Home › Pets
Pets

Best Cat Toys: 6 Catnip Kickers and Picks From $7.29

The best cat toy for most cats is a 15-inch catnip kicker they can hug and bunny-kick: $17.49 for two at Kitty Kick Stix. For cats that ignore catnip, try silvervine sticks ($7.29).

By Last reviewed Nov 14, 20266 picks · 13 sources

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It doesn’t change what we recommend or how we rank it. How we pick

A white cat playing with toys on a wooden floor.
Photo: Liisbet Luup on Pexels

Summary

The best cat toy for most cats is a 15-inch catnip kicker: a long, soft pillow your cat can hug with its front paws and bunny-kick with its back legs. The Kitty Kick Stix Classic 2-pack costs $17.49, down from $21.95. (15" Catnip Kicker Toys for Cats, 2 Pack) If your cat ignores catnip, try silvervine sticks for $7.29. (Silvervine Sticks Cat Toy)

See the 15-inch kicker 2-pack ($17.49)

Prices checked on Nov. 14, 2026. We earn a commission if you buy through our links, at no extra cost to you.

Plenty of cats ignore a basket of toys. The ones that get played with tend to match how cats actually play: stalking, pouncing, grabbing and kicking. U.S. searches for the best cat toys climb to 18,100 in December, as people shop for the cat as well as the cat lover. (Google search volume data for terms) All six picks come from Kitty Kick Stix, a small U.S. shop that has sold kicker toys since 2012. (Kitty Kick Stix home page)

Our top picks

Pick Why Price (Nov. 14, 2026)
Best overall: Classic 15-inch Kicker (2) Hug, wrestle and kick $17.49 (reg. $21.95) See it
Christmas: 15-inch Holiday Set (2) Four holiday prints $18.79 (reg. $21.95) (15" Holiday Set (2 Pack)) See it
Stocking stuffer: 11-inch Holiday Set (2) Fits a stocking $15.79 (11-Inch Holiday Set (2 Pack)) See it
Moving toy: USB Flopping Fish Flops when touched $12.95 (reg. $15.95) (Electric USB Flopping Fish Toy) See it
No catnip reaction: Silvervine Sticks (2) A different plant $7.29 See it
Big gift: Meow Pak Box of toys and treats $39.95 (Meow Pak) See it

How we chose

We looked for toys that fit the way cats play, with a stocking stuffer under $20 and one bigger gift. Cornell’s Feline Health Center says toys that make cats stalk and pounce encourage exercise and natural behavior, and it warns against small pieces, string-like parts and cords a cat can chew. (Safe toys and gifts) We kept that in mind for each pick. Specs and prices come from the store’s listings; we haven’t tested these toys ourselves, and we earn a commission if you buy through our links. (FTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking) More on how we pick.

1. Classic 15-inch Catnip Kicker: best overall

Best for: grown cats that grab a toy and kick it with their back legs. Verdict: a simple toy built around the way cats wrestle.

A kicker is a long, soft toy sized so a cat can wrap its front legs around it and kick with its back feet, the way cats wrestle each other. This one is 15 inches, made of soft cotton fabric and packed with organic catnip, in a long list of cat prints. A single kicker costs $10.99, so the 2-pack is the better buy if you have two cats or want a spare. Our advice: put one away for a week and swap them; Cornell says rotating toys keeps cats from getting bored.

  • Pros: right size for adult cats; soft; two for $17.49.
  • Cons: fabric wears with heavy use; not every cat reacts to catnip.
  • Skip it if: your cat has never cared about catnip. Start with the silvervine sticks below.

Check the 15-inch kicker 2-pack ($17.49)

2. 15-inch Holiday Set: best for Christmas

Best for: the cat’s own present under the tree. Verdict: the classic kicker in Christmas prints.

You get the same 15-inch kicker with organic catnip, in holiday fabrics: Jingle Kitties, Merry Meowmas, Mistletoe Meows and Santa Cats. The 2-pack is $18.79, down from $21.95.

  • Pros: festive; full size; $3 off.
  • Cons: the prints say “December” all year.
  • Skip it if: you want a toy that blends in. Get the classic prints.

Check the 15-inch Holiday Set ($18.79)

3. 11-inch Holiday Set: best stocking stuffer

Best for: small cats and Christmas stockings. Verdict: two holiday kickers for $15.79.

The shorter 11-inch kickers come in the same holiday prints with organic catnip inside. They slide into a stocking more easily than the 15-inch size. Searches for cat stocking stuffers jump from almost nothing to 1,900 in December.

  • Pros: stocking-friendly; cheaper; festive.
  • Cons: big cats may find them short.
  • Skip it if: your cat is a large breed. The 15-inch set fits better.

Check the 11-inch Holiday Set ($15.79)

4. USB Flopping Fish: best moving toy

Best for: cats that ignore anything that doesn’t move. Verdict: a fish that flops back.

This fish charges by USB and starts flopping when your cat touches it. It has a hidden zipper pocket you can refill with catnip, and a bag of catnip comes with it. Our advice: charge it in another room. Cornell says to keep any electrical cord a cat could chew out of reach.

  • Pros: motion keeps it interesting; refillable; $12.95.
  • Cons: has to be charged; cable must stay put away.
  • Skip it if: your cat is scared of sudden movement.

Check the Flopping Fish ($12.95)

5. Silvervine Sticks: best if catnip doesn’t work

Best for: cats that sniff catnip and walk away. Verdict: the cheapest way to test a different plant.

These are natural silvervine sticks wrapped with raffia and sisal rope, sold in sets of two ($7.29) or four ($12.49). Silvervine is worth a try: in a 2017 study of domestic cats, about one in three did not respond to catnip, but almost 80% responded to silvervine, including almost three out of four of the catnip non-responders. (Responsiveness of cats (Felidae) to silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle, valerian and catnip) Searches for silvervine for cats average 9,900 a month.

  • Pros: cheap; a real alternative to catnip; natural material.
  • Cons: wrapping can fray with chewing.
  • Skip it if: you can’t supervise play. Throw sticks away once the rope comes loose, since Cornell warns against string-like parts.

Check the silvervine sticks ($7.29)

6. Meow Pak: best big gift

Best for: spoiling a cat, or a friend who just adopted one. Verdict: a full box for less than the sum of its parts.

The Meow Pak is a box of toys and treats picked by the store, which says the contents are worth over $60. It costs $39.95. That also puts the order over the store’s $39 free-shipping minimum.

  • Pros: lots of variety; free shipping on its own.
  • Cons: you don’t pick the contents.
  • Skip it if: the cat has allergies or a special diet, since treats are included.

Check the Meow Pak ($39.95)

Do all cats react to catnip?

No. The 2017 study found about a third of domestic cats ignored catnip. Kitty Kick Stix says the same in its refund policy: it can’t promise every cat will enjoy catnip, and it suggests extra catnip or a catnip spray first. (Refund policy) If your cat still isn’t interested, silvervine is the next thing to try.

Shipping, returns and Christmas timing

The store says orders ship within 24 to 48 hours, but because each toy is handmade, production can slow down at times. (Shipping policy) Shipping is free on orders over $39. Returns are accepted only for manufacturing defects, which get a replacement, and shipping charges aren’t refunded. Our advice: order in early December, and pick prints carefully, because you can’t send a toy back just because your cat didn’t like it.

More for cats and cat people

Shopping for the person? See our gifts for cat lovers. Decorating with plants this month? Read are poinsettias toxic to cats first.

Final verdict

For most cats, the Classic 15-inch Kicker 2-pack ($17.49) is the toy to get. Make it the Holiday Set ($18.79) for Christmas, add the 11-inch set ($15.79) to the stocking, and keep silvervine sticks ($7.29) in mind for a cat that ignores catnip.

See all toys at Kitty Kick Stix

  • Best overallKitty Kick Stix Classic 15-Inch Catnip Kicker (2 Pack) —See pick ↓
  • Best for ChristmasKitty Kick Stix 15-Inch Holiday Set (2 Pack) —See pick ↓
  • Best stocking stufferKitty Kick Stix 11-Inch Holiday Set (2 Pack) —See pick ↓
  • Best moving toyKitty Kick Stix Electric USB Flopping Fish —See pick ↓
  • Best if catnip doesn't workKitty Kick Stix Silvervine Sticks (2 Pack) —See pick ↓
  • Best big giftKitty Kick Stix Meow Pak —See pick ↓

Price ranges as last checked; “—” means we couldn’t confirm a current price. Details and sources in each pick.

Why now

Signal

U.S. searches for the best cat toys rise from about 8,000 a month in spring to 18,100 in December, and searches for gifts for cats reach 18,100, according to Google Keyword Planner.

What we know

Kitty Kick Stix lists its 15-inch Holiday Set (2 pack) at $18.79, down from $21.95, in four Christmas prints.

Our read

The store says each toy is handmade and orders usually ship within 24 to 48 hours, but production can slow down at busy times. Order in early December for Christmas.

Each guide separates what the sources show from what we infer. We don’t use countdowns or “selling fast” claims.

Products

  1. A gray cat with yellow eyes playing with a plush toy on the floor.

    Kitty Kick Stix Classic 15-Inch Catnip Kicker (2 Pack)

    Best for: Adult cats that grab, hug and bunny-kick their toys
    Photo: Monica Oprea on Pexels

    Why we like it

    • 15 inches long: big enough for a full-size cat to wrestle
    • Soft cotton fabric with organic catnip inside, in many cat prints
    • $17.49 for two, down from $21.95 on Nov. 14

    Limitations

    • Fabric toy: needs a check for wear now and then
    • Some cats don't react to catnip
    Prices change often: check today’s price at Kitty Kick Stix.Check price at Kitty Kick Stix
  2. A white cat with blue eyes peeking through holiday wrapping paper.

    Kitty Kick Stix 15-Inch Holiday Set (2 Pack)

    Best for: A cat's first present under the tree
    Photo: Freddy Rezvanian on Pexels

    Why we like it

    • Christmas prints: Jingle Kitties, Merry Meowmas, Mistletoe Meows, Santa Cats
    • Same 15-inch kicker and organic catnip as the classic
    • $18.79 for two, down from $21.95 on Nov. 14

    Limitations

    • Seasonal prints; the classic designs work all year
    Prices change often: check today’s price at Kitty Kick Stix.Check price at Kitty Kick Stix
  3. A Siamese cat in a festive collar beside a decorated Christmas tree.

    Kitty Kick Stix 11-Inch Holiday Set (2 Pack)

    Best for: Smaller cats and Christmas stockings
    Photo: Mayara Caroline Mombelli on Pexels

    Why we like it

    • Shorter 11-inch size that fits a stocking
    • Holiday prints with organic catnip inside
    • $15.79 for two on Nov. 14

    Limitations

    • Big cats may prefer the 15-inch size
    Prices change often: check today’s price at Kitty Kick Stix.Check price at Kitty Kick Stix
  4. A ginger cat playing with a rope toy on a wooden floor.

    Kitty Kick Stix Electric USB Flopping Fish

    Best for: Cats that ignore toys that just lie there
    Photo: cottonbro studio on Pexels

    Why we like it

    • USB-charged fish that flops when your cat touches it
    • Hidden zipper pocket to refill with catnip; a bag of catnip is included
    • $12.95, down from $15.95 on Nov. 14

    Limitations

    • Needs charging, and the cable must stay away from the cat
    Prices change often: check today’s price at Kitty Kick Stix.Check price at Kitty Kick Stix
  5. A Bengal cat staring intently at a toy in the sun.

    Kitty Kick Stix Silvervine Sticks (2 Pack)

    Best for: Cats that shrug at catnip
    Photo: Helena Jankovičová Kováčová on Pexels

    Why we like it

    • Natural silvervine sticks wrapped with raffia and sisal rope
    • Silvervine gets a reaction from many cats that ignore catnip
    • $7.29 for two or $12.49 for four on Nov. 14

    Limitations

    • Wrapping can fray: supervise and replace worn sticks
    Prices change often: check today’s price at Kitty Kick Stix.Check price at Kitty Kick Stix
  6. Two kittens in a basket surrounded by colorful toys.

    Kitty Kick Stix Meow Pak

    Best for: Spoiling a cat, or a new cat owner
    Photo: Pranjall Kumar on Pexels

    Why we like it

    • A box of toys and treats the store picks for you
    • The store values the contents at over $60
    • $39.95 on Nov. 14, which also clears the free-shipping minimum

    Limitations

    • You don't choose what's inside
    Prices change often: check today’s price at Kitty Kick Stix.Check price at Kitty Kick Stix

Why only six picks? We list a product only when we can explain why it helps and where it falls short. We don’t add picks to reach a number.

Sources & method

Who this guide is for

This guide is for cat owners and cat-loving friends looking for a toy an indoor cat will actually play with, from a stocking stuffer to a bigger Christmas gift.

How we picked

  • We list a product only when we can explain why it helps and where it falls short.
  • We list limitations for every pick, based on product specs and buyer reviews.
  • We haven’t tested these products ourselves. When we do, we’ll say so.
  • Prices appear only when checked in the last 7 days, with the store and the date shown. Otherwise we leave them out.

Sources

  1. Kitty Kick Stix — 15" Catnip Kicker Toys for Cats, 2 Pack (accessed Nov 14, 2026). Soft cotton fabric, packed with organic catnip; many prints; $17.49, regular $21.95. The single 15-inch kicker is $10.99.
  2. Kitty Kick Stix — 15" Holiday Set (2 Pack) (accessed Nov 14, 2026). Jingle Kitties, Merry Meowmas, Mistletoe Meows and Santa Cats prints; $18.79, regular $21.95.
  3. Kitty Kick Stix — 11-Inch Holiday Set (2 Pack) (accessed Nov 14, 2026). 11-inch holiday kickers with organic catnip; $15.79.
  4. Kitty Kick Stix — Electric USB Flopping Fish Toy (accessed Nov 14, 2026). USB-charged flopping fish with a hidden zipper pocket for catnip; free bag of catnip; $12.95, regular $15.95.
  5. Kitty Kick Stix — Silvervine Sticks Cat Toy (accessed Nov 14, 2026). Silvervine sticks with raffia, sisal rope and silvervine fruit; set of 2 $7.29, set of 4 $12.49.
  6. Kitty Kick Stix — Meow Pak (accessed Nov 14, 2026). Box of toys and treats the store says is worth over $60; $39.95.
  7. Kitty Kick Stix — Kitty Kick Stix home page (accessed Nov 14, 2026). Selling kicker toys since 2012; packaged in the USA; free shipping on orders over $39; says every purchase helps a rescue.
  8. Kitty Kick Stix — Shipping policy (accessed Nov 14, 2026). Orders ship within 24-48 hours; handmade product, so production issues can happen at certain times; shipping charges are non-refundable.
  9. Kitty Kick Stix — Refund policy (accessed Nov 14, 2026). No returns except manufacturing defects, which get a replacement; the store says not every cat reacts to catnip.
  10. Cornell Feline Health Center — Safe toys and gifts (accessed Nov 14, 2026). Toys encourage exercise and natural stalking and pouncing; avoid small pieces, string-like parts and chewable electrical cords; rotate toys to prevent boredom.
  11. BMC Veterinary Research (Bol et al. — Responsiveness of cats (Felidae) to silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle, valerian and catnip (accessed Nov 14, 2026). About one in three domestic cats did not respond to catnip; almost 80% responded to silver vine; of the catnip non-responders, almost 75% responded to silver vine.
  12. Federal Trade Commission — FTC's Endorsement Guides: What People Are Asking (accessed Nov 14, 2026). Why we disclose affiliate links.
  13. Google Keyword Planner — Google search volume data for terms: “best cat toys”, “cat toys”, “gifts for cats”, “silvervine for cats”, “interactive cat toys”, “toys for bored cats”, “flopping fish cat toy”, “kicker toy for cats” (U.S., accessed Nov 14, 2026).

Review history

  • Published Nov 14, 2026.
All Pets guides →