How to Choose the Right Toys for Dogs and Cats: Safe, Interactive, Age-Appropriate Picks

ByGavin Levenstein

By Gavin Levenstein • Last updated 24 April 2025

Toys do more than pass the time. The right picks tap into your pet’s natural instincts to chase, chew, tug, pounce and forage—keeping their bodies active and their minds calm. With so many options, it’s easy to fill a basket and still miss the mark. This guide shows you how to choose the right dog and cat toys for every age, play style and budget, with shoppable recommendations you can feel good about.

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Why toys matter

  • Mental enrichment: Puzzle toys, snuffle mats and treat dispensers help reduce boredom, frustration and unwanted behaviours (chewing/scratching).
  • Physical exercise: Fetch, chase and tug play help maintain healthy weight and joint mobility.
  • Confidence and calm: Lick mats and soft cuddle toys support self-soothing and crate training.
  • Bonding time: Short, focused play sessions strengthen your relationship and teach bite inhibition and gentle play.

Quick decision framework (2 minutes to the right toy)

  • Size & shape: A toy should be large enough not to be swallowed, yet easy to carry or bat. If in doubt, size up.
  • Material: Look for non-toxic, BPA-free rubber or silicone, sturdy nylon, OEKO-TEX fabrics and tightly woven rope.
  • Chew strength: Gentle, Moderate, Power chewer. Match durability to your pet’s bite to avoid fast destruction.
  • Play style: Chew, fetch, tug, chase/pounce, forage/sniff, cuddle. Choose toys that match how your pet naturally plays.
  • Supervision level: “Independent play” vs “interactive with you.” Rotate supervised toys to keep them special.
  • Safety check:

– No small parts that can break off or be swallowed – Stitched or hidden squeakers (or quiet toys without squeakers) – Smooth edges; no sharp bits – Inspect and replace when worn, frayed or cracked

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Dog toys: choose by age, play style, chew level and size

Puppies

Teething puppies need safe, soothing textures and short, frequent play bursts.

  • Best types: soft rubber teething toys (freezable), small tug ropes, gentle chew rings, mini treat-dispensing toys, lick mats for crate time.
  • Avoid: hard bones and overly tough nylon when baby teeth are erupting.

Shop the picks:

  • Treat-dispensing puppy ball (gentle rubber) — from R199 — Shop now (Dogs > Treat Dispensers)
  • Freezable teething chew — from R179 — Shop now (Dogs > Toys)
  • Lick mat (calming crate aid) — from R179 — Shop now (Dogs > Toys)

Adult Dogs

Match energy and play style to keep minds working and bodies moving.

  • Fetchers: durable balls, flying discs, water-friendly fetch toys.
  • Tuggers: reinforced rope or rubber tug toys.
  • Foodies/fast eaters: puzzle feeders, snuffle mats, slow bowls.
  • Independent players: treat dispensers, puzzle boxes, durable chews.

Shop the picks:

  • Durable fetch ball — from R169 — Shop now (Dogs > Toys)
  • Tug toy (reinforced rope) — from R169 — Shop now (Dogs > Toys)
  • Puzzle feeder for dogs — from R249 — Shop now (Dogs > Treat Dispensers)

Senior Dogs

Go low impact and sensory.

  • Best types: soft plush toys, gentle rubber chews, snuffle mats (scent work), slow puzzle toys with big openings, lick mats for calm.
  • Consider: softer textures for sensitive gums and bad teeth, lighter toys for arthritic mouths.

Shop the picks:

  • Soft cuddle toy — from R149 — Shop now (Dogs > Toys)
  • Snuffle mat (nose work) — from R299 — Shop now (Dogs > Toys)
  • Easy-level puzzle feeder — from R249 — Shop now (Dogs > Treat Dispensers)

Best for aggressive chewers (power chewers)

  • Non-toxic natural rubber chew ring — from R249 — Shop now (Dogs > Toys)
  • Heavy-duty nylon bone — from R199 — Shop now (Dogs > Toys)
  • Tough treat-dispensing toy (thick walls) — from R229 — Shop now (Dogs > Treat Dispensers)
  • Reinforced rope tug with knot guard — from R169 — Shop now (Dogs > Toys)

Trainer tip: For “dogs that destroy everything,” choose one or two power-chew toys and rotate them. Avoid plush when unsupervised. Consider “quiet dog toys without squeakers” for noise-sensitive homes.

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Cat toys: choose by age, prey drive and indoor enrichment

Kittens

Short, frequent hunt-style play builds coordination and confidence.

  • Best types: feather wands, soft balls, crinkle tunnels, lightweight kickers, beginner puzzle feeders.
  • Avoid: small parts and string left out unsupervised.

Shop the picks:

  • Feather wand with replaceable lures — from R149 — Shop now (Cats > Interactive Toys)
  • Crinkle tunnel (foldable) — from R299 — Shop now (Cats > Toys)
  • Kitten puzzle feeder — from R249 — Shop now (Cats > Toys)

Adult Cats

Vary the “hunt”: stalk ? chase ? pounce ? catch ? “kill.”

  • Best types: interactive wands, motion toys, kicker toys with catnip/silvervine, puzzle bowls, climbing/scratching posts.
  • Indoor cats who are bored: schedule two 10-minute chase sessions daily and add a self-play toy.

Shop the picks:

  • Motion-sensing chase ball (USB rechargeable, 2–4 hrs per charge) — from R399 — Shop now (Cats > Interactive Toys)
  • Catnip kicker (durable fabric) — from R129 — Shop now (Cats > Toys)
  • Puzzle bowl for cats — from R249 — Shop now (Cats > Toys)

Senior Cats

Keep joints easy and minds busy.

  • Best types: lightweight plush, soft kickers, easy puzzles with large openings, gentle wands, scratchers at comfortable height.

Shop the picks:

  • Soft plush mouse — from R99 — Shop now (Cats > Toys)
  • Easy-level treat puzzle — from R229 — Shop now (Cats > Toys)

Note on lasers: If you use a laser pointer, finish with a catchable toy (like a kicker) to prevent frustration. Safer alternatives include motion balls or feather wands.

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Interactive & puzzle toys (dogs and cats)

  • For mental stimulation: puzzle toys for dogs reduce boredom; enrichment toys for indoor cats encourage stalking and problem solving.
  • Snuffle mats vs puzzle feeders for dogs:

– Snuffle mats: best for scent work, confidence and calming sniffing – Puzzle feeders: best for slowing fast eaters and mealtime enrichment

  • Lick mats: calming during grooming, crate time or vet recovery.
  • Tech-enabled play: USB-rechargeable interactive cat toys, motion balls and automatic ball launchers. Always check battery life and motion modes.

Top interactive dog toys:

  • Treat-dispensing puzzle ball — from R199 — Shop now (Dogs > Treat Dispensers)
  • Snuffle mat (stress relief) — from R299 — Shop now (Dogs > Toys)
  • Lick mat (bath-time helper) — from R179 — Shop now (Dogs > Toys)
  • Auto ball launcher (back-garden fetch) — from R1,499 — Shop now (Dogs > Toys)

Best interactive toys for indoor cats:

  • Feather wand set (replaceable lures) — from R149 — Shop now (Cats > Interactive Toys)
  • Motion-sensing chase ball (USB) — from R399 — Shop now (Cats > Interactive Toys)
  • Cat tunnel (hide-and-pounce) — from R299 — Shop now (Cats > Toys)
  • Puzzle feeder bowl — from R249 — Shop now (Cats > Toys)
  • Catnip/silvervine kicker — from R129 — Shop now (Cats > Toys)

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Budget vs premium picks

  • Budget-friendly (under R200):

– Tennis-style fetch balls, basic rope tugs, simple wand toys, crinkle balls, catnip kickers.

  • Worth-the-upgrade:

– Durable natural rubber chews for power chewers – Multi-mode interactive cat toys (USB rechargeable) – High-quality snuffle/lick mats with strong suction or dense fleece – Adjustable puzzle feeders that “level up” as your pet learns

Tip: Quality over quantity. A small rotation of durable, age-appropriate toys beats a basket of throwaways.

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Safety & materials guide

  • Look for: non-toxic, BPA-free rubber/silicone; food-grade plastics; OEKO-TEX or recycled fabrics; tightly woven rope; securely stitched seams.
  • Skip: brittle plastic, thin latex, exposed squeakers, glued-on eyes, loose strings, metal parts.
  • Fit matters: What size toy should I get for my dog? A safe toy can’t fit entirely behind the molars. When unsure, size up.
  • Supervise new toys the first few sessions, then decide if it’s safe for independent play.

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Cleaning & toy rotation tips

  • How to clean dog toys safely:

– Rubber/silicone: warm water + mild dish soap; rinse well; top-rack dishwasher if manufacturer allows. – Fabric/rope: machine wash in a delicates bag; air dry in sun when possible. – Electronics: wipe with a damp cloth; remove batteries/charge ports before cleaning.

  • How often to rotate: keep 3–5 toys out, store the rest. Swap weekly to renew interest.
  • How many toys should a dog or cat have? Aim for a mix:

– 1–2 chew toys (dogs) or kickers (cats) – 1 interactive/puzzle – 1 chase/fetch or wand toy – 1 comfort/cuddle item (as appropriate)

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FAQs

Q: How do I choose the right size toy for my dog? A: Pick a toy that can’t be swallowed or lodged in the throat. If it can fit past the back molars, it’s too small. When in doubt, go one size up.

Q: What toys are safest for teething puppies? A: Soft, flexible rubber chews (freezable), small rope tugs under supervision, and gentle treat-dispensing balls. Avoid very hard nylon or antlers during teething.

Q: Are laser pointers safe for cats? A: Yes with care. Avoid eyes, keep sessions short, and end with a tangible “catch” (kicker or treat) to prevent frustration. Consider motion balls or feather wands as safer chase options.

Q: What are the best toys for aggressive chewers? A: Non-toxic natural rubber chews, tough nylon bones, and thick-wall treat dispensers designed for power chewers. Skip plush when unsupervised.

Q: How many toys should my pet have and how often should I rotate them? A: Keep 3–5 out at a time, rotate weekly. Maintain a balance of chew/kick, chase/fetch, and puzzle/forage toys to cover all needs.

Q: What’s the difference between snuffle mats, lick mats and puzzle feeders? A: Snuffle mats use scent work to calm and tire; lick mats promote soothing licking and focus; puzzle feeders slow eating and engage problem-solving.

Q: How do I clean and sanitize pet toys? A: Use mild dish soap for most rubber/silicone; machine wash fabric/rope; sun-dry when possible. Check product care notes before using a dishwasher or bleach.

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Quick links to shop

  • Interactive dog toys — Shop now (Dogs > Toys)
  • Dog treat dispensers — Shop now (Dogs > Treat Dispensers)
  • Cat interactive toys — Shop now (Cats > Interactive Toys)
  • Puzzle feeders & slow bowls — Shop now (Dogs > Treat Dispensers) / (Cats > Toys)

Still unsure? Tell us your pet’s age, size and play style, and we’ll help you pick a safe, age-appropriate toy list you can rotate with confidence.

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