11 Best Chew Toys for Cats – 2024 Reviews & Top Picks
While dogs are often the first pets that come to mind when thinking about chewing, cats chew too—just more subtly. Your feline may not gnaw through baseboards or shred your sofa, but they still experience teething discomfort, boredom, or the natural urge to clean their teeth and gums. Providing safe, engaging chew toys helps satisfy those instincts while protecting your belongings and supporting oral health.
Not all cat chew toys are created equal. Many lack durability, contain unsafe materials, or fail to hold your cat’s interest. That’s why we’ve carefully reviewed and tested top options to bring you the most effective, safe, and engaging choices available in 2024—all vetted for quality, safety, and feline appeal.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024
- Best Overall: FurPetVo Catnip Stick — Filled with organic catnip, easy for cats to hold, and crafted from durable, bite-resistant materials.
- Budget Buy: FurPetVo Flax Mice Set Toy — A two-piece set of lightweight, catnip-infused mice that mimic prey movement and support dental cleaning.
- Most Natural Alternative: CatTwig Silver Vine Cat Chew Toy — Made from silver vine (a potent, catnip-free stimulant), with exfoliating bark to gently massage gums and clean teeth.
- Best for Fresh Breath & Tartar Control: Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Cat Chew Toy — Stuffed with real dried mint and wrapped in textured netting to help remove soft tartar during play.
The 11 Best Chew Toys for Cats
1. FurPetVo Catnip Stick Toy – Best Overall
If your cat enjoys chewing—and especially if they’re drawn to catnip—the FurPetVo Catnip Stick Toy is an excellent choice. It’s designed to redirect chewing away from furniture, cords, or houseplants and toward a safe, satisfying outlet.
Filled with certified organic catnip and encased in double-layered, non-toxic linen fabric, this toy stays intact even during enthusiastic chewing sessions. Its slender, stick-like shape fits perfectly in your cat’s paws, encouraging them to grip and gnaw along the length. Available in calming pastel shades, it blends seamlessly into modern homes—even when left out between playtimes.
Pros
• Contains only organic catnip—no fillers or artificial additives
• Ergonomic shape makes it easy for cats to hold and chew
• Soft yet highly durable construction resists shredding
• Aesthetically pleasing colors suit any home décor
Cons
• Not all cats respond to catnip (roughly 30% show little to no reaction)
2. FurPetVo Flax Mice Set Toy – Budget Buy
For cat owners seeking high value without sacrificing quality, the FurPetVo Flax Mice Set delivers thoughtful design at an accessible price. This set includes two plush mice—one slightly larger than the other—crafted from breathable, pet-safe polyester mesh.
The mesh texture doubles as a gentle dental aid: as your cat bites and chews, the material helps scrub away plaque buildup. Lightweight and flexible, these mice are perfect for batting, pouncing, and carrying—and ideal for interactive play like fetch or dangling by the tail.
Infused with organic catnip during manufacturing, they offer strong initial appeal. While they aren’t refillable, their affordability means replacing them is simple once the scent fades.
Pros
• Lightweight and highly mobile—great for solo or interactive play
• Two sizes provide variety and extended engagement
• Catnip-infused for immediate attraction
• Exceptionally budget-friendly without compromising safety
Cons
• Cannot be recharged with additional catnip
3. CatTwig Silver Vine Cat Chew Toy
For cats who don’t react to traditional catnip—or for owners looking for a novel, plant-based alternative—the CatTwig Silver Vine Chew Toy offers a compelling option. Often called “the new catnip,” silver vine is a naturally occurring herb native to Japan and China that elicits playful, euphoric responses in up to 80% of cats—including many who ignore catnip entirely.
Each twig features naturally rough, exfoliating bark that massages gums and helps dislodge food particles while your cat chews. The twigs arrive in a convenient resealable bag to preserve potency and aroma between uses. Effects typically last 20–30 minutes—longer than standard catnip—and the experience tends to be gentler and more sustained.
Pros
• All-natural, non-toxic, and sustainably harvested
• Longer-lasting effect than catnip
• Exfoliating texture supports gum and tooth health
• Resealable packaging maintains freshness
Cons
• No smaller trial pack available—if your cat doesn’t respond, you’ll have unused twigs
4. Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick Cat Chew Toy
This innovative chew toy combines dental care with sensory appeal. The Petstages Fresh Breath Mint Stick is made from durable polyester and filled with real dried mint—a natural breath freshener that also stimulates chewing behavior.
Its crinkly leafy exterior and textured netting encourage vigorous chewing, which helps loosen soft tartar and polish teeth. Unlike many plush toys, it holds up well over time and won’t unravel easily—even with daily use. To refresh the minty scent, simply press and roll the central stem to release more essential oils from the dried herb inside.
It’s lightweight enough for batting and small enough for solo play, making it a versatile addition to any cat’s toy rotation—and one of the most affordable premium chew options on the market.
Pros
• Real dried mint provides natural breath-freshening benefits
• Textured netting aids in gentle tartar removal
• Crinkly material encourages sustained chewing
• Excellent value for its quality and functionality
Cons
• Does not contain catnip, so may be less appealing to cats strongly motivated by it
