Catstages Tower of Tracks Review: Is This 3-Tier Ball Toy Worth It?

The Catstages Tower of Tracks looks like something from a cat’s fever dream - three bright levels with balls trapped inside that spin around when batted. It has thousands of positive reviews online and appears in every “best cat toys” list.

It has been sitting in our living room for months. Our younger cat plays with it regularly. Our older cat looked at it once and never again.

Here is an honest review based on months of real-world use, what works, what does not, and whether it is worth the $12-15 price tag.

What It Actually Is

The Tower of Tracks is a plastic three-tier tower with enclosed tracks on each level. Each track contains a brightly colored ball trapped inside that cats can bat around but (theoretically) cannot remove.

Specifications:

Height: 9 inches
Diameter: 10 inches
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Materials: BPA-free plastic
Number of balls: 3 (one per track)
Available colors: Multiple schemes (orange/blue/green, pink/purple/blue)

The base is wide and flat, preventing easy tipping. The tracks are enclosed with just enough space for paws to reach in and bat the balls.

Where to Buy: Available on Amazon, Chewy, Petco, PetSmart for $12-15

How It Works

Cats bat the balls with their paws. The balls spin around the enclosed circular tracks. That is it.

There are no electronics, no batteries, no moving parts beyond the balls. Simple mechanical toy.

The appeal (for cats who like it):

Movement catches their attention
Balls make clicking sounds as they roll
Enclosed design creates challenge (cannot grab the ball)
Multiple levels = multiple targets
Can play independently without human interaction

The Good Stuff

1. Works for Some Cats

Our younger cat (2 years old) plays with it for 5-10 minutes at a time, several times per week.

His play style:

Bats balls around tracks repeatedly
Switches between levels
Sometimes uses both paws on different levels
Gets most engaged when balls spin fast

It is especially popular at 3am when he has the zoomies (thanks, buddy).

2. No Supervision Needed

Unlike string toys (strangulation risk), lasers (need human operator), or small toys (choking hazard), you can leave this out safely.

Benefits:

Cat can play independently
Good for when you are working or busy
No risk of injury
No small parts to swallow

3. Sturdy Construction

Despite being lightweight plastic, it holds up to:

Daily batting
Occasional angry swipes
Cats jumping on top of it
Being knocked around the room

We have had ours for 8+ months with no broken pieces.

4. Good for Shy or Timid Cats

The balls stay contained, so there is no chasing across the room. Some cats find that less intimidating than toys that roll unpredictably under furniture.

Good for:

Cats who get overwhelmed by fast-moving toys
Older cats with limited mobility
Cats recovering from surgery (gentle play)

5. Easy to Clean

The plastic wipes down easily with pet-safe cleaner. Some owners even run it through the dishwasher (top rack).

Cleaning frequency needed:

Weekly wipe-down (removes fur and dust)
Monthly deep clean (tracks accumulate grime)

6. Affordable

At $12-15, it is one of the cheaper cat toys that actually has some durability. Compare to:

Electronic toys: $20-$40 (break easily)
Laser toys: $15-$25 (batteries die)
Catnip toys: $5-$10 (lose potency)

7. Quiet Enough (Compared to Alternatives)

While not silent, the clicking of balls on plastic is quieter than:

Electronic toys with motors
Toys with bells
Crinkle toys

(Though still noticeable at 3am.)

The Reality Check (Cons)

1. Novelty Wears Off Fast for Many Cats

Our older cat looked at it once and never again. The younger one was obsessed for about two weeks, then interest dropped to occasional use.

Common pattern reported by owners:

Week 1: Cat loves it, plays constantly
Week 2-3: Interest declines
Month 2+: Occasional play, often ignored

This is true for many cat toys, but it is worth noting.

2. Not Suitable for Aggressive Players

Determined or rough cats can:

Knock balls out of tracks (despite enclosed design)
Flip the entire tower over
Break plastic pieces with excessive force

We have found balls across the room multiple times after particularly aggressive play sessions.

3. Boring Balls

The balls are just solid plastic. No bells inside, no catnip, no interesting texture. Just smooth plastic balls.

Why this matters: Some cats only engage with toys that have extra stimulation (sound, scent, texture).

4. Takes Up Floor Space

At 10 inches diameter, it is not huge - but in a small apartment, it is one more thing to:

Vacuum around
Trip over in the dark
Work around when rearranging furniture

5. Limited Interaction

Your cat bats the ball. It spins around. Repeat.

There is no:

Puzzle element (balls always behave the same way)
Variety (same motion every time)
Progression (cannot get better at it)

What you see is what you get. Forever.

6. Collects Fur and Dust

The tracks are cat fur magnets. Within days, the tracks accumulate:

Loose fur
Dust
Dander
General grime

Regular cleaning required or it looks disgusting.

7. Can Be Loud at Night

Balls clicking around plastic tracks at 3am is… noticeable. If you are a light sleeper, consider:

Placing it far from bedrooms
Putting it away at night
Accepting your new reality

How It Actually Gets Used (Real-World Experience)

Our Younger Cat (2 Years Old)

Frequency: 3-4 times per week Duration: 5-10 minutes per session When: Usually at night during zoomies

He treats it as a warm-up activity before moving on to his real passions (knocking things off shelves, attacking feet under blankets).

Our Older Cat (8 Years Old)

Frequency: Never Duration: Looked at it once for 10 seconds When: That one time

He is not interested in toys that require him to do work. He prefers being entertained by humans with wand toys.

Most Useful For

Distraction when working from home (buys 5-10 minutes)
Overnight entertainment (cats with nighttime zoomies)
Background enrichment (always available if cat gets bored)

Not Useful For

Extended play sessions (cats lose interest quickly)
Primary entertainment (needs to be supplemented with other toys)
Active play with humans (this is solo play only)

Common Issues and Solutions

Problem: Balls Escape

Determined cats can knock balls out despite enclosed design.

Solution:

Push balls back in through the track opening
Consider taping tracks shut (but then harder to clean)
Accept that balls will occasionally escape

Problem: Cat Ignores It Completely

Many owners report cats showing zero interest.

Solution:

Try rubbing catnip on the balls
Move it to different locations (novelty helps)
Play near it to create positive associations
Accept that not all cats like all toys (cannot force interest)

Problem: Too Loud at Night

Clicking balls wake you up.

Solution:

Move to a room far from bedroom
Put away at night (store in closet)
Place on carpet or rug to dampen sound

Problem: Gets Dirty Fast

Fur and dust accumulate in tracks.

Solution:

Wipe down weekly with damp cloth
Monthly deep clean (dishwasher safe on top rack)
Vacuum around it regularly

Problem: Not Challenging Enough

Cat masters it immediately and loses interest.

Solution:

Rotate it with other toys (only bring out every few days)
Add treats in tracks to make it more rewarding
Combine with other activities (play near it with wand toys)

Making It More Interesting

Tricks that help maintain interest:

1. Add Catnip

Put a tiny bit of catnip in the tracks. This adds scent stimulation to the movement.

How: Sprinkle dried catnip in tracks, let balls roll through it.

2. Move It Around

Cats like novelty. Move the tower to different locations:

Living room → bedroom → kitchen
Near window → near cat tree → in hallway

New location = new interest.

3. Rotate Availability

Do not leave it out 24/7. Instead:

Store it in a closet
Bring it out every 2-3 days
Creates “new toy” effect each time

4. Play Near It

Create positive associations by:

Using wand toys nearby
Giving treats next to it
Playing with your cat when they use it

5. Replace Balls with Jingle Balls

Some owners replace the plain balls with:

Jingle balls (bells inside)
Textured balls
Balls with catnip inside

Check size carefully - replacement balls must fit the tracks.

Comparison to Similar Toys

Tower of Tracks vs Bergan Turbo Scratcher

Bergan Turbo Scratcher:

Single-level circular track with ball
Includes scratching pad in center
$15-$20
Takes up more floor space

Tower of Tracks:

Three levels (more visual interest)
No scratching pad
$12-15
Vertical design saves floor space

Verdict: Tower of Tracks is better for small spaces. Turbo Scratcher is better if cat needs scratching outlet.

Tower of Tracks vs Electronic Spinning Toys

Electronic toys:

Automated movement
Higher price ($20-$40)
Require batteries
Break more easily

Tower of Tracks:

Manual play (cat powers it)
Lower price ($12-15)
No batteries needed
More durable

Verdict: Tower of Tracks is better value unless your cat specifically needs automated movement.

Tower of Tracks vs Wand Toys

Wand toys:

Interactive (human required)
Better exercise for cats
Strong bonding activity
Must be supervised

Tower of Tracks:

Independent play (no human needed)
Less exercise
No bonding element
Safe to leave out

Verdict: Both serve different purposes. Use wand toys for active play, Tower of Tracks for independent entertainment.

Who This Is For

Perfect for:

Cats who like batting toys (testing play style first helps)
Multi-cat households (several cats can play at once)
Busy cat owners (provides independent entertainment)
Small spaces (vertical design)
Budget-conscious buyers ($12-15)

Not ideal for:

Cats who ignore non-interactive toys
Very aggressive players (will destroy it)
Cats who need high stimulation (too simple)
Light sleepers (noise at night)

Is It Worth Buying?

Yes, if:

Your cat likes batting toys
You want independent entertainment
You are on a budget
You need overnight entertainment option

No, if:

Your cat ignores most toys
You want long-term engagement (novelty fades)
Your cat is very aggressive with toys
You have limited floor space and want to be selective

Alternatives to Consider

For More Active Cats

Hexbug Nano or similar robotic toys:

Automated movement
More stimulating
$10-$15 per bug

For Cats Who Like Scratching

Bergan Turbo Scratcher:

Includes scratching pad
Single-level track with ball
$15-$20

For Independent Players

Puzzle feeders:

Mental stimulation
Rewards with treats
$10-$25

For Interactive Play

Wand toys with feathers:

Active exercise
Human bonding
$5-$15

Final Verdict

The Catstages Tower of Tracks is a decent mid-tier toy that works for some cats but not all.

Pros:

Affordable ($12-15)
Durable (lasts months)
Safe for independent play
Easy to clean
Works for some cats

Cons:

Novelty wears off for many cats
Limited interaction (simple repetitive motion)
Can be loud at night
Collects fur and dust
Not challenging enough for smart cats

Final score: 7/10 - solid budget option but not a game-changer

Recommendation: Worth trying at $12-15, especially if your cat likes batting toys. But temper expectations - it likely won’t be your cat’s favorite toy long-term.

What to Do Next

Assess if your cat likes batting toys (test with crumpled paper first)
Buy from a retailer with good return policy (in case cat ignores it)
Place in high-traffic area initially (increases discovery)
Move location after a week to maintain novelty
Rotate with other toys to prevent boredom
Clean weekly to keep it appealing
Cats who like batting toys
Owners who need independent play options
Households with young, energetic cats
Anyone looking for a low-maintenance toy
Cats who prefer toys that stay in one place

Who Should Skip It

Aggressive players who destroy everything
Cats who only care about feathers and strings
Anyone with limited floor space
People who hate plastic toy clutter
Cats who need more complex stimulation

Alternatives to Consider

If your cat ignores this, try:

Puzzle feeders (adds food motivation)
Electronic moving toys (more unpredictable)
Traditional wand toys (interactive play)
Cardboard scratchers with attached toys (multipurpose)

The Honest Verdict

The Catstages Tower of Tracks is fine. Not amazing, not terrible, just… fine. At $12-15, it’s cheap enough that you’re not out much if your cat ignores it. But it’s also not going to revolutionize your cat’s playtime.

Think of it as a backup toy - something to have around for occasional entertainment, not the main attraction. It’s like the side dish that came with your dinner. Perfectly acceptable, but you’re not going to tell your friends about it.

Price: $12-15
Durability: 7/10
Cat Engagement: 5/10 (highly variable by cat)
Value: 6/10
Dad Joke Rating: “He’s really going in circles with this one”

Buy it if you’re building a toy rotation and need variety. Skip it if you’re looking for a guaranteed hit - there are no guarantees with cats. They’re chaos agents who might prefer the box it came in.

Which, honestly, tracks. (See what I did there?)