FAQ: Toys for small pets

Yes, many rabbits love pushing, rolling and tossing light willow, hay or hard plastic balls with holes. The ball should be big enough that the rabbit cannot swallow it, and made of a material that is safe to chew.

Usually not, since cat toys often contain feathers, string, rubber, glue, bells or catnip, and rodents do not just play with toys but chew them too. Choose toys made for small pets or natural materials.

Some rabbits enjoy tossing hard baby toys such as plastic keys or rings. They are only suitable if the rabbit does not chew them, and chewed or cracked toys must be thrown away.

Rabbits often pick up and throw light items such as willow balls, hay rings, cardboard tubes or hard plastic rings. This is normal play, so it is worth having a few such toys that the rabbit can easily grab with its teeth.

Some rabbits and rats like noisy toys, but the bell must be enclosed inside the toy so it cannot be pulled off or swallowed. The sound may unsettle timid animals, so watch how they react.

Usually not. Toys that move suddenly and buzz can frighten prey animals, and their batteries, wires and plastic are dangerous if chewed. Small pets are better suited to toys they push or explore themselves.

A mirror is not necessary, and for some animals, such as hamsters or rabbits, the reflection can cause stress or aggression. Mirrors with glass or thin plastic can also break or be chewed, so it is better to leave them out.

Dangerous toys include soft plastic and rubber, toys with string, small parts or bells, those varnished or painted with unknown paints, and lacquered or pressed wood. Also avoid toys with openings narrow enough to trap a head or limb.

Long threads can wrap around paws, toes or the neck and cut off circulation, and if swallowed can block the gut. Fabric toys, hammocks and ropes therefore need checking often and removing once they start to fray.

Yes, beads, eyes, plastic decorations and other small parts can be chewed off and swallowed. Choose toys made of one solid material with no small glued or sewn-on pieces.

Small amounts of natural wood, hay or willow are usually harmless, as these toys are made to be chewed. If the animal has swallowed plastic, rubber or fabric and then stops eating, stops passing droppings or seems lethargic, contact a vet.

Hamsters often chew plastic houses, which also have poor airflow and trap moisture. A wooden, ceramic, cardboard or coconut house is usually more suitable for a hamster.

Throw a toy away when it is chewed down to small pieces, has sharp edges, loose parts, exposed nails or wire, is mouldy or soaked with urine. A weekly check helps spot dangerous toys in time.

Colour itself is not dangerous; what matters is the dye used. If the maker does not state that the dyes are food-grade or pet-safe, and the colour peels or rubs off on paws, it is better to swap the toy for a natural one.

Some wooden or natural-fibre bird toys can work for rats or degus, but many have chains, bells, acrylic or brightly painted parts. Before giving one, make sure it has no metal fittings or small parts.

Openings in toys should be either big enough for the animal to pass through easily or too small for it to get its head in. Take special care with rings, nets and woven balls whose gaps could trap a head or paw.

Yes, many houseplants are toxic to small pets, and a roaming rabbit or rat may nibble them. Move plants out of reach during playtime and give the animal safe things to chew instead.

Plain cardboard, paper bags, toilet roll tubes, egg boxes and hay can be turned into tunnels, hideouts and foraging toys. The key is not to use glue, tape, glossy paper or plastic.

Cardboard egg boxes make a simple foraging toy: put pellets or herbs in the cups and cover them with hay. Choose clean, undyed boxes and throw away the shredded leftovers after play.

Yes, brown paper bags without handles, glue or print are popular with rabbits, rats and other small pets for crawling into, digging and shredding. Never give plastic bags, as they can suffocate and be swallowed.