Encouraging your feline family member to engage in regular play allows them to “let off some steam”, satisfy their natural predatory instincts, and enjoy fun, quality time with their human family members. Plus, who doesn’t love that adorable little bottom-wiggle that cats do before pouncing on a toy?
To keep your pet happily wiggling (and you giggling!), it’s important to ensure that any toys you provide are good quality and feline friendly. During play, cats may vigorously chew, tackle, kangaroo kick, and claw at their toys, so any play items offered should fit certain safety criteria to minimise the risk of injuries to your pet.
Here's a vet’s perspective on which cat toys are “a go”, and which should be a “a no”!
Why it’s important to ensure your cat’s toys are safe
Unfortunately, poorly designed toys can pose a risk to your kitty’s health and could even lead to serious injuries. Some of the most significant toy-related dangers to be aware of are:
- Ingestion and obstruction: If swallowed, small toy pieces can cause painful irritation of the oesophagus or gut, or may create an intestinal blockage. Sharp pieces of plastic or wire can also perforate the intestines – big ouch for your fur-baby!
- Linear foreign bodies: Long stringy materials such as yarn or ribbon are one of the more common feline household dangers. If swallowed, they frequently become stuck through multiple loops of the intestine, creating an internal “saw-like” effect along long sections of gut.
- Choking and strangulation hazards: Small pieces chewed from toys may become stuck in your cat’s throat, causing choking, while pieces of string can become caught around the base of their tongue and create a similar effect. Additionally, long fixed pieces of string or cord (such as those associated with fishing-rod style toys), may also become knotted around your cat’s neck, leading to strangulation.
The “red flag” list: Dangerous toys and features to avoid
Before clicking purchase on that exciting new cat enrichment toy, check out this list of unsafe toy features to spot and avoid:
- Linear dangers – this includes toys with weak or poorly-attached pieces of string, ribbon, wool or elastic.
- Toys with small, detachable or glued-on parts, such as button eyes/noses, sparkle balls, or bells.
- Toys with easily accessible batteries – button batteries can cause internal burns due to their electrical charge, whereas other alkaline batteries can leak caustic paste or toxic heavy metals if chewed or left to erode in the stomach over several days. If you suspect your furry mate has ingested something, immediately call your local or emergency vet.
- Toys that can be chewed apart – this includes flimsy stuffed toys or fragile/brittle plastic toys. Stay away from these cat chew toys in future!
While some dangers are more obvious than others, no toy is guaranteed to be safe when faced with a determined pet! For this reason, it’s always best to supervise your cat’s playtime, particularly if they’re a particularly inquisitive little monkey who tends to chew silly things!
Any toys that include batteries or lengths of string should be safely packed away when you’re not around.
How to choose safe interactive and traditional cat toys: A vet’s checklist
Now for the fun stuff – shopping for great new cat toys! Here are some of the more toy-rrific and feline-friendly options, including a few cheap and cheerful classics.
Let’s take a look at the best cat toys for your furry mate:
Toys for your cat to stalk and chase
- Ping pong balls or scrunched up balls of paper for your cat to bat around. These are also great enrichment toys for your cat.
- Fishing rod style toys (with a sufficiently durable lure toy) or “cat charmer” wand toys that you can dangle in front of your cat – ensure that you pack these away safely when you’re not around to supervise.
- Laser pointers – these can be great fun provided that your cat is offered a reward for “catching the light” at the end of the game, such as a treat or a physical toy that they can grab and bite. This closure helps to satisfy your cat’s hunting instincts, ensuring that they don’t become frustrated or develop obsessive-compulsive tendencies about the laser pointer.
- Automatic/motorised toys for your cat to swat at or chase around the house – these should be made of durable plastic with securely-contained batteries, and ideally should only be used under supervision.
Toys for your cat to grab
- Well-made stuffed toys (without button eyes/noses) can be very satisfying for your cat to grab, kangaroo kick, and bite!
- Activity play mats/rugs made of durable fabrics – these can be formed into different shapes for your cat to claw and roll around in.
- You can also DIY cat toys made of cardboard that will keep your furry friend entertained for hours!
Toys for your cat to climb
- Solidly made cat climbing towers (with multiple platforms and hidey holes) are a staple for a reason! Place them near securely closed windows so that your cat can get an interesting view of the outdoors too.
- Tall scratching posts (at least as tall as your cat’s full body stretch), with a large, solid base to prevent them rocking around during use.
- Cardboard and wood feline scratching “lounges”, which are heavy enough not to lift off the ground when your cat uses them.
Toys for your cat to hide in
- A big cardboard box with a few holes cut out for sneaky feline eyes and arms – simple but classic!
- Fabric tunnel toys for your cat to run through or roll around in.
Toys for your cat to solve
- Puzzle board toys with hidey holes/mazes that treats or food can be loaded into – ensure these are made of durable, easily cleanable plastic with no small removable parts that your cat could choke on.
- Kibble-dispensing toys made of durable plastic or rubber.
- Snuffle mats sprinkled with your cat’s favourite treats – these are best used under supervision to ensure that your cat doesn’t get confused and chew at the fabric instead!
Lastly, ensure that you regularly inspect your cat’s toys for any signs of wear and tear that could make them unsafe for play, such as loosening parts or fraying fabric.
When to call your vet: Signs of a toy-related emergency
Unfortunately, even with due owner diligence, some particularly cheeky little kitties will still somehow find a way to get into a pickle. It’s best to seek a prompt veterinary assessment if your cat shows any of the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Reluctance to eat
- Reluctance to move
- Hunched, uncomfortable posture
- Signs of discomfort around their mouth, such as unusual drooling or pawing at their mouth
- Vomiting that isn’t just a one-off hairball vomit
- Coughing, retching or choking
- Straining to poo or seeming unable to poo normally
It’s also recommended to seek prompt veterinary advice if you ever suspect that your cat may have eaten part of a toy, as rapid intervention can help prevent serious issues for your pet.
Considering getting protection for your beloved fur baby? Get in touch with Buddy Pet Insurance to find out how Buddy can help cover eligible treatments and vet visits.
31 Oct 2025