The FPC Standard
We Carry Fewer Products. On Purpose.
Every product on For Paws Collective (FPC) is reviewed against our internal product selection framework ("The FPC Standard"). Only products that meet our selection criteria are included on the site.
Unlike children’s toys, pet toys are not subject to a specific federal safety standard. Pet treat quality also varies widely within a legally compliant range.
Our Criteria
We evaluate products against three criteria:
- Materials and ingredients
- Feline behavioral function
- Real-world performance
Where information isn't publicly available, we contact the manufacturer directly and request written confirmation before including a product. In addition to documentation review, each product is tested in our own homes. If we wouldn’t use it with our own cats, we don’t sell it.
These criteria are used as part of our internal product selection process and are based on manufacturer disclosures, product design, and hands-on testing in real homes.
The FPC Standard for Environmental Enrichment Supplies
Materials and Ingredients
- Primary materials clearly disclosed by the manufacturer
- Excludes PVC (vinyl) and rawhide from products intended for chewing or mouthing
- No loose glitter or flaking decorative coatings
- No small hard decorative components attached to the surface
(e.g., plastic eyes, hard bristles) - For parts designed for mouthing or chewing, no exposed sharp wire, metal ends, metal crimps, or small metal components
- Dyes or colorants disclosed and identified by manufacturer as intended for pet use in parts designed for mouthing or chewing
Feline Behavioral Function
- Serves a real feline behavioral need (e.g. prey play, scratching, climbing or perching, foraging, scent enrichment)
- No novelty-only or purely decorative items
Real-World Performance
- Tested in our own homes with our own cats
- Observed engagement aligned with the product’s intended use
The FPC Standard for Treats and Scent Enrichment
Materials and Ingredients
- Ingredient list is fully disclosed; no vague or unnamed animal sources (e.g. “meat by-products” without species identification)
- No artificial dyes (e.g. Red 40, Yellow 5/6, Blue 2)
- No BHA, BHT, or Ethoxyquin
- No active product recalls or safety alerts identified at time of review, based on publicly available information
- Brands with multiple recall or safety alert events in the past 2 years are not included
Feline Behavioral Function
- Formulation serves a stated and recognizable purpose (e.g. training reward, dental support)
- No cosmetic-only additives that serve no nutritional or functional role
Real-World Performance
- Tested in our own homes with our own cats
- Observed consistent engagement over repeated use