Cats are natural hunters, and despite the fact they’ve been domesticated for a long time, they’re still not that far away from their ancestors. The instinct to hunt, chase and catch is deeply ingrained. So, if you want a happy cat, it’s best to make sure they’re getting the stimulation they need.
We all know how restless cats can get, especially if you have the joys of having a kitten. But playing with your cat isn’t just for kittens, it’s also a great way to look after your older cat and make sure they’re getting the exercise they need to stay healthy.
Having a range of toys in your home will not only keep them entertained but can be a great opportunity to train your cat by using rewards to enforce behaviour. In saying that, that doesn’t mean you have to break the bank when it comes to cat toys. Making your own can be a great activity to do with the family. So read on if you want to know how to make simple, yet effective, DIY cat toys.
DIY Toilet roll toys
We all know that leaving the toilet roll out when you have a mischievous cat can be a risk. Unless you like tidying up shredded tissue, it’s not always the best toy. But that doesn’t mean we can’t use the cardboard roll as a great DIY cat toy. There are loads of great ways to recycle toilet rolls and create some interactive toys for your cat. If you want some ideas, check out this video. Our favourite is number 5!
DIY Puzzle Toys For Cats
Cats are intelligent animals, and without stimulation, they can get restless. To us, it might look like they are just playing, but they’re using their brains to mimic what they would do in the wild. Puzzle toys are a wonderful way to recreate a complex hunt for your cat. This can keep their minds occupied, so you can have a little peace.
There are a variety of different cat puzzle toys you can make yourself. For example, this one from Jonášek The Cat is an inexpensive DIY that you can try at home. For this toy, you will need cardboard, glue, adhesive tape, and something to cut cardboard with. Then you can put a ping pong ball inside for your cat to chase or hide treats for them to hunt.
DIY Cardboard Box Cat Houses
Have you ever splashed out on expensive cat toys, only to find their favourite thing to play with is a cardboard box? Well, why not enhance their DIY shelter by making it into a little house?
Creating a cardboard box house for your feline friend can be as easy as cutting some holes in your old cardboard boxes. If you want to go all out and have several cardboard boxes lying around, you could even try building a cat tree. Arrange and stack your boxes and mark where you will need to cut the holes. Then, you can start cutting holes in the boxes and secure them together with glue. If you are feeling extra creative, you might even add a lick of paint.
DIY Cat wand toy
Cat wand toys are one of the best ways to bond with your cat. By using a toy you are actively playing with together, your cat will associate you with one of their favourite things to do, hunt! But you do not have you break the bank to enjoy some quality time with your cat.
Making your own cat wand toy is simple. All you need is a wooden dowel, and something to attach to it. Drill a hole in the dowel, tie some string into the hole, then glue or tie something for your cat to chase. You could use something like a feather, which replicates the prey your cat would chase in the wild. Or a bell to add some sound to get your feline friend interested and add another layer of stimulation. If you’re wanting to add a little colour, why not use some ribbon instead of the string?
If you’re looking for some inspiration, there are some great DIY cat wand toys on Pinterest.
DIY Catnip Sock Toy
Catnip is a great way to get your cat interested in a new DIY toy. This one’s so easy, anyone can do it. All you need is an old sock and some catnip. Pour some catnip into the sock, tie it tightly shut, and voila! You’ve got a new cat toy.
If you want to step up your game a little bit, you can use some of the tips for the cat wand toy to make it more interesting. Drill a hole in some dowel and tie some string around the sock to make a catnip cat wand. Put a bell in the sock to make it more interesting for your cat.
Playing with your cat is one way to keep your cat entertained, happy, and healthy. We know how important our cat’s wellbeing is to pet owners, so it’s important to cover all the bases, and this is where pet insurance comes in. Getting the right cover can give you peace of mind if something unexpected comes up. Why not get a free quote today, and make sure your furry friend is covered?
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