When we researched what materials to make our cat toys from, we wanted something that was strong, hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly. We looked at different weights of cotton, canvas as well as man-made blends before settling on wool as the perfect primary material for our original range of embroidered cat toys. All Cheshire & Wain woollen toys are made using recycled materials that might otherwise end up in landfill making them a really eco friendly option to safeguard the environment of future felines!

But why did we choose wool?

RESILIENT Wool fibres resist tearing and are able to be bent back on themselves over 20,000 times without breaking. Due to its crimped structure, wool is also naturally elastic making it stand up remarkably well to the damage a cat's claws and teeth can make.

TEXTURE We found wool had a very pleasing texture for cats when it came to play. They love the slightly coarse feel of the material as it allows them to grip the toy easily with their claws without getting them stuck in the fabric. 

KIND TO THE ENVIRONMENT Cheshire & Wain toys are made from recycled wool blankets sourced from charity shops, online auction sites and markets - giving old materials a new lease of life. And when the sad day comes that the toy needs to be thrown away and replaced, the wool will be returned to the soil, where it can biodegrade, releasing valuable nutrients back into the ground. 

EASY CARE Wool is far more efficient than other textiles at absorbing moisture (like your cat's dribble) and releasing it into the air, before bacteria has a chance to develop. The protective waxy coating on wool fibres makes wool products resistant to staining as well, and they pick up less dust as wool is naturally anti-static.

Above: The different stages of the making process 

Our embroidered toys are designed and made exclusively for Cheshire & Wain by the two sisters behind Made By Swimmer - a whimsical source of curious creatures that are impossible not to fall in love with. Read more about Sue & Jo HERE