Cheap, loved – but is it also safe? Choosing the right cat toys for your home

An empty box beats expensive toys. A piece of paper is carried around the house as if it were a trophy. And then there are those things that make me pause for a moment: Yes, she loves it—but should she really be playing with it?

That is exactly when a second look is worthwhile. Many household items are exciting for cats, but were never intended as cat toys. My rule of thumb is therefore simple: Anything that can be torn, frayed, swallowed, wrapped around the body, or become sharp-edged should not be left unsupervised for a cat to play with.

HEs 30-Second Safety Check

• Too small? Anything that fits completely in the mouth or easily breaks into small pieces is best put away.
• Sharp or hard-edged? Staples, wire, metal ends, and hard break edges are not toys.
• Long and string-like? String, yarn, gift ribbon, and similar items only under direct supervision—then put them away again.
• Plastic or thin film? If it can be bitten through, torn, or pulled over the head or neck: do not leave it lying around freely.
• Glue, paint, or residues? Sort out packaging with unknown coatings, fragrances, or food residues.

Cardboard and paper: often the better improvisation

A clean, dry cardboard box is a real winner for many cats. I remove tape, staples, strings, and loose labels beforehand. Then it can become a cave, a search game, or a crinkle box. Roughly crumpled, uncoated paper can also work—as long as the cat does not chew it to pieces or swallow pieces.

My favorite: a sturdy box with a few large openings and a familiar toy or individual suitable treats inside. Cheap, includes entertainment, and is easy to put away again.

Aluminum foil: exciting, but not my first choice

It shines, crinkles, and rolls—no wonder some cats immediately pounce on it. At the same time, aluminum foil can tear when chewed and break into small, hard pieces. That is why I would not leave it out as an unsupervised permanent toy. If you like the crinkle effect, a cat toy made for that purpose is usually better.

Wire, cable ties, and metal: please do not improvise

Wire can bend, form points, or get snagged somewhere. Cable ties and small metal parts are also not candidates for 'it will be fine' in my opinion. Here, the simple solution really is the best: do not use it as a cat toy.

String, yarn, and gift ribbon: only play together

Anything long, thin, and string-like is tempting because it moves like prey. If swallowed, however, it can cause serious problems. Therefore: only use under direct supervision, never leave it out for the cat to play with alone, and put it away after playing. For hunting games, I prefer a sturdy cat wand where I can control the game.

Plastic bags, films, and small parts: better to consistently sort them out

Thin plastic can be chewed, handles can get around the head or neck, and small parts can be swallowed. This also applies to many things that seem harmless at first glance: rubber bands, small closures, torn packaging parts, or tiny decorative elements.

If something was swallowed

If you suspect that string, wire, plastic, or other foreign objects have been swallowed, it is better to ask a veterinarian early. Do not wait in case of repeated vomiting, gagging, loss of appetite, noticeable lethargy, or pain. If a string is visible, do not pull on it, but have it checked by a veterinarian.

And what do you give a cat as a gift?

I now clearly separate three things: toys for the cat, activities we do together, and gifts for the cat person. This prevents half of the misunderstandings.

If you are currently looking for ideas, you will find further gift ideas in "For the cat that already has everything". And in "Everything for the cat!", we now deliberately distinguish between Catmas for the joint Advent ritual and decorative gifts for cat people.

With the Catmas Advent calendar (Currently not available for order; 04.11.2026), the important point for me is: The calendar itself is not a cat toy. It should be hung up or set up out of reach; it is filled with things that suit your cat and given individually.

HEs rule of thumb: If I have to think about whether an item could be torn, get stuck, or be swallowed, the cat does not get it to play with alone. Enthusiasm is nice. Being safely excited is better.