Last Updated on May 2, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research. Dog Pet Toys
Many cat parents are becoming more aware of the products they purchase for their pets. Eco-friendly options are available for cat litter and food, but what about cat toys? Plenty of handmade, upcycled, sustainable cat products are made from safe materials that are sustainably sourced.
To save you research time, we created reviews of the best eco-friendly cat toys. All the products on this list are quality cat toys made from sustainable or up-cycled materials.
If your cat goes cuckoo for catnip, Hepper’s Catnip Stick Toy is a must-have. The catnip sticks are easy to keep clean with a simple wipe-down, and the double-bagged design makes it more difficult for cats to tear them apart bit by bit.
Even better, all the catnip is 100% organic, so you’re only giving your cat the best of the best. They’re handmade in the United States, so you know exactly what you’re getting with each one.
However, while there’s no doubt that the catnip sticks are durable, they’re not entirely destruction-proof. If your cat tends to tear things up, there’s still a good chance they’ll eventually work through the material. However, it’s durable enough for most cats without sacrificing their interest level, so it easily earns a spot at the top of our list!
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
The Hepper Mice Toy Set in Flax is infused with catnip to promote mental and physical stimulation. The budget-friendly price tag makes it affordable for all. These mice are gently made with all-natural, eco-friendly materials so that you can feel good about your purchase. It’s the perfect toy to encourage exercise for all ages of indoor cats.
The catnip is infused into the ball, so your cat won’t ingest it unless they tear the toy apart. The rope ends have the potential to fray over time, but the overall value that this ball provides makes it worth the risk.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
The Imperial Cat Dachshund Cat Scratching Board is our third choice for eco-friendly cat toys. This cat scratcher doubles as a lounging bed with a surface that mimics tree bark. It comes with 100% organic catnip to entice your cat to use the board, and it’s made from 100% recycled materials.
If your cat is a heavy scratcher, you may pick up tiny bits of cardboard that come off the board. Most cats use the product as a lounger rather than a scratching board. Regardless of your cat’s preference, it’s a cute piece of cat furniture that can fit into any room.
Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Toy Type Exercise Features Catnip Material Plastic
Ethical Pet Kitty prides itself on making cat products out of sustainable, eco-friendly materials. These mesh tubes are made from recycled plastic and infused with catnip to encourage interactive play. They are brightly colored and are appropriate for cats of all ages and sizes.
However, not all cats are interested in these toys, and the catnip smell seems to wear off quite quickly.
If you’re looking for a fun play space that doubles as a bed or hiding spot, the SnugglyCat Ripple Rug fits the bill. It’s made of recycled materials and satisfies a wide range of cat instincts, including stalking, scratching, pouncing, nesting, and hiding. The thermal base makes it a warm nap spot.
The Ripple Rug is covered with all-natural carpet fibers to trap fur and dander. It’s big enough to accommodate multiple cats to encourage social play. The only downside of this cat toy is that it may be too big for small rooms. If you live in a tiny apartment, you may find that the SnugglyCat Ripple Rug takes up too much floor space for your liking.
This cardboard cat house from Frisco is designed to look like a spaceship. It provides a cozy hideaway with two levels. Each level has a separate scratchpad, and it’s appropriate for multi-cat households. The corrugated cardboard is also scratch-friendly. Two large openings enable your cats to hop in and out as they please.
This cat house doesn’t come assembled but is relatively easy to put together. The biggest concern with the product is whether the cardboard will stand up to frequent use. The inner scratch pads are sturdy and designed to hold large cats, but there is a risk of the cardboard outside falling apart if it becomes your cat’s favorite scratching post.
The Fuzzu Sweet Baby Mice Sweetie Mouse toy is infused with 100% U.S.-grown certified organic catnip to encourage active play. It’s the perfect size to bat, chase, and toss around. All materials used in this toy are non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about safety if your cat tries to eat it.
As with any toy, your cat’s interest in it can vary. Some cats love this toy, while others don’t. However, it’s durable and stands up to heavy play.
Earthtone Solutions Sisal Wand Mouse Teaser has handmade, woven mice attached to elastic strings. It encourages your cat’s natural hunting instinct. Since this toy requires you to participate, your cat will love it, providing extra bonding time with your furry friend. Unlike many other teaser toys, the hardwood rods don’t bend or break easily.
Since you control the play session, this is a good option for encouraging exercise. The threads on the mice break easily and fray, so the toy doesn’t look pretty for long.
Some customers mentioned that the squeakers work inconsistently. It is also recommended that you don’t leave your cat unattended with teaser toys since they can become tangled in the string and get injured.
The K&H Pet Products Stretch n’ Scratch Cat Scratcher Toy is A-shaped, and your cat can climb up and down the ramps as they satisfy their scratching instincts. There are three setup options to adjust it to your cat’s preferences or change things up when your kitty gets bored. A package of catnip is included with the toy, and you can sprinkle it on the board to get cats interested in it.
While this cat scratcher satisfies all the basic requirements of an eco-friendly cat toy, the cardboard construction makes it less durable than other brands. It moves around when cats play on it, which makes many nervous about using it as a climber. For cats that like to pounce on top of things, the scratching board can collapse.
Cats are independent creatures, each with a distinct personality of their own. Finding affordable, stimulating toys that your cat enjoys can be hard. If you only want to buy eco-friendly toys, your choices are narrowed down even further. How do you know which toys are worth the hype?
Here are a few tips to help you choose cat toys for your kitty:
The best overall eco-friendly cat toy on this list is the Hepper Catnip Stick Toy. This lightweight and organic self-play toy will entice almost all cats, making it an excellent choice for pet owners. The Planet Pleasure Bouncy Ball With Catnip is our budget buy pick. The ball will keep your cat active for hours and is infused with catnip to maintain interest while remaining affordable for cat owners on a budget.
Featured Image Credit: winni-design, Shutterstock
Dog Chew Toy Chelsie is a freelance writer who is passionate about helping owners and cats live their best lives. She currently lives in rural Alberta, Canada with her husband and two children, and is currently a pet parent to four horses, four cats, and a border collie.