Are you wondering which the best chew toys for cats are to stop your cat from biting?
After all, it’s not pleasant when your kitty sinks their teeth in your arm or leaves bite marks all over the house.
Fortunately, cat chew toys are an easy way to redirect inappropriate biting, as long as you pick the right ones.
So, don’t worry because we’re here with 10 toys for cats that like to chew.
Let’s start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.
Cat Chew Toys Top Picks at a Glance
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- Winner: Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Cat Chew Toy
- Best for Kittens: KONG Kitten Teddy Bear Cat Toy
- Best for Dental Health: Petstages Dental Health Cat Toys
- Best Budget-Friendly: Petstages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel
- Best for Teething Pain: Pioneer Pet Nip Nibblers Catnip Toy
Don’t have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!
10 Best Chew Toys For Cats (With Reviews)
Why does my cat want to chew on everything?
As a cat behaviorist explains, “Cats’ instinctual feeding and exploratory behaviors are tied to chewing.
When there’s no prey to disembody, cats bite wood, rubber, and other strange items.
Teething kittens also tend to gnaw on things to relieve the uncomfortable itching of emerging teeth.
So, do cats need to chew toys? Yes, they do unless you want your cat to develop unhealthy behaviors or bad oral hygiene.
And that’s why we’re here with our top 10 picks of the best chew toys for cats.
#1 Winner: Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Cat Chew Toy
Petstages is one of the leading cat toy companies, and they’ve got the best cat chew toy to keep young and adult cats entertained for hours.
Physical Attributes
- Made from polyester and filled with dried mint
- Unique crinkle texture to appeal to your cats’ senses and entice them to bat and bite.
- It’s also light so that your cat can carry it around the house, so it’s a great toy to redirect chewing and teach your cat not to bite.
- A unique shape that is bound to appeal to kittens, adults, and seniors alike.
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 6.5 x 3.5 x 0.8 inches with a weight of 0.8 ounces
- Suitable for kittens over six months
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Lightweight and easy to carry for your cat | Very small, so not the best choice for large cat breeds |
| Can withstand excessive chewing without breaking apart. | Owners say that the mint smell isn’t as strong as expected |
| These sticks are filled with real dried mint leaves to freshen your cat’s breath. The netting also helps to remove plaque and tartar from the teeth. | The price is just a smidge high for a single small cat toy. |
| Chewing on the toy also stimulates saliva production, which cleanses your cat’s mouth from bacteria and leftover food. | |
| Pet owners also highly rate this toy and report that their cats like its crunchy fabric and are obsessed with the taste. |
How It Compares to Others and Why
- Unique shape
- Freshly dried mint leaves instead of catnip for fresh breath
- Netting material for optimal dental health and tartar removal
How the Product Evolved
- Petstages has several dental chews for cats, and they’re constantly improving their designs to ensure maximum client satisfaction.
Watch this video for a demonstration.
Expert Tips
- If your cat has a chronic condition, you should consult with your vet to ensure this mint toy is safe for them.
#2 Best for Kittens: KONG Kitten Teddy Bear Cat Toy
Kittens often nib on cords and wires, but kitten chew toys, such as this KONG teddy bear, can save your chargers.
Physical Attributes
- Made from polyester
- Various colors
- North American catnip
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 4.5 x 1.2 x 3.8 inches
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Designed to entertain kittens and fulfill their natural need to chase, hunt, and “kill” prey | You can’t choose the color |
| Catnip scent to entice your kitten to play and burn off energy | These kitten chew toys aren’t refillable |
| Most kittens like to cuddle with this toy | |
| Soft fabric, great for biting, kicking, and playing | |
| Great customers’ reviews |
How It Compares to Others and Why
- Cute colors
- A bit smaller than other KONG cuddly toys
How the Product Evolved
- KONG has several animal toy designs to suit a wide range of cat’s tastes.
Expert Tips
- Check KONG’s store to find refillable chew toys for cats.
#3 Best for Dental Health: Petstages Dental Health Cat Toys
Petstages has one of the best cat-biting toys for entertaining your furry friend at night and cleaning their teeth.
Physical Attributes
- Stick shape
- Natural catnip
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 3.7″ x 0.4″
- Weighs 0.3 pounds
- A pack of three
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| The stick shape entices your cat’s natural desire to bite and gnaw on things | Not the best choice for heavy chewers |
| The soft fabric scrapes the teeth clean from plaque/tartar and stimulates saliva production to cleanse bacteria | Not refillable |
| Reduces destructive behaviors and soothes teething pain | |
| Great for multi-cat households since it comes in a pack of three |
How It Compares to Others and Why
- A unique design to entice the cat’s senses and entertain your cat at night without waking you up
- Very affordable for a pack of three
How the Product Evolved
- Customers report different packaging than the original
Expert Tips
- Check the edges to ensure that they aren’t sharp enough to damage your cat’s mouth.
- QUIET NIGHTTIME CAT TOY: Cats are naturally nocturnal creatures and need a way to satisfy their need to play and hunt even while you're asleep. With the Nighttime Catnip Rolls 3-pack your cat can quietly pounce and chase without waking you up.
- CATNIP FILLED: Nighttime Catnip Rolls are stuffed with premium dried catnip for a potent formula that will keep your kitty interested for hours.
- REDUCES DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR: These catnip-stuffed rolls provide an enticing distraction that can help promote positive habit formation for cats of all ages.
- GREAT FOR ONE OR MORE CATS: These colorful catnip cat toys come in a pack of 3 and are a great option for multi-cat families that need to calm down the "midnight crazies."
- PLAY IT SAFE: No toy is indestructible. Do not leave toys with unsupervised pets. Remove and replace toy if damaged.
#4 Best Budget-Friendly: Petstages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel
This dental kitty chew wheel is a great choice if you’re looking for something fun for your cat but cheap.
Physical Attributes
- Made safe thermoplastic rubber
- Catnip oil
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 5.5″ x 2.2″
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Made from safe materials that are gentle on the teeth and which cats like to bite | Not the best choice for an aggressive chewer |
| Rubber spokes improve oral hygiene and reduce teething pain | Doesn’t appeal to all cats |
| Infused with catnip oil to make your cat more active | |
| Most pet owners report that cats like the texture |
How It Compares to Others
- Unique spoke design to promote better dental health
- The ring shape is great for exercising and strengthening your cat’s jaw muscles
How the Product Evolved
- No information, but we’d like to see improved material for greater durability.
Expert Tips
- Check the toy for damage after each play session.
- ENCOURAGES HEALTHY CHEWING: The Dental Kitty Chew Wheel is designed for cats of all ages that love to chew. Made with fabric streamers and durable rubber that is gentle on the gums and satisfying to bite.
- HELPS CLEAN TEETH: The Petstages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel's rubber material and spokes helps remove tartar and keep your kitty's teeth clean as they chew, chase, carry, and play.
- REDIRECT BAD BEHAVIOR: If your kitty loves to chew on furniture or personal belongings laying around your home, then this catnip-infused chew toy could be a great option to help redirect their bad behavior.
- CATNIP INFUSED: This cute cat chew toy is infused with catnip oil to attract and keep your kitty energetically engaged during play.
- PLAY IT SAFE: No toy is indestructible; Do not leave toys with unsupervised pets; Remove and replace toy if damaged.
#5 Best for Teething Pain: Pioneer Pet Nip Nibblers Catnip Toy
If your teething kitten is driving you crazy, these cat chew toys by Pioneer can be an affordable life-saver.
Physical Attributes
- Made from nylon
- Catnip
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 5 x 0.5 x 0.1 inches
- A pack of three
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Soft materials and squeeze-release mesh to entice biting and soothe teething pain | A couple of cat owners say that the edges are too sharp |
| Small enough to fit in your cat’s mouth and scratch the back baby teeth | Catnip can fall out, so it’s a bit messy |
| Light enough for cats to toss, chance, and carry | |
| Cats absolutely love the design |
How It Compares to Others
- Durable enough to withstand frequent chewing
- Made in the USA
How the Product Evolved
- Available in a pack of nine
Expert Tips
- While not refillable, you can use a catnip spray to redirect your cat’s attention to the toy.
- Irresistible nip - combines fun with texture and shape to put cats in a frenzy
- Safe and non-toxic
- Lightweight construction makes it easy for cats to play games of 'swat and chase.'
#6 Best For Oral Hygiene: Pet Craft Supply Cactus Interactive Cat Toy Chew Toy
Pet Craft has an excellent selection of safe toys for cats to chew on, but their cactus chew toy is the best.
Physical Attributes
- Cactus-like design
- Made from natural rubber
- Catnip and silver vine bags
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 6.77 x 4.72 x 0.94 inches
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Cactus nibs massage gums, scratch the itch and keep teeth healthy | Cats can pull the bags from the cactus |
| Comes with bonus catnip and silvervine bags | No replaceable bags |
| You can clean the toy in the dishwasher | |
| Provides mental stimulation and soothes anxiety in cats |
How It Compares to Others and Why
- Easy to clean
- Great for preventing gum disease and strong chewers
How the Product Evolved
- No information about upgrades, but we’d like to see replaceable catnip bags available.
Expert Tips
- If you have multiple cats, you’ll have to buy more than one.
- NATURAL RUBBER: Pet Craft Supply Cactus Cat Chew Toys are made of 100% natural rubber that is safe, durable, and bite resistant.
- CAT DENTAL CARE & TEETH CLEANING: These cat chew toys are designed to help with your cat’s dental health. Chewing on the toy effectively removes teeth stains, tartar, and odor, which promotes oral hygiene and prevents gum diseases.
- FUN DESIGN THAT ATTRACTS YOUR CAT: The bright color and whimsical cactus shape sure will easily catch your cat’s attention. The small holes are designed to release the aroma of the catnip inside better.
- BONUS POTENT CATNIP & SILVERVINE BAGS INCLUDED: Our cat chew toys come with bonus 100% natural, potent, premium catnip & silvervine bags. Simply insert the bags into the toys to make them more enticing for your cat.
- EASY TO CLEAN: These chew toys can be handwashed or tossed into the dishwasher. We recommend cleaning the toy after/before each use for better teeth cleaning results.
- PET CRAFT PROMISE: If your pet isn’t totally happy with the product, please contact our team of caring pet lovers to help you. Just visit our website for more information.
- Remove toy from pet if any part becomes loose, damaged or detached
#7 Best Durable: Yeowww! Catnip Yellow Banana Cat Toy
This yellow banana cat toy is an excellent choice if your cat is an active chewer and bites through rubber toys.
Physical Attributes
- Made from cotton twill
- Organic catnip
- Hand-sewn
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 7 x 1 x 3 inches
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Hand-sewn and made from all-natural cotton twill for maximum durability and safety | Non-refillable |
| No dangerous filling or pieces that cats can swallow easily | Not all cats are affected by the catnip |
| Aromatic catnip for maximum cat attraction | |
| This catnip-filled banana chew toy can withstand vigorous biting, scratching, and kicking. |
How It Compares to Others and Why
- Made in the USA
- A top choice amongst cat owners and raving customers’ reviews
How the Product Evolved
- Available in other shapes
Expert Tips
- Clean with a damp cloth to remove dirt. Do not machine wash.
#8 Best for Mental Stimulation: Pet Craft Supply Wiggle Pickle and Shimmy Shark
Pet Craft has another great cat chew toy to keep your kitty’s engaged and reduce unwanted biting.
Physical Attributes
- Plush
- Motion sensor
- Natural catnip and silver vane
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 12.36 x 5.55 x 2.4 inches
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| It moves, makes noises, and wiggles to attract a cat’s attention and encourage pouncing/biting | Too noisy for timid cats |
| Great for reducing boredom, anxiety, and stress | |
| Contain premium catnip | |
| USA chargeable |
How It Compares to Others and Why
- Rechargeable
- Built-in motion sensor
How the Product Evolved
- Available in two styles – shark and pickle
Expert Tips
- Handwash with warm water to clean off dirt
- AUTOMATIC MOVING CAT TOYS: Pet Craft Supply Shimmy Shark Flipper Flopper Cat Toy flips, flops, wiggles, and makes noises – Just like a real fish! The built-in motion sensor activates every time your cat touches the toy, enticing your cat to kick and play.
- FUN DESIGN THAT ATTRACTS YOUR CAT: The bright colors and whimsical shark design sure will easily catch your cat’s attention, keeping your cat entertained for hours.
- STIMULATING YOUR CAT’S HUNTING INSTINCT: The realistic movement of the toy helps promote exercise & fun interactive play, releasing boredom & stress, and redirecting bad behavior.
- PREMIUM POTENT CATNIP & SILVERVINE BLEND: With our 100% natural, pure, and pesticide-free premium potent catnip & silvervine infused, these cat toys are a great way to get your cat excited and start moving.
- SOFT PLUSH & USB RECHARGEABLE: Our Fipper Flopper Cat Toys are made of soft and durable plush materials that are safe and non-toxic. USB rechargeable that saves you from the hassle and costs to replace batteries.
- Age range description: All Life Stages
- PET CRAFT PROMISE: If your pet isn’t totally happy with the product, please contact our team of caring pet lovers to help you. Just visit our website for more information.
#9 Best Interactive: Floppy Fish Cat Toy
Cat fish toys are an excellent choice if you’re looking to get your lazy cat moving and redirect inappropriate biting.
Physical Attributes
- This flippity fish cat toy made from plush and cotton
- A touch sensor
- Catnip
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 11.18 x 6.69 x 1.85 inches
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| 3D technology for a realistic fish design | Requires frequent recharging |
| It makes noises and wiggles to entice cats to bite and pounce | |
| Friendly customer support | |
| USB rechargeable |
How It Compares to Others and Why
- Light indicator
- Removable catnip and motor
How the Product Evolved
- Available in several styles
Expert Tips
- It takes one hour for the toy to recharge.
- Interactive Fun for Cats: every time your feline touches this cat kicker toy, the automatic built-in motion sensor kicks into action and the cat teaser fish moves in a wiggling way, intriguing your cat to kick and play. This small animal toy is perfect Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year gift for pet owners or your own pets
- Realistic Fish Simulation: the vivid moving fish toy looks like a real fish, an eye-catcher for cats, keeping your kitty on her paws and engaged in real time, alleviating boredom and loneliness and promoting cat's exercise when you are away from home
- Upgraded for 2022: we increased the battery capacity to 350 mAh so that each charge lasts longer. And we improved the joint part of the mechanism to extend the lifetime of the small animal toy. Additionally, this fish toy comes with exquisite gift packaging, making it a fab christmas new year holiday gift for pet owners or your own pets
- Cozy & Fun: this kitty toy is made of soft durable plush for your kitten to chew and wrestle. An eatra silvervine catnip pouch is included in the package, most cats can get excited and happy at the smell of silvervine and catnip. Silvervine and catnip could help cats soothe mind and get lounging cats up and moving
- USB Chargeable: this toy is USB chargeable which saves you from the hassle and costs to replace batteries. USB cable is included in the package. The included chargeable motor is detachable for convenient cleaning of the plush toy. Use Instructions: Unzip the fish belly, flip the switch on, and then tap the fish belly to make the fish flop; When charging, the red light comes on; When fully charged, the red light goes out
#10 Best For Multiple Cats: Catnip Toys for Indoor Cats
Maxin has just the thing for multi-pet households to keep boredom away and provide a biting outlet.
Physical Attributes
- Made from cotton
- Various colors
- Catnip
Quantitative Measurements
- A pack of six
- Measures 8.27 x 7.48 x 1.03 inches
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Durable enough to withstand frequent biting | Doesn’t smell like catnip, according to pet owners |
| Suitable for multi-pet households | |
| Great for relieving stress, teething pain, and boredom |
How It Compares to Others and Why
- Slightly bigger than similar toys
- Bite-resistant
- Cute facial expressions
How the Product Evolved
- No information about upgrades, but we’d like to see them in a refillable variant
Expert Tips
- These toys are best suited for kittens and might be too small for adult cats.
- 6 Pcs : 1*Red，1*Yellow，1*Black，1*Pink，2*Grey
- Bite Resistant: Cotton linen makes it durable for biting.
- Safe Material:Stuffed with soft cotton and moderate amount of catnip.
- Helping reduce your pets' boredom, makes them more active.
- Perfect Size For Most Kittens.
What Should You Consider For Best Cat Teething Toys?
When you’re shopping for the best chew toys for cats, you should keep a couple of features in mind to make the best choice.
Material
Choose cat chew toys made from durable materials to withstand frequent biting, kicking, ripping, and scratching without coming apart. The material should also appeal to your cat’s senses.
But what do cats like to chew on? In general, rubber, nylon, and cotton are great choices.
Size
To do their job, cat teething toys should be the right size. If it’s too big or too small, your cat/kitten will lose interest. So, take into account your cat’s size and how heavy they chew.
Safety
Ensure that the kitten chew toys don’t have any sharp edges and that they’re made from natural, non-toxic materials for cats.
Cat’s Temperament
Finally, consider your cats’ preferences and what they like in a toy – feathers, crinkle sounds, movement, DIY cat toys, etc.
FAQs
Are Chew Sticks Good for Cats?
Yes, chew sticks allow cats to satisfy their natural desire to gnaw on something. They also provide plenty of dental health benefits and mental stimulation.
Are Chew Toys Good for Kittens?
Chew toys are great for keeping kittens entertained while you’re not around. They also soothe teething pain and are useful for forming good biting habits.
What Can Kittens Chew on for Teething?
Kittens will gnaw on almost anything to scratch the itch of the emerging deciduous teeth. But rubber or plastic toys with nibs work the best.
Can Cats Have Dog Chew Sticks?
Some dog chew sticks are safe for cats, but cats and dogs have different nutritional needs. So, it’s best to stick with cat chew sticks.
Conclusion
Don’t wonder, “Why does my cat want to chew on everything?” Cats need something to satisfy their predatory instincts and exercise their jaws.
So, getting your cat some chew toys is the smartest thing you can do to prevent unwanted biting attacks and teach your kitten some manners.
However, if you notice that your cat is chewing on strange things (pica), you should consult with your vet. Such behavior can have serious complications.
Final Recommendation
Among these 10 chew toys for cats, there’s one that we highly recommend due to its sturdy construction, dental benefits, and crinkly fabrics.
We’re talking about Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Cat Chew Toy. It’s affordable, well-made, and most cats are attracted by its minty smell.
References
- International Cat Care. 2018. “Pica in Cats | International Cat Care.” Icatcare.org. September 26, 2018. https://icatcare.org/advice/pica-in-cats/.
- PetMD Editorial. 2018. “Why Do Cats Chew on Things?” Petmd.com. PetMD. January 29, 2018. https://www.petmd.com/cat/behavior/why-do-cats-chew-things.
What do you think about these 1o chew toys for cats? Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comments.
Olfa knows how to get things done and has a keen business sense that others admire. She’s always on the go, coming up with new ideas! Her ability to anticipate the needs of her readers and deliver information that they want is what makes CatVills such a success. She loves cuddling her cat Picaciu. He is her inspiration.
Last update on 2023-03-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
