Ten Fun Games to Play with Your Cat

There are many games you can play with your cat, from chasing a toy mouse to playing hide and seek. Let’s look at some more.

Playing games with your cat is a great way to bond with them and provide them with mental and physical stimulation.

Here are some fun games you can play with your feline friend.

1. Fetch and Tag Cat Games

Cats are known for their hunting instincts, and playing fetch and tag can be a great way to satisfy these instincts.

Playing Fetch with Your Cat

Yes, cats can play fetch too! 🐱

Toss a small, lightweight toy like a crinkle ball or soft mouse, and watch your cat chase after it.

Some cats will instinctively bring it back, while others might need a little encouragement with treats or praise.

It’s a fun way to engage their hunting instincts and burn off extra energy.

Playing Tag with Your Cat

Cats love a good game of tag – on their terms, of course! 🐾

Start by gently tapping the floor or wiggling your fingers to get their attention, then dash away but slowly.

Your cat will likely sprint after you or pounce when you “hide” around corners.

Be ready for them to “tag” you back with a playful swat or zoom past in a burst of energy. 🚀😸

2. Obstacle Course

Creating an obstacle course for your cat can be a fun and challenging game.

Use items such as boxes, tunnels, and pillows to create a course for your cat to navigate.

You can also use treats or toys to encourage your cat to complete the course.

How to Make a Fun Obstacle Course for Your Cat at Home 🐱🎯

Start with Tunnels

Use pop up cat tunnels or even cardboard boxes with holes cut out to create fun crawl spaces.

You can connect multiple boxes to make it more exciting! Kitty may stop to play in the box!

Jumping Stations

Set up low hurdles using broomsticks balanced on books or sturdy objects.

Encourage your cat to jump over with treats or a favorite toy.

Weaving Paths

Line up some cushions or water bottles to create a zigzag path for your cat to weave through.

Use a wand toy or treat to guide them along the course.

Climbing Challenge

If you have a cat tree or sturdy cat wall shelves, make them part of the course for your cat to climb up and down.

Place cat treats (make your own) on different levels as motivation!

Hide-and-Seek Zones

Tuck small toys or treats under blankets or behind furniture to encourage your cat’s natural hunting instincts.

Finish Line Fun

End the course with a comfy blanket or a favorite resting spot, where your cat can relax after all that exercise – or start the course again for round two!

Tip

Use treats or a wand toy to guide your cat through the course, and don’t forget to cheer them on with lots of praise.

Here is a brilliant cat tunnel on Amazon.

3. Rolling and Ball Cat Toys

Rolling and ball toys like the ball shown in the image above can be a great way to keep your cat entertained.

These balls have a bell inside and they are pretty well indestructible.

These toys can be as simple as a ping pong ball or as complex as a motorized toy.

The ping pong balls in our house ended up getting dented, however they are so cheap that it’s easy to buy more. They also seem to disappear and then after some time mysteriously reappear.

I like the colourful ping pong balls.

The ball shown below is motorized and can have a chirping bird sound if desired. It is rechargeable.

Your cat will love chasing after the ball and trying to catch it.

4. Laser Pointer Games

Laser pointers can be a great way to provide your cat with exercise and mental stimulation.

Simply shine the laser pointer on the ground or walls and watch as your cat chases after it.

Be careful to never shine the laser pointer directly into your cat’s eyes.

Or, you don’t need to spend a cent. Cats love any simple laser cat games on YouTube. You can use a phone or iPad or tablet, so a great spontaneous game.

After a while our cat would walk away but these games certainly kept him entertained.

5. Wand Cat Toys

Why Are wand Toys Good For cats?

Cats are natural hunters, and they have a strong predatory instinct.

This means that they love, love, love to chase, pounce, and play with toys that mimic their prey.

Understanding your cat’s natural instincts is crucial when choosing the right toys and games to play with them.

So, fishing rods or feather wand toys are popular cat toys because they stimulate your cat’s natural instinct to hunt, pounce, chase, and swat

Dangle the string in front of your cat and watch as they pounce and play.
Just be sure to keep the string out of reach when you’re not playing with your cat to avoid any potential hazards.

I actually advise not making your own wand toy. The reason for this is that I have known of a situation where a DIY wand toy resulted in harm to the cat. Cat wand toys are cheap. It is safer to buy something that is commercially made in this instance.

What Can Go Wrong with a DIY Wand Toy for a Cat

Small parts like beads, buttons, or loose strings can detach and be swallowed, posing a choking risk or causing intestinal blockages.

Using materials like certain glues, paints, or treated fabrics may expose your cat to harmful chemicals if they chew on the toy.

If the wand or attachments aren’t securely fastened, they can break during play, potentially injuring your cat or leaving sharp edges.

Long strings or ribbons can wrap around your cat’s neck, paws, or tail, leading to cuts, restricted circulation, or even strangulation.

Improperly cut wires, sticks, or other materials can have sharp edges that might scratch or puncture your cat’s skin.

Using untreated or poorly sanded wooden sticks can result in splinters, which can injure your cat’s mouth or paws.

Making Your Own Cat Wand Toys

If you do really want to make your own cat wand toy, keep these safety tips in mind.

Use non-toxic, pet-safe materials. Ensure all parts are securely attached. Supervise playtime and store the toy safely afterward. Avoid small, detachable parts that could be swallowed.

6. Cardboard Box Fun For Cats

Cardboard boxes are a great source of entertainment for cats.

They love to explore and play in them. You can create a fun play area for your cat by cutting holes in the box and adding toys or treats inside.

Fun Ideas to Decorate a Cardboard Box for Your Cat to Play

Cut Out Peek-a-Boo Hole

Create various-sized holes on the sides and top of the box so your cat can peek out, swat at toys, or spy on you like the sneaky hunter they are! 👀🐾

Add Multiple Entrances & Exits

Cut out doors on different sides to turn the box into a mini cat maze or tunnel. This adds an element of surprise for your cat’s zoomies!

Paint or Decorate with Non-Toxic Materials
Use pet-safe paints or markers to decorate the box with fun patterns like paw prints, fish shapes, or even your cat’s name. 🎨 Got kids! The kids will love to paint the box. A little glue glitter will add some glam. Even little kids who are really more at the paintbrush waving around stage, can have fun with the other kids by adding a few strokes of the brush.

Create a Cat Castle

Stack and glue multiple boxes together to build different levels or towers. Cut windows and doors to give it a castle vibe, and maybe even add a little flag on top! 🏰

Add Dangling Toys

Poke holes in the top of the box and hang small toys or feathers inside for your cat to bat at from below. It’s like their own interactive toy box! 🎭🎾

Line the Inside with Cozy Materials

Place a soft blanket or some crinkly paper inside to make it comfy and fun for lounging and playing. 🧡

Decorate with Catnip

Sprinkle a little catnip inside or glue some to the edges to make the box even more irresistible! 🌿

Add Ramps or Tunnels

Use additional cardboard pieces to create ramps leading into the box or attach tunnels for extra exploration fun. 🚀

Turn It Into a Cat Café

Draw little food menus or windows to make it look like your cat’s personal café. Bonus points if you pretend to take their “order!” ☕🐾

Glow in the Dark Fun

Use glow-in-the-dark stickers or tape (make sure it’s safe!) for a nighttime adventure your cat will love.

Just leave the box on the floor. The cat will find it.

7. Puzzle Feeders For Cats

A puzzle feeder for a cat is an interactive feeding device designed to stimulate your cat’s mind while slowing down their eating.

Instead of just placing food in a regular bowl, puzzle feeders make your cat work to get their food, mimicking hunting behaviors and providing mental enrichment.

They come in various forms:

Mazes or labyrinths where the cat has to paw the kibble through channels.

Toys with holes that dispense food when batted around.

Food balls that roll and release treats as your cat moves them.

Multi-compartment trays where the cat has to figure out how to access the food.

Puzzle feeders can help with boredom, weight management, and even reduce behavioral issues by keeping cats engaged and active. Plus, they’re fun to watch in action!

Make a DIY puzzle feeder for your cat

1. Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle Feeder

Materials:

• Empty toilet paper rolls
• A box or shallow container
• Cat kibble or treats

Instructions:

1. Stand the toilet paper rolls upright in the box or container, packing them tightly so they don’t fall over.
2. Drop some kibble or treats into a few of the rolls.
3. Let your cat figure out how to fish the food out with their paw!

2. Egg Carton Feeder

Materials:

• An empty egg carton
• Cat kibble or treats

Instructions:

1. Open the egg carton and place some kibble or treats in random egg cups.
2. For an extra challenge, close the carton slightly, leaving it a bit open so your cat can sniff out the food but has to work to open it fully.

3. Bottle Spinner Puzzle

Materials:

• A plastic bottle (like a water or soda bottle)
• A wooden dowel or strong stick
• A cardboard box or a wooden frame
• Cat kibble or treats

Instructions:

1. Cut small holes into the sides of the bottle, just big enough for kibble to fall through when the bottle spins.
2. Skewer the bottle through the middle with the dowel so it can spin freely.
3. Attach the dowel ends to the sides of a cardboard box or wooden frame.
4. Fill the bottle with kibble, and let your cat bat at the bottle to get the treats to fall out.

4. Muffin Tin Puzzle Feeder

Materials:

• A muffin tin
• Small balls (like ping pong balls) or crumpled paper
• Cat kibble or treats

Instructions:

1. Put kibble in some or all of the muffin cups.
2. Place the balls or crumpled paper on top of the kibble to hide it.
3. Your cat will have to move the balls to get to the food.

5. Towel Roll-Up Puzzle

Materials:

• A towel
• Cat kibble or treats

Instructions:

1. Spread the towel flat and sprinkle some kibble randomly over it.
2. Roll up the towel loosely, creating layers of hidden food.
3. Your cat will have to paw, unroll, and dig through the towel to find the treats.

Tips for Success:

• Start easy, then make it more challenging once your cat gets the hang of it.
• Always supervise at first to make sure your cat isn’t chewing on anything unsafe.
• Clean any reusable parts regularly.

8. Toy Mice and Paper Bags

Toy mice and paper bags are simple yet effective cat toys.

Cats love to play with small, furry toys that they can pounce on and bat around.

Cats love paper bags too and will try to get inside the bag if it large enough.

9. Catnip Toys

Catnip toys are a great way to provide your cat with a natural high.

Catnip is a plant that produces a chemical called nepetalactone, which can have a stimulating effect on cats.

Catnip toys come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from simple stuffed animals to complex puzzle toys.

Just be sure to limit your cat’s exposure to catnip to avoid overstimulation.

10. Interactive Cat Toys

Interactive cat toys stimulate cats in a bunch of ways, tapping into their natural instincts and keeping them mentally and physically active. Here’s how they work their magic:

Hunting Instincts

Toys that move unpredictably, like laser pointers or motorized mice, mimic the behavior of prey. This triggers your cat’s natural hunting instincts such as stalking, pouncing, and chasing.

Mental Stimulation

Puzzle toys or treat dispensing gadgets challenge your cat to think and problem solve. This keeps their mind sharp and helps prevent boredom, which can lead to behavioral issues.

Physical Exercise

Toys that encourage running, jumping, or swatting help keep your cat physically fit. This is especially important for indoor cats who don’t get as much natural exercise.

Sensory Engagement

Toys with different textures, sounds, or even catnip engage your cat’s senses—touch, smell, sight, and hearing. This variety keeps playtime exciting.

Reducing Stress and Anxiety

Play can be a great stress reliever for cats. Interactive toys help burn off excess energy and reduce feelings of anxiety, especially in multi-cat households.

Bonding Time

Some interactive toys require your participation, like feather wands or string toys. This not only stimulates your cat but also strengthens your bond.

Do you have a cat you’re thinking about getting toys for?

Here is a selection of popular interactive cat toys.

Safety Tips During Playtime

Choose the right toys

Not all toys are created equal, and some can be dangerous for your cat. Avoid toys that have small or easily detachable parts that your cat could swallow, as well as toys with sharp edges or points that could injure your cat.

Stick to toys that are specifically designed for cats, such as balls, wands, and puzzle toys.

Supervise playtime

Always supervise your cat during playtime to make sure that they don’t accidentally hurt themselves or start biting.

If your cat starts to play too rough or becomes overstimulated, take a break and give them some time to calm down.

Don’t use your hands as toys

While it may be tempting to play with your cat using your hands, this can actually encourage them to bite and scratch you.

This is particularly important if you have young kids.

The last thing you want if for the kids to be afraid of the cat. Instead, use toys that are designed for interactive play, such as wands or balls.

Watch out for strings and cords

Cats love to play with strings and cords, but these can be dangerous if swallowed. Make sure to keep these items out of reach of your cat, and supervise them closely if they do play with them.

Keep playtime short and sweet

Don’t overdo it. Cats can become overstimulated if they play for too long, which can lead to aggressive behavior. Keep playtime sessions short and sweet.

If your cat has been declawed, it still needs playtime. This article gives information about how to play with a cat that has been declawed. Just a note: We definitely do not approve of this barbaric practice and applaud anyone who is looking after a cat that has been declawed.

Why Do Indoor Cats Need Extra Playtime?

Indoor cats have a more limited environment, which means they may need more mental stimulation and exercise than outdoor cats.

It is important to provide your indoor cat with plenty of toys and games to keep them entertained and active.

Outdoor cats have access to a wider environment, which means they may get more exercise naturally.

However, it is still important to play with your outdoor cat to provide mental stimulation and strengthen your bond.

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Cats love cuddles too, so don’t forget to give them plenty of love and attention outside of playtime.

Whether it’s snuggling up on the couch or giving your cat a good scratch behind the ears, your cat will appreciate the affection.

More Cat Toys

Last update on 2025-12-16 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API