Cat Approved Playthings: Save Money on Feline Fun
The antics of a cat can be very amusing. Throw in a toy or two and you can enjoy hours of fun with your feline friend. Pet supply stores offer a wide variety of cat toys that come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some more extravagant or high tech toys can get rather pricy. However, feline happiness does not come with a price tag. You do not have to spend a lot for your pet to have a good time! Instead, consider inexpensive toy options that will keep your cat busy.
Start by Looking at Home
Many cat owners agree, no matter how much you spend on a toy, your pet will instead find fun in playing with everyday household items. Before you spend a small fortune on fancy cat toys, start by looking for potential toys in your home. They may not be immediately obvious to you, but your cat will find all kinds of ways to have a good time with these free items! For example, the plastic ring that is pulled off of milk caps can be an exciting toy for your cat. Simply toss the curled plastic on the floor and watch as your pet bats at and chases after it. Try starting off on a hard, smooth floor so the milk ring can slide easily, mimicking prey.
Always monitor your feline when playing with household items. Never allow your cat to chew or eat plastic. If the cat becomes disinterested, you may want to pick up the ring or throw it away.
Another excellent option is a paper shopping bag. These come free when you go to the grocery store, simply ask for paper instead of plastic! Open up the bag and lay it flat, with the opening on one side. Your cat will love the crinkly sound as he or she runs in and out. You can make it even more interesting by cutting a few narrow holes in the top or sides for your cat to crawl in and out of.
Less can be More
Even inexpensive cat toys can be just as fun your feline as more costly playthings. Search your local pet supply store for colorful toys that come with bells or streamers that will stimulate your cat. Many of these are available for less than five dollars and can equal hours of entertainment. Plastic balls with bells in them, little toy mice and birds with faux feathers, or cat nip filled trinkets are all great options.
Make Your Own Personalized Toys
With a few crafty items, you can design your own cat playthings. A dowel rod or stick with a length of string and a few colorful faux feathers tied to the end can make for an enthusiastic game of chase. If you are good with a needle and thread, consider designing felt or fabric toys for your cat. You can even add little personal touches in the colors you choose! When making cat toys, avoid using small items that are hard, such as tiny buttons or charms that can come loose.
Things to Consider Before Buying or Making Cat Toys
Before you put together your own cat toys or purchase new ones, there are a few things that should be considered. Avoid using toys that can easily break into tiny parts which can be swallowed. These can pose a danger should your pet play unsupervised. Also consider any other pets or small children that also live in your home. Any toys that could pose a danger should either be limited to supervised play or not used at all.
A good way to approach feline entertainment is to put all but a few solid toys up and away. When you plan to play with your cat, get the “off limit” toys and have fun! Not only will you get a longer life out of these enticing items, but you will ensure the safety of your cat and other animals in your home. Your feline will also be even more excited about playing with toys that seem new.
Free and Inexpensive Cat Toys
There are many simple ways to amuse your cat. Here are a few household items that will do the trick:
• Stray sock, rolled up to simulate a plump mouse
• Wax paper, crumpled into a ball
• Empty cardboard box
• Empty shopping bag, handles removed
• Roll of paper towels – cats love to grab the roll and kick the towels to shreds
• Ping pong ball – has just the right bounce and sound
• Bird feather – if you can find a stray feather, tie it to a string, make it fly -- and let the acrobatics begin!
Great links for Incredible Cat Toys
