Kicker Toys For Cats
If you’ve ever watched your cat bunny-kick a toy, you already know how important kicker toys for cats are. This instinctive behavior isn’t just play. It mimics how cats grab, kick, and subdue prey, providing indoor cats with an important mental and physical outlet. Because this behavior is so powerful, the quality and design of a kicker toy really matters.
At Americat Company, every product begins the same way: observing cats, listening to cat parents, and problem solving to create something better.
In this interview, Diane, founder of Americat Company and cat mom, shares why she decided to create kicker toys for cats, how they were developed, and what cat parents should look for when choosing safe, durable kicker toys for cats.
Q: What are kicker toys for cats?
Diane: Kicker toys are long, fabric toys, usually filled with catnip. They are designed to be grabbed with the front paws and kicked with the back legs. This allows cats to safely express their natural hunting instincts and wrestle indoors.
Q: Why did you decide Americat Company needed to make kicker toys for cats?
Diane: Like many cat parents, I have bought kicker toys over the years. They didn't last! The last one I bought was made from thin fabric, and Lewie ripped a hole in the corner the very first time he used it. I expected more from a $12 toy.
Beyond durability, I was also frustrated by the lack of transparency. Most brands don't disclose where their materials – fabric, thread, cotton, catnip – come from.
Some toys are sewn in the USA, but made with imported fabrics and materials, which I was not comfortable with.
My cats bite, kick, and rest on these toys, so I wanted kicker toys for cats that were durable AND entirely made from U.S. materials.
Additionally, since 2024, we've been making cat-shaped and heart-shaped catnip toys in Pittsburgh. Cats have loved them! So, it felt natural to apply the same safe materials cats already love to a new design – kicker toys for cats.
Q: What are the benefits of kicker toys for cats?
Diane: Outdoor cats spend several hours each day hunting for food, which helps them exercise and release stress. Indoor cats still have those hunting instincts, so it's up to us as cat parents to give cats appropriate outlets to "hunt" indoors.
Kicker toys give cats a safe, healthy way to grab, wrestle, kick, and bite. This full-body combination makes kicker toys unique compared to other cat toys!
Q: What was the design process like?
Diane: The design process was very hands-on and intentional. We added a second sewist, Lola, to our team, and I worked closely with her on the design. We tested different lengths, thicknesses, and seams. If a toy was too short, cats couldn't kick properly. Too soft, and it lost its shape. Too firm, and it wasn't satisfying to wrestle. We evaluated these different variables to arrive at what worked best to support how cats play.
I had the idea to use denim, which is a universally loved fabric. 100% cotton denim is unique because it combines extreme durability with breathability.
It stands up to aggressive kicking and biting while still allowing the strong catnip scent to attract cats.
If you are wondering what a thoughtfully designed kicker toy looks like, you can shop our handmade kicker toys for cats here.
Q: Did Lewie and Nelly help?
Diane: Absolutely! My two cats are always the first product testers.
They, along with our sewist's cats, tried multiple designs and denims before we landed on the clear favorite!
Q: Is it hard to make kicker toys for cats?
Diane: Yes, much harder than people expect.
First, sourcing materials that are made in the USA takes a lot of research. We spent significant time finding American-made denim, thread, cotton, and catnip rather than using imported alternatives.
Second, skilled sewists are challenging to find, as fewer Americans are learning to sew.
We work hard to price our products affordably while still covering higher material and labor costs that come with American manufacturing.
Q: How are kicker toys actually made?
Diane: Each cat kicker toy takes about 15 minutes to make. First, we cut the fabric. Then Lola sews the perimeter to create the "tube." After that, she turns each toy inside out so that the seams are hidden.
Next, each toy is hand-stuffed with a carefully blended mix of soft cotton and irresistible catnip. Then, she sews the end seam to seal the toy.
Both Lola and I inspect each kicker toy before they are packaged. This hands-on process ensures our kicker toys meet our safety and quality standards.
Most people don’t realize there are over six steps involved in the process.
Even though a kicker toy may look simple, so much thought and work go into each one.
What makes the best kicker toys for cats?
Diane: I truly believe Americat Company makes the best cat kicker toys on the market. We are laser-focused on safety, durability, and what cats actually love.
The things that make Americat Company kicker toys for cats different are:
- 100% made in the USA from American materials instead of made overseas
- Durable cotton denim instead of thin, loosely woven fabric
- Natural cotton stuffing instead of synthetic, polyester fill
- Organically-grown U.S. catnip instead of catnip grown overseas
- Handmade by Lola in Pittsburgh, PA instead of mass-produced
Each kicker toy is 12 inches long (the size of a ruler!), which allows cats to fully grip and extend their back legs for satisfying, full-body kicks
Tell us about your catnip...
Diane: Catnip quality can vary a lot depending on where it is sourced.
We chose U.S., organically-grown catnip because it’s fresher, more potent, and held to stricter safety standards.
Customers often tell us that their cats smell the catnip through the box before it's even opened.
Do all cats need kicker toys?
Diane: I truly believe every cat should have one.
Cats of all ages – kittens, adults, and seniors – benefit from the exercise, energy release, and enrichment that kicker toys provide. They also help cats express natural hunting behaviors while staying indoors.
Any final thoughts?
Diane: Thank you for taking the time to learn about why and how we created Americat Company kicker toys for cats.
We believe the products our cats use every day should be safe, long-lasting, and responsibly made. We know every material we use, and every person involved in making these kicker toys for your cats.
Please shop our kicker toys for cats!
Your support allows us to continue to do what we love.
About Us: Americat Company is where love for cats meets American craftsmanship. Founded in 2016, we are a cat-loving, woman-owned, small business. We make cat products in the USA from safe, durable, U.S. materials. Shop all our made in the USA cat products here.
