Frequently Asked Questions for Toys

  • What age should my cat be to be given a toy?

    Toys can be given to pets as soon as they show interest in playing (usually about 4-6 weeks old) and toys can help build coordination and motor skills in young pets.

  • Can I order cat toys from your website?

    Hartz is a manufacturer and does not sell directly to consumers. Our website was designed for informational purposes.

  • Where can I buy Hartz cat toys?

    Our toys are available in supermarkets, large retail stores and online, among other locations. You can find your cat’s favorite toys by clicking the “where to buy” button on the product detail page on our website.

  • How often can I give my cat Silver Vine?

    It is recommended to offer your feline a Silver Vine toy twice a week to keep your cat interested and stimulated. It is also recommended to keep Silver Vine toys stored while not in use to help preserve the effectiveness of the Silver Vine.

  • Why should I give my cat toys with Silver Vine if catnip is working just fine?

    It is a fun alternative to Catnip especially for cats that do not react to Catnip or have grown bored with it. Introducing Silver Vine is a great way to add variety and excitement to your feline’s life.

  • How do cats respond to Silver Vine?

    Similar to Catnip, Silver Vine brings euphoric feelings to cats, but more effectively. Typical behaviors include rolling, licking, rubbing, staring, purring and meowing, and generally acting playful-- followed by a period of relaxation.

  • Is Silver Vine safe for my cat?

    Silver Vine is nontoxic, non addictive, and 100% natural. Although it is safe, it is still recommended to supervise your feline when playing with toys that contain Silver Vine.

  • What is Silver Vine?

    Silver Vine is an alternative to Catnip, and has been used as an effective cat attractant in Japan and China for many years. The vine grows in the high, mountainous regions of eastern Asia. Silver Vine can be found in cat toys.

  • Why does my cat need toys?

    Cats are ultimate hunters and toys help alleviate boredom in your cat and help direct instinctive prey-chasing behaviors into a manner that is more acceptable for indoor playtime. Engaging in playful activities with your cat also provides her with an opportunity for exercise, of which most indoor cats are in desperate need, as well as presents the opportunity for you to bond with your pet. It is recommended to rotate the toys that your feline plays with each day to keep your cat stimulated, happy and healthy.

  • Is it okay if children play with dog and cat toys?

    Hartz toys are designed specifically for cats and dogs and are not approved for use by children. We do have toys designed specifically for interaction; however young children should always be supervised during playtime with pets.

  • What are the best toys for my cat?

    By adding toys to your cat’s environment, you provide the necessary stimulation to keep them physically active and mentally engaged. Hartz cat toys are developed with a deep understanding of feline play behavior to help your cat get the most out of playtime! We, as pet parents, are attuned to their needs, some cats may have one favorite way of playing while others alternate among several types of play.

    However you decide to incorporate play into your feline’s daily routine, Hartz has extensively researched and identified four primary cat play patterns:

    Hunt: Stimulates cats’ natural hunting instincts, bringing out their role as predators.

    Swat: Entices cats to manipulate objects with their paws to help build coordination.

    Interact: Creates a strong bond between owners and pets, and makes playtime more stimulating and dynamic.

    Explore: Engages cats’ many natural instincts to help keep cats fit, agile and satisfied.

  • How do you ensure the safety of your cat toys?

    Although our toys are designed with your feline in mind and constructed with high standards each cat is an individual so it is important to supervise your pet during play, no matter how comfortable your feline is with the toy. Nearly any toy can pose a hazard in one way or another, so you must monitor your cat’s interaction with every toy. Over time, you will learn which toys your cat can handle without close supervision, which toys are alright only for a short time, and with which toys your pet gets very rough (these should be removed if excessive wear or damage occurs).

  • How can you be sure there is no lead in your toys?

    Our toys are tested at certified, independent testing facilities to assure that the toy meets government safety guidelines for lead content.

  • What are phthalates, do your toys contain them?

    Phthalates, or phthalate esters, are esters of phthalic acid and are mainly used as plasticizers (substances added to plastics to increase their flexibility). Our toys are tested at certified, independent testing facilities to assure that the toy meets government safety guidelines for phthalate content.

  • Where are Hartz® cat toys made?

    Hartz produces many of its toys in China. Hartz has a long history of producing quality cat toys and as such works with trusted vendors, most of whom we have worked with for many years. Our quality-control team inspects all finished goods to ensure procedures are in compliance with our quality standards.

  • What happens if a piece of a cat toy is ingested?

    It depends on the size of the piece and the size of the pet. Pets can easily swallow something that would never make it through their entire system. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a piece of a toy it is best to consult your veterinarian.

  • Why does label say to “supervise pet”?

    Although our toys are designed with your animal in mind and constructed with high standards each pet is an individual – even pet of similar size and breed will have very different play patterns. For example, a plush toy in the mouth of a tough chewer could be demolished in a matter of minutes. Play behaviors also change as your dog adapts to each individual toy, so it is important to supervise your pet during play, no matter how comfortable your dog is with the toy. Nearly any toy can pose a hazard in one way or another, so you must monitor your pet’s interaction with every toy. Over time, you will learn which toys your pet can handle without close supervision, which toys are alright only for a short time, and with which toys your pet gets very rough (these should be removed).