FAQ: Toys for cats

Throw a toy away when it is torn, stuffing is coming out, the eyes or bell have come loose, the string is frayed or the plastic has cracked. Toys that start to smell unpleasant after illness or being left somewhere damp are also best discarded.

Rarely, but a cat can be sensitive to certain dyes, rubber or feathers, and people are sometimes allergic to natural feathers or catnip. If you notice red skin, scratching or watery eyes, stop using the toy and talk to a vet.

Choose toys too big to swallow, check regularly that small parts have not come loose, and don't leave chewable toys unsupervised. Take extra care with kittens and cats that like to gnaw on things.

Most toys can be washed in warm water with a mild, unscented detergent and rinsed well. Plastic and rubber toys can be washed more often, fabric ones according to the manufacturer's instructions, while electronics and feathers should not be immersed.

Sturdy fabric toys without electronics or feathers can often be machine-washed on a gentle cycle in a laundry bag. Use an unscented detergent and skip fabric softener, as cats dislike strong smells.

Toys the cat plays with daily are worth cleaning every few weeks, and feeding toys after every use with wet food. If the cat has been ill or a toy is soiled, wash or discard it straight away.

Hot water and mild detergent are usually enough, and hard toys can be scalded or put in the dishwasher if the manufacturer allows. Avoid strong cleaners, essential oils and bleach residue, which can harm cats, and always rinse well.

Some hard plastic, rubber or silicone toys and food puzzles can go in the dishwasher if the manufacturer says so. Fabric, wooden, electronic and feathered toys must not be put in the dishwasher.

A box or basket is handy for toys, while wands, strings and small toys belong in a closed cupboard the cat cannot open. This makes rotating toys easier and keeps dangerous items away from the cat.

Washing usually weakens the catnip scent a lot, so such toys are better wiped with a damp cloth. If you have washed one, you can refresh it by keeping it in a sealed container with dried catnip.

Sturdy, well-washed toys can be reused if the previous cat did not have a contagious disease. If it did, ask a vet, and replace soft toys that are hard to wash with new ones.

Usually the cat has learned that hands are toys, especially if she was played with using fingers from a young age. Play only with toys and keep your hands away so she learns what is fine to bite and claw.

When the cat goes for your hands or feet, freeze, ignore her and immediately offer a kicker or a wand. Play with her regularly so she burns off energy, and never punish her physically.

A cat can become overstimulated, especially during long or very intense play. Watch for a twitching tail, flattened ears and dilated pupils, then slow the game down or let the cat calm down.

Playing cats usually take turns, bite gently, don't hiss or make loud fighting noises and calmly part afterwards. If you hear hissing or yowling, see bristling fur, or one cat keeps fleeing and hiding, it looks more like a conflict.

Some cats carry their caught prey to a safe spot, such as their bed, near the bowls or under the bed. It is normal behaviour, and the stash shows which toys the cat likes most.

Cats play less as they age, and they can also get bored with the same toys. But a sudden loss of interest can be a sign of pain, dental disease, arthritis or another illness, so it is worth a visit to the vet in that case.

Regular play helps a cat let off steam, gives a predictable daily rhythm and can reduce stress-related behaviour. With long-term stress or behaviour problems toys alone are not enough, so it is worth talking to a vet.

In the first days let the cat explore calmly and offer a hiding place and a few toys. Once she starts moving about more confidently, play slowly with a wand at a distance, as play helps build a positive bond with the new place and people.

Use a long wand so you can play while keeping your distance, and move the toy slowly, away from the cat rather than at her. Let her decide when to come closer, and end the game with a treat.