The Potential Dangers of Cat Toys
What are the Potential Dangers of Cat Toys?
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Cats have a natural playfulness that's simply irresistible to encourage. And if we don't give them toys to play with, many cats will grow bored and restless. Or they might even find their own fun and leave you a mess of torn-up toilet paper on the bathroom floor. Unfortunately, we have to be very careful about the toys we allow our beloved feline friends to play with.
Some toys that attract cats the most will also be a health hazard for them. Consider ribbon, yarn and string. Although they're a classic kitty play toy, and they often make for a perfectly idyllic scene to watch, they do pose some problems. If it's long enough, for instance, a cat could roll around and get caught in a ribbon or yarn, which might strangle it. Plastic bags can also suffocate cats.
But the most common warning against ribbon, yarn and the like is that if a cat ingests it, it can cause blockage in the intestine. Ingestion is also a danger for rubber bands or feathers. And small balls and other objects are always a choking hazard. If you do find string that's been partially swallowed (or coming out of the rectum) don't try to pull it out, as it could cause fatal intestinal damage. Instead, take the cat to the vet as soon as possible.
The fact that you get a cat toy from a pet store is no guarantee that it's safe for kitty, either. Store-bought toys, though they may be made especially for cats, can be dangerous -- or become dangerous if they get broken. Fake mice, for instance, can come with small plastic eyes that a cat might be able to remove and swallow. Remove the eyes, feathers or other things your cat could swallow before letting it play with the toy. Cheap, stuffed soft toys also could be dangerous if the cat is able to tear it open and swallow the filling. Unsecured standing posts can topple down, too.
We don't mean to make cat owners unnecessarily paranoid with these warnings. Many cats can play with such toys without hurting themselves. What's most important, however, is that you inspect toys closely and supervise your cat during playtime.
Next, we'll explore why playtime is so important and offer some suggestions for safe toys.
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