FAQ: Toys for small pets

Rodents chew toys and swallow some of the material, so unpainted toys are safer. If you choose coloured ones, make sure the maker states food-grade or pet-safe dyes, and remove any toy with peeling paint.

Many small pet toys are glued, so choose ones with non-toxic glue, or toys joined with wooden pegs or slotted together without glue. Throw away a toy that is coming unstuck or shows lumps of glue.

Yes, woven seagrass, corn husk or water hyacinth toys are natural and usually safe to chew. They wear out fairly quickly, so replace them when they fall apart or go mouldy.

Loofah is a dried plant fibre that small pets usually enjoy shredding and chewing. Choose natural, unbleached and undyed loofah, and if the animal eats large amounts, offer it less often.

Coconut shell houses suit hamsters, mice and gerbils, as they are sturdy and natural. The entrance must be large enough and have smooth edges so the animal does not get stuck or hurt.

Natural cork bark is often used for tunnels and hideouts; it is light and rodents enjoy chewing it. It should not be glued composite cork, and if the animal swallows a lot of it, replace the toy.

Rodents chew plastic, and swallowed sharp pieces can harm their digestion. Hard plastic is only acceptable for items the animal does not chew, such as a wheel housing; chew toys are better made from natural materials.

No, rodents easily chew rubber and silicone, and swallowed pieces can block the gut. Keep such toys, even those meant for other pets, out of rodents’ reach.

Ceramic houses are heavy so they do not tip over, they are easy to wash and pleasantly cool in summer. They cannot be chewed, so wooden or hay chews are still needed nearby.

Bell clappers, rings and other small metal parts can be pulled off and swallowed, or catch teeth and paws. Toys without metal parts, or with parts firmly fixed out of reach, are safer for small pets.

Pumice stones are often used in chinchilla and other rodent cages as a hard gnawing surface. Mineral stones with additives are not necessary for an animal on a balanced diet, and hay is what matters most for rabbits’ and guinea pigs’ teeth.

Yes, balls, houses and mats woven from hay or grass are safe and edible, so they are great for rabbits, guinea pigs and other herbivores. They should not be bonded with glue, and must be thrown out if they get damp or start to mould.

No. Rabbits’ and guinea pigs’ teeth wear down naturally through long chewing of hay, and chew toys are only an extra activity. Hay must be available at all times, however many toys are in the cage.

Chews help satisfy the urge to gnaw and contribute a little to tooth wear, but the right diet matters most. If you notice teeth that are too long or crooked, or the animal struggles to eat, see a vet, because toys alone will not fix it.

Some animals do not know what to do with a toy at first, so try a different material such as a twig, cardboard or a hay toy, and rub it with hay or herbs. If the animal is eating or chewing little in general, ask a vet to check its teeth.

Bar chewing often signals boredom, a cage that is too small or a wish to get out, and sometimes the animal is simply calling its owner. More space, chew toys, foraging and time outside the cage usually help, and constant chewing can damage the teeth.

Replace chew toys when they are gnawed down to pieces small enough to swallow, when they get soaked with urine or start to mould. Heavy chewers such as degus or rats may need new chews every few weeks.

Yes, plain cardboard with no tape or glossy coating is a popular and cheap activity. Most small pets shred it rather than eat it, but if the animal swallows a lot, give less.

Plain, unprinted paper is the better choice, as printing inks and glossy coatings are not meant to be eaten. A small amount of ordinary newspaper usually does no harm, but glossy magazine and leaflet paper is unsuitable.

These sticks are a treat, as they are high in carbohydrates and sugar. They can be given occasionally and in small amounts, while twigs, wooden toys and hay are better for everyday chewing.