How to Choose Dog and Cat Toys: Buying Guide

This guide is for dog and cat owners choosing toys and play gear: chew toys, fetch balls, treat puzzles, cat wands and scratching posts. It covers how to size a toy, how to match it to the way your pet plays, which materials and parts to watch out for, and how to keep toys clean and safe. Edible chews and treats are not covered here.

The short answer: pick toys sized so your pet cannot swallow them, and match them to how your pet plays (chewing, chasing, solving or scratching). Firm rubber toys suit most dog chewers, puzzles give a dog a mental workout, cats need daily play with a wand toy, and every cat needs a sturdy scratching post tall enough for a full stretch. Supervise play and throw away damaged toys.

How we chose: picks are based on brand specs, the product listing and public reviews from named outlets linked on each product page. We have not tested these products ourselves.

How to choose dog and cat toys

Size comes first

The Humane Society warns that toys that are too small can be swallowed or get stuck in a dog’s throat, so match the toy to your dog’s size (Humane World for Animals). Most toy brands publish a size chart by weight. Use it as a starting point, and size up for a large or strong-jawed dog, or for a dog that tends to hold toys at the back of its mouth. A ball that slips easily past your dog’s teeth is too small.

Size matters for fetch launchers too. Launcher-compatible balls only fit the launcher made for that ball size, so check both before you buy.

Match the toy to how your pet plays

The Humane Society groups dog toys into three useful types (Humane World for Animals):

• Active toys for chewing, carrying and fetch, such as hard rubber toys and balls.
• Distraction toys that hold food or treats and keep a dog busy working them out, such as a stuffed rubber toy or a treat puzzle.
• Comfort toys such as soft stuffed toys that some dogs like to carry around.

Most dogs do well with one from each group. A dog that chews hard needs firm, durable rubber and should not be left alone with soft or plastic toys. A dog that gets bored or restless at home often benefits from food puzzles. A dog that loves to run needs a fetch toy that is easy to spot and holds up to being caught.

Chew strength and materials

Brands usually rate chew toys by chewing strength (for example, average chewers versus power chewers). Take those labels seriously and choose the tougher line or a bigger size if your dog destroys toys quickly. No toy is truly indestructible.

The Humane Society recommends removing parts that can be chewed off and swallowed, such as strings, ribbons, eyes and buttons, and avoiding toys filled with nutshells or polystyrene beads. It also advises supervising squeaky toys, since some dogs tear them apart to find the squeaker (Humane World for Animals).

Puzzle toys: start easy

Treat puzzles turn snack time or part of a meal into a brain game. They usually come in difficulty levels. If your dog has never used one, start at an easy level and show it how the pieces move, since a puzzle that is too hard can frustrate a dog and put it off the idea. Puzzles with removable covers or adjustable pieces let you raise the difficulty as your dog gets better. Most plastic puzzles are not chew toys, so stay with your dog while it plays and put the puzzle away when it is empty.

Cats: play is a hunt

Cats play by hunting: they stare, stalk, chase, pounce and bite. Wand toys let you act out that sequence, and feline behavior consultant LeeAnna Buis notes that 15 minutes of interactive wand play a day can make a real difference for a cat (Preventive Vet). Move the toy like prey, away from your cat and in short bursts, and let your cat catch it at the end of the session.

Wand toys need one firm rule. String, feathers and line can cause a dangerous intestinal blockage if swallowed, so never let a cat play with string-type toys unsupervised, and put wands away as soon as play ends (Preventive Vet). Replace feather or string attachments once they start to fray.

The Cornell Feline Health Center also notes that time spent actively playing with your cat is best for both of you, and suggests adding things like perches and climbing spaces for indoor cats (Cornell Feline Health Center).

Scratching posts

Scratching is normal cat behavior, and a good post gives your cat somewhere to do it other than the couch. The Cornell Feline Health Center gives clear guidance (Cornell Feline Health Center):

• Height: at least as tall as your cat standing on its hind legs with the front legs stretched out.
• Stability: sturdy enough that it does not topple over during use. A wobbly post can scare a cat off it for good.
• Material: match what your cat already scratches. Sisal or another rope-like material suits cats that go for couches and nubby fabric, and carpet suits cats that scratch carpet.
• Direction: cats that stretch up on drapes or furniture want a tall vertical post, while cats that scratch along the carpet may prefer a flat cardboard scratcher.
• Placement: put the post next to the spot your cat already scratches, then move it gradually if you want it elsewhere. If your cat scratches in several places, give it a post near each one.

Cleaning and replacing toys

Check the care instructions before you buy. Some solid rubber toys can go in the top rack of the dishwasher, while plastic puzzles with small compartments usually need hand washing and time to dry fully. Toys that hold food need regular cleaning. Check all toys often, and replace any that are cracked, torn or missing pieces. The Humane Society also suggests rotating toys weekly and keeping only a few out at a time, so old toys feel new again (Humane World for Animals).

Our picks

KONG Classic Dog Toy, Large

For dogs that like to chew, fetch and work for food with one toy. It is natural rubber, rated by KONG for average chewers, with a hollow center you can stuff with kibble or treats and a shape that bounces unpredictably. The Large is listed for dogs of 30 to 65 lbs, with sizes from X-Small to XX-Large, and KONG says it is top-rack dishwasher safe. For power chewers, KONG points to a bigger size or the KONG Extreme.

Chuckit! Ultra Ball, Medium (2.5 in), 2-Pack

For dogs that live for fetch on land or in water. The thick rubber core bounces high, the ball floats, and the bright orange and blue colors are easy to spot in grass. The Medium is 2.5 inches across and fits medium Chuckit! launchers, with sizes up to 4 inches for bigger dogs. It is a fetch ball, not a chew toy, so heavy chewers can damage it.

Outward Hound Nina Ottosson Dog Tornado Treat Puzzle, Level 2

For dogs that need a mental workout or a slower snack time. It is an intermediate puzzle with three spinning tiers, twelve treat compartments and three bone covers that let you raise the difficulty, made from BPA, PVC and phthalate-free materials. It is hand wash only, it is not for chewing, and dogs new to puzzles may need some help at first.

GoCat Da Bird Rod and Feather Cat Toy

For indoor cats that need daily hunting play with their owner. Real guinea or turkey feathers on a 36 inch rod (or a pull-apart version) are designed to mimic the sound and movement of a bird in flight, and replacement feathers are sold separately. Feathers wear out with rough play, and like any wand it should be put away after supervised play.

SmartCat Pioneer Pet Ultimate Scratching Post, 32 in

For cats that scratch upright and like a full stretch. It stands 32 inches tall on a 16 x 16 inch base, with woven sisal over a wood frame, and it assembles with two screws. It is a plain post with no perch, some owners have reported cracked bases, and you should tighten the screws if it starts to wobble.

West Paw Zogoflex Bumi Tug Toy, Large (9.5 in)

For dogs that love tug and fetch with their owner. The S-shaped Zogoflex toy stretches to twice its length, floats and is dishwasher safe, and it is made in Montana from recyclable material free of BPA, latex and phthalates. The Large is 9.5 inches. West Paw rates it for gentle chewers and interactive play, so it is not an unsupervised chew toy.

Squishy Face Studio Flirt Pole V2, Regular 36 in, with Lure

For high-energy dogs that need a workout in a small yard. The Regular pole is 36 inches with a 52 inch bungee cord meant to soften the jolt when your dog catches the lure, and replacement lures are sold separately. The maker advises against it for dogs under one year old or dogs with joint or hip problems, because of the jumping and quick turns.

ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Dog Toys, 3-Pack, Large 18 in

For gentle chewers that love soft squeaky toys. These flat plush animals have no stuffing and two squeakers each, and the Large is 18 inches long, aimed at medium and large dogs. Supervise play, take the toy away once a seam opens and remove any loose squeaker right away.

PAW5 Wooly Snuffle Mat, 12 x 18 in

For dogs that eat fast or need a calm sniffing game. You scatter kibble or treats into grass-like fabric strips on a 12 x 18 inch mat, and the dog noses them out. It is machine washable. Supervise use and put it away afterward, since the strips are not meant to be chewed.

Catstages Nina Ottosson Kitty Lickin’ Layers Cat Treat Puzzle, 6.6 in

For cats that need more work at mealtime. This three-layer puzzle has more than 70 small compartments for dry food, wet food or treats, is rated Level 2 (intermediate) and goes in the dishwasher. Start with easy-to-reach food so your cat does not give up, and count what you serve in it toward the daily ration.

Pawaboo Cat Tunnel, 4-Way Collapsible Tube with Peephole

For kittens and playful cats that like to hide and ambush. This four-way crinkle tunnel has a peephole, tubes about 10 inches across and a hanging bell ball, and it folds flat for storage. It is not waterproof, so keep it indoors, and check the wire rings now and then.

Feandrea Cat Tree, 37.8-Inch Multi-Level Condo, Light Gray

For cats that want to climb, scratch and nap in one spot. This 37.8 inch tree fits a cave, a basket, a padded top perch, sisal posts and a sisal ramp into an 18.9 x 18.9 inch footprint. Assembly is required, and you should use the included anti-tip kit, especially with large or very active cats.

Mistakes to avoid

• Buying a ball or chew toy small enough to be swallowed or lodged in the throat.
• Giving a power chewer a toy rated for average chewers, or treating a puzzle as a chew toy.
• Leaving wand toys, string or feathers out where a cat can get to them alone.
• Starting a beginner dog on a hard puzzle and letting it get frustrated.
• Buying a short or wobbly scratching post, or hiding it away from where your cat already scratches.
• Keeping toys that are cracked, torn or missing pieces.
• Leaving every toy out at once instead of rotating them.

FAQ

What size toy should I get for my dog?

Go by the brand’s weight chart, then size up for large or strong dogs. A toy should be too big to swallow or get stuck in your dog’s throat.

Are there indestructible dog toys?

No. Some rubber toys are much tougher than others, but any toy can be damaged. Supervise play and replace toys once they start to break apart.

Are puzzle toys good for dogs?

They give dogs a way to use their brain and can slow down snack time. Start with an easy level, stay nearby, and put the puzzle away when it is empty.

How much should I play with my cat?

Short daily sessions help. Preventive Vet suggests about 15 minutes of interactive wand play a day, ending with a catch.

Are feather wand toys safe for cats?

Yes, when you are holding the wand. String and feathers can cause an intestinal blockage if swallowed, so put the toy away after every session.

How tall should a cat scratching post be?

The Cornell Feline Health Center says at least as tall as your cat standing on its hind legs with front legs outstretched, and sturdy enough that it does not tip.

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