it. Note: Temporarily out of stock on Amazon, but we expect a restock soon.

• Photograph: Molly Higgins

• Courtesy of Knead

Knead

Therapeutic Bed

This cat bed has a memory foam sculpted-contour mattress base with a super cozy (removable and washable) nano heating and volcanic-particle-infused cover. It has a button on the side with different heat settings, including timed heatings. It has optional self-heating natural herb pad attachments for further pain relief and to help reduce arthritic inflammation, which is especially ideal for senior cats. The sculpted bed is specially contoured to provide orthopedic support for the cat's joints. Pro tip: Put the bed on a higher surface or somewhere the cats already lounge. Cats love to be off the ground, and once I moved this on top of my side desk, both of my cats lay in it constantly.

• Photograph: Molly Higgins

• Courtesy of Lesure

Lesure

Cat Tunnel Bed

These stylish cat beds double as a tunnel with a cozy bed in the center. One of my cats is a little freak who finds any tiny, enclosed space irresistible, so she loves hiding from her rambunctious brother in the tunnel or curling up in the middle. The tunnel comes in a variety of cute colors and patterns, and arrives flat: All you need to do is form the doughnut and zip the ends together—it springs into shape. The cushion comes in the package separately and attaches to the tunnel with elastic loops. In all, setup took less than five minutes. It's quite large, so make sure you have enough space for it, but it's versatile enough to be a lounge place, and my cats love when I play with the laser pointer and let them chase the dot through the tunnel. Plus, each opening has a hanging fluff ball they like to bat and kick. One zipper broke about three months into testing, and I've had to safety-pin it together to keep it in doughnut form (but I still think it's a solid combo lounge-play cat accessory).

• Photograph: Molly Higgins

Desk Nest

Cat Bed

I've been getting Instagram ads for this stylish bed that attaches to your desk for so long, I had to cave and see if it was worth the hype. Especially since I have a very needy cat who loves to lounge on my laptop while I WFH. This bed is easy to assemble, with an arm that screws into the wooden base and a screwed vise to keep the bed in place on the desk. It has adjustable vertical height, and the base also rotates. Just make sure you measure the surface you want to attach it to before you buy. My desk was too thick, and my side table was too thin—luckily, they sent additional planks to add into the screwed vise to make it sturdier, but I haven't found the purrfect spot for it yet.

Other Essentials We Keep Going Back To

Uproot Cleaner Pro

Photograph: Molly Higgins

Uproot Cleaner Pro for $20: This simple tool is so satisfying to use. It's small, lightweight, and easily pulls up hair from a variety of carpets and fabrics. I use it religiously on my cat trees and sometimes on my carpets, and it always pulls up fur that's invisible to the naked eye.

Yeowww! Banana Catnip Toy for $8: This toy has been the single most loved toy by all of former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano's cats.

Cat Dancer Interactive Cat Toy for $4: This absurdly simple toy is a cheap crowd pleaser. It's just some rolls of cardboard that weigh down a springy steel wire. The erratic movements are similar to bugs flying, and my cats always actively play with it.

Lick Mat for $8: A lick mat is a great way to add enrichment and stimulation—plus, it helps them promote slow eating (and less throwing up). I also have a set of two cute fish-shaped lick mats for each of my kitties, and it's a fun way to give them a treat while promoting slow feeding and stimulation. I put Churu puree with some added water to help sneakily add more hydration to their snacks.

Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover for $25: This tool is universally beloved among all pet-owning WIRED reviewers. This nifty gadget makes it easy to de-fur virtually any surface. We use them every single day. It's efficient, doesn't fill up too quickly, and emptying it takes just seconds.

Basepaws' Breed + Health Cat DNA Test for $85: This at home DNA test tells you if your cat is clear, a carrier, at risk, or at high risk of numerous metabolic, cardiovascular, eye, blood, endocrine, renal, autoimmune, skin, musculoskeletal, and connective tissue disorders, as well as blood type, transfusion risk, and other traits. Any cat can develop a sickness or dental problems, but having a baseline can alleviate anxieties and empower you to work with your vet to make the best life choices for your cat. (Read my review here.)

Wisdom Panel Cat DNA Test Kit for $97: I swabbed the inside of my cats' mouths, sent the sample back, and got the DNA results delivered straight to my inbox in just a few weeks. With this kit, your cat is compared against over 70 breeds and tested against 45 genetic health tests to get insights and blood type identification. Getting information on my cats' genetic makeup and blood type was not only interesting, but can help me if there's ever an emergency. (Read my review here.)

Owala Pet Bowl for $30: We love this basic but reliable stainless steel bowl from one of our favorite reusable water bottle brands, Owala. Stainless steel is much more hygienic than plastic, which can easily harbor harmful bacteria and cause problems like cat acne. (I'm still a fan of stainless steel fountains.)

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