The Best Cat Toys for 2026

The best cat toys for 2026!

Many people assume that cats are best left to their own devices, able to entertain themselves and preferring to just eat, sleep, repeat. But cats can very much benefit from bonding time, stimulating play and engaging toys just as much as any other pet. In fact, playing with toys can help:

• with your cat's physical health and exercise;
• with mental stimulation and stress relief, reducing boredom too;
• to provide an instinctual outlet, as toys mimic prey for your cats to stalk, pounce and bat;
• to redirect inappropriate scratching and misbehaviour;
• with bonding, building trust between cats and their owners.

In this blog, we map out the best cat toys for 2026, helping you as pet owners make the best choices for your cats so that they can make the most out of playtime. We calculate the list based on a simple formula of volume of sales divided by total number of complaints, warranty faults and returns during 2025. The highest-scoring top 5 are listed below.

1. Yeowww! Stinkies Catnip Sardines - Filled to the brim with catnip, its no wonder why these fishy friends are a consistent favourite. These toys are great to hide around the house for your cats to hunt, sniff out and play with. Perfect for batting, pouncing and stalking, elevated by organic catnip that boosts your cat's mood and playful instincts. Simple, yet effective and engaging fun! 

2. KONG Play Spaces Camper/ Glamping Tent/ Bungalow - These play spaces are designed to satisfy your cat's natural instinct to hide, rest and play in their own makeshift den. Each tent has peek-a-boo windows and doors that your cat can jump in and out of, and a dangling toy that is perfect for batting around. The Glamping Tent and Camper have an added bonus dose of premium catnip hidden inside of each toy to stimulate play further. These tents are the perfect all rounder; great for naps and hiding away, whilst also having all the components needed for more engaging play. 

3. KONG Pull-A-Partz Sushi - The best toy if you're looking for something truly engaging for your cat. This 5-in-1 toy is a multi-sensory dream, with 5 pull-apart toys that will keep your cat entertained for hours. Based on a crinkly sushi board, each sushi component is filled with Premium North American Catnip and are perfect for batting about, stalking and pouncing on. 

4. I'm Wired Catnip - The simplest toy of all! 'I'm Wired' Catnip is sourced specially from a Canadian Catnip farm and is some of the most potent available. This catnip is perfect for re-filling catnip toys, sprinkling on cat scratchers or simply spreading on the floor for your cat to roll about in, rub, drool & lick as they please (you wont be able to stop them!).

5. KONG Cats Puzzlements Pie - Another sensory win, with this cute and temptingly designed pie! The crackle sound in the pie itself prolongs engagement, whilst the toy bird's feathers spark hunting instincts. Let your cat dig around and find the blueberries inside and revel in the added catnip scent for extended fun!

Image: KONG Cat Puzzlements Pie

Above are listed the top 5 best cat toys for 2026, based on Real Pet Store's 2025 sales and reliability data from Real Pet Store outlets on eBay, Amazon and official website. 

Whether your cat is a serial pouncer, an expert hide-and-seeker, or a chilled-out den-maker, there's always more joy that can be found in the perfect toy for them. Shop cat toys now at the Real Pet Store. From soft plush toys, catnip toys, cat tunnels and more, we'll have something to keep your cat happy.