Best Pet Toys for At-Home Play

Your pets love nothing more than spending time with you. They rush to the door, tails wagging and ears perked, the second they hear you returning home from work. If you work from home, your beloved cats and dogs provide much-needed company (and maybe even a soundtrack to your online meetings) while you meet your deadlines. 

It’s comforting having snoozing dogs and purring felines next to you as you type away, but you also can take this opportunity to spend quality time playing with your four-legged friends. Pets that receive mental stimulation and have an enriched environment make happier pets.   

Here is our guide to toys that you can use during breaks from work to help you bond with your pets. 

Our Picks For Best Pet Toys for At-Home Play

All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the Vetstreet editorial team and do not reflect a direct endorsement by the author. However, Vetstreet may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.

• Best Aggressive Chewer Dog Toy: Zogoflex Hurley Dog Toy
• Best Fetch Toy for Dogs: Spunky Pup Fly & Fetch Duck
• Best Glow-In-The-Dark Ball for Dogs: Flash and Glow
• Best Soft Indoor Dog Ball: Chuckit! Indoor Ball 
• Best Bird-Like Toy for Cats: GoCat Da Bird Pull Apart Rod & Bird
• Best Boredom Buster Cat Toy: Cat Dancer Cat Toy 
• Best Cat Tunnel: Purrfect Feline Cat Tunnel
• Best Boredom Buster Interactive Dog Toy: Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff
• Best Tough Chewer Treat Dispensing Dog Toy: Qwizl Treat Dispenser 
• Best Dog Board Game: Casino Interactive Puzzle
• Best Toy Box for Cats: SmartCat Peek-a-Prize Toy Box
• Best Cat Tree: Go Pet Club 62-Inch Cat Tree
• Best Cat Scratching Post: Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
• Best Multi-Cat Household Toy: PetStages Tower of Tracks 

Interactive Dog Toys

Best Aggressive Chewer Dog Toy

Our Pick: Zogoflex Hurley Dog Toy

This eco-friendly offering from West Paw is perfect for your active dog who loves to fetch. Made in the U.S. with tough, pliable material, this colorful toy can delight your pooch for hours on end. Head to the backyard for a fun game or give Fido something to chew on to keep him occupied and stimulated when you need to focus. It’s also floatable, making it ideal for water-loving dogs.

Highlights

• Bouncy, floatable toy is ideal for aggressive chewers.
• Available in three color choices
• Made of non-toxic, recyclable materials in the United States
• Perfect for dogs who love to gnaw on things and play fetch.
• Dishwasher safe

Things to Consider

• Aggressive chewers may be able to pull the toy apart, so use with supervision
• Dogs who like interactive toys may not care for this one.

Best Fetch Toy For Dogs

Our Pick: Spunky Pup Fly & Fetch Duck

If you’ve got a retriever or spaniel-mix that loves hunting and chasing birds, this realistic-looking Fly and Fetch Duck makes for a good decoy and gets him excited during playtime. Add a little exercise to your pup’s day, or use the rope tail to play tug. 

Highlights

• Launches up to 100 feet thanks to the bungee inside the toy
• Also available in eagle and fish
• Floatable toy is ideal for dogs who love water play
• Ballistic nylon holds up to frequent use
• Dogs who love to play fetch will enjoy this toy.

Things to Consider

• Aggressive chewers will have no problem tearing this up
• Best if used for outdoor play for maximum launch distance

Best Glow-In-The-Dark Ball For Dogs

Our Pick: Flash and Glow

Although the days are longer with spring around the corner, having a glow-in-the-dark ball allows you and your pet to squeeze in some playtime after the sun goes down. Simply shake the ball and an internal LED light flashes to help your canine fetch it in the darkness. It comes in an assortment of neon colors to keep your dog engaged. 

Highlights

• LED light allows dogs to see the ball in darker rooms.
• Waterproof and floats on water for outdoor and pool fun
• Motion-activated LED lights will flash for 25 seconds
• Ideal to teach your dog fetch

Things to Consider

• The ball glows in the dark once it is exposed to light
• Ball is hard and not meant to bounce
• Ball is 2-inches in diameter, so use caution with larger dogs

Best Soft Indoor Dog Ball

Our Pick: Chuckit! Indoor Ball

Senior dogs need stimulation and playtime, too. This soft and durable Chuckit! Indoor Ball is easier on your mature hound’s teeth and jaws, and lightweight enough for indoor play (and you can’t beat the price). This ball is a good option for pet parents living in apartments or houses without backyards; you can freely toss it without worrying about damaging your furnishings. 

Highlights

• Affordably-priced
• Brightly colored so it is easily seen
• Lightweight design for safe indoor play
• Textured chenille fabric is easy to pick up
• Rolls easily across hardwood floors

Things to Consider

• Does not have a squeaker inside
• Power chewers may be able to destroy this ball

Interactive Cat Toys  

Best Bird-Like Toy For Cats

Our Pick: GoCat Da Bird Pull Apart Rod & Bird

Twirling feathers strung from a rod seems so simple, but your cat will love this innovative toy that mimics a bird in flight. Handcrafted in the U.S., the GoCat Da Bird appeals to the prey instincts of your feline friend and keeps him chasing and leaping with joy. Just be aware, Whiskers may not want you to stop. The worn-out feathers can be swapped out with new ones in the swivel attachment. 

Highlights

• Pull-apart rod stores easily when not in use.
• Cats can stalk and catch the feathery toy.
• Appeals to cats of all ages
• Encourages human-feline bonding
• Handcrafted in the United States

Things to Consider

• Supervise your cat while playing
• Use caution with elderly cats with joint issues

Best Boredom Buster Cat Toy

Our Pick: Cat Dancer Cat Toy

The affordable Cat Dancer Cat Toy doubles as a traditional wand and as a wall-mounted unit that gives your kitty plenty of entertainment with you or in solo play. It comes equipped with a spring steel wire attached to small cardboard rolls, and can be attached to the wall with the paw-shaped adhesive. Best of all, Cat Dancer toys are manufactured in a solar-powered factory in Wisconsin.  

Highlights

• Comes with Command Strips to adhere the toy to a wall
• Takes 30 seconds or less to set up
• Made with materials that are non-toxic and safe for cats
• Keeps cats active both mentally and physically
• Fun and entertaining toy for cats to play with in your absence

Things to Consider

• Toy must be replaced when cardboard pieces begin falling off.
• Some cats may be able to remove the toy from the wall.

Best Cat Tunnel

Our Pick: Purrfect Feline Cat Tunnel

If you have a multi-cat household, the Purrfect Feline Cat Tunnel will provide endless entertainment for your feline friends. Play hide and seek, rattle a toy at one of the tunnels to get them going, or simply let them prance around inside until they tire out. The tunnel is made with a steel frame, a tear-resistant polyester material, and comes in various sizes. It can be fully collapsed for easy storage. 

Highlights

• Tunnel is made with tear-resistant polyester material
• Four connected tunnels encourages cats to hide and play
• Easily portable and collapses to 2″ in height when stored
• Several sizes available
• Crackle paper and ball toy adds to the fun

Things to Consider

• Be sure to choose the correct size for your cat(s)
• Use caution if dogs are in your household, as they may tear the ball off

Puzzles and Chew Toys for Dogs 

Best Boredom Buster Interactive Dog Toy

Our Pick: Planet Dog Orbee-Tuff

Conceal goodies inside this translucent Snoop toy and watch your dog use his skills to reach his reward. This treat-dispensing toy helps your pet enjoy snack time while engaging his mind (and keeps him occupied while you tend to your chores). This toy also prevents your puppy from unwanted behavior like destroying your shoes or furniture. 

Highlights

• BPA-free and phthalate-free.
• Infused with mint to keep your dog’s mouth fresh
• Made in the USA
• Encourages dogs to sniff, paw, and play indoors or out
• Perfect for fast eaters and dogs who like a challenge

Things to Consider

• Aggressive chewers may be be able to tear this up
• Additional piece for an extra challenge is available with separate purchase

Best Tough Chewer Treat Dispensing Dog Toy

Our Pick: Qwizl Treat Dispenser

Keep your adult dog stimulated with the Qwizl Treat Dispenser from West Paw. Load the toy’s side openings with peanut butter or his favorite treats and make a play date out of it; the ridges inside create a challenge to reach the treats, prolonging your pet’s playtime. This durable toy is great for strong chewers and can also be used to play fetch. 

Highlights

• Extends the life of the treats because dogs have to work to get them out.
• Design is environmentally friendly and made in the USA.
• Recyclable and dishwasher-safe.
• Available in two colors
• Doubles as a fetch toy when not being used with treats.

Things to Consider

• Some aggressive chewers may be able to tear this apart
• Toy is a bit heavy and may be too weighty for smaller pups.

Best Dog Board Game

Our Pick: Casino Interactive Puzzle

Puzzle toys are a wonderful way to beat boredom in your pet’s life; besides, watching him succeed is sure to make you feel proud of your little guy. The Casino Interactive Puzzle meets your pet’s need for mental stimulation and rewards him with treats for his skillful navigation. Fill the drawers in the base with tasty treats, cover the compartments, and challenge your dog to get to them. Although the scent of the treats is encouragement enough, show Fido how it’s done, and be sure to film your pet’s achievements to boast about it to your friends. 

Highlights

• BPA, PVC, and phthalate-free
• Locking bone pieces are a fun challenge for dogs.
• Easily cleans with soap and water
• Great for indoor play on rainy and snowy days
• Exercises your dog’s mind so he feels happy and upbeat

Things to Consider

• Supervise your dog during play.
• Go slow and show your dog how to play following the instructions included.

Environmental Enrichment for Cats 

Best Toy Box for Cats

Our Pick: SmartCat Peek-a-Prize Toy Box

Your indoor cat will love you for this puzzle that can be combined with his favorite treats or catnip. The SmartCat Peek-a-Prize toy comes with two foam spiral balls that you can drop into the peek-a-boo wooden box for your cat to seek out. It works for any sized cat and can also be used for dispensing treats. 

Highlights

• Heavy-duty wooden box made is durable
• Stimulates a cat’s desire to play and hunt
• Can be used with cat treats for food-motivated felines
• Balls are included
• Keeps cats mentally stimulated and free from boredom

Things to Consider

• Use caution with kittens or smaller cats to avoid heads getting stuck in a hole
• Some cats may find it too easy to retrieve the balls inside

Best Cat Tree

Our Pick: Go Pet Club 62-Inch Cat Tree

You’ve got access to a treadmill and Netflix at home, so why not give your feline a place of her own to exercise and relax? The Go Pet Club tiered cat tree features multiple perches, hanging rope, ladder, hammock, and a basket for your tabby to play and chill in. This will also come in handy for shy cats or rescues you’ve just brought home from the shelter, giving them a place to retreat to for a sense of security. The tree comes in various colors to match your furniture.  

Highlights

• Luxury tower is ideal for lounging
• Features several tiers and lounging areas to appease all cats
• Cats can tower over the room for the perfect lookout point.
• Reinforced posts made with natural sisal rope for longevity
• Covering material is made of faux fur

Things to Consider

• Some assembly required
• Fur padding may shed

Best Cat Scratching Post

Our Pick: Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post

Keep your active cat busy with the Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post. At 32 inches, it gives him a good stretch and tones muscles while allowing him to scratch away to exercise his claws. The post has a fibrous and durable woven sisal that doesn’t snag and lasts longer than rope, making the splurge on this toy a great investment. 

Highlights

• Affordably priced
• Comes with a replaceable dangle toy
• Sturdy wood post helps prevent tipping
• Helps keep cats’ nails healthy
• Perfect for cats who love to stretch and scratch

Things to Consider

• Not made for outdoor use
• Bottom screws of unit are not countersunk

Best Multi-Cat Household Toy

Our Pick: PetStages Tower of Tracks

If you’ve got multiple cats or an active kitten, the PetStages Tower of Tracks makes for an enjoyable way for him to stay busy indoors. He is bound to find amusement batting at colorful balls that roll around in the three-tiered circular tracks. The noisemakers inside the balls add further engagement and an overall enhanced experience. Just be sure to put on your noise-cancelling headphones to concentrate on your work. 

Highlights

• Mentally engages cats to play with the multiple layers
• Ideal for single or multi-cat households
• Safety bar at top opening prevents cats from getting stuck while playing
• Brightly colored balls keep kitty’s attention
• Non-slip base holds up to swatting paws

Things to Consider

• Plastic toy is not indestructible
• Supervise cats while playing
• Remove any damaged parts