Cat and Dog Toys

Match the toy to how your pet plays

Product types map to play styles. Dogs that chew need rubber or nylon chew toys, tuggers want rope or braided fleece, and fetch fans need balls or launchers. Treat dispensers give a thinking game as well as a snack. Cats chase and pounce, so tunnels, feather wands and catnip balls fit better than hard chew toys. Sisal rope doubles as a scratching surface. Rotate a few toys instead of leaving everything out, and put away interactive wands with strings between sessions.

Size, age and safety checks before the first game

Size bands such as small breed, large breed or giant breed matter: a toy that is too small can lodge in the throat. Puppies need softer, lighter toys, while adult chewers need tougher ones. Rubber and nylon last longer than plush, Oxford fabric is a tough woven polyester used for tunnels, and canvas suits tugging. Check seams, squeakers and stuffing, and throw away any toy that is torn or losing pieces. Supervise play with new toys.

Questions about Cat and Dog Toys

How do I choose a safe ball size for my dog?

Pick a ball too large to fit fully in the mouth or lodge at the back of the throat, and avoid hard balls that can chip teeth. Check the breed size on the listing, and retire any ball that is cracked or chewed apart.

Do all cats like catnip?

No. Sensitivity to catnip is inherited, and many cats, especially young kittens, show no reaction. Others become excited for a few minutes, then lose interest for a while. Try one small toy before buying several.

How often should I replace chew toys?

Inspect them regularly and replace a toy as soon as it cracks, splits, loses chunks or gets small enough to swallow. Strong chewers may get through toys quickly. Rotating a few toys also keeps them interesting.