Cat Kicker Toys: 8 Toys That Will Unleash Your Cat's Inner Hunter
When you want to add more variety to your cat's toy collection, getting some kicker toys may be the right way to go. Many cats love playing with these toys because they are designed to be easy to grab, hold, and kick with the back feet. In other words, kicker toys are another way your feline companion can unleash their inner hunter.
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There are kicker toys for kitties of all ages, so whether you're shopping for a kitten, adult cat, or senior, you can find products that will make playtime a lot more fun. A high-quality kicker might even become your pet's new favorite toy.
What to consider when purchasing a kicker cat toy
Size and Shape: A kicker toy is usually quite long so your cat can hold it with their front paws while bunny kicking it with their back paws. But these toys do come in varying lengths, so it's a good idea to check the dimensions before making a purchase. That way, you can be sure the toy will be long enough for a larger adult cat to play with, or small enough to be an appropriate size for a kitten. Plus, these exciting cat toys are also available in various shapes, such as those that look like fish, so you can buy more than one type and keep things interesting for your cat during interactive play sessions.
Materials: Whenever you're shopping for solo-play and interactive cat toys, it's wise to check the materials that the products are made of to ensure they'll be able to stand up to your cat's teeth and claws. When it comes to kicker toys, durable materials are best because your cat may get aggressive with their sharp claws when bunny kicking. If a toy isn't made of strong materials or doesn't have good-quality stitching to keep it together, it's more likely to fall apart rather quickly.
Safety: In addition to durability, consider whether or not a kicker toy is safe. Look for toys that are made of nontoxic materials. You also don't want your cat to ingest anything, so it's smart to avoid products that have pieces that could easily break off and be swallowed. And, again, you want the toy to be strong enough to withstand your kitty's teeth and claws, as this could help ensure it won't come apart and become a choking hazard. Remember that it's always best to supervise your pet while playing.
Extra Features: Many toys will have extras, such as catnip, silvervine, feathers, or a crinkle sound. These features may entice your kitty to pounce, bunny kick, and bite. And if a kick toy is soft and plush, your cat might even snuggle with it when playtime is over. Just keep in mind that, when it comes to catnip toys, selecting one that is refillable can help ensure the scent will always be strong enough to attract your feline companion.
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1. Jackson Galaxy Hunting Instincts Kicker Cat Toy with Catnip
This large and plush catnip kicker toy from Jackson Galaxy is a great option for adult cats because it measures 13 inches long. It looks like a basic toy at first, but this item is unique because it's designed in a way that causes the toy to "kick back," so your kitty can really feel as though they are taking down prey. And it also features organic catnip to help get your cat's attention and keep them interested in playing. Plus, the materials are durable, so this toy should be able to withstand your pet's claws. Overall, this may be a good product to start with if your cat has never used a kicker toy before, but it might be too long for smaller kitties.
2. Mad Cat Big Cactus Kicker Catnip and Silvervine Cat Toy
This is another kicker toy that can help your cat satisfy their natural hunting instincts. It is filled with catnip and silvervine, so if your kitty isn't attracted to catnip toys or prefers silvervine, this can be a good option to consider. Shaped like a cactus with a fun design, your cat can easily grab this toy and play on their own or you can use it for interactive play to bond with your pet. And when your feline companion is done playing, they can cuddle with it as they recharge. However, this is shorter than other kicker toys, measuring 8 inches long, so it might be too small for larger cats who might find it hard to kick it with their back feet.
3. Frisco Plush Kicker Cat Toy
This cute and bright kicker toy looks like a fox to you, but your cat will see it as a new form of "prey" they can tackle, bite, and kick into submission. Featuring a fluffy tail and catnip to grab your pet's attention, this toy also makes a crinkle sound to keep your kitty interested during playtime. Whether they are playing alone while you aren't home or you are tossing this toy for your cat to chase down, it can be a great way to encourage your cat to get some exercise. And you can give this item a try if you want to add variety to your pet's kicker toy collection, especially if your kitty seems to prefer toys that are wide rather than long and thin.
4. Petlinks Fun Fins Crinkle Silvervine Kicker Cat Toy
This kicker toy from Petlinks combines several features that many cats are sure to love. Designed to look like a fish, it has feathers to get your kitty's interest right away, it makes crinkle sounds, and it's filled with catnip and silvervine. Plus, if you prefer buying products that are eco-friendly, the fiberfill is made from recycled plastic. Featuring durable materials and multiple textures, this is one of the longer kicker toys on the market, measuring 16.25 inches. So, if your kitty enjoys playing with bigger toys, this might be the perfect choice. On the other hand, if your cat tends to play with smaller toys, such as mice and balls, a shorter kicker toy may be best.
5. SmartyKat Leggy Llama Kicker Plush Catnip Cat Toy
Another long kicker toy is the Leggy Llama from SmartyKat. It is designed for wrestling and kicking, so it's durable. And it even meets child safety standards to ensure it will be safe for your pet to play with. Other nice features include the fact that it's lightweight, and boasts catnip, crinkle sounds, and a sherpa material. You can toss this toy around or dangle it like a teaser for your cat to swat at. It's a good size for cats of all ages who want to be able to grab a toy and bunny kick it to have loads of fun, and it's also a product that your cat can cuddle with when it's time for a rejuvenating nap.
6. Hauspanther ModKicker Catnip Plush Cat Toy
This item might look pretty plain, but it has everything that you need in a good kicker toy for cats. It contains organic catnip, so it may get your pet's attention immediately and get them ready to play. In addition to that, it is shaped to be easy for your cat to grab and hold. Before you know it, your kitty might be totally focused and in full-on hunter mode, excitedly kicking at this toy, but you can rest assured that it's made of durable materials to withstand all of the aggression. It measures 10 inches long, so it should be a good size for cats of all ages, and you can choose from more than one colorful design.
7. OurPets Snagable Platypus Kicker Cat Toy
This kicker toy is a little different because it's shaped like a platypus, with four legs that stick out the sides of the toy. This shape can help your kitty get a good grip on it, and the soft material is durable and also makes it easy for your cat to grab and hold this toy while playing. Plus, like other great toys, this one is filled with catnip and makes a crinkle sound too. However, this is one of the larger kicker toys, and it has a fluffy tail as well, so keep that in mind when deciding if it would be the right size for your kitten or adult cat. After all, some cats prefer smaller toys while others prefer a variety of sizes.
8. Yeowww! Catnip Pollock Fish Cat Toy
If you have ever purchased any Yeowww! cat toys, you know how potent their catnip can be. And if you want your kitty to enjoy that catnip in the form of a kicker toy, this one should definitely be on your radar. Measuring 11 inches, it is shaped like a fish and has a colorful design, but what will really entice your cat to play with it is the fact that it's filled with organic catnip. Also, this toy features cotton twill that is durable, so you won't need to worry about it falling apart immediately after your cat starts chewing and clawing at it. Plus, it is made in USA and hand-sewn, so there's a lot to like about this product.