Being a responsible cat owner requires you to choose safe cat toys.Your cat should have a variety of toys to play with, as playing with cat toys is a regular part of your cat's daily activities.Pick toys that aren't hazardous.Make sure cats can't swallow small parts.Use your toys with care.When you aren't home to watch your cat, some toys should be put in storage.
Step 1: Don't buy toys if they are not inspected prior to purchase.
Pet stores and department stores have damaged toys in the past.A toy with a pointed edge can be dangerous for a cat.Carefully inspect the toy before putting it in your cart.Purchase a toy that is in good shape.If you find a damaged toy, it's a good idea to alert the store clerk.You don't want other people to pick up the damaged toy.
Step 2: You should watch out for sharp edges.
If you're buying a puzzle or plastic toy, make sure to run your fingers along the edges.Make sure you don't notice anything that hurts your fingers.Cats chew, batting, and kick toys.If your cat plays with a toy that has a sharp edge, it could cut its mouth or skin.Ball toys aren't likely to have sharp edges so they're a good option.Soft catnip mice are a good option.
Step 3: Don't buy foil toys.
A cat can find foil to be fun and colorful.foil can cause damage.It's a good idea to avoid toys made out of foil.Look for toys made of soft materials.People give their cats foil as a toy.foil can cut your cat.
Step 4: If you have plush toys, avoid hazardous filling.
There is a list of ingredients on plush toys.As they're soft and easy for your cat to carry, plush toys are a safe option.Polystyrene beads, beans, or nutshells should not be in plush toys.Stuffing in toys is usually safe for cats.
Step 5: There are toys with non-detachable parts.
If the cat toy has small parts, look closely.There are buttons, strings, and feathers attached to toys.A mouse toy may have a string tail that a cat can easily detach.The toys with non-detachable parts should be avoided.Look for toys with eyes and ears that are embroidered or sewn on.If you find a toy that has some small parts but is otherwise good, buy it and use scissors to remove them.Sometimes small parts are only present for aesthetic reasons and are not likely to be missed by a cat.
Step 6: Make sure toys are small.
Don't buy anything small that will fit in your cat's mouth.These could be swallowed if they were swallowed.This is important if you have a kitten, as they are more likely to swallow their toys.A big toy is needed for a cat to hold in its mouth.It's best to have larger, clunkier toys.Larger plush mice are usually enough for a cat to use safely.
Step 7: There are secure batteries for electronic toys.
Make sure the electronic toys are safe for your cat.The batteries are secured tightly with screws.Cats can swallow batteries if they are small.Don't let your cat play with an electronic toy without your supervision, even if the toy's batteries are secured.If you only use electronic toys to watch your cat, they can be perfectly safe.
Step 8: Do not allow your cat to play with small household items.
You may be tempted to let your cat play with small household items that they are interested in.Many household items are easy to swallow.They can be deadly when swallowed.Do not allow your cat to play with these items.
Step 9: Don't give yarn and strings to kittens.
If you allow your cat to play with yarn and string, make sure you watch it.It is possible for yarn and string to get stuck in your cat's intestines and need to be removed.Don't leave your cat yarn and string laying around when you're not around.Cats may swallow rubber bands, so you should avoid them.
Step 10: When not in use, keep fishing pole toys out of reach.
When a person is present, fishing pole toys are meant to be used.A fishing pole toy can be dragged along the floor or hung in the air for your cat to catch.Cats can swallow string from toys if you're not present.Your cat may swallow a fishing pole toy that has feathers on it.When you are not around, keep fishing pole toys out of your cat's reach.Cats are excellent climbers and tend to get into things, so make sure to pick a very secure location.A cupboard that is locked is a good place to keep a fishing pole toy.
Step 11: Get rid of broken toys.
There are cat toys that break.The edges of broken toys can pose a safety risk.If a toy breaks, throw it away.
Step 12: When you aren't around, put toys with small parts away.
There are toys with small parts that can be used safely.When playing with your cat, batteries-operated toys are safe to use.When you're not around, make sure to keep the toys in a secure location because cats can swallow small parts.
Step 13: Purchase toys that your cat can chase.
Cats like chasing toys because they remind them of hunting in the wild.Fishing pole toys are a great and safe toy to use with supervision.Laser pointers are fun for cats as they can chase the light.There are toys that can be changed to be used for chasing.If you want your cat to chase a plush mouse, you can tie a string around it and drag it along the floor.Don't leave your cat with a string.
Step 14: Cat toys can be used alone.
If you leave your cat alone for long hours, make sure they have toys they can use.Cats can use plush mice and small balls when you're not around.There are some stores that sell puzzle toys.Your cat must open the contraption if you put a toy or piece of food inside it.While you're gone, these can entertain your cat.Make sure the toy is safe to use while you're gone by reading the label.
Step 15: Provide a toy.
Most cats are safe to use catnip.It will not cause health problems.You can store catnip in some of the toys that you invest in.The cat will like the toy.Not all cats are interested in catnip, so keep that in mind.If you have more than one cat, they may fight.Do not let cats fight over it alone.
Step 16: You can use household items as toys.
Many household items are safe to give to your cat as a toy.Cats can use the following items as toys: plastic shower curtains, Milk caps, Ping-pong balls, empty cardboard tubes, paper bags and boxes.