Homemade Cat Toys

Providing your cat with appropriate cat toys keeps your cat entertained and your home in good shape.

Nothing is more fun or entertaining than watching your cat enjoy playtime. They run, jump, stalk and pounce anything that grabs their attention. Unfortunately, sometimes that means your feet or your furniture, and this can leave behind damage or scars. The best way to avoid playtime damage is to provide your cat with a great toy, such as a fishing pole toy. You can purchase a fishing pole toy in pet stores, or you can make one up yourself out of things you have around the house.

Things You'll Need

• Yarn
• Ruler
• Scissors
• Strong string or twine
• Strong, thin stick with small hole drilled into one end

Instructions

1. Measure a 4-inch piece of yarn using a ruler, then cut off the piece of yarn with scissors.

2. Use the piece of yarn you just cut as a guide to cut 20 more pieces of yarn exactly like the first piece.

3. Gather the pieces of yarn into a bundle, and tie one of the pieces around the center of the bundle to hold them all together. (Tie the piece of yarn in a tight knot to avoid having your bundle fall apart.)

4. Measure and cut an 18-inch piece of twine (or very strong string), using a ruler and scissors.

5. Tie one end of the twine/string tightly to the bundle of yarn (you can secure it around the bundle or to the piece of yarn that holds the bundle together).

6. Thread the other end of the twine through the hole on the stick. Tie that end of the twine/string to the stick in a tight knot.

7. Test the twine/string to make sure it is securely tied to the stick and to the bundle of yarn. Make sure that the bundle of yarn is securely tied together, as well. Once you are certain the toy is secure, it can be used for playtime.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have any bits of crumpled paper or feathers, these can also be tied into the bundle of yarn to create a more interesting toy for your cat.

• Be prepared to have to replace the bundle of yarn and even the twine/string on the fishing pole toy from time to time, as some cats wear toys out fairly quickly.

• The yarn bundle section of the toy can be removed from the pole and used as a separate toy if desired.

References

• Best Cat Art: Homemade Cat Toys
• "Think Like a Cat: How to Raise a Well-Adjusted Cat Not a Sour Puss"; Pamela Johnson-Bennett; 2000