Safe Toys for Kittens: What to Buy, What to Avoid, How to Play

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Kittens play to learn. Pouncing, chasing, biting and carrying objects build muscles, coordination and hunting skills. But their curious mouths mean that toys can be hazardous. Choosing well keeps play fun and safe.

What makes a toy safe

• Size. Too large to swallow. A good rule is bigger than a golf ball for balls.
• Construction. No small parts, buttons, plastic eyes or bells that can detach.
• Material. Non-toxic, durable, with no strong smell.
• No long strings or ribbons. Linear objects can tangle the intestines.
• Appropriate texture. Soft plush, sturdy rubber, crinkle fabric or cardboard.

Check toys regularly, and discard any that are torn, frayed or broken.

Good toy types

• Wand toys, with feathers, fabric or ribbon on a stick. They encourage hunting, but must be supervised, and put away afterward. See how to play with a kitten.
• Balls, solid, light and a safe size, such as ping-pong style or crinkle balls.
• Plush toys, such as kickers, for biting and bunny kicking. See why do cats bunny kick.
• Tunnels and boxes, for hide and seek. See why do cats love boxes.
• Puzzle feeders and treat balls. See puzzle feeders and slow feeders for cats.
• Track balls with an enclosed ball.
• Scratchers with toys attached.
• Catnip toys, for kittens over about six months. See is catnip safe for cats.

See best cat toys by personality.

Dangerous items

• String, yarn, thread, dental floss and ribbon. If swallowed, one end can anchor under the tongue or stomach, and the rest gut can bunch up, causing a linear foreign body, which is an emergency. See linear foreign body in cats.
• Rubber bands and hair ties.
• Tinsel and Christmas decorations. See cats and christmas trees.
• Small balls and pompoms that can be swallowed.
• Toys with detachable parts.
• Plastic bags, which cause suffocation.
• Sewing needles and pins.
• Cheap toys that shed fuzz or paint.
• Human toys designed for children, which may contain small parts.
• Toxic plants. See cat safe houseplants.

Wand toy rules

Wand toys are among the best for bonding and exercise, but the string must be treated with care. Never leave them out. Store them in a closed cupboard. Replace worn string.

Laser pointers

Many kittens love chasing a dot, but it provides no catch, which can cause frustration. If you use a laser, never shine in the eyes, keep sessions short, and end by dropping the dot on a toy or treat. See laser pointers good or bad.

Rotate toys

Cats get bored with the same toys. Keep a few out, and swap them every few days. Hide some for a rotating surprise. This keeps novelty high.

DIY toys

• Crumpled paper balls. Large enough not to swallow.
• Cardboard boxes and paper bags, with handles removed.
• Toilet roll tubes, with treats inside.
• Egg carton puzzle, with kibble in the cups.
• Paper bag tunnel.
• Old socks with catnip, knotted tightly, with no loose threads.

Always supervise DIY toys, and discard when worn.

Play with people

The best toy is you. Kittens need daily interactive play with wand toys, to build confidence. Never use hands or feet. See how to stop a kitten biting.

If your kitten swallows something

Call your vet at once. Do not pull a string that hangs from the mouth or rear. Signs of a blockage include vomiting, loss of appetite, lethargy and a painful belly. See kitten vomiting.

Cleaning toys

Wash plush toys regularly. Wipe hard toys with mild soap. Replace toys that smell, or are damaged.

Choosing toys by age

Kittens under eight weeks enjoy soft, light toys they can bat, such as crinkle balls and small plush items without parts. From two to four months, add wand toys under supervision, tunnels and balls. From four to six months, kittens chew harder, so choose durable options and offer chew-safe items. Always match the toy to the kitten's size, and keep plenty of variety.

Toy storage

Store wand toys and string-like toys in a closed cupboard or box. Keep a small basket of safe toys out. A tidy toy system protects your kitten and keeps novelty high.

Spotting wear and tear

Check every toy weekly. Look for loose stitching, exposed stuffing, chewed corners, cracked plastic and frayed feathers. Anything that has lost a piece goes in the bin. Cats also swallow hair ties and ribbons left on the floor, so keep household items tidy. A quick tidy before bedtime protects your kitten while you sleep.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your kitten swallows part of a toy, vomits repeatedly or acts unwell. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.