Free and Low Cost Cat Toys

Our economy is rough right now and although the “Financial” advisors assure us that we are out of the recession, my personal checkbook begs to differ!  So with a tight budget I have to be choosy on where my money is being spent and unfortunately, my pets are the first to suffer from our tight budget. 

I still get their yearly vaccinations and any medical treatment they need and they are still on the best quality of food too!  However, buying new toys or leashes and such has been put on the back burner.  My cats have plenty of toys sitting in a basket just begging to be played with, so there really is no need to buy more, however they get bored with their current toys.  To help keep my cats entertained and interested I have come up with a great list of household items that can keep my cats amused for hours.

DISCLOSER!  Please note these household items can be dangerous if swallowed.  So if your kitten or cat tends to eat anything in sight, these recommendations should be reconsidered.  Safety comes first so always monitor your cat in play with these items.  Remove all items when kitty is done playing.

Paper or Aluminum Balls

We all know recycling is the RAGE!  Help your kitty Go Green too, by taking paper that you are going to shred or recycle and rip medium size length strips and roll into balls.  Toss onto the floor for kitty to bat around.  They also LOVE aluminum foil; take aluminum foil and roll into a medium size ball….toss on the floor and your cat will have loads of fun chasing after these!

Paper Bag or Cardboard Box

A simple brown paper bag from the grocery store.  Pop it open and throw some of their current toys in there.  If you have some cat nip, toss some cat nip in the bag and kitty will enjoy rolling around inside the bag!  They LOVE the sound of a crinkling bag.  Throw in some of those paper and aluminum balls you made too for extra fun!  Cats LOVE cardboard boxes just as much as toddlers!  Give your cat an empty box, throw a toy in and they will have fun rolling around in that box for hours!

Plastic Spiral Bind

A plastic spiral bind that you are looking to recycle is a great toy for a cat.  Just snip in different sizes once it is removed from the paper.  Cats love the texture and the way these tend to spring about will give your kitty enjoyment.

Plastic Milk Rings

These are by far Casey’s FAVORITE toy.  He even plays fetch with milk rings and us.  These have the scent of milk on them, how alluring is that for kitty!  These are easy to obtain, when you purchase a gallon of milk and twist the cap off, there is a ring attached, just remove and toss on the floor for your cat to have fun with their milk ring.

Shoe Laces

Shoe laces are a fun favorite for cats!  Getting their claws stuck in the shoe lace is entertaining for kitty!  You can tie one of their current toys to the end of the shoe lace, even tying multiple shoe laces together and dragging it around the house, will give your cat a chance to chase after this moving prey!  Using an old pair from sneakers is the way to go; they have an abundance of outdoor scents on them….how enticing for kitty!  If they are too dirty, just throw them in a mesh bag and wash them with your next load of towels.  Your cat doesn’t care about their condition either.

Elastic Hair Ties

DO NOT USE RUBBER BANDS!  If you are a female or live with females, I guarantee you have some of these lying around!  These are great for your cats to carry around and bat at.  Our cat, Casey, LOVES my daughter’s elastic headbands too!  I think he LOVES having her scent on these as Casey and my daughter have a special bond….every now and then we catch him carrying around her headbands ever so proud!

Hair Pins

Again, if you are a female or live with a female, it is almost guaranteed you have some of these.  Attach a few of these pins together to make a long train or make a “V” shape.  Throw these on a kitchen or wood floor will be fun for your cat to scoot these around with their paws.

I hope these eco-friendly, budget friendly household items help keep your kitten or cat engrossed with hours of fun.  Please remember to keep your kitten or cat safe by NOT using these items if your cat has issues with swallowing items and always remove these when they are done playing with them.

Photo Credit: Daveybot

Resources: Resources:  http://blog.adoptapet.com/ideas-for-diy-free-cat-toys/

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