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Indoor cats often rely on toys to stay active throughout the day. Without enough stimulation, they may resort to knocking items off counters, scratching furniture or pacing around the house. Small, lightweight toys that encourage chasing and pouncing can help redirect that energy into something more productive. The challenge is finding options that keep cats engaged even when pet parents are not actively playing.
Soft, plush toys filled with catnip tend to be especially effective for solo play. They are easy to bat across the floor, carry in the mouth or toss in the air. When designed well, these toys tap into a cat's natural hunting instincts and provide mental enrichment. Target currently offers a small plush option that checks those boxes while staying budget-friendly.
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Boots & Barkley Flying Squirrel Cat Toy, $3.69 at Target
The Boots & Barkley Flying Squirrel Cat Toy at Target features a plush squirrel design filled with catnip to encourage chasing, batting and pouncing. The lightweight construction makes it easy for cats to toss and carry, while the soft fabric adds a cuddle-friendly texture many cats enjoy between bursts of play.
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Toys like this work well for independent play sessions. Cats can swat it across the floor, stalk it from behind furniture or carry it to other rooms. The compact size also makes it ideal for kittens or smaller cats that prefer lighter toys. Because it is plush, it tends to slide easily on hardwood tile or laminate flooring, which adds to the chase factor.
Budget-friendly toys are also helpful for rotation. Switching toys every few days keeps playtime fresh and prevents boredom. Some pet parents pair plush toys like this with kickers such as these animal kicker toys from Target for more active sessions. Others mix in novelty options, like this baguette-themed cat toy , to add variety.
Because this squirrel toy is affordable, it also works well as a backup toy or quick addition to a larger play collection. It encourages movement, supports natural instincts and gives cats something to focus on while pet parents are busy or away from home.
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This story was originally published by PetHelpful on Apr 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Shopping section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
