7 Easy DIY cats enrichment toys you can do with a budget

If you share your home with a cat, you already know you need more than just food, water and a cozy bed. Cats are natural hunters and explorers. Without sufficient mental and physical stimulation, they can get bored and act in a way that frustrates us: scratch furniture, wake up at 4 am or bother other pets.

The good news? Keeping your entertaining cat does not have to cost a fortune. Some of the best enrichment toys come directly from their recycling container or some daily family articles. Here are some easy, safe and affordable DIY toys to keep your cat busy and happy.

1. The paper bag

Tip: Always cut the handles so that your cat does not get tangled. Place the side bag and watch your cat immerse yourself and go out for fun hours.

The next time you start your groceries, place that paper bag aside for your cat. A simple paper bag can become an instant target, tunnel or jump.

2. Fort cardboard box

Cats and cardboard boxes are a match made in heaven. The boxes offer hidden points, scratch opportunities and cozy nap areas, all in one.

Stack some boxes, cuts “doors” and “windows”, and creates a mini fortress. Move or reorganize the boxes every few days to keep things fresh. Add a towel or some treats inside to be even more exciting.

3. Home puzzle feeders

Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise. The puzzle feeders mimic the hunting experience and keep the cats busy while working for their sweets or croquettes. Try this:

• Fill some sweets or croquette pieces inside an empty and double hygienic paper roll.

• Use an empty egg cardboard to hide the treats inside the cups and cover them slightly with paper.

• Supervise at the beginning to make sure your cat solves it without frustration.

4. Sock toys with cat grass

Do you have an old sock losing your game? Become a homemade kicking toy!

Fill the sock with a pinch of triggering grass or silvervine, look at a knot at the open end and give it to your cat. Patheing toys are excellent for burning energy and turning them keep them interesting.

5. DIY WASHE TOYS

Interactive game is one of the best ways to enrich your cat’s life and strengthen your link.

Make a simple wand toy with a spike or stick, a little resistant rope and a pen or tape. Move, drag or move the toy to imitate the dams and observe that your cat’s natural hunting instincts take over.

6. Frozen treatment cubes

Enrichment can attract all senses, even taste and touch!

Try to freeze some low sodium broth or tuna water in a tray of ice cubes. Offer a cube on a warm day for your cat to beat and Lame. Always make sure any broth is safe for cats (without onion, garlic or added salt).

7. Swaps of smell

The smell is incredibly important for cats. Try to bring the exterior by rubbing a fabric in safe outdoors of cat or fresh herbs such as cat or mint grass (if it is safe for your cat).

Place the scented fabric in a cardboard box or near your bed and let them investigate. Turn the aromas occasionally to keep it new and exciting.

Tips for success

• Always supervise your cat with DIY toys, especially those with small pieces, strings or materials that could swallow.
• Turn toys every few days so they don’t become bored.
• Note what toys or games your cat prefers. Some cats love batting, others love to pursue or chew.
• In case of doubt, keep it simple. Many cats prefer a cardboard box on the toy bought in the most elegant store!

Keeping your cat happy and committed does not require a large budget or elegant devices. All you need is a bit of creativity and attention to your cat’s natural instincts. With these simple DIY enrichment ideas, you can turn everyday household articles into fun hours. Whether it is a paper bag turned into the jungle gym or a puzzle feeder that takes advantage of its internal hunter, these activities help meet your cat’s needs significantly. By making enrichment part of his daily routine, he is not only avoiding problematic behaviors, but is giving his cat a more satisfactory and happy life.