Newsletter
Signup our newsletter to get update information, news, insight or promotions.
Cats love to chew! If you’ve seen them go gaga over a shoelace or cardboard box, you know this is true. But why do they do it? And what are the best chew toys for cats that will keep them safe and engaged? We’ll answer all these questions and more to help you pick out the perfect toys for your fluffy pal.
Cats chew on things for different reasons. Here are some of them:
Chewing comes naturally as purring. In the wild, cats chew on their prey and their surroundings to keep their teeth clean and their jaws strong. While they’re not born in the wild, house cats still possess this instinct. Chewing helps satisfy their natural urges. Giving them the best chew toys for cats replicates the texture and resistance of their prey, making them feel like they’re on the prowl for their food, even if they’re domesticated pets.
Another reason why cats need chew toys is to keep their teeth healthy. Like us, cats also need to keep their chompers clean. Chewing on toys helps scrape off plaque and tartar—two culprits that cause bad breath and tooth decay. Using dental cat toys will keep your whiskered buddy’s teeth and gums clean, even without brushing!
Chewing isn’t just good for their teeth. It also keeps them engaged and entertained. When cats are bored, they can get into trouble, like scratching furniture or acting out. But when you give them the best chew toys for cats, they can burn off and focus their pent-up energy on something fun and safe. These toys keep their minds sharp, reducing the chance of turning your furniture and other household items into shreds.
Chewing can be a workout, too! Some cat chew toys encourage furry couch potatoes to move and play around. They’re designed for batting, pouncing, or kicking. These playthings are critical for indoor cats that don’t exercise as much as those in the wild.
There are many types of chew toys for felines, making it hard to know where to begin. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular toys.
Let’s kick things off with plush toys. They’re soft and cuddly, making them irresistible to cats that enjoy gentle chewing. They’re also for kitties that love to cuddle with their playthings. However, they’re not viable options if your fur baby is an aggressive chewer, as they tend to fall apart quickly.
Rubber toys are the best chew toys for cats that often gnaw. They’re available in different shapes, like balls and rings, and are durable and bouncy. Some even have textures to help clean your precious furball’s teeth. While some felines aren’t fans of texture, they’re still the best cat toys for chewing, as they can withstand wear and tear.
Rope toys are fantastic dental cat toys. They have fibers that floss your cat’s chompers as it chews. If you opt for this toy, ensure it’s safe and high-quality. Poor-quality rope toys eventually fray, making them a choking hazard and a potential source of digestive problems if swallowed. If the rope toy begins to break down, replace it immediately
Some fur parents prefer to go the natural route, choosing chew toys made from sisal or wood. These eco-friendly materials provide enticing textures for your munching munchkin to chew on. However, they can splinter or break, which can be hazardous for your feline friend. So before you give these playthings to your cat, ensure they’re well-made and regularly check for any signs of damage.
These cat chew toys are long and tube-like. They’re wrapped around their paws to be kicked around with your cat’s hind legs. Kicker toys satisfy your feline’s kicking urges and are fun to watch.
Interactive toys aren’t just tunnels, laser pointers, or spinners; they can also be puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys. These are the best chew toys for cats because they challenge your floof to determine how to get the reward. These playthings stimulate their brains and keep them entertained for hours.
Catnip is an herb that many cats go crazy for. It contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which causes cats to experience a brief, happy state. As a result, they become extra playful and energetic. Some of the best cat toys for chewing are infused with catnip to add more fun to playtime. However, not all cats are responsive to catnip, so give them a mix of catnip toys with other engaging features.
Now that you know the different types of chew toys, how do you pick the best cat chew toys for your furry friend? Here are some factors to consider:
Consider your cat’s age and size when choosing a chew toy. Kittens have different needs than adult and senior felines. Thus, they prefer softer toys that are easier to munch on their developing teeth. Meanwhile, adult cats might need something more durable to meet their chewing urges. Ensure the dental cat toys are suitable for their size and age to avoid choking hazards and that they can play with them comfortably.
Observe how your cat chews. Is it a gentle nibbler or a power gnawer? If your cat is a heavy chewer, give it more rigid toys that can bear heavy use. But if your cat is more delicate, soft toys might be the best cat chew toys for your four-legged muncher.
Safety is always a priority! Stay away from toys with small parts that your fluffy companion can swallow. Ensure the materials are durable and non-toxic, and regularly inspect for signs of damage. If there are signs of wear and tear, replace it immediately. The best chew toys for cats should be fun and safe.
Variety is the spice of life, even for cats! Offering a combination of different toy types can keep your frolic furball engaged and boredom at bay. Give your cat various textures, shapes, and functions to suit its changing instincts and preferences. The best cat toys for chewing offer different experiences to keep them happy and entertained.
With so many options out there, finding the best dental chew toys can be tricky. But don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Here are our recommendations to get you started:
This fish catnip toy is the perfect choice if you have a cuddly kitty with a knack for nibbling. It’s available in various vibrant colors and lively fish designs to tap your cat’s hunting instincts and promote physical exercise. It is filled with high-quality catnip and has a strong aroma that keeps cats returning for more. It also has a built-in bell that creates sounds when kicked, adding thrills to your cat’s playtime.
It’s at the top of our list of the best chew toys for cats because it ticks off all the boxes. Not only are these toys cute and cuddly, but they also offer tons of health benefits to your cat, making them a must-have for every cat owner.
It’s fruity, it’s chewy, and it’s oh-so-fun to play with! The natural jute rope wrapped in these sisal ball toys is expertly wound for a comfortable texture that can resist scratching and biting. Their playful, fruity designs capture your cat’s interest and stimulate its hunting instincts.
But the best thing about these dental cat toys is that the jute rope is colored with natural dye, keeping them safe for your fluffy pal. Rest assured, your fur baby is playing and chewing on a toxic-free, eco-friendly toy.
These sisal balls are perfectly sized for easy biting, kicking, batting, and scratching. The built-in sounding stone in each hollow ball creates a shaking, collision noise that entices cats to play and chase. The balls also have a removable bean bag to prevent getting lost under furniture or after playtime.
While natural twine is safe, non-irritating, and chewing-resistant, it can fray after extensive use. Despite this setback, it’s still an excellent addition to your kitty’s playtime, with its engaging design and safety features.
These dental cat toys aren’t just for chewing and playing but also for decorating. Both cats and cat owners will adore their cute, fresh look. Filled with magic catnip, these playthings encourage your feline buddy. The polyester filling wrapped in corduroy gives the toy a soft, enticing texture.
But what makes these toys stand out is the bag pendant. Each toy has a lanyard to attach to your keys, bags, or mobile phones. However, because of the embroidered details, they may not withstand rough play, leading to fraying or damage.
It may be the last pick on this list of the best chew toys for cats, but it’s definitely not the least. This cat toy is potent due to the combination of catnip and silvervine. The fresh catnip is an irresistible treat for felines, making them more active as they chew it. Meanwhile, the fresh silvervine stick promotes better gastrointestinal health and calms your kitty.
However, if chewed extensively, the sound paper in the leaves may become less effective in attracting cats. Despite this, the toy’s durability and engaging features make it an excellent addition to your cat’s toy collection.
Remember, the best cat toys for chewing are the ones your furry buddy enjoys the most. So, don’t be afraid to splurge a little on your cat. Try some chew toys out there and see which ones your cat likes best.
Cats don’t just love to chew; they need to do it! As cat owners, it’s our responsibility to give them safe and fun ways to unleash their inner predators, maintain their oral hygiene, and satisfy their chewing urges. Offering your furry pal the best chew toys for cats will keep your fur baby happy and healthy.
