Watch one supervised reach into the basket
Notice whether the basket tips because it is tall and narrow, sits on a slick floor, or has a handle your cat pulls. Move heavy or hard objects out first. Do not add loose weights that could fall onto your cat. If the basket has wire ends, broken wicker, staples, or cracked plastic edges, replace it rather than trying to make it heavier.
Use a low, stable container for self-service toys
For toys your cat can safely access alone, a wider container with a lower center of gravity is less likely to topple. Place it on a stable floor away from stairs and doorways. Test the empty container by pressing its rim from different sides. A nonslip base can help on smooth floors, but it should not contain pieces your cat can peel off and swallow.
Store string and wand toys somewhere closed
Not every toy belongs in an open basket. Wands, ribbons, yarn, elastic, and toys with damaged feathers or strings should be put away after supervised play. A lidded container or closed cabinet keeps these items separate from durable balls and other toys approved for independent play. Inspect toys regularly for missing pieces.
Rotate a few toys instead of overflowing the basket
An overfilled basket is easier to drag over and makes damaged toys harder to notice. Keep a small selection available and rotate the rest. This also gives you a chance to wash or retire dirty and broken items. If your cat repeatedly chews nonfood materials or swallows toy pieces, discuss the behavior with your veterinarian.
When a product change is not the first step
Notice whether the basket tips because it is tall and narrow, sits on a slick floor, or has a handle your cat pulls. Move heavy or hard objects out first. Do not add loose weights that could fall onto your cat. If the basket has wire ends, broken wicker, staples, or cracked plastic edges, replace it rather than trying to make it heavier.
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What to compare if equipment may help
An overfilled basket is easier to drag over and makes damaged toys harder to notice. Keep a small selection available and rotate the rest. This also gives you a chance to wash or retire dirty and broken items. If your cat repeatedly chews nonfood materials or swallows toy pieces, discuss the behavior with your veterinarian.
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