Behind the Cats' Enthusiastic Play: "Handmade Kick-Toys" Crafted by People with Disabilities, Releasing April 3, 2026

Nekoicha (Yamashita Kikaku Co., Ltd.), a hand care brand themed around skinship between cats and people, will release "Nekoicha Kerigurumi" (kick-toys for cats) on April 3, 2026. These toys are produced entirely by hand by people with disabilities, in collaboration with welfare facilities for people with disabilities.

This product is designed for cats to play enthusiastically by instinct, and it incorporates handicrafts by people with disabilities and environmentally friendly materials, making it a product that connects cats, people, and society.

Nekoicha has previously developed hand creams using domestically produced, pesticide-free matatabi (catnip) under the theme of "happy skinship with cats."

The Kerigurumi (kick-toys) being released this time extend that philosophy to "playtime."

The time cats spend playing enthusiastically,

Connects to the work and pride of those who create.

This is not just a "toy,"

But an item that circulates happiness.

It's a Nekoicha quality Kerigurumi.

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■ Quality Control for Cat Safety

・All products undergo needle detection.

・Designed to be washable and reusable.

This cat toy is designed with safety and hygiene in mind, allowing for long-term, worry-free use.

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■ Matatabi x Crinkly Material that Cats Love

All Kerigurumi include:

・Domestically produced/pesticide-free matatabi blocks

・Crinkly material that attracts cats

We've included these to gently stimulate cats' hunting instincts, such as biting, hugging, and kicking.

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■ Produced by Handicrafts of People with Disabilities

The sewing of the Kerigurumi is handled by creators with disabilities.

Each piece is carefully crafted stitch by stitch, resulting in unique, one-of-a-kind items.

These cat toys are products that create work for society.

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■ Environmentally Friendly Materials

Environmentally friendly materials are used for the product.

・Outer fabric: Organic cotton fabric / Unbleached fabric / Upcycled fabric

・Filling: Organic cotton scraps from apparel manufacturing + cotton

・Packaging and decorations: Recycled materials are adopted

We are committed to manufacturing that is kind to cats, people, and the Earth.

■ Product Overview

Product Name: Nekoicha Kerigurumi Hand-shaped (with Matatabi Block)

Release Date: April 3, 2026

Purpose: Cat toy

Price: 4,800 yen (tax included)

Sales: Official Online Store

https://www.nekoicha.com/view/item/000000000023

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■ About Nekoicha

Based on the concept of "gaining cats' love and trust," Nekoicha develops hand creams using domestically produced, pesticide-free matatabi, among other products.

We create products that make skinship between cats and people more enjoyable and reassuring.

Wishing for all cats to live happily, we aim to be a brand where kindness circulates, through supporting protection cat activities and more.