Most pet toys don’t come with warnings—but sometimes they should. A recent recall has caught families off guard, turning playtime into a potential health risk. When small parts go unnoticed, the consequences can be anything but small.
Button Batteries Behind Emergency Recall
Several popular pet toys have been urgently pulled from shelves following serious safety concerns linked to button batteries. The recalled items—three types of laser cat toys—failed to meet Australia’s mandatory safety standards due to battery compartments that could be easily opened by children or pets.
The affected products include the Kong Laser Cat Toy, the Pet Gravity Retractable Cat Wand with Laser in both pink and blue, and the M-Pets Laser Mouse Cat Toy. All were sold nationally online by Pet Circle and other platforms, including Amazon, Woolworths Marketplace, Big W Marketplace, and eBay, between late 2020 and December 2025.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), unsecured batteries pose an extreme risk if swallowed—especially for children. Ingesting a button battery can lead to serious internal injuries or even death, often without immediate symptoms.
Parents And Pet Owners Urged To Respond Immediately
The ACCC has issued clear guidance: stop using the affected toys right away and keep them well out of reach of children. Anyone who suspects a child may have swallowed a battery is urged to seek urgent medical attention and not wait for signs to appear. “Early action can save lives,” the recall notice warns.
Pet Circle, the main distributor, is offering a full refund for returned items and has asked consumers to notify them if the toy has been given to someone else or already discarded. The company is cooperating with authorities to ensure remaining stock is removed swiftly from circulation.
A Worrying Reminder For Households
While these toys were made for cats, the danger lies in where and how they’re used. Pets and children often share the same spaces, and what entertains one can quickly become a hazard for the other. The recall has reignited calls for stricter enforcement of button battery safety regulations, especially in low-cost or imported items.
This incident serves as a sharp reminder: not all pet toys are created equal, and safety should always come before convenience or novelty. For families juggling children, pets, and busy homes, a quick label check could prevent a life-threatening mistake.
