Earlier this week, we wrote a post about using recycled materials to make dog toys.
And today we’re following it up with one just for our kitties! After all, when it comes to keeping our pets happy and healthy, exercise and mental stimulation are essential. This holds true for our feline friends just as much as it does for dogs.
In this blog, we’ll explore why cats need exercise and mental enrichment, the impact of boredom on their overall health, and give you ideas for 5 fun DIY cat toys using recycled materials. Saving money and the environment in one go – who doesn’t love that?!
Why Cats Need Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Contrary to popular belief, cats are not just lazy loungers – they have natural instincts for hunting, stalking, and playing. Regular exercise and mental stimulation are crucial for cats to maintain their physical health and mental well-being.
Why? Well, there are a few reasons…
Firstly, regular exercise helps cats maintain a healthy weight, strong muscles, and flexible joints, reducing the risk of obesity and related health issues such as diabetes and arthritis. The body needs to move to stay healthy. Everything from the cells to the skin benefit from it!
Next, engaging in play activities provides mental stimulation, prevents boredom, and reduces stress and anxiety in cats. It satisfies their natural hunting instincts and keeps their minds sharp. Stress and boredom can have detrimental effects on a cat’s physical and mental health. Cats left without stimulation may exhibit destructive behaviors, such as excessive scratching, over-grooming, or urinating outside the litter box.
Finally, playtime with us can help strengthen the bond we share, fostering trust and affection. Interactive play also helps socialize cats and build positive relationships with other pets in the household.
5 DIY Cat Toys
Making DIY cat toys at home using recycled materials helps reduce waste and minimize your carbon footprint. By reusing things you no longer need, you’re stopping those items from heading to the landfill. This contributes to a healthier planet!
Plus, DIY cat toys are budget-friendly and allow you to customize toys to suit your cat’s preferences and play style.
Cardboard Catnip Tube: Cut cardboard tubes (from paper towel or toilet paper rolls) into smaller pieces, sprinkle with catnip, and watch as your cat bats and pounces on the scented tubes.
Feather Wand Toy: Attach feathers or fabric scraps to the end of a string or stick, and wiggle the wand to entice your cat to chase and pounce. The unpredictable movement of the feathers mimics prey, keeping your cat engaged and providing exercise and mental stimulation.
Cardboard Puzzle Toy: Cut up a cardboard tube into small rings, and place the rings inside a cardboard box. Hide treats or toys among the rings and let your cat use their paws to fish them out.
Catnip Sock Toy: Fill an old, clean sock with catnip and tie a knot at the open end. Your cat will enjoy batting and rolling around with the scented sock. Catnip stimulates cats’ natural instincts and provides sensory enrichment, promoting active play and stress relief.
Cat Scratch Door Hanger: Cats love scratching – and it’s actually really great mental stimulation (they’re not just trying to destroy your couch when they scratch). For this toy, take a short length of wood and run a length of twine around it to cover it almost completely, gluing it down with hot glue with every wrap. Then, drill two holes in the top of the piece of wood and string a piece of twine through the holes to hang it from a door handle. Let them scratch away.
When it comes to keeping our furry felines happy and healthy, mental stimulation is really important. Couple it with physical exercise, and you’ve got a double whammy! And then, add the fact that these DIY cat toys let you save money and protect the planet, and we’re talking off-the-charts! So roll up your sleeves, gather your recycled materials, and get ready to delight your cat with pawsitively playful homemade toys that are as eco-friendly as they are entertaining.
