Keep Kitty Content With These Cat Toys for Christmas

Cat toys are a crowd-pleaser for most felines, and everyone deserves a little festive joy this Christmas. Plus, they’re kind of a gift to the humans too. There’s nothing better than watching a cat or kitten leaping through the air and attacking their toys like they’re the apex predators they believe they are.

Here’s a collection of the best cat toys to spoil your kitty with this Christmas, from store-bought to handmade with love.

Store-bought cat toys

We’re given it a good amount of research time and can now confidently list some of our favourite store-bought cat toys available in New Zealand. Your cat is bound to have a good Christmas if you put one of these under the tree.

You could even pair them with one of our 14 gift ideas for dogs and cats to make Xmas 2021 a super-special occasion.

And while you’re at it, take a couple of minutes to read our article on accidental ingestion. This accounts for a large part of our claims so it’s something you need to be aware of when it comes to toys, food and other seemingly innocent items around your house or further afield.

1. Laser chase toy

For the pets that like to chase things, and the owners who like to expend minimal effort when playing. You can simply sit there, point the laser, and let your cat do aaaalll the work. Kind of like getting your kid a bike for Christmas!

2. Concealed motion toy

If your cat is too clever for their own good, their cat toys have to work harder, and smarter. This fun-for-days mat features a concealed wand which moves at four different speeds and will have your cat pouncing and trying to guess where it’ll move next. Just like playing with your hands under the duvet – but with fewer scratches and bites!

3. Wand with feather

Sometimes, you just need to stick with the tried and tested cat toys. These have been popular for decades, and it isn’t hard to see why. Plus we love the length of this one, so you can stay safely out of harm’s way while your cat goes wild. Just remember to not leave your cat alone with it, as it’s a choking hazard.

4. Motion sensor balls

Dogs aren’t the only ones who like to play with balls. These cute balls have motion-activated lights to add to the fun, and your cat can chase them around the house like a lunatic until they’re nice and tired. Everyone wins!

5. Catnip plush dolphin

If your cat is more of the laidback, gentle type they might prefer a toy that’s more for cuddling and gentle tossing about. Rather than, you know, the usual cat toys designed to withstand sneak assassination attempts.

Since we’re talking cat games – we’ve also rounded up cat themed games for humans. Now, on to the homemade cat toys, for cat owners with artistic blood running through their veins.

Homemade cat toys

For those who know it’s the thought that counts this festive season, homemade cat toys are always a winner. You can gift them to your own cat, of course, but any cat-parent friends or family would love them too. All you need is some basic supplies and a bit of creativity. Here are some of our favourite ideas for homemade cat toys.

1. Tree stump” cat scratching post

No need to use your couch as a scratching post. Instead, cardboard can be used to make a scratching post that’s both functional and surprisingly cool-looking. The video below shows you how to put it all together. And if you’re still struggling with stray claws after that, read up on how to stop a kitten from scratching the furniture.

2. Catnip stuffed felt toys

One of the easiest homemade cat toys to start with is felt shapes stuffed with catnip. Your cat will go mad for it (find out why cats love catnip) and you can customize the shapes to suit your style. If you’re not creatively inclined, you can even just start with basic things like stars, circles, and triangles. Here’s a tutorial.

3. Wine cork toys

It is the festive season, so…there should be plenty of wine corks spare. Rather than throwing them away, use epoxy glue to attach fun things like ribbon, feathers, bells, rope, or other favourite play items. Voila! Homemade cat toys which are cheap, easy-to-make, and functional. Your cat will be able to toss them around and attack them to their heart’s content. Here’s how to make them.

4. Kitty puzzle

Cats love cardboard boxes and toilet paper rolls. But sticking a few of them together can create a cute cat puzzle which will keep them entertained for hours. You can get creative and make one to suit your own pet, but check out this cat playing with hers.

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Another gift – pet insurance

It might not be a cat toy, but the best Christmas gift for pets is pet insurance. Who could wish for anything more than something to keep them safe and protected? And again, it’s a gift your pet parent friends and family would love and appreciate too.

So, is it time to gift your pet (or a pet parent) the gift of peace of mind with a pet insurance policy?