Five 'Purrfectly' Creative Cat Toys

Countless dollars are spent annually on toys for cats. Some crinkle, some have cat nip, others are shiny and look like mice. often a cat is either not interested in the toy or quickly grows tired of it. I have discovered that home made toys keep a cat's interest longer. Everyone has bags, boxes, and drawers to entertain their cats, but with a bit of creativity, unique cat toys can be made from items you have around the house or can find at a dollar store.

1. Tennis Ball Bell. Simply find a used leftover tennis ball and cut a slit in it big enough to force a bell into. I used a bell from a Christmas bow. Once you place the bell in the tennis ball, the slit closes and the bell can not get out. Your cat will enjoy batting the bell ball around your floors!
2. Baby Sock Crinkle Toy. Take a baby sock or the smallest sock you can find. Purchase some string and crinkle raping paper - the sort that goes around a gift basket. Cut off a square of the crinkle paper and place it in the baby sock. Either knot it closed or sew it so the paper will remain inside. The new toy is small enough for you cat to handle and comes complete with noise to occupy him.
3. Water Bottle Toy. Purchase the small 6 ounces water bottles. once you've nourished your body with H2O, place some marbles or other trinkets that will make noise, inside the bottle and replace the lid. My cat loves to bat the bottle around while listening to the noises made by the marbles.
4. Carpet Scratcher. Take a piece of a 2 by 4 and sand it. use a piece about 6 by 12 inches long. Make sure there are no rough edges that might get splinters under your cats paw, Use leftover carpet, either from a home remodeling project, or a sample from a store and tack it to the wood. Cut the carpet to fit the outside surface of the sanded wood board. Use wood tacks to hammer the carpet into the board. Some people use glue, but this could prove toxic to your cat. You know have a scratching post made from scraps laying around the house or garage!
5. Feather Bird Toy. What cat doesn't like bird feathers? Purchase several large bird feathers at your local art or dollar store. Also purchase some felt and yarn. Cut out a piece of felt about two by four inches. Sew a few feathers on the felt. Sew the yarn on the bottom of the felt and you have a feather pull toy. The feather toy can also be attached to a window seal or high surface like a counter with duct tape so your cat can bat at it from the floor.
   

Whatever you make, ensure it is safe for your cat and that no small parts can be ingested. As far as possible, supervise your cat's play to ensure his safety. Not only will your feline be safe, but he will be 'purrfectly' happy with his new home made toys!