WITH CATS’ FINICKY NATURE and different play needs, pet parents are more willing to try out a variety of toys, to find the ones that will suit their kitties’ preferences. Therefore, you’ll want to stock plenty of choices, from catnip-stuffed prey, to wands, kickers and high-tech, interactive options. We’ve selected some new releases across a range of types and price points.
Fluff & Tuff Guppy Fish
Fluff & Tuff
KEY FEATURES: Designed for dogs, but retailers and cat fans found cats loved it too; this squeaker-less stuffy has crossed over into cat territory.
SALES TIP: During the month of September, the company donates a toy to a shelter each time someone posts a pet pic with a Fluff & Tuff toy and the tag #igiveafluff.
fluffandtuff.com, (248) 705-5601
$8.95
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Jackson Galaxy Hunting Instincts Kicker
Petmate
KEY FEATURES: Satisfies cats’ natural instinct to kick, paired with realistic “ripping” sensations as they move in for the kill. Contains Jackson Galaxy branded organic catnip.
SALES TIP: Kicker toys are hot right now, and this is part of a new line of toys from the famed “cat whisperer.”
petmate.com, (877) PETMATE
$9.99
Zoom Rotating Laser Cat Toy
PetSafe
KEY FEATURES: Two lasers that rotate 360 degrees around the toy’s base keep kitty busy. Perfect for multiple cat households. Quiet movements keep even the most skittish cats focused on the play.
SALES TIP: Automatically turns off after 15 minutes to preserve battery life and keep cats from being overstimulated.
petsafe.net, (866) 738-4379
$29.99
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Mad Cat Mewnicorn
R2P Pet
KEY FEATURES: The Mad Cat plush collection with crinckle inside includes some folklore favorites like this cheerful Mewnicorn, along with Gnome Sweet Gnome, Sassy Sasquatch and Yowlin Yeti, all in two-packs.
SALES TIP: Contains a blend of catnip and silvervine that is pesticidefree, to get the party started right.
r2ppet.com, (877) 858-4321
$7.99
Shimmer Glimmer Teaser Wand
Ethical Products
KEY FEATURES: Plush fish, butterfly and turtle, with shimmering accents in assorted colors, are interchangeable with the wand. The wand has a breakaway safety clip.
SALES TIP: Have fun mixing and matching the animal accessories.
ethicalpet.com, (800) 223-7768
$4.99 for the wand, $3.99 animals
Petlinks Sweet Tweet
Worldwise
KEY FEATURES: A roly-poly soft electronic sound toy that sings like a bird and has feathers to trigger cat’s hunting instinct. It’s prey that will have real songbirds singing a tune of relief.
SALES TIP: Keep some by the register for those impulse buys.
worldwise.com, (303) 623-3327
$7.49
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Pounce House
OurPets
KEY FEATURES: Electronic feather wand inside mimics prey through random movements. Large side holes provide easy access for pouncing and batting through the openings.
SELLING TIP: Play the company’s YouTube channel in your store to show its toys in action.
ourpets.com, (800) 565-2695
$29.99
Teacup Fluffs
Fuzzu
KEY FEATURES: Teacup Fluffs for cats are cute, super squishy and stuffed with top-quality, organic, U.S.-grown catnip. Available in chipmunk, bunny and raccoon characters.
SELLING TIP: Animals so cute, you’ll feel bad letting kitty pounce on them.
fuzzutoys.com, (802) 825-1145
$3.99