10 Best Cat Toys You Already Have in Your Home

Anyone who has had the pleasure of sharing a living space with a frolicking, fun-loving feline knows the more playtime you share with your cat, the more the kitty wants to play. Stocking your home with the latest in cat toys and gadgetry can put a huge dent in your household budget. The easiest and most wallet-friendly solution is to purchase one or two of your favorite toys from the pet store and then treat yourself and kitty to 10 toys you already have lying around your home.

For chasing, pouncing, and tossing:

Twisty-tie.
Most brands of garbage bags/sacks come with one or two sheets of flexible twisty-ties that are meant to secure the bag shut when full. Pluck one and twist it to form a shape that mimics the ribbons worn by celebrities to show support for their pet cause. Toss it to your cat and watch him skitter it across the kitchen floor. He can pick it up in his teeth, flip it into the air, and then pounce on it when it comes back down. If your cat likes to fetch, it is the ideal toy for a fast-paced game. When it gets soggy, toss into the garbage and then fashion a new one for more hours of enjoyment.

Plastic Milk Ring.
Most milk or orange juice plastic jugs have lids that are sealed with a plastic ring. When you open the new jug, do not throw out that ring of potential kitty-fun. Flick it to your cat and watch her pounce with joy. Easy for even the smallest kitten to carry around, one milk ring will last for weeks.

Crumpled Paper.
Before you play a round of wastebasket-basketball with that paper wad, engage your faithful feline in a rousing game of toss and pounce. Paper wads skid playfully across most non-carpeted surfaces allowing kitty to indulge in her natural instincts of pouncing and trapping that paper like a mouse between her paws. Office paper works great but newspaper can be messy if your cat uses her mouth, as the newsprint will run.

Human Fingers.
One of the greatest toys to share with your cat because we always have them with us no matter where we are in the house! Form a v-shape with your middle and index fingers and "walk" your fingers in a tantalizing manner in front of your cat. Also known as, "little people", these finger games with your cat can involve tapping the surface you're playing on or hiding the "little people" underneath a pillow or blanket for a great game of hide-and-seek. Only play the "little people" finger game with a cat that does not have biting issues.

For batting, jumping, and grabbing:

Yarn.
A household item that is always associated with cats, yarn is still a classic toy that provides mutual enjoyment for kitty and owner. Use a single strand about 24 inches in length or if crafty, crotchet a yarn braid. Using a simple chain-stitch, crotchet a 24 inch chain from two strands of yarn. Make three of these chains. Knot the three chains together and then braid as you would human hair. Knot at the other end. The benefit to creating the braided yarn chain is strength and durability. Dangle it to your cat and watch him twist, turn, and jump to catch the yarn's snake-like movements. When it gets dirty from use, simply toss it in the washing machine.

Old Men's Tie.
Save those crazy-patterned ties that Dad received for Father's Day and treat your cat to good time. Ties are perfect for jumping and twisting games but when your arm tires, secure the tie to a doorknob and let your cat lie on her back and bat and grab at the dangling tie toy. Ties are also washable after hours of use.

Fabric Ribbon.
Similar to yarn, fabric ribbon can be found in your household craft box, gift wrapping supplies, or even in your daughter's hair ribbon collection. Salvage those old raggedy ribbons your child no longer wears. Tie several together to form a three foot long ribbon snake. Slither and shimmy the ribbon snake around kitty allowing him to pounce, grab, and frolic. Never use curling ribbon as a cat toy. Some cats will ingest the curling ribbon that can cause serious cuts and damage to their bowels as it passes through.

Shoelaces.
Save old shoelaces to tempt your cat into playtime. Washable, durable, and easy for a kitten or older cat to grab, shoelaces are easily found in any home. Tie two or three together and you now have yet another snake-like toy to play with.

For hiding and climbing:

Brown paper grocery bag/sack.
Recycle those old brown paper grocery sack into a kitty cave that will provide a fun hideaway for your pet. Before you turn the sack over to kitty for playtime, make sure that none of the groceries like raw meats or cleaning supplies leaked into the sack. After making sure the sack is clean, place it onto the floor and invite your cat in. Most cats will dive into it and then tussle and tumble for several minutes. If your cat is seems shy or even a little unsure, try placing a kitty treat in the sack and encourage her entrance. When the sack has too many teeth or claw marks, recycle with your other paper goods.

Cardboard Box.
Cats are similar to children, they would much rather play with the box than the toy that came in the box. Cardboard boxes are perfect hideaways for all sizes and ages of cats. Toss a twisty-tie in the box and watch kitty scamper as it slides smoothly along the inside surface of the box. Similar to the grocery sack, the box should be clean and free of potential hazards. Always check your box and make sure there are not any protruding staples or other items that could scratch or harm your pet. Close the box lid and use it as a kitty perch but make sure that the end is secure so your cat won't fall through unexpectedly.

Whether your cat enjoys chasing, pouncing, jumping, grabbing, or hiding and climbing, your home is a treasure trove if you look around and use the ordinary as an extraordinary toy that will give both you and your cat satisfaction and joy.