According to the ASPCA, the average cat owner spends almost $650 a year on their cat. It’s no wonder we’re all looking to save money wherever we can! Luckily, there are plenty of items in your house right now that your cat can play with. You don’t necessarily need to go out and buy more!
In this article, we’ll discuss how you can save money by making cat toys out of common household items.
15 Household Items that Make Engaging Cat Toys
1. Cardboard Boxes
Cardboard boxes can be used in various ways. You can simply set them somewhere for your cat to sleep in, tilt them on their side to make them more interesting, or flatten them and lay them on the floor for your cat to scratch.
You can also get more creative! Some people use string to hang toys from a cardboard box, or use multiple boxes to build a cat house. I like to fill them with toys, packing paper, and catnip to make a fun dig box. Treats can be added to the dig box as well to further encourage your cat to interact!
2. Paper Bags
Fill small paper bags with catnip, or stuff them with paper and treats. Fold the bag closed and cut small holes into the sides so that the catnip or treats can be released, and let your cat go wild!
Large paper bags can make excellent hiding or sleeping spots. If they have handles, be sure to cut those off first, as you don’t want your cat getting stuck in them. They could strangle your cat if they wrap around their neck or cause injuries to other body parts.
3. Crumpled Paper
From crumpled receipts to packing paper sprinkled with catnip, all sorts of paper items can make good cat toys. The best part is that it takes very little effort to turn paper into something your cat will love playing with.
4. Bottle Caps
Many cats love playing with bottle caps! Just make sure they’re large enough that your cat cannot choke on them.
5. Water Bottles
Some cats love the crinkle of a water bottle, while others may find it scary. If your cat likes the sound, consider letting them roll it around the floor.
You can also fill it with treats and cut holes in the side for a make-shift treat ball. Just check that the cut plastic isn’t sharp, and supervise your cat while they use it. If they try to take the cap off, you may need to take the toy away.
6. Toilet Paper or Paper Towel Rolls
Stuff toilet paper or paper towel rolls with food or treats, fold the ends together, and cut holes into the side. Let your cat roll them around to disperse the goodies!
7. Homemade Catnip Toys
T-shirts can be cut into strips and sewn into catnip toys, or socks can be filled with catnip and tied at the open end. You can also use dish cloths, old towels, or any other fabric you have on hand!
8. Cupcake Tins
Put a treat or two into each cup in the cupcake tin, then cover it with a cat toy, tennis ball, or whatever else you have on hand. This is the perfect free puzzle toy to provide mental stimulation for your cat.
9. Aluminum Foil
Like paper, aluminum foil can be crumpled into a ball for your cat to play with. Some dislike the sound or texture, but other cats go wild for it!
10. Shoelaces
Cats love playing with stringy items like shoelaces. Always hold onto one end, and don’t let your cat play with them alone, as they’re dangerous if swallowed. Take the toy away if your cat chews on the aglet (the plastic piece at the end), as it could present a choking hazard if torn off.
Some cats won’t know the difference between laces on your shoes and off of them, so only do this if you keep your shoes out of reach or don’t mind the cat chewing on them!
11. Ribbon
Like shoelaces, ribbon is super fun for cats but can be hazardous if swallowed. Use it for supervised playtime only.
12. Coat Hangers
My cats will sit in a circle, batting at a plastic coat hanger as I move it along the floor. It’s one of their favorite activities!
You can also add adornments like ribbon or hanging toys. Make sure they’re secure, and supervise your cat’s play in case something falls off!
13. Hair Ties
Cats love chasing hair ties or rubber bands shot across the floor. Many will also steal hair ties from their humans!
Of course, hair ties aren’t safe to eat, but some cats will try. If yours tends to eat random stuff, keep the hair ties out of reach or bring them out only for supervised play.
14. Ice Cubes
Ice cubes can be given to your cat on hot days to bat around and cool them off. Some cats will also play with them in a dish of water, like they’re hunting for fish!
15. Paper Towels
Does your cat like to shred things? Paper towels can be a safe thing for them to tear apart. Just make sure they aren’t eating them, as this can be unsafe (especially in high quantities).
You can also use torn paper towels in a dig box with treats, catnip, and cat toys!
Homemade Cat Toy Safety Tips
- Avoid small parts, even those that are glued down to the toy. These can easily be torn off and eaten or choked on.
- Yarn can be dangerous, especially if it comes loose and is swallowed, or if it wraps around a body part such as the leg, tail, or neck.
- Anything long and stringy should be used only with close supervision. For instance, it’s okay to wiggle around a piece of ribbon for your cat to chase–but letting them run off with it on their own is a no-no.
- Stuffing is unsafe if eaten, and it’s best to use something else to stuff your cat’s toys. Think catnip, or large pieces of fabric that your cat is less likely to consume.
- Avoid objects with loops or holes that your cat can get caught in, including bags with handles.
- Avoid items made of plastic, such as bags or large wrappers, as they’re a suffocation hazard.
We want to make sure our cat’s play is safe. Other than that, anything goes! You can get super creative with your cat’s homemade toys, or go the simple route with a crumpled piece of paper or a large bottle cap!
