---
title: "Cat toys and enrichment: how to keep playtime fun, stimulating, and safe"
id: "5723"
type: "post"
slug: "cat-toys-and-enrichment"
published_at: "2026-07-28T06:12:34+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-07-28T06:12:35+00:00"
url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/cat-toys-and-enrichment/"
markdown_url: "https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/cat-toys-and-enrichment.md"
excerpt: "Play is an important part of every cat’s physical and mental wellbeing. It provides opportunities for cats to stay active, engage with their environment, and express natural behaviours such as climbing, scratching, or chasing. Playtime also provides valuable mental stimulation..."
taxonomy_category:
  - "Health & wellness"
---

[Pet Talk](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/)
  [Health & wellness](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-talk/category/health-and-wellness/)
  Cat toys and enrichment: how to keep playtime fun, stimulating, and safe

Health & wellness

# Cat toys and enrichment: how to keep playtime fun, stimulating, and safe

Written by our RSPCA Pet Insurance Team

28 Jul, 2026 - 8 min read

Play is an important part of every cat’s physical and mental wellbeing. It provides opportunities for cats to stay active, engage with their environment, and express natural behaviours such as climbing, scratching, or chasing. Playtime also provides valuable mental stimulation and can help strengthen the bond between cats and the people who care for them.

However, not all cat toys are created equal, and even simple DIY enrichment activities can pose a risk if cats are left to interact with them unsupervised or if they’re not checked regularly. In this guide, we’ll explore why enrichment is important, share some easy, low-cost ideas you can try at home, and explain how to keep playtime fun, stimulating, and safe.

**Table of contents**

- [What is cat enrichment and why does it matter?](#what-is-cat-enrichment-and-why-does-it-matter)
- [What types of enrichment can benefit cats?](#what-types-of-enrichment-can-benefit-cats)
- [Low-cost DIY enrichment ideas for cats](#low-cost-diy-enrichment-ideas-for-cats)
- [How to keep your cat safe during play](#how-to-keep-your-cat-safe-during-play)
- [Signs your cat may have ingested something harmful](#signs-your-cat-may-have-ingested-something-harmful)
- [How pet insurance can help if your cat needs vet treatment](#how-pet-insurance-can-help-if-your-cat-needs-vet-treatment)

## What is cat enrichment and why does it matter?

Cats may have traded the wild for our sofas, but many of their needs remain the same. Cats have a strong motivation to explore, play, climb, scratch, and investigate their environment. However, a home environment doesn’t always provide enough opportunities for cats to express these natural behaviours, which is where enrichment activities can help.

According to the [RSPCA](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-create-low-cost-diy-enrichment-for-my-cat-or-dog)
, enrichment can support positive wellbeing, promote relaxation, help reduce stress and anxiety, strengthen the bond between cats and their owners, and reduce boredom-related behaviours.

Remember, every cat is an individual, and their enrichment preferences may vary. Some cats enjoy food-based enrichment, such as puzzle feeders or treasure hunts, while others prefer toys, climbing opportunities, or simply watching the world go by from a cosy windowsill. Providing a variety of enrichment opportunities can help keep cats engaged and allow them to express natural behaviours.

Try different activities, pay attention to what your cat enjoys, and rotate enrichment items regularly to help maintain interest. Enrichment doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Many simple and effective enrichment activities can be created at home using low-cost materials.

## What types of enrichment can benefit cats?

Cat enrichment isn’t simply about buying more toys. It’s about creating opportunities for your cat to explore, problem-solve, play, and engage in activities that support their physical and mental wellbeing.

Some common types of enrichment include:

| Cognitive | Activities that involve mental stimulations, such as training, puzzle feeders, and simple problem-solving activities. |
| --- | --- |
| Environmental | Environmental stimulation such as toys, tunnels, climbing opportunities, scratching surfaces, and other features that encourage exploration and physical activity. |
| Feeding | Activities that involve food, such as treat-dispensing toys, puzzle feeders, treasure hunts, or other activities that encourage foraging and problem solving. |
| Scent | Introducing novel or appealing scents to encourage investigation and play. This may include catnip, silvervine, scented toys, or food-based scents. |
| Sound | Providing auditory stimulation through music or other sounds. |
| Social | Positive interactions with owners, littermates, or other familiar cats. |
| Tactile | Different textures to investigate through bedding, scratching surfaces, cardboard, toys, and lick mats. |

## Low-cost DIY enrichment ideas for cats

Enrichment doesn’t need to be expensive. The RSPCA’s [DIY enrichment guide](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-create-low-cost-diy-enrichment-for-my-cat-or-dog)
 includes a range of simple, low-cost enrichment ideas that can be created using items you may already have at home.

| Enrichment idea | Type of enrichment | How to try it |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Toilet roll puzzle feeder | Feeding | Cut a few small holes into a toilet roll and fold one end closed. Add a small amount of kibble or a few treats, then fold the other end shut. Let your cat roll the tube around to release the food through the holes. Always supervise and remove it if it becomes damaged. |
| Treat treasure hunt | Feeding and scent | Scatter or hide a small amount of kibble or treats around a cat-safe room and encourage your cat to search for them. |
| Frozen treats | Feeding | Place a small amount of cat food or a treat in an ice cube tray, add water, and freeze. Once frozen, offer the treat to your cat under supervision. Frozen treats may help your cat stay cool on warm days. |
| Paper-ball play | Play | Scrunch a clean sheet of paper into a ball and hide a small amount of kibble or treats inside for your cat to discover. Remove the paper ball if it becomes damaged or starts to fall apart. |
| Catnip or silvervine | Scent | Rub a small amount onto a toy or scratching surface to encourage investigation and play. Not every cat responds to catnip or silvervine, so don’t worry if your cat shows little interest. |
| Window-watching spot | Sight | Place a soft blanket or your pet’s favourite bed near a closed window to create a cosy spot where your cat can watch the world go by. |
| Gentle background sounds | Sound | Play soft music, birdsong, nature sounds, or other background sounds at a low volume. This may be especially helpful when your cat is home alone or to help mask other sounds in the environment, such as fireworks. Monitor your cat’s response and switch the sounds off if your cat appears unsettled. |
| Lick mat | Tactile | Spread a small amount of suitable wet food onto a sturdy, pet-safe lick mat and offer it to your cat under supervision. |

Remember, food-based enrichment should form part of your cat’s usual daily food allowance, rather than being offered in addition to their regular meals. This can help reduce the risk of weight gain while providing them with a more stimulating feeding experience.

## How to keep your cat safe during play

While toys and enrichment activities can provide valuable enrichment opportunities, some items may pose a health or safety risk to cats. When choosing toys, ensure that they’re appropriate for your cat’s size, age, and health, and made from safe, durable materials.

String-like items like string, yarn, wool, ribbon, tinsel, dental floss, and rubber bands are particularly hazardous if swallowed and may cause serious gastrointestinal problems. Toys that are small enough to be swallowed, are easily damaged, or contain loose parts may also pose a risk.

To help reduce the risks, regularly inspect toys and enrichment items for signs of damage, keep them clean, and replace them if they become worn or unsafe. If you’re unsure whether a toy or enrichment activity is safe or suitable for your cat, speak with your vet for advice.

## Signs your cat may have ingested something harmful

Even with sensible precautions, accidents can happen. Contact your vet promptly if you think your cat may have accidentally ingested part of a toy, another household item, or is showing signs that something may be wrong.

Signs may include:

- Changes in appetite, drinking, or toileting habits
- Changes in activity levels
- Changes in vocalisation
- Coughing, gagging, or difficulty breathing
- Restlessness
- Hiding more than usual, withdrawal, or reluctance to move
- Signs of pain or discomfort
- Other unusual changes in behaviour

If a string or similar object is hanging from your cat’s mouth or bottom, don’t pull on it, as this may cause further injury. Contact your vet or an emergency vet clinic immediately. Where possible, take the remainder of the toy, its packaging, or a photo of the object with you, as this may help your vet identify what your cat has swallowed.

## How pet insurance can help if your cat needs vet treatment

While providing safe toys and enrichment opportunities is an important part of caring for your cat, accidents and illnesses can still occur. For those unexpected moments when a trip to the vet is needed, an [RSPCA Pet Insurance](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/)
 policy can help by covering up to 90% of eligible vet expenses.

With cover you can customise to suit your cat and budget, and every policy contributing to the RSPCA’s vital animal welfare initiatives, it’s protection with purpose. For your own pet and thousands of others across Australia.

To learn more about how RSPCA Pet Insurance could support you and your cat, click [here](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/pet-insurance/)
. Or, if you’re ready to take the next step, you can fetch a commitment-free pet insurance quote [online](https://quote.rspcapetinsurance.org.au/)
.

### **Disclaimer**

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the [Product Disclosure Statement](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/product-disclosure-statement/)
 to make sure this cover suits your needs.

**References**

[1] RSPCA Australia. *How can I create low-cost DIY enrichment for my cat or dog?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-create-low-cost-diy-enrichment-for-my-cat-or-dog](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/caring-for-my-dog/how-can-i-create-low-cost-diy-enrichment-for-my-cat-or-dog)

[2] RSPCA Australia. *How can pain be recognised and monitored in cats?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/how-can-pain-be-recognised-and-monitored-in-cats](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/cats/caring-for-my-cat/how-can-pain-be-recognised-and-monitored-in-cats)

[3] Cat Friendly Homes. *Know cat pain.* Available from: [https://catfriendly.com/keep-your-cat-healthy/know-cat-pain/](https://catfriendly.com/keep-your-cat-healthy/know-cat-pain/)

[4] RSPCA Australia. *What are common household dangers for pets?* RSPCA Knowledgebase. Available from: [https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/what-are-common-household-dangers-for-pets](https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/household-and-garden-dangers/what-are-common-household-dangers-for-pets)

## FAQs

### What is cat enrichment and why does it matter?

Enrichment means providing your cat with opportunities to express natural behaviours such as sniffing, exploring, climbing, scratching and playing, which can be limited in a home environment. Enrichment can support positive wellbeing, promote relaxation, help reduce stress, and strengthen the bond between cats and their owners, as well as reduce boredom-related behaviours such as scratching furniture or overgrooming.

### What are some low-cost DIY enrichment ideas for cats?

Simple, low-cost enrichment ideas may include a toilet-roll puzzle feeder filled with kibble, a treasure hunt activity using treats or kibble hidden around a room, frozen treats made in an ice cube tray, a scrunched-up paper ball with treats hidden inside, catnip or silvervine toys, a cosy spot by a window, lick mats, or other activity feeders that encourage exploration and engagement with different textures.

### Are some cat toys unsafe?

Some toys and enrichment items may pose a health or safety risk to cats. To help minimise these risks, choose toys that are appropriate for your cat’s size, age, and health. It’s also important to select toys made from safe, durable materials designed to withstand regular use. Items such as yarn, dental floss, tinsel, ribbon, and rubber bands should be avoided, as they may pose a risk if swallowed or if they become tangled around your cat’s body.

### How can I keep my cat safe during play and when using enrichment activities?

Supervision is an important part of keeping cats safe during play and when using enrichment activities. When introducing new toys or enrichment items, monitor your cat to ensure they’re using them safely. Regularly inspect toys for signs of damage, keep them clean, and replace them if they become damaged or unsafe. When creating DIY enrichment activities for your cat, ensure that the materials that are being used are safe, durable, and suitable for the activity. DIY enrichment items should also be checked regularly to ensure that they’re in good condition and safe for continued use.

### How can RSPCA Pet Insurance help if my cat is injured and requires vet treatment?

While choosing safe toys, supervising play, and regularly checking your cat’s enrichment items can help to reduce risks, accidents and illnesses can still happen.

RSPCA Pet Insurance helps cover eligible vet costs for accidental injuries and illnesses, with every policy contributing to vital RSPCA animal welfare initiatives. To learn more, explore the RSPCA Pet Insurance website or get a quick, commitment-free quote online.

As with any insurance, terms, conditions, and exclusions apply. Please read the Product Disclosure Statement to make sure this cover suits your needs.

[See more](https://rspcapetinsurance.org.au/faqs/)

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