Choosing the Best Pet Toys (and DIYs You Can Make at Home)

When it comes to pet toys, there's no shortage of options, but how do you know which ones will keep your furry friends engaged and happy? Whether you have a dog with endless energy or a cat who enjoys lounging and the occasional pounce, picking the best pet toys is essential for their mental and physical well-being. Even better, plenty of DIY alternatives are easy on your wallet and fun to make!

Toy Time: How to Choose the Best Toys for Your Pets

The key to finding the best pet toys lies in knowing your pet’s personality and preferences. Is your dog a chewer, or does your cat have a flair for climbing? Identifying these traits will help you select toys that not only engage them but also keep them entertained for hours.

For dogs, it’s often a good idea to choose toys that match their chewing habits. Heavy chewers might need something durable like a rubber bone, while dogs who enjoy interactive play might prefer a tug rope or fetch toy. On the other hand, cats are natural hunters, so toys that mimic prey—like feathered wands or laser pointers—can bring out their playful instincts.

When it comes to the toy itself, here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing the best one for your furry friends:

Construction

Choose sturdy, well-made toys to prevent choking or digestive blockages from broken pieces. Trusted brands with securely attached parts are best. Intestinal blockages are a common injury that can be dangerous and costly.

Size

Ensure toys are large enough to avoid choking and not too small to get stuck in your pet's mouth. Size guidelines on toy packages can help, or consult your vet or pet store expert for more info.

Hardness

Pick toys that suit your pet’s size, age, and play style. Softer toys are better for puppies, kittens, and senior pets, while sturdier toys are ideal for strong chewers.

Washable

Regularly clean toys to avoid bacteria buildup. Opt for machine-washable toys, and make sure to toss them when they show signs of wear and tear.

With the right toy, you can keep your pet entertained, mentally stimulated, and safe. By considering their personality and needs, you’ll find toys that bring out the best in your furry friend and make playtime fun for both of you!

What’s the Appeal? How Pets Pick Their Favorite Toys

You might wonder why some toys get all the love while others gather dust in the corner. The truth is, pets are driven by their natural instincts when it comes to playtime, and different toys trigger different responses depending on the animal. Dogs and cats both seek toys that appeal to their inherent needs, whether that’s chewing, chasing, or solving a puzzle.

For dogs, it’s all about satisfying their primal urges. Chew toys, for instance, mimic the gnawing behavior dogs would use in the wild to tear through meat and bones. Puzzle toys, on the other hand, engage a dog’s mind, tapping into their problem-solving instincts. Fetch toys like balls and frisbees bring out their natural herding and retrieving behaviors, offering both mental and physical exercise and enriching your dog’s life. If a toy can keep a dog engaged in an activity that’s instinctual—whether it’s tugging, chasing, or chewing—it’s bound to become a favorite.

Cats, on the other hand, are hunters at heart. Their favorite toys often mimic the movements of prey. Feather wands, laser pointers, and motorized toys appeal to a cat’s predatory instincts by simulating the erratic motions of birds or small mammals. Even simple toys like crinkly paper or rolling balls can captivate a cat if they move unpredictably or make intriguing noises. Additionally, cats are curious creatures, so toys that challenge their minds or senses—like puzzle feeders—keep them entertained for hours. Toys that tap into their need to pounce, stalk, and 'hunt' are often the ones they go back to time and time again.

So, the next time your pet shows a strong preference for one toy over another, it's not random—it's nature at play! By understanding their instincts and behaviors, you can make better choices when selecting toys that will hold their attention and enrich their lives.

Playtime Favorites: Must-Have Toys for Dogs and Cats

While there are plenty of toys to choose from, here are some of the best options for both dogs and cats. Whether you’re looking for something durable or interactive, these toys are sure to bring out your furry friends’ playful side.

Fetching Fun: Top Toys Every Dog Will Love

When it comes to keeping your dog entertained, mentally stimulated, and happy, having the right toys is key. The best toys not only tap into your dog’s natural instincts—whether that's chewing, fetching, or problem-solving—but also provide hours of fun and add enrichment to their everyday life.

Whether your pup is a playful chewer, a high-energy runner, or a brainy problem-solver, these must-have toys will keep tails wagging and minds engaged. Here's a roundup of some of the best toys that every dog is sure to enjoy.

• Rubber Chews – Available in different shapes, some can be filled with treats like peanut butter (avoid Xylitol). They’re durable and great for satisfying chewing urges.

• Puzzle Toys – Hide treats inside to keep your dog mentally stimulated and entertained for long periods.

• Fetch Toys – Options like flying discs, rubber balls, and even rubber sticks are great for interactive play without the splinter risk of real sticks.

• Edible Chews – Affordable and designed to promote dental health, though they don’t last long and should be supervised to prevent choking.

• Rawhides – Made from animal hides, they’re inexpensive, easy entertainment, but be careful—they can become a choking hazard or cause digestive upset for some dogs.

• Plush Toys – Plushies can be easily torn, so choose dog-safe ones and supervise play. The squeakers found in many plush toys can also pose a foreign body risk as well.

• Tug Toys – Tug-of-war can strengthen your dog’s jaw, but make sure you choose sturdy toys and store them away when not in use to prevent unsupervised chewing.

These toys cater to a dog’s natural instincts, whether it be chewing, fetching, or problem solving, and they provide plenty of canine enrichment, too. Choose toys that fit your dog's unique personality, and you’ll have a happy, engaged pup who will play the day away!

Cat-Approved: Top Toys for Feline Fun

You'll find cat toys in materials like wool, fleece, plastic, and fur, often featuring sounds like jingles, crinkles, or electronic chirps. Some light up or move, and many are infused with catnip. Experiment with different types to discover your cat’s favorites.

• Catnip Toys – Most cats love catnip-filled toys. Even older, less active cats may play like kittens when given a catnip mouse or ball.

• Balls – Great for stalking and pouncing, balls tap into a cat’s natural instincts. You can use cat-specific balls, ping-pong balls, or wadded paper. Sponge balls are ideal for quieter playtime.

• Plush Toys – Faux mice, birds, and fish make fun “prey” for your cat to bat around or carry. Toss them for a game of fetch or leave them out for independent play.

• Wands – Perfect for interactive play and exercise, wand toys let your cat leap and chase. Store them away after use to prevent wear and tear.

• Interactive Toys – Battery-operated toys with lights or movement entertain cats even when you’re not home. Just ensure they’re safe, with no loose parts.

• Food-Dispensing Toys – These engage your cat’s hunting instincts by rewarding them with food. Keep an eye on calorie intake if using these regularly.

From chasing balls to batting around plush prey, the right toys tap into your cat’s natural instincts. By offering a variety of options, you’ll help satisfy their curiosity, keep them busy, and even tire them out enough to slow down some of those midnight zoomies.

Pet Toy DIY: Fun and Affordable Alternatives

If you’re looking for something more affordable and personalized, making your own pet toys is a fantastic option. DIY pet toys are affordable, resourceful, creative, and fun! Here are some of our favorites.

DIY Dog Toys

Got junk lying around? Unleash your creativity and repurpose everyday household items into these fun dog toys made by you! They’ll keep your pup on their paws by providing endless entertainment and enrichment.

T-Shirt Tug Rope

You’ll need…a couple of old T-shirts.

Cut some old T-shirts into strips, and braid them together tightly to make a t-shirt tug toy! It’s durable, washable, and endless fun.

Snuffle Mat Treat Surprise

You’ll need…a rubber mat with holes in it, fleece strips, and kibble.

Double knot fleece strips around the edge of your mat, looping them through each hole. Use a second color for the outer section, then hide treats inside and let your dog enjoy the challenge of sniffing them out!

No-Sew Denim Donut

You’ll need…denim. Just denim.

First, roll the jeans leg into a donut shape. Wrap a long denim strip around the donut to secure the donut shape and tie the ends together with an overhand knot.

Cracklin’ Sock

You’ll need...an empty plastic bottle and a sock.

First, take the cap off your old bottle and throw it away—it’s a choking hazard. Then, squeeze out the air, place the bottle inside an old sock, and tie a knot at the end. The crackling sound of the plastic will provide endless noise and entertainment for your pup!

Flirt Pole

You’ll need…four to six feet of ¾” PVC pipe, 10 to 15 feet of rope, and a sturdy dog toy.

Thread the rope through the pipe, securing it with a knot at each end to prevent it from slipping. Finally, attach the dog toy to the end of the rope, and you're ready for playtime!

For dogs, durability is key when it comes to toys. Make sure any toy—whether store-bought or DIY—can handle your dog’s bite without breaking apart. Keep an eye on toys during play and regularly inspect them for wear and tear to avoid choking hazards.

DIY Cat Toys

Looking for fun and affordable ways to keep your cat entertained? Try these easy DIY cat toys that are sure to spark your feline's curiosity and playfulness.

Catfish

You’ll need…a clear plastic container, paper, and small cat-oriented items to act as “fish.”

Cut various-sized holes in the top of a clear plastic container, and fill it with crumpled paper, catnip, toy mice, cat treats, and a ping-pong ball. Your cat will have a blast fishing for the trinkets inside!

Treat Rattle

You’ll need… a paper towel or toilet paper tube and cat treats.

Make a slow feeder toy for your cat using a cardboard tube. Loosely fold the ends of the tube inward after adding the treats to make a slow feeder toy, and let your cat enjoy batting it around to get the goodies out!

Paper Bag Playground

You’ll need…paper bags.

Set up paper grocery bags for your cat to dart in and out of. It’s an inexpensive and engaging way to keep them active, and it makes good use of all those brown paper bags sitting under your sink! Make sure to remove any handles to avoid getting stuck during playtime!

Feline Pinball Machine

You’ll need…cardboard tubes, non-toxic glue, a box, an egg carton, pipe cleaners, and some bells or ping pong balls.

Using non-toxic glue, secure the rolls upright in the box, forming a grid-like structure. Add egg carton pieces, pipe cleaners, and small balls to create a mini pinball machine that’ll keep your cat entertained for hours.

Cardboard Box Towel or Tunnel

You’ll need…a bunch of cardboard boxes.

Stack the boxes however you’d like, secure them with non-toxic glue, and cut holes to build a fun climbing tower for your feline explorer!

Remember, when deciding the perfect store-bought toy or making a fun DIY game for your cat, prioritize safety by being aware of the materials the toy is made from. Cat toys should be pet-safe, sturdy, and non-toxic. Avoid small parts that could be swallowed, and make sure strings or feathers are securely attached. Always supervise play to ensure your cat isn’t chewing or ingesting any pieces.

Wrapping Up

Choosing the right toys for your pets is about more than just keeping them busy—it’s about creating little moments that bring them joy and help them thrive. When you pick toys that fit their personality and instincts, you’re giving them more than just playtime; you’re enriching their day-to-day lives and showing them how much you care. By giving them toys that challenge, excite, or comfort them, you can help your favorite furry friends stay happy, active, and healthy, while creating memories that last long after playtime ends.

_{An ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance plan can help you with eligible costs for covered conditions like surgery expenses for accidents and help provide peace of mind that your pet can receive the care they need. Check out our online resources to learn more about your insurance options and get a free quote today. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian.}

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