Are you wondering how to clean cat toys? Check out this guide to keep your kitty’s toys clean and safe for your beloved feline.
Let's admit it; we can't always give our full attention to our furry friends.
Sometimes, we seldom play with them due to our work commitment and family responsibilities.
Cats are playful creatures, and they love to play when they're bored.
Thankfully, cats are independent animals, and they can entertain themselves without our aid.
However, to keep them busy, we must give them something to play with. Moreover, a cat toy will do just that.
It's fun to watch them play with their toys. However, what would you do when those toys have been scratched and dragged around anywhere more than you can count?
Another remarkable characteristic of felines is that they are very critical when it comes to cleanliness.
That's why we always make sure that their things are regularly washed and cleaned.
Their beddings, sheets, blankets, litter boxes, food, and water bowls, we never fail to keep these things clean.
However, how about their toys? When pet toys start to look grimy, most cat owners probably throw them away because they didn't know how to clean cat toys properly.
This means that if you have aggressive kitties, you’re likely to replace their toys more frequently.
Of course, we don't want our feline buddies to play with dirty toys. A clean cat is a healthy cat.
You'll be surprised to learn that there are ways on how to clean cat toys naturally.
By learning these ways, we can ensure that our kitties can enjoy their favorite toys longer.
Furthermore, we can save ourselves and our money from buying more.
Learning how to clean cat toys safely and adequately will bring those toys back almost as good as new.
Why Cats Need Toys
Cats may not be as active as dogs, but playtime is still an integral part of their routine.
Although they spend most of their time lazing around, they still need to get exercise to maintain their overall well-being.
If a cat is deprived of sufficient playtime and exercise, it may become overweight.
As we all know it, obesity can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.
Not only does playing develop their physical coordination but it also enhances their mental health.
How to Clean Cat Toys Properly
You're probably thinking that throwing dingy toys in the washer is the easiest and most effective way to do it.
However, take note that there are materials that are not allowed to be put in a machine.
Depending on the materials, there’s a proper way to clean and disinfect cat toys.
Rubber or Plastic Toys
Puzzle toys, rubber balls, and all types of cat toys that are made of rubber or plastic should not be run through a washer.
Clean these toys by soaking them in a large container filled with a mixture of water and white vinegar.
Use a cloth to scrub dirty spots. Rinse in warm water and let it dry naturally.
Fabric Toys
Balls made of fabric and other plush toys for kitties can be washed in the washer. However, only use a mild detergent that has no strong scent.
Fabric can absorb the fragrant of the soap. If the scent is too strong, your kitty may find it disagreeable.
Also, make sure to use the gentle cycle setting especially if the toys appear to be super delicate.
To dry, set the dryer on low heat or cold air. Alternatively, you can take the toys out and lay them flat to dry.
Catnip Toys
Catnip toys are probably your kitty's most favorite toy. Since they prefer this toy more than anything else, it can quickly get dirty and covered in saliva over time.
Cleaning the catnip toys in a washing machine or soaking them in water is out of the question.
Namely, because it will cause the catnip to lose its scent and potency.
If you see that the catnip filling is already wet with saliva, you have no other choice but to take it out and wash the outer fabric case in the washer.
Once the fabric case has dried up, stuff it again with a fresh catnip filling.
Feather Toys
Cleaning the feather part of a wand toy is quite easy. Just rinse the feather with hot water and let it hang to dry.
However, you may need to replace the feather part frequently if your kitty is agile enough to capture it all the time.
Of course, you won’t be using a shredded feather.
How Frequent Should You Clean Cat Toys?
Pay attention to special toys that your kitty is frequently using. Your pet is likely to spend more time with its favorite toys. So the more the toy is being used, the faster it gets dirtied.
You don't have to wash the toys on a daily basis. Cleaning them once a week should be fine. However, it all depends on the frequency of usage.
Additionally, please keep an eye on the places where your pet may be keeping them.
If they drop the toy in the toilet or some dirty place, clean the toy immediately.
With that being said, you must be able to discern if a particular toy needs to be cleaned or not. Of course, you should also be able to tell when to throw out a toy.
For example, if a catnip-filled toy is ripped open, it's best to throw it away. Namely, this is to prevent your cat from ingesting the polyester fiber where the catnip is mixed.
Also, if the plastic toys have broken parts or sharp edges, you may want to consider your pet’s safety and get rid of these toys already.
More importantly, don't wait until the toy becomes extraordinarily filthy or too grimy before you decide to throw it away.
When a toy has too many bites or scratches on it, it’s time to give your pet a new toy.
Likewise, if parts are starting to come off, throw it away before your pet accidentally swallows these parts.
If the fabric toys are beginning to show discolorations, then it’s time to get rid of it.
Regardless of the material, if your cat pees on a toy or it ends up in the litter box, it's best to toss it away.
No amount of washing can get rid of the stench caused by cat urine and feces.
Final thoughts
It's important to know how to clean cat toys naturally. Proper cleaning doesn't only extend the longevity of these toys, but it also keeps your pet healthy.
Moist from the cat’s saliva can build up on the toy, making it an ideal environment for disease-causing germs to grow.
By disinfecting these toys, you’re protecting your feline pet from acquiring germs and viruses that can cause illnesses.
Let your furry companion have fun and be healthy with clean and safe toys to play with.
However, you also need to consider that cats are just like us. Yes, they also get bored with their toys.
They may enjoy playing with their favorite toy, but they'll get sick and tired of it eventually, especially if they're using it for long periods of time.
Try to provide variations and give them different types of toys. However, make only a few available at a time so they won't quickly get bored with it.
More importantly, take the time to play with them. You can use interactive toys to play with your kitty.
It's good to leave them with their toys especially when you're too busy.
However, it's better to allow time to play with your feline friend. They'll surely appreciate every second of your precious playtime.
You may also to check out cat toys and remote control toys for more options.
