Best Kitten Toys UK: What They’ll Actually Play With

If you’re anything like most first-time kitten owners, your home already looks like a tiny pet shop exploded — toy mice in the sofa cushions, a flailing squid thing under the fridge, and at least one battery-operated fish flapping its way to an early grave.

But here’s the truth: kittens don’t care how much you spent. They’ll walk straight past the premium toy and spend twenty minutes hunting a rolled-up receipt.

After raising more kittens than I’ve had Sunday roasts — and testing out more toys than I care to admit — I’ve learned what actually gets them playing. This guide covers the best kitten toys UK cat owners swear by, including what I use with my own litters, what to avoid, and how to keep your kitten entertained without losing your mind.

Why Play Matters for Kittens

Play helps kittens:

• Build strength and coordination

• Learn bite control and healthy play habits

• Bond with you and other pets

• Feel confident in new spaces

• Avoid boredom-based mischief

Ross’s Behaviourist Tip
A tired kitten is a well-behaved kitten. Two short play sessions daily can mean the difference between peace and chaos.

The 5 Best Types of Kitten Toys

1. Interactive Wand Toys

Best for: Bonding, exercise, redirecting biting

Wand toys mimic prey movement. Your kitten gets a satisfying stalk-chase-pounce cycle.

Popular types include:

• Feather teasers

• Ribbon chasers

• Telescopic wands with dangly bits

You’ll find several interactive teaser toys in the Cattylicious toy section.

Ross’s Tip
Always store wand toys away after play. Strings and feathers can become dangerous if chewed or swallowed.

2. Kicker Toys

Best for: Bunny-kicking, biting, solo play

These are long, soft toys kittens can grab, kick, and chew.

Available options at Cattylicious include:

• Kicker toys filled with catnip or silvervine

• Soft plush designs sized for kitten paws

Real Talk
Not every kitten responds to catnip. Silvervine is a great alternative for UK kittens who aren’t impressed.

3. Crinkle Balls and Noisy Toys

Best for: Solo play, chasing, prey-drive stimulation

Kittens love toys that make noise — rustling, crinkling, or rattling.

Look for:

• Foil crinkle balls

• Soft toys with hidden rustle layers

• Lightweight balls that roll and rattle

These are stocked in multipacks at Cattylicious — perfect if your kitten tends to lose toys under the sofa.

Caution
Avoid cheap plastic toys with detachable parts. If it seems flimsy, skip it.

4. Tunnels and Hideouts

Best for: Ambushing, confidence-building, high-energy play

Tunnels are brilliant for encouraging natural stalking behaviour. Add a dangling toy or ball at the end for extra fun.

We stock:

• Pop-up play tunnels for kittens

• Fabric cubes with peek-holes

DIY Tip
You can also make tunnels with joined cardboard boxes — just cut out some holes and let them explore.

5. Puzzle Feeders & Enrichment Toys

Best for: Mental stimulation, slow feeding

Not all play is physical. Food-based toys work the brain and satisfy natural foraging instincts.

Look for:

• Lick mats (available at Cattylicious)

• Rolling snack balls

• Slow feeders with maze-style layouts

Ross’s Behaviourist Tip
Mental play matters just as much as physical play. Bored kittens often turn destructive.

What to Avoid or Supervise Closely

• Laser pointers – fine if you end with a toy they can catch

• String or ribbon – never leave them unsupervised

• Suction cup toys – can spring off unpredictably

• Toys with small bells or parts – choking risks

Budget-Friendly DIY Toy Ideas

If you’re on a budget or your kitten loves chaos, try:

• Toilet roll tubes with kibble inside

• Paper bags (cut the handles off!)

• Plastic egg containers with a bell or kibble

• An old slipper with a soft rattle inside

Anything that rustles, rolls, or mimics prey will probably be a hit.

How Much Play Does a Kitten Need?

For kittens aged 8–16 weeks:

• 2 to 3 short play sessions daily

• 10–15 minutes each

• End with food or a treat for the "hunt–eat–sleep" routine

Ross’s Tip
Play before bed. It winds them down and reduces 3am wake-up zoomies.

Real-Life Example: The Teabag Test

Jasper, one of my Oriental kittens, ignored every expensive toy in the house. Then I dropped a dry herbal teabag. He chased it for an hour.

We ended up keeping a tin of “play teabags.”

Moral? Some kittens are weird. Be flexible and follow their lead.