Cats have a fascinating ability to find joy in the most mundane corners of our homes. While we spend money on fancy toys designed to entertain and stimulate them, they often seem more captivated by the items we overlook—things that clatter, roll, rustle, or simply exist in an unexpected way. What we consider junk or everyday tools, they see as thrilling playthings waiting to be discovered.
This behavior ties back to a cat’s instinctual curiosity and hunting drive. Domestic cats, though pampered and well-fed, still retain the survival instincts of their wild ancestors. Their sharp senses, agility, and inquisitive nature push them to pounce on anything that moves or makes noise, which is why a discarded bottle cap can suddenly become the highlight of their day.
As cat owners, we often find ourselves both amused and bewildered at the items our feline friends choose to obsess over. It’s a reminder that in a cat’s world, the simplest things can provide the greatest fun. Below is a list of ten random household items your cat likely thinks are the best toys ever—and the peculiar reasons why.
1. Hair Ties
Few things spark instant excitement in a cat like the appearance of a cardboard box. Whether it’s small enough to barely contain them or large enough to hide in, the appeal lies in its sense of security and mystery. Cats are natural ambush predators, and a box serves as the perfect hideout for surprise attacks (on both humans and unsuspecting stuffed animals). The texture and resistance of cardboard also make it ideal for scratching and biting. Some cats will spend hours simply sitting in one, surveying their kingdom from within their cardboard throne. The box’s smell, especially if it’s fresh from a delivery, offers a new sensory experience that intrigues their keen noses. Ultimately, it’s not just a container to a cat—it’s an adventure zone.
2. Toilet Paper Rolls
Despite their humble status as grooming accessories, hair ties rank high on a cat’s list of coveted treasures. Their elastic bounce and light weight make them perfect for batting, chasing, and carrying around in triumph. Cats often hide them under furniture or deliver them as “gifts” to their humans. There’s something about the unpredictable springiness of a hair tie that mimics live prey in a way many commercial toys fail to achieve. They’re easy to pick up and toss, offering both solo and interactive play opportunities. You might even find a small stash of stolen hair ties in your cat’s secret hoarding spot. Just be careful—what’s fun for them can become hazardous if swallowed.
3. Cardboard Boxes
The cardboard tube left behind once the roll is done might seem destined for the trash, but not in a cat’s mind. This lightweight cylinder becomes a rolling, chewable toy that makes an appealing sound when pushed across a floor. Some cats enjoy sinking their teeth into the ends or clawing at the tube to tear it apart. It offers just the right amount of resistance to keep things interesting without frustrating their efforts. Others prefer attacking the full roll, unleashing a chaotic ribbon of destruction that turns your bathroom into a snowy scene. The unpredictability of its movement adds an element of surprise that excites feline instincts. What you see as waste, they see as wonder.
4. Plastic Bottle Caps
Every time a soda bottle is opened, your cat may perk up at the subtle clink of the cap hitting the counter. Lightweight and aerodynamic, plastic caps are a dream for cats who love to chase and swat. Their small size makes them ideal for batting under doors, around corners, or across tile floors at breakneck speed. They rattle just enough to make them satisfying to play with, especially during nocturnal zoomies. Some cats even learn to flick them into the air with precision. These little objects often disappear under couches, only to reappear in mysterious places later. In the feline world, unpredictability equals endless amusement.
5. Socks
Out of the laundry basket and into the play arena—socks hold a weirdly magnetic allure for cats. Whether it’s the warmth, texture, or lingering human scent, cats love to nuzzle, knead, or wrestle with them. Some enjoy dragging socks from room to room like a prized catch, while others knead them as if they were kittens again. Wadded-up socks become lightweight prey that are easy to pounce on and toss. The scent of your foot (gross to us, appealing to them) may add to the sensory interest. Socks left in open drawers are often “liberated” by cats on a mission. What starts as laundry neglect becomes feline treasure.
6. Paper Bags
The crinkle of a paper bag can send a cat into a frenzy of excitement. Whether it’s jumping into it, scratching the sides, or hiding inside to launch sneak attacks, the bag serves many roles in your cat’s personal theater. Paper’s texture satisfies a cat’s claws and the rustling noise feeds into their prey-chasing instincts. It creates an irresistible hideout with entrances and exits perfect for ambush play. Sometimes, they’ll spend hours just sitting inside, content in their papery sanctuary. Even better if the bag has handles they can chew or slip through. Just make sure to cut the handles off to prevent accidents—curiosity, after all, needs some safety checks.
7. Q-tips
Who knew such a tiny item could become a feline favorite? Q-tips, particularly the used ones (ick), are light enough to be batted around with abandon. Their soft cotton ends add a bit of tactile variety for chewing and pawing. When flung across hardwood or tile, they skitter with a randomness that keeps cats engaged. Their length also makes them easier for cats to grasp or carry. It’s not unusual for a cat to fish one out of a trash bin and parade around with it proudly. While amusing, this particular habit may call for some strategic wastebasket relocation. Still, in your cat’s eyes, it’s a five-star toy.
8. Shoelaces
Not every toy needs to move on its own to be exciting—shoelaces prove that. Their snake-like motion when dragged or wiggled catches a cat’s eye instantly. Even when stationary, they’re tempting for chewing or swatting. For many cats, laces become a favorite interactive toy during your morning routine. Some will wait patiently by your shoes, ready to ambush the laces before you can even tie them. Others stealthily chew through them when left unattended. While they offer great entertainment value, always supervise lace-based play to avoid ingestion mishaps.
9. Keyboard Keys
Oddly enough, the very place where we work or game can become a surprise toy shop for a bored cat. A curious paw batting at a loose keyboard key can result in satisfying movement and clackiness. If a key comes off, it becomes a portable, chewable object of interest. Some cats seem to enjoy the texture of silicone or plastic under their paws. The flat, flickable nature of keys means they’re easy to launch across the room. During late-night sessions, you may hear one ricochet off walls or furniture as your cat zooms after it. Of course, this often leads to mysterious tech issues—but in your cat’s eyes, the risk is worth the reward.
10. Curtain Cords or Blinds Strings
Few things are more enticing to a cat than something dangling in mid-air. Curtain cords and blind strings mimic the movement of prey, swaying gently in the breeze or with the slightest touch. Cats will leap, swat, and chomp at them with unrelenting enthusiasm. The elevation adds a level of challenge that only increases their determination. To your cat, it’s a game of catch-the-worm with no clear end. The cords often become a go-to entertainment spot when you’re not paying attention. While this can lead to tangled disasters, it’s easy to see why cats love them—it’s vertical fun in string form.