I have a huge problem with pet crochet pet toys and here’s why: if your pet (namely dogs and cats) tears up the pet and starts eating the string it can get tangled and cause severe damage to your pet’s intestines which can lead to death. It’s why you really shouldn’t give your dog spaghetti/pasta.
Further reading
Foreign Objects Are Dangerous for Pets | London, ON
https://www.rover.com/blog/toxic-pet-toys-beds-safety-guide/
I really think y’all should be aware of the risk you’re putting your pets at by making crochet pet toys. I don’t know if many people are aware of this, but it’s Really important for the saftey of your pet.
49 Likes
I’m gonna be honest, I genuinely didn’t know this before the whole discussion occured. Thank you so much for this post!
15 Likes
Yeah I agree, I’ve seen some patterns for the little mice toys for cats and always thought they might be unsafe…
12 Likes
Thank you for bringing this up!! I’ve gotten a few requests from friends for pet toys and they never seem to understand why I turn it down.
6 Likes
YES! crochet toys are only okay if you supervise the playtime. Your cat can be an angel and not tear toys, but they can still get worn out and become a threat without you noticing
10 Likes
I definitely agree but for me my cat just bats her toys around so I don’t think it’s that hight of a risk??
7 Likes
yes! this is so helpful for people to know! my dog always ruins her toys so quickly​
6 Likes
YES! One time my dog ate some parts of a ball of yarn (I didn’t give it to her she knocked over smth) but she ate a lot and we had to pull a bunch out of her throat. I made one toy for her which is a crocheted ball filled with leaves that she has while supervised and playing with me. Also I feel with cats their claws could get caught in the yarn that has multiple ply’s and get pulled. I would only make crocheted dog toys for photos.
5 Likes
They could eventually want to see what it tastes like or get board and it is still a risk. It’s like leaving baby’s with grapes or a high hazard chocking food. They might eat it normally and safely, but they can always choke on it and it is still a danger
6 Likes
This is very important. My mom had a friend who’s cat ate yarn and died
7 Likes
…just read this and I had never really been concerned abt it because my cats don’t really play too hard with their toys, so I never had a problem with it until this. I think I am going to take down my cat toy pattern because of this issue
6 Likes
Wow great timing. I was just thinking of making a dog toy today ( *ďľźAďľź)
3 Likes
I feel like dog toys are definitely the main concern when it comes to shredding toys. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying cats can’t do that, just that it’s less likely. I’ve never had one of my cats (and I’ve had cats for the last 30 years) shred a toy - even their absolute favorites.
If people do choose to create cat toys, maybe the call is to put a disclaimer in that they should be given to their animals at the owner’s discretion in knowing their pets habits.
Also, what I will say is that pet toys should be made out of natural fibers and never acrylic. Cotton, if it sheds, can be digested whereas acrylic is still a microplastic and definitely not intended for the digestive tract. Same with stuffing the toys. When I create cat toys for my cats, I don’t put polyfil in. You can buy natural cotton stuffing. I’ve also used the crinkly wrappers that come on the “grandma strawberry candies” (iykyk?).
TL;dr - add a disclaimer for others who may make them, and know your own animals if you’re making your own.
5 Likes
I have a cat and a dog and I have never made a toy for my dog because he likes to destroy his toys but my grandma made a sweeter for him to wear outside in the winter and he loves it
And for my cat I have made a mouse but it doesn’t have a tail because that she will come loose and in worse cases cost a choking hazard for her
(she doesn’t destroy her toys the only thing I really need too look after is that they are to big too swallow and that they don’t have a string attached too it)
My point is that maby find a alternative solution for crocheting for your pet maby make a blanket or a sweater for cold days
4 Likes
Im notl trying to promote this but if you do, id suggests gluing the ends in wuth a non-toxic option
3 Likes
Agreed! I knitted (I had a knitting phase once) a cat toy once and then I realized it probably wouldn’t be safe for my cat.
2 Likes
Thank. You. I was actively about to start crocheting a toy for my aunt and uncles cat, obviously now I won’t.
1 Like
Even still if your pet teds to be rough with their toys it can still come apart even if it’s not at the ends
2 Likes
Im aware. Thats why i said i wasnt trying to promote the whole thing but people tend to do thing anyways even though theyre told not to. Its just an extra precaution for those kind of people
1 Like
