All In Good Fun: Safe Cat Toys… And Playthings to Avoid

Photographs and video clips of a cat hanging around in a basket full of cushy yarn balls or accidently, adorably getting tangled up in string are a part of our culture’s unwavering commitment to cuteness.

But, like the inspirational hang in there kitty poster from the ‘70s, cats should neither hang perilously from tree branches nor play with long, stringy items bound to result in entanglement and/or obstruction.

So, what safe cat toys should you provide your whiskered, fluff-ball of wonder? Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital has the scoop!

Process of Elimination

So, beyond yarn and string – and to prevent the need for emergency care – what else should your frisky feline avoid playing with?

• Feathers – Lots of cat toys come decorated with feathers, but if your cat try to eat loose feathers, he or she could experience a blockage. Plus, feathers are typically colored with chemical dyes unfit for your cat’s consumption.
• Electric cords – It’s common for teething kittens to chew on gummy stretches of cord. Even if left unplugged, many computer cables or power cords can have lead in the outer cover.
• Rubber or elastic bands – These are super fun for cats to paw around and stretch out, but if it snaps your cat could get injured. Also, ingesting a band can be very dangerous for your cat’s GI system, requiring ultrasound or radiographs.
• Plastic bags – Ever popular with the feline crowd due to the light crinkly sound, eating plastic bags can have terrible consequences.
• Fishing line – Along the same lines as yarn and string, fishing line deserves to be called out. It may seem fun to attach a toy and launch it across the room for your cat to fetch, but if your cat gets tangled up, he or she could get cut or lose circulation. Also, the barbs on your cat’s tongue only go one way, so even if your cat doesn’t intend to eat six feet of line, once it’s in the mouth it’s difficult to get it out. Interactive cat fishing poles can be a great toy, but store it when you aren’t actively playing with it together.
• Packing Peanuts – Allow your cat to play in boxes, but do remove all packaging materials prior.
• Plastic seals – Opening a new carton of OJ? Please toss the plastic ring-top seal. Your cat may get a jolly or two pawing it around the kitchen floor, but if he or she eats it, you could be looking at a life-saving surgery.

What Are Safe Cat Toys?

Now that you know what to avoid, you may wondering: what else is there? Beyond the variety at specialty stores, we offer the following ideas:

• Round shower curtain rings
• Ping-pong balls or practice golf balls
• Balls with or without bells inside (check for wear and tear so your cat can never access the bell, a choking hazard)
• Paper bags without handles
• Cardboard boxes that are just slightly smaller than your cat
• Catnip-filled soft or crinkly toys
• Some cat trees inspire wonderfully interactive hide and seek play

Safe cat toys help to ease boredom and stimulate your cat’s senses. What could be better than that? Just remember to clear away any parts that your cat can ingest, and contact us with any questions or concerns. Happy playing!