Are the feathers on cat toys safe to digest?
Hi,
I would like to know if the feathers on cat toys are safe for cats to eat? I got one from PetSmart and the feathers come off it when my cat bites it. Sometimes she swallows them. Do you think that is safe?
Also, she is a long-haired cat, but she never has hairballs. Her hair is not in her droppings either. I brush her frequently, but all the loose fur does not come out. When I watch her licking herself she may pull out some hair. Usually I take it off her tongue, she does swallow it sometimes though. Do you think the hair is building up in her stomach?
Filed under: Cat Toys
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Hi Petvet,
Toys sold for pet’s play are generally made from non-toxic materials. Of course, feathers themselves are non-toxic (I have cats who once in a great while may have a birdie for a snack); they’re probably dyed to make the toy visually appealing, but I’ve never had a problem with errant feathers fom a cat toy.
I wouldn’t be concerned about hairballs Hon. I have three longhair cats, and I’ve never noticed fur in their stool. One upchucks a hairball occasionally; I’ve never seen the other two do so. They’re all perfectly healthy.
You’re doing your part by frequently grooming your kitty, which is probably why she isn’t getting hairballs. And, paradoxically, longhaired cats often shed far less than shorthaired ones.
Sounds like you’re doing everything right
The problem with the feathers is not whether or not they are toxic to your cat. The problem lies in the amount of feathers that are being digested. If too many of them are swallowed, they could cause a blockage in the cat’s intestines. This is extremely dangerous–and expensive to remedy. It’s better to go with toys that don’t have potentially detachable parts.
Also, alot of the hair that cats swallow gets digested/broken down in the stomach so if you aren’t seeing anything in the feces, then there probably isn’t anything to worry about. If she starts showing symptoms of an enlarged abdomen and pain, then suspect possible hairball obstruction and take her to the vet. Otherwise, just keep doing what you’re doing!