I saw my foster kittens were entranced by an empty Juicy Juice box that had a hole cut in the box and both ends taped shut and covered with paper, to where it made a box that looked just like a tissue box. A ping pong ball got stuck in it while it was on the table. They spent lots of happy moments batting this around, it was so cute.
I also use a plastic large waste container that will hold 30 or more gallons trash bags and use it for storage and invert the top and put something soft for them to lay on and look out the windows. They like it a lot, I also use it for storage of things around the house and will make a cover to fit over it and turn it into a table. The table idea I got from a person who told me to use these as storage and put a wooden topper on it, then a pretty tablecloth, for storage. I loved the idea. The cats have adopted these plastic trash cans to lay on, they love it.
By Robyn Fed from Hampton TN
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My kittens favorite toy? A wadded up piece of paper. He loves it, will play for hours. When he gets bored by himself he plays fetch, he will carry it to my husband and get him to throw it, then chase down and bring back. Think he has been watching the dogs, lol.
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At one of our animal shelters, they drill a hole in a plastic coke lid, and put a string through it, and then knot it at the bottom. The cats and kittens seem to never tire of batting these around when they are in the mood to play.
It has to be hung from somewhere, but make sure the cat doesn't have enough string to hang himself.
By Robyn Fed from Hampton, TN
Thanks for the idea. I'll pass it on to our shelter. (05/23/2009)
By jan king
I have an extremely active kitten and could swear she has ADHD! She is in need of frequent changes in her "toys" to occupy her time. That can get a little costly. I found an easy solution without the expense. Using left over butter bowls or small plastic containers (I found this out because she kept "stealing" my small plastic craft containers!) place a few beans inside and tape closed with duct tape.
Voila! She now has a new toy to occupy her and no cost to me! She also enjoys the aluminum foil balls, but loses those easily. I have found my dog also likes to bat these around the house, too.By Cheryl from Peebles, OH
I always make my cats a pompom string. I make a pompom out of leftover yarn and when I tie the middle(make sure you tie it tight) leave about 6 inch of yarn hanging. Then I get a piece of 1/4 inch elastic about 16"from my sewing box and tie it to the pompom. I just tie the other end to one of my kitchen drawer handles. Make it about 6-8 inches off the floor. It's funny to watch them, they will pull it as far as they can and then they let go and the pompom goes flying. (10/28/2006)
By LEONA LABINE
Love the cat toy ideas, I'll have to try them. My cat LOVES to chase pill bottles (Advil, Aspirin or even used prescription bottles). I put a few old buttons inside and make sure the caps are on tightly (childproof works best). She will chase these around for hours. (10/28/2006)
By Teresa, major cat lover :)
We have three male cats which we love as "our furry children", now that our own children are grown. ANYWAY, we give "the boys" simple rubber bands to play with. THEY seem to really love playing with them as if they were a small snake or big worm. It is funny to watch the acrobatics that they can and do perform while playing with them. Try it, they love it and you'll enjoy watching them. (10/31/2006)
By Paula Jo
Our kitty loved playing with the plastic rings off of the milk jugs. Also loved playing "catch" with wadded up paper. She would bite us if we didn't throw the paper for her to chase when she brought it to us. (11/02/2006)
By janice
There is nothing my big bad boy loves as much as those twisty ties for trash bags. He spends hours playing with them. I double them up and then make a circle. (11/02/2006)
By Jayne Pavone
I love all these ideas! But, I must warm everyone, be careful with rubber bands and plastic. They can cause serious problems for the kitty! My favorite cat toy is one of those disposable drinking straws. My cat loves it! (11/18/2006)
By Kathy
Before I start, yes, my name is Kitty, I am not impersonating a cat! lol! Anyway my kitten likes to play with plastic bottle caps and the caps on glass snapple bottles! If I can't find her, I just drop one and BANG! she comes out from whatever spot she is hiding in and snatches it up! another thing you can do is tie a string to a door knob in a room with a fan on. then the string with flutter and your cat will think its alive. Its very funny
WATCH YOUR CAT WHEN PLAYING WITH STRING TO AVOID DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY! (06/11/2007)
By Kitty
I take a strip of aluminum foil, maybe 4 inches, and roll it into a ball. My guys love it! (06/07/2008)
By Sandi
My cat is such a spaz, but he loves pens and pencils, highlighters, anything he can get his paws on. That and plastic straws are his favorite! (08/27/2008)
By Bryanna
Thanks for the suggestions! I'm a home schooled teen with Tarzan for a cat. I have been having the hardest time finding away to play with him without getting hurt. I found one way that is fun for me and also fun for him. I take a string or a ribbon make sure it is long enough so your cat wont hurt you by accident.
Just dangle it around what ever way you would like. The cat will have a great time cause not only will he be playing the cat will think of it as quality time with mom or dad. Be sure to twirl it around in big circles often times he will run in circles like a dog chasing his tail. It is also a good way to make your cat calm down he will be tired of running around and will be very happy so you don't have to worry about him for another fifteen minutes! lol! (10/09/2008)
By Samantha
