I thought it'd be really fun to make a thread where everybody can post their own ideas for home-made cat toys! I mean, what is the use in spending so much money on toys that we can make ourselves; we can even personalize them! So here are some of Zoey's favorites...
Fishing Rod Toy- Original Version:
Attatch a small 5x2 inch strip of newspaper to a shoe-lace, piece of twine or string, by tying it. At the other end of the lace/twine/string, attatch a stick such as that from outside in your yard, or a wooden skewer from your kitchen drawer. Provides hours of entertainment!
Fishing Rod Toy- Fancy Version:
You can find brightly dyed wooden dowels at craft stores such as Hobby Lobby; at the same store, you should be able to buy colorful feathers, and colored string or twine; or an even more fun idea, is to buy shoelaces with fun patterns on them! You may also have colorful yarn hanging around your place... Bundle 5-6 feathers and secure with colored string/twine with a knot. At the opposite end of the string/twine, attatch the wooden dowel. (You may buy them with holes drilled in the ends or metal rings, or you may have to do something as the before mentioned yourself.)
Stuffed "Pounce" Stick:
This is a fun project if you have a sewing machine handy! Cut a piece of fabric (fun colors and pattersn!) 10 to 11 inches long, and 2.5 to 3 inches wide. Fold in half length-wise and secure with sewing pins (be sure you have the fabric inside-out!). Sew down the side, 2-3 times; sharp little claws can rip the stitches easily, so multiple safety is recommended! Sew one end of the "tube" closed; again, go over it 2-3 times. Using a knitting needle or similar device, turn the fabric tube inside-out, so that the colorful side is showing. Using some poly-fill (or ripped up cottonballs) you may proceed to stuff your toy; I used the end of a coloring pencil and a knitting needle for mine. This takes patience! You may want to periodically sprinkle some cat-nip inside the toy as well, to stimulate play. When you are finished, hand-sew the end of the toy closed. Zoey looooooves pouncing on these!
Some additional ideas are:
*-Tin Foil Wads: you can make them many sizes; these are especially fun when they roll easily on hardwood, vinyl, tile, or linoleum floors!
*-Newspaper Sheets: wad up and toss at your kitty, or just put a sheet over their heads; lots of fun involved with these!
*-Just plain old yarn, twine, or shoe string also provide endless entertainment!
Do you have any ideas?
