Top Chew Toys for Teething Kittens: Safe, Soothing & Fun Options for Your Furry Friend
Last Updated on August 3, 2025 by James Kim
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Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet for your cat’s specific needs.
If you’ve recently welcomed a kitten into your home, you may have noticed your little furball chewing on just about everything—from shoelaces to furniture corners. This behavior, while sometimes frustrating, is completely normal. Just like human babies, kittens go through a teething stage as their baby teeth fall out and adult teeth grow in, typically between 3 weeks and 6 months of age. During this time, their gums can feel sore and irritated, prompting them to chew in an effort to relieve the discomfort.
Providing your kitten with safe, soothing chew toys is one of the best things you can do to help them through this developmental stage. Not only do these toys offer relief from teething pain, but they also help satisfy natural chewing instincts, promote healthy dental habits, and prevent your kitten from gnawing on dangerous or inappropriate household items.
In this guide, we’ll share the top chew toys for teething kittens—from soft rubber picks to catnip-infused favorites—and break down what makes each one a purr-fect match for your growing feline. Whether you’re looking for vet-approved products, affordable Amazon finds, or DIY teething toy ideas, we’ve got you covered.
Let’s dive into the best ways to soothe your kitten’s sore gums—while saving your shoes in the process.
Why Do Kittens Chew?
Chewing is a completely normal—and necessary—behavior for teething kittens. As their baby teeth begin to loosen and fall out, and their adult teeth start pushing through the gums, kittens often experience discomfort, itching, and swelling in their mouths. Chewing helps relieve this irritation by massaging their gums and applying pressure where it hurts most.
When Does Teething Start in Kittens?
Kittens start teething in two main phases:
- Phase 1: Baby Teeth (3–6 weeks old)
This is when their small deciduous (baby) teeth emerge. - Phase 2: Adult Teeth (3–6 months old)
During this stage, kittens lose their baby teeth and their adult teeth come in. This is when chewing behavior typically peaks.
Signs Your Kitten Is Teething
Watch for these common signs that your kitten is going through the teething phase:
- Frequent chewing on soft objects or fingers
- Drooling or pawing at their mouth
- Slight swelling of the gums
- Decreased appetite due to sore gums
- Irritability or restlessness
- Small baby teeth found on the floor or in bedding
Why Providing Chew Toys Is Essential
While chewing is a natural behavior, failing to provide appropriate chew toys can lead to destructive habits. Your kitten may turn to shoes, power cords, furniture, or even dangerous items like plastic wrappers or rubber bands. Chew toys serve several important purposes:
- Pain Relief: Gentle resistance helps soothe inflamed gums.
- Dental Health: Chew toys can help prevent tartar buildup and keep new teeth clean.
- Behavior Training: Teaching kittens what’s OK to chew builds healthy habits for adulthood.
- Mental Enrichment: Chewing releases stress and keeps your kitten entertained.
By understanding your kitten’s teething timeline and behavior, you’ll be better prepared to support their health—and protect your belongings—during this important life stage.
What to Look for in a Good Chew Toy for Teething Kittens
Not all toys are created equal—especially when it comes to soothing a teething kitten’s sore gums. Choosing the right chew toy can make a big difference in both your kitten’s comfort and safety. Here are the key factors to consider when picking out the perfect toy:
1. Material Matters
Kittens have delicate mouths, so avoid anything too hard or brittle. Instead, look for:
- Soft rubber or silicone: Provides gentle pressure while still being durable.
- Woven or braided rope: Helps clean teeth and massage gums.
- Plush or fabric toys: Great for gentle chewers and can often be infused with catnip.
- Non-toxic and BPA-free materials: Always prioritize safety, especially if the toy will be chewed frequently.
2. Size and Shape
A chew toy should be small enough for a kitten to carry and bite, but not so small that it becomes a choking hazard.
- Avoid toys with detachable parts or beads.
- Look for lightweight designs easy for tiny paws to bat around.
- Varied textures (ridges, bumps, soft spikes) can stimulate teething relief.
3. Easy to Clean
Since these toys often end up covered in saliva (and sometimes food), easy cleaning is a must:
- Dishwasher-safe or machine-washable toys are ideal.
- Avoid porous materials that trap bacteria or mold.
4. Vet-Recommended or Pet-Safe Certified
Look for chew toys that are:
- Approved by veterinarians or labeled as “safe for kittens.”
- Designed specifically for dental care or teething relief.
5. Optional Enhancements
Some chew toys come with extras to boost your kitten’s interest:
- Catnip-infused toys to attract and calm.
- Chillable toys (safe to put in the fridge) for extra gum relief.
- Treat-dispensing toys to combine chewing with reward-based play.
By focusing on these criteria, you can ensure your kitten stays happy, healthy, and engaged throughout the teething process. Next, let’s look at the top-rated chew toys that check all these boxes.
Top Chew Toys for Teething Kittens
Here’s our roundup of the best chew toys that soothe sore gums, keep kittens entertained, and protect your furniture from becoming a feline chew project.
1. KONG Kitten Toy
Best for: Teething relief + treat-stuffing fun
Material: Soft natural rubber
Features:
- Designed specifically for kittens
- Can be stuffed with treats or a dab of wet food
- Gentle on baby teeth and gums
- Bounces unpredictably for extra fun
Pros:
- Vet-recommended
- Multipurpose play and chewing
- Dishwasher safe
Cons:
- May be too large for very young kittens
- Not catnip-infused
Recommendation: Buy on Amazon
- 2-PACK VALUE SET – Includes two Kitty KONG toys, perfect for multi-cat homes or having a spare on hand.
- TREAT-DISPENSING DESIGN – Fill with your cat’s favorite kibble, treats, or catnip to encourage foraging behavior and mental stimulation.
- BOUNCES & ROLLS UNPREDICTABLY – Engages your cat’s hunting instincts with erratic movements that make playtime exciting.
2. Petstages Dental Health Chew Toys
Best for: Teething + dental hygiene
Material: Rubber, mesh, and rope
Features:
- Multiple textures to massage gums
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Some options include catnip
Pros:
- Helps clean teeth
- Budget-friendly
- Vet-approved design
Cons:
- May fray over time
- Needs supervision during play
Recommendation: Buy on Amazon
- Dental Chew Toy Perks: Helps clean teeth with mesh and multiple textures while your cat chews and play bites; chewing textures helps promote healthy gums and oral hygiene, helping maintain fresh breath while satisfying chewing instincts
- Catnip Stuffed Interactive Toy: Filled with catnip to engage even the most finicky cats, making it a must-have for herbal connoisseurs and bored indoor adult cats and kittens to keep them busy with active play
- Batting & Carrying for All Cats: This fun kicker toy is lightweight and the ideal size for cats to bat, carry, and chew; great for solo self play or interactive fun; great for kittens, adult cats, and senior kitties
3. Yeowww! Catnip Banana
Best for: Catnip-charged teething fun
Material: Durable cotton
Features:
- Filled with 100% organic catnip
- Soft yet tough fabric
- Great for biting, kicking, and chewing
Pros:
- High-quality stuffing
- Long-lasting catnip scent
- Fan favorite among cat parents
Cons:
- Not ideal for kittens uninterested in catnip
- Can get dirty quickly
Recommendation: Buy on Amazon
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4. SmartyKat Skitter Critters Catnip Mice
Best for: Lightweight chewing and batting
Material: Soft plush
Features:
- Comes in a 3-pack
- Infused with catnip
- Small and kitten-sized
Pros:
- Perfect for small paws
- Encourages interactive and solo play
- Budget-friendly multi-pack
Cons:
- May tear with rough chewing
- Catnip potency fades over time
Recommendation: Buy on Amazon
- ENTICES CATS: Perfectly sized, lightweight toys that cats can easily pick up, carry, and play with; these soft plush mice are also filled with catnip for extra fun and excitement during playtime, making them even more irresistible to feline paws
- STIMULATING: Catnip contains aromatic oils that give cats a euphoric buzz and stimulates their instincts; most cats respond to catnip with a burst of energy, or frenzied behavior, followed by a period of blissful relaxation
- FEEL OF REAL PREY: The cat toys feature soft plush, felt ears, and dangling tails, mimicking the multitextured feel of real prey to help stimulate your kitty’s hunting instincts and entice play
5. Catstages Plush Cat Toy with Catnip
Best for: Gentle chewers
Material: Plush with crinkle stuffing
Features:
- Irresistible textures and sounds
- Lightweight and fun to pounce on
- Infused with catnip
Pros:
- Great for teething and batting
- Soft on kitten teeth
- Multiple shapes available
Cons:
- Not durable for heavy chewers
- Should be replaced when torn
Recommendation: Buy on Amazon
- Cat Toy: Pickle-shaped plush with crinkly sounds that awaken your cat’s natural chase, pounce, and play instincts
- Kicker Fun: Long, soft body is perfect for bunny kicking, batting, and all-out solo play energy
- Catnip Infused: Filled with premium catnip to spark joyful zoomies, swats, tosses, and chase-me chaos
6. DIY Frozen Washcloth Toy
Best for: Home remedy for gum relief
Material: Clean cotton cloth
How to Use:
- Dampen a washcloth
- Twist into a rope and freeze
- Supervise your kitten while chewing
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Soothes inflamed gums
- Great backup option
Cons:
- Needs supervision
- Not a long-term toy
Honorable Mentions:
- Catit Senses 2.0 Self-Groomer with Catnip – For face rubbing
- Hartz Just for Cats Bell Mouse – Lightweight and stimulating
- Pawaboo Feather Wand – Not for chewing, but great for redirection during biting behavior
- Self-Grooming: With the Catit Self Groomer, your cat can literally walk by and enjoy a quick brushing session whenever they feel like it. The brush will catch the loose cat hair in the process, which in turn helps keep your home free of excess cat fluff.
- Adjust to Your Cat’s Height: Catit Self Groomer can be mounted on flat walls and corner surfaces at the specific height most comfortable for your cat. Adhesive strips are included, and it can also be mounted using screws (not included).
- Easy Cleaning: The durable, flexible brush helps keep your cat’s coat soft and tangle-free, retaining loose hairs as they groom themselves. To clean the brush, you can simply take it out of its holder and push it back in afterwards.
- Includes two sisal mice, each with a compressed silver vine & catnip nose.
- Contains a natural, yet potent combination of silver vine and catnip attractants to grab and hold your cat’s attention for enhanced playtime
- Silver Vine is a vine that grows in the high mountainous regions of eastern Asia. It produces a natural and effective cat attractant, that stimulates livelier play in more cats when compared to catnip alone
No products found.
These chew toys are designed to provide both teething relief and safe enrichment. Try rotating a few to see which your kitten prefers. Coming up next: tips on how to introduce chew toys effectively.
Tips for Introducing Chew Toys to Your Kitten
Getting your kitten to actually use their new chew toys isn’t always instant—but with the right approach, you can make the transition easy and even fun. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help your kitten fall in love with their chew toys (instead of your shoelaces).
1. Start Early
Kittens begin teething around 3–4 weeks of age and continue through 6 months. Introducing chew toys early on helps normalize the behavior and builds positive associations.
- Don’t wait until they’re already chewing your cords—get ahead of it.
2. Make Toys Appealing
Boost interest in new toys by using sensory cues your kitten already responds to:
- Sprinkle catnip on or near the toy.
- Rub a small amount of tuna juice or wet food on rubber toys.
- Offer chilled toys straight from the fridge for added gum relief.
3. Play With Them
Cats—especially kittens—learn through play. Introduce the chew toy during an active play session:
- Wiggle it like prey to engage natural hunting instincts.
- Toss soft toys lightly to encourage batting and biting.
- Use teaser wands to redirect from biting your fingers to biting a toy.
4. Rotate Toys to Maintain Interest
Kittens get bored quickly. Keep a rotation of 3–5 toys and cycle them every few days to make each one feel “new” again.
- Store unused toys in a sealed bag with catnip to recharge the scent.
5. Supervise At First
While most kitten toys are safe, early supervision helps:
- Prevent ingestion of small parts or torn fabric.
- Reinforce good chewing habits by gently redirecting bad ones.
6. Use Positive Reinforcement
When your kitten chews on the right toy:
- Praise them verbally or offer a treat.
- Gently pet or cuddle them to create comfort associations.
With patience and consistency, your kitten will learn that their chew toys are not only satisfying—but rewarding too. Coming up next: how to keep playtime safe by knowing what to avoid when choosing chew toys.
Safety Tips & What to Avoid
While chew toys can be a great way to ease teething discomfort, not all toys are created with your kitten’s safety in mind. Knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to buy.
1. Avoid Toys with Small or Loose Parts
Toys with bells, plastic eyes, strings, or glued-on accessories can pose a choking hazard or may be swallowed if they come loose.
- Choose toys with securely stitched features.
- Always inspect toys for damage before giving them to your kitten.
2. Skip Hard Plastic or Sharp Edges
Toys made from brittle plastic or those with sharp seams can damage a kitten’s sensitive gums and teeth.
- Stick to soft rubber, plush, or mesh toys designed specifically for cats or kittens.
- Dog teething toys may be too firm for a kitten’s developing mouth.
3. Don’t Leave String Toys Unattended
While toys with strings or feathers are great for interactive play, they should never be left with kittens unsupervised.
- Ingestion of strings can lead to intestinal blockages—an emergency vet visit waiting to happen.
4. Keep Toys Clean
Dirty toys can harbor bacteria, especially when soaked in saliva or food.
- Wash toys regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Replace chew toys that are worn out, fraying, or damaged.
5. Avoid Toys Not Made for Pets
DIY can be fun, but not all household items are safe chew alternatives:
- Rubber bands, bottle caps, plastic bags, hair ties, and cords may seem “chewable” to kittens but are dangerous and often toxic.
- Only give items designed for cats or made from vet-safe, pet-approved materials.
6. Watch for Allergic Reactions
Though rare, kittens can be sensitive to certain materials or dyes in toys.
- If you notice excessive drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, or skin irritation after introducing a new toy, discontinue use and consult your vet.
By following these safety tips, you’ll ensure your kitten enjoys all the benefits of teething relief without any hidden risks. In the final section, we’ll wrap things up with a quick recap and a helpful call to action for your readers.
Conclusion
Teething is an important (and sometimes messy) milestone in your kitten’s development, but it doesn’t have to mean shredded cords, chewed-up furniture, or sore gums left untreated. By offering the right chew toys—ones that are soft, safe, and vet-approved—you’ll give your kitten a healthy outlet to relieve discomfort, learn good habits, and stay happily entertained.
From plush toys and rubber teethers to catnip-filled bananas and even DIY frozen washcloths, there are chew toy options to suit every kitten’s personality and chewing style. The key is choosing wisely, rotating regularly, and always keeping safety in mind.
Ready to Help Your Kitten Through Teething?
Now that you know which chew toys are safe, soothing, and kitten-approved, why not grab a few today and see which one your little feline prefers?
Explore Our Favorite Cat Toys on Amazon → Shop Kitten Teething Toys
Worried About Kitten Safety at Home? Check out our guide on How to Kitten-Proof Your Home
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James Kim is the founder of SavingNineLives.com, a passion project dedicated to improving the lives of rescue cats through practical care tips, adoption guides, and heartfelt advocacy. Though not a veterinarian, James is a lifelong cat lover who collaborates with animal welfare volunteers, rescue shelters, and vet-reviewed sources to ensure accurate, trustworthy information. His mission is simple: to help cat parents make informed, compassionate decisions that support feline health and well-being.
When he’s not writing, James is busy fostering cats, volunteering at local shelters, and testing cat-friendly products to recommend only the best to readers. Every article on this site is carefully researched and reviewed to meet the highest standards for cat health content.
Experience: 10+ years of hands-on experience with rescue cats
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