There’s only one thing better than parenting a dog or a cat—parenting one (or more) of each! And nothing gives you a warmer, fuzzier feeling than when your cat and dog are the best of friends. If this describes a furry duo close to your heart, you’re no doubt on the lookout for toys that your dog and cat can enjoy playing with together.
We checked out user reviews of various popular toys and rounded up 10 of the most suitable for cats and dogs to play with together. We hope you get some great ideas for keeping your fluffy dream team entertained for hours.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2024)
Rating | Image | Product | Details | |
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Best Overall | Hepper Whale Plush Toy |
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Best Value | Rechargeable Laser Pointer Toy |
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Premium Choice | Zeze Snake Tease Wand |
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Frisco Little Friends Plush Variety Pack |
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Catit Treat Ball Cat Toy |
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The 10 Best Toys for Cats and Dogs to Play Together
1. Hepper Whale Plush Toy
Toy type: | Kicker, cuddle |
Toy features: | For quiet play, companionship, calming |
Material: | Ribbed fleece, premium cotton |
Dimensions: | 6 inches |
The Hepper Whale Plush Toy is the best overall toy for dogs and cats to play with because it caters to both of their needs. Cats will love that it’s perfectly sized to carry, bite, and bat around, satisfying your cat’s hunting instincts. Its super soft, plush material is slightly ribbed, meaning catnip will stick to it nicely, further enticing your kitty to play.
Dogs often find comfort in soft, plush toys as they can provide a level of security during times of anxiety. Your pup may also enjoy carrying the whale around your home. However, because this toy is small, it’s best suited for small or medium-sized dog breeds.
The whale is made with precision stitching for durability, but you should still supervise both your dog and cat while they play with it.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool pet company!
- High-quality stitching
- Super soft, plush material
- Caters to cats’ hunting instincts
- Can provide comfort to dogs
- May not be suitable for all dogs
2. Rechargeable Laser Pointer Toy for Dogs and Cats– Best Value
Toy type: | Pointer/teaser toy |
Toy features: | Exercise, mental stimulation |
Material: | Coated metal, metal |
Dimensions: | 4 x 0.5 x 0.5 inches |
Our best toy for dogs and cats to play together for the money recommendation is this rechargeable laser pointer by Litterbox.com. Laser pointers are good for stimulating your cat or dog’s hunting instincts, but just be sure to let your pet “win” sometimes if you’re using one—it can be quite frustrating for dogs and cats to constantly chase something they can’t catch.
User reviews highlight this laser’s suitability for both dogs and cats and rechargeability, which makes it more durable than standard laser pointers that aren’t rechargeable. On the other hand, there’s no guarantee every cat and dog will love it—laser pointers are one of those toys your pet will either love or just won’t care for at all.
- Physically and mentally stimulating
- Stimulates natural hunting drive
- Affordable
- Rechargeable
- Comes with a key chain attachment
- Can be frustrating for pets if not used properly
3. Zeze Snake Tease Wand Toy for Dogs and Cats – Premium Choice
Toy type: | Teaser/chaser toy |
Toy features: | Exercise, mental stimulation |
Material: | Synthetic fabric |
Dimensions: | 22 x 3 x 1 inches |
This snake tease wand is marketed for cats but is made of durable plush designed to withstand biting, so if you have a chase-loving dog, they might enjoy this toy, too. Attached to the plush snake are feathers to further stimulate the prey drive—just remember to keep an eye to make sure your dog or cat isn’t ripping them off and chewing them up.
User reviews are overwhelmingly positive and describe the teaser snake as springy, well-made, and sturdy. On the other hand, some users mention that the feathers come off easily and some cats find the toy’s size intimidating. Apart from this, it seems like a real hit!
- Made of sturdy material
- Feathers are attached for extra excitement
- Inflexible stick for easy flicking
- Unique design
- Expensive
- Feathers may come off easily
4. Frisco Little Friends Plush Variety Pack
Toy type: | Plush toy variety pack |
Toy features: | Exercise, mental stimulation, chewing, flyer |
Material: | Nylon, synthetic fabric |
Dimensions: | 13.39 x 9.45 x 2.5 inches |
For puppies and kittens, this variety pack contains chew toys, throw toys, and pull toys. Though chew toys are designed for dogs, there’s no reason why cats/kittens can’t enjoy chasing one or running after the plush throw toys. Variety packs are great for making sure there’s something everyone likes and allowing you to change things up to prevent boredom.
Positive user reviews talk about the durability and cute design of the toys in this variety pack. On the other hand, some users say that they’re easy to break or get ripped, so they’re not really an option for adult dogs or determined chewers.
- Six toys in one pack
- Options for chewing, throwing, and chasing
- Made of soft plush material
- Soft on puppy teeth and gums
- May rip easily
- Chew toys and discs may be too heavy for kittens to carry
5. Catit Treat Ball Cat / Dog Toy
Toy type: | Obstacle feeder |
Toy features: | Mental stimulation, work for reward |
Material: | Plastic |
Dimensions: | 0.1 x 3 x 17 inches |
Treat balls are a great option for mentally stimulating both cats and dogs as they have to work for their food, or, in this case, treats. This treat ball allows you to close the area that the treats exit to turn it into a standard ball if you want to change things up. You can also get special treats suitable for both cats and dogs to fill it up with.
Some users have successfully used this treat ball with dogs as well as cats. It appears that the mental stimulation factor is much appreciated by pet parents who were looking for ways to keep boredom at bay, though some do mention that you can only fit certain types of treats inside and that it’s difficult to clean because it doesn’t open for the purpose.
- Mentally stimulating
- Can be filled with treats for cats and dogs
- Work-for-reward feature
- Can be closed and used as a standard ball
- Doesn’t open for inner cleaning
- Only certain treats fit inside
6. PIKASEN Small Tennis Ball Set for Dogs and Cats
Toy type: | Tennis ball |
Toy features: | Exercise, mental stimulation |
Material: | Rubber, fabric |
Dimensions: | 1.5 inches |
You just can’t beat a good old game of fetch—and yep, some cats love it, too. If you’ve got a fetch-loving dynamite duo, a humble set of tennis balls should keep them entertained time and time again. This set contains 12 mini tennis balls in blue, red, and yellow and the balls are small enough for cats and small dogs/puppies to enjoy.
If your dog is a bit bigger, however, these tennis balls might be chomped through in a flash, so you might want to consider getting bigger ones for your medium or large dog. As with any toy, it’s also highly recommended that you supervise play sessions so you can be on hand to take the ball away if your dog chews through it.
- Simple, classic toy
- Made of non-toxic material
- 12-in-one pack
- Perfect size for cats and small dogs
- May be too small for medium or large dogs
7. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game Toy for Dogs and Cats
Toy type: | Obstacle feeder |
Toy features: | Mental stimulation |
Material: | Polypropylene, plastic |
Dimensions: | 12.75 x 1.75 x 8.75 inches |
Obstacle feeders offer the perfect opportunity to mentally stimulate both your cat and your dog simultaneously. You simply pop in some cat and dog-suitable treats and let them figure out where they’re hidden with their noses and paws. You can put the treats either under the white bones or hide them under the red doors. You can choose from four toys varying in difficulty from easy to expert.
User reviews praise this toy’s brain-training power and how well it keeps dogs busy and prevents boredom. On the other hand, some say that it’s easy to chew through if a dog is determined enough, so it might not be the best option for your heavy-chewing pooch.
- Offers mental stimulation
- Interactive and fun
- Various hiding spots
- Affordable
- Too easy for super-smart dogs
- Not for heavy chewers
8. OurPets Sushi Treat Dispensing Toy for Dogs and Cats
Toy type: | Obstacle feeder |
Toy features: | Mental stimulation |
Material: | Polypropylene, thermoplastic rubber, plastic, rubber |
Dimensions: | 10.83 x 9.25 x 1.81 inches |
If obstacle feeders have tickled your fancy, here’s another idea for you—this time, a dispensing toy designed for both dogs and cats. With this toy, you hide treats under the cute sushi caps and just let your dog and cat have at it until they sniff out the goods. You can hand wash it with soap and water and let it air dry if it ever needs freshening up.
According to user reviews, the sushi caps are easy to move around and cats and dogs of all ages and sizes are having lots of fun with this toy. Some users wish there was a larger version for long/big-nosed dogs, and it may be a little too easy to solve for really clever dogs and cats.
- Designed for cats and dogs
- Cute sushi design
- Easy-to-move pieces
- Easy to clean
- Very smart dogs and cats may get bored quickly
- May be a little small for long/big-nosed dogs
9. ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Toys for Dogs/Cats
Toy type: | Plush toys |
Toy features: | Stuffing-free, squeaky, exercise, play |
Material: | Fleece, synthetic fabric |
Dimensions: | 18 x 2.5 x 0.5 inches |
If you have cats and dogs that like to fetch or simply spend time cuddling up with soft toys, you might want to consider this 3-set of stuffing-free squeaky plush toys in the shape of a raccoon, squirrel, and fox. They’re designed for medium-sized dogs but user photos show cats enjoying them, too. One of the best features of these toys is their lack of stuffing, so you won’t find any of that all over your living room floor after a play session.
Most reviewers have had a positive experience with these toys, mentioning that they’re durable and mess-free even for larger or more determined chewers. On the other hand, some say that the squeakers break easily and some disagree that they’re strong enough for heavy chewers.
- Great for carrying, throwing, and cuddling
- Set of three
- No stuffing
- Long-lasting for some dogs
- Suitable for gentle play
- May not be able to withstand heavy chewers
- Squeakers may break easily
10. Potorama Flopping Fish Toy for Dogs and Cats
Toy type: | Moving toy |
Toy features: | Play, interactive, catnip |
Material: | Soft plush |
Dimensions: | 10.5 x 4.7 inches |
Our final pick of the day is this rechargeable flopping soft plush fish by Potaroma. Included in your package is a USB cable and you simply unzip the belly to charge. A catnip pouch is embedded in the toy in case that’s something your cat (or even dog) likes and it’s motion-activated to start wiggling when your pet is nearby.
This product has received mostly positive reviews with particular praise for its realistic look and movements. Some pets have been having a great time with this toy, but some buyers have commented that their pets got bored with it after a short time. It also doesn’t last very long according to some reviewers.
- Realistic movements and look
- Fun for motion-stimulated pets
- Rechargeable
- Has a pouch for catnip
- Some pets may quickly become bored with it
- Battery may not last long
Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Toys for Dogs and Cats to Play Together
When choosing a toy for your dog and cat to play with together, the first thing you’ll want to consider is how safe the toy is. Is it made of non-toxic fabric? Is your pet a heavy chewer that may break off small pieces and swallow them?
The truth is that it’s rare to find a toy that heavy chewers can’t destroy if given enough time or opportunities, so however pet-safe a product is, you should still supervise your pets while they play with it to help prevent them from swallowing small pieces or getting bits stuck in their mouth or teeth.
Another factor you’ll want to consider is how suitable the toy is for your pet. User reviews can give you a great idea of the products that may or may not suit your cat or dog but you know your pet best.
Do they prefer toys they can chase? Toss about? Cuddle with? Puzzle out? To increase your chances of getting your money’s worth, go with your instinct as to the kind of toy your pet will actually play with and get the most use out of.
It’s also best to go for something made of durable, quality material if possible, but, to reiterate, there are never any guarantees that a strong or determined pet won’t be able to chomp their way through a toy. Look for something that seems like it will at least last a reasonable amount of time under your pet’s teeth.
Conclusion
Quick recap before you click away—our best overall toy for dogs and cats to play together is the Hepper Whale Plush designed for both cats and dogs. Our best value for the money pick is Litterbox.com’s laser pointer toy which comes at a reasonable price and can be recharged. For our premium pick, we chose the long and sturdy ZEZE snake teaser wand.
We hope you’ve found these reviews helpful and now have some fantastic ideas for toys your cat and dog can enjoy together. Good luck!
Featured Image Credit: Chendongshan, Shutterstock
Contents
- A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (2024)
- The 10 Best Toys for Cats and Dogs to Play Together
- 1. Hepper Whale Plush Toy
- 2. Rechargeable Laser Pointer Toy for Dogs and Cats– Best Value
- 3. Zeze Snake Tease Wand Toy for Dogs and Cats – Premium Choice
- 4. Frisco Little Friends Plush Variety Pack
- 5. Catit Treat Ball Cat / Dog Toy
- 6. PIKASEN Small Tennis Ball Set for Dogs and Cats
- 7. Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound Brick Puzzle Game Toy for Dogs and Cats
- 8. OurPets Sushi Treat Dispensing Toy for Dogs and Cats
- 9. ZippyPaws Skinny Peltz No Stuffing Squeaky Plush Toys for Dogs/Cats
- 10. Potorama Flopping Fish Toy for Dogs and Cats
- Buyer’s Guide: How to Pick the Best Toys for Dogs and Cats to Play Together
- Conclusion