The Best Interactive Pet Toys
Whether you work away from home or don't have time to play with your pet throughout the day, we're here to help. Interactive toys use lights, noises, and movement to engage your pet in regular playtime. Some even dispense treats to give your dog or cat an incentive to play with their new toy. We've rounded up a few of our favorite interactive toys to keep your pets happy and your furniture intact.
What to Look For
After researching interactive pet toys, we found the best ones are durable, reusable, and motion-activated. For dogs, we love the Outward Hound puzzle toy because you can fill it over and over again with your dog’s favorite treats. The heavy-duty plastic is designed for regular use and won’t break as your pup tries to shift the pieces to reveal the food underneath. For cats, the motion-activated laser toy from Valonii is a must-have. This rechargeable toy will shine a bright red light on the floor for your pet to chase every time they walk past. It will keep them entertained and help them use up some of their pent-up energy. Keep reading to discover your new favorite interactive pet toy.
Kingtree Automatic Rolling Ball with LED Light
Always moving
Playing fetch with your energetic pet can be exhausting if they never want to quit. But with Kingtree’s automatic rolling ball, they can run and chase this interactive toy to their heart’s content. The rechargeable ball moves on its own, changing directions whenever it bumps into a wall or piece of furniture. And it also has a built-in red light that gives your cat or dog even more incentive to run after this wild toy.
Pros:
- A charging cord is included to recharge the battery.
- The hard plastic shell is durable against overly playful pets.
Cons:
- The ball doesn’t roll well on thick carpet.
Valonii Motion-Activated Indoor Laser Toy
All lit up
It’s common knowledge that cats and dogs love chasing beams of light, no matter how big or small. Valonii’s laser toy is designed to sit on a table or countertop in your home. Every time your pet walks past the sensor, the laser will illuminate to entice them. It will follow your pet’s movements and shift at a slow or fast pace, depending on how you set it. And it automatically shuts off after 15 minutes to preserve the battery.
Pros:
- This toy can detect movement within 160 inches of the sensor.
- The laser works quietly, so it won’t disturb you or your pets.
Cons:
- Unfortunately, it can take up to three hours to fully charge.
Outward Hound Interactive Treat Puzzle Game
On the hunt
If you have a pup that enjoys getting rewarded with treats, they’ll love this interactive puzzle toy from Outward Hound. After hiding their favorite treats, your dog will have to slide and open various compartments to find their reward inside. The durable plastic base and pieces are designed for continual wear and tear. Plus, it will give bored dogs a challenging task to complete, whether you’re at home or away.
Pros:
- The smooth plastic exterior is easy to clean.
- Your pup can smell the treats through the scent holes in the red containers.
Cons:
- It will take time for some dogs to understand the puzzle concept of this toy.
Petstages Tower of Tracks Cat Track Toy
Spinning around
Playful and curious cats won’t be able to resist this interactive toy from Petstages. The toy consists of three levels with two lightweight balls per level that they can move around the rings. The balls move smoothly with every smack or swipe, giving them a reason to return for more. And it is the perfect toy for homes with multiple cats because they can play together to increase the fun.
Pros:
- The bar across the top of the tower prevents small cats from getting caught inside the hole.
- The non-slip base keeps the toy from tipping over during playtime.
Cons:
- Energetic cats might pop the balls off the track if they play roughly.
Pet Qwerks Talking Babble Ball
Loud and lively
When dogs are home alone for long periods, it can sometimes lead to destruction. But with regular mental and physical stimulation, they won’t feel the need to bark, chew, and dig in the house. Pet Qwerks interactive ball makes multiple sounds, including growls and talking. The hard plastic ball is durable enough for indoor or outdoor use. And there are multiple sizes to keep all your pets entertained whenever you aren’t available to play.
Pros:
- The ball makes a noise when it detects your pet moving or breathing nearby.
- It lights up every time it talks or makes sounds.
Cons:
- There isn’t a power switch to turn off the ball in the evening.
What kind of interactive toy should I get for my pet?
Your pet’s personality and toy preference will come into play when picking out interactive toys for them. For example, if your dog is skittish and afraid of loud noises, a toy with sound isn’t the best option. But you could get them a puzzle toy or rolling ball that they’ll find more enjoyable. The same is true for cats. If your cat gets bored easily, a toy with only one purpose may be very interesting to them. On the other hand, an interactive toy with a motion-activated laser will provide them with hours of uninterrupted entertainment.
Do interactive toys help dogs and cats with separation anxiety?
When dogs and cats are left home alone, they can become lonely and develop fears that make them nervous in their own space. Interactive toys distract them while alone, making them forget for a bit that they should be scared. Toys that make noise, light up, or dispense treats will give them a reason to play instead of hiding.
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