How Often to Replace Your Cat’s Toys for Safe and Fun Playtime
If your cat’s toy stash has grown into a mountain of feathered wands and crinkly balls, you might be wondering—how often should you replace your cat's toys? It’s a great question and one we hear quite a bit from Kiwi cat parents. Just like us, cats can get bored of the same old routine, and their toys can wear out over time. To help you keep your feline friend mentally stimulated and safe during playtime, we’ve created this expert-backed guide to knowing when and how to refresh your toy collection.
Why Changing Toys Matters For Your Cat’s Health And Happiness
Cats thrive on mental and physical stimulation. Whether they’re batting at something dangly or hunting a plush mouse, toys support your cat’s natural instincts and overall well-being. But worn-out toys can lose their allure—or worse, become potential hazards. That’s why it’s essential to rotate and replace toys regularly.
Keeping your toy box fresh helps:
- Prevent boredom and behavioural issues
- Encourage healthy exercise and relieve stress
- Ensure toys are safe from wear and tear like exposed stuffing or sharp edges
- Appeal to your cat’s hunting instincts and play preferences
At Petdirect, we get pet—so we know how important it is to keep playtime safe, exciting and enriching.
How Often Should You Replace Your Cat’s Toys?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but a general rule of paw is to replace your cat’s toys every few months, or sooner if they’re damaged. Some toy types wear out faster than others depending on how feisty your fur baby is.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Plush toys: Replace when they get ripped, chewed through or if the stuffing is exposed.
- Teaser wands: Replace monthly or when the string, wand or feather attachments fray or come loose.
- Catnip toys: Replace every 1–2 months or when the scent fades.
- Electronic or smart toys: Check batteries often and replace when parts wear down or stop functioning.
Consider rotating toys every few days to keep things engaging—which also helps prolong their lifespan!
Explore our full range of cat toys to find options your cat will love sinking their claws into.
Signs It’s Time To Retire A Toy
Cats may not have a toybox clean-out routine, but you can step in as playtime supervisor. Here are signs that say “out with the old”:
- Loose threads, feathers or parts that could be swallowed
- Exposed stuffing or torn fabric
- Sharp or broken plastic on electronic toys
- Mouldy or smelly toys, particularly if they're fabric-based
- Loss of interest from your cat—even if the toy looks fine
If in doubt, it’s safer to swap it out. Toys should spark curiosity and joy—not pose a risk.
How To Extend The Life Of Your Cat’s Toys
Rotating and cleaning cat toys can go a long way. You can gently hand wash many plush or fabric toys using pet-safe detergent, and wipe down plastic or tech toys with a damp cloth. Always read product instructions for care tips.
It’s also a good idea to have a mix of toy types on hand—like plush mice for cuddly cats and interactive cat toys for curious adventurers. This keeps things fresh while catering to different play styles. From ball chasers to catnip-filled delights, variety really is the spice of a cat's life.
Where To Find Quality Replacement Toys
At Petdirect, we only stock toys from trusted brands like KONG, Cheerble and Mad Cat, so you can shop with confidence. Whether you’re after something soft, squeaky or smart, you’ll find the purr-fect fit in our cat toys collection.
Need a little help picking? Pop into one of our stores or browse our top-rated picks online. Don’t forget—our Pet Perks loyalty programme and Autodeliver service make it easy to keep the fun coming!
Keep Playtime Safe, Fun And Fresh
When it comes to your cat’s toys, fresh is best. Replacing worn toys regularly keeps your cat safe, happy and engaged—while rotating toys helps make old favourites feel new again. And with so many exciting options to choose from at Petdirect, you’re always a click away from your cat’s next playtime obsession.
Ready to refresh your toy box? Explore our full collection of cat toys and discover new ways to keep your kitty pouncing with joy!