DIY cat toys: how to make puzzles, teasers, rattles

Playful as a kitten - this is what they say about a restless child who literally frolics until he drops. This comparison is not accidental - small domestic predators are distinguished by a special passion for active and intellectual fun. For a kitten, play is preparation for adult life, useful interaction with the owner, and physical training. And for a person - the pleasure of communicating with a pet and emotional release. In addition, cat games give impetus to creativity. There is hardly a cat owner who has not made at least one toy for his pet.

• 2 Kitten toys
  2.1 Interactive toys for the development of intelligence

  2.1.1 Video: do-it-yourself toy out of the box

How to choose a toy for a cat

In order for the toy to truly interest your pet, you should pay attention to important points:

• the material from which the toy is made must be ergonomic and not have a strong odor;
• You should not use a toy of poisonous colors, as this may scare away the animal;
• there is no need to purchase toys that are too small, as your pet may swallow or choke on a small object;
• You should not give your cat a heavy toy, otherwise it will be difficult for the pet to move it;
• It is not recommended to give your pet an overly hard toy, so that he does not hit the sharp corners of the product or break his teeth on a hard surface;
• The toy can be easily washed.

When choosing a toy, you should pay attention to the pet’s individual character traits, health status and age restrictions. For example, if a cat gains a lot of weight after sterilization, give preference to those toys that stimulate the animal to move.

For a cat with poor eyesight, toys with sound accompaniment are suitable. The best option is to offer your pet several toys and from this draw a conclusion about the preferences of your furry friend.

What sense organs should toys act on in order to attract the animal’s attention:

• vision - glowing, moving, shaking toys (balls, laser pointer, sunbeams, running mice and various interactive structures);
• hearing - bells, imitation of bird voices, rustling, ringing, grinding;
• touch - fur or lint, similar to the skin of an animal;
• taste and smell - specifically smelling material, adding favorite aromas to the toy (fish, poultry, meat, catnip, honeysuckle, etc.).

Miniature rattle

The next cat toy idea is to create a rattle.

The sound-making beads inside will attract the pussy's attention.

The cat will chase her like prey and try to catch her.

To create a toy you will need:

• medicine bottle;
• beads or other elements that will rattle inside;
• cover and/or tape.

Wash the empty jar; if there is a label, remove it.

Then place the beads inside.

Alternatively, you can use any small items such as seeds or bells.

The toy must be tightly closed so that the cat cannot reach the contents.

If the lid is not tight enough, you can wrap the neck with regular tape.

Homemade cat toy from a box

The indisputable fact that purrs adore all kinds of boxes can and even should be used when it comes to crafts for our little brothers. There are many options for crafts from them, but the most interesting are sorters and houses.

Sorter track made from a box and toilet paper rolls.

These, at first glance, absolutely unnecessary items will actually be an excellent nursery rhyme for a kitten.

To make it you will need:

• Cardboard shoe box.
• Toilet paper rolls - the number depends on the size of the box.
• Glue.

These, at first glance, absolutely unnecessary items will actually be an excellent nursery rhyme for a kitten

You need to carefully place the bushings inside the box, smearing them with glue along the bottom circle so that they stick to the bottom and along the outside to glue them together. Decorate the resulting sorter with pompoms, hanging ribbons, yarn fringes, small soft animal figures, and decorate it with bright colors.

There are never too many holes - the simplest game with a box

For this craft you will need a relatively thin box, for example from pizza, paintings and similar goods. The main thing is that the sides are of small height.

We take the workpiece and cut identical round holes in a random order of such a size that the pet’s paw fits freely in it. Close tightly and give to your pet.

For this craft you will need a relatively thin box, for example from pizza, paintings and similar goods

To make the sorter boxes less mobile, it is enough to glue rubber clamps to their bottom. Then the cat will not slide on the floor while playing.

Boxed paradise for purrs

You shouldn’t bother buying an expensive house for your cat at a pet store, because you can make it yourself, all from the same cardboard boxes of different sizes.

To create a cat house you need:

• Several boxes made of durable cardboard. They can be the same or different in size, but the pet should be able to easily climb into the smallest one and not get stuck there.
• Glue, preferably construction glue, acrylic, is odorless and colorless.
• Decorations are optional, without them it will also be nice.

Don't bother buying an expensive house for your cat at a pet store.

The first step is to group the “rooms”, building the future home of the fluffy at your discretion. With a pencil or pen, mark the position of all the holes for the animal's entry and exit so that it can climb through the rooms without going out every time. Then glue them together one by one, generously lubricating them with glue so that they hold tightly. For greater aesthetics, cover the outside of the house with a thin layer of paint (gouache, watercolor) or simply draw cute drawings with pencils or felt-tip pens.

And if you hang small trinkets in every room, then the purr’s delight will know no bounds for a long time.

Fluffy kitty

Required materials: colored paper, a sheet of white cardboard, PVA glue and ordinary cotton wool.

On a colored sheet we draw the outlines of the cat. You can print it on a printer or draw it by hand. You don’t have to draw a classic cat; your craft can look like a cartoon character or a children’s book. Cut out along the contour and glue the figure onto a white sheet of cardboard.

Now we will make a fluffy fur coat. Lubricate the silhouette of the cat with glue, stepping back 1 cm from the edge. Tear off pieces of cotton wool and glue them, creating volume. Finally, we decorate the face: glue on the eyes and nose.

In order to make a beautiful cat craft, you do not need expensive materials or special skills. The time spent on making will not be wasted and will bring a lot of pleasure.

Mouse is a number one hit

There is no need to even mention how popular this couple is - a cat and a mouse, so such a toy is an almost obligatory accessory. If the housewife knows how and loves to knit, then a rodent can be knitted, but products made from thick textiles are no less attractive to kittens and cats. The range of candidates for the role of a mouse is large. This:

• drape;
• suede (artificial);
• fur;
• felt;
• fleece

In addition to the fabric, you need to prepare:

• sewing supplies;
• holofiber, cotton wool or foam rubber; their replacement is leftover yarn.

The operation will not take much effort or much time.

1. First, a triangle is cut out from the selected material, then its two sides are sewn together.
2. One or more fillers are tightly stuffed into the resulting bag. The edge is basted, then the seam is pulled together and the thread is tied.
3. Ears and a tail are cut out of the fabric, and these elements are sewn on very securely.

It is better to draw the eyes of the mouse, since the sewn beads will become a big threat to the baby. They can be replaced with small buttons, but only if it will be very difficult for the “naturalist” to get to the threads holding them in place.

A soft toy can be more than just a mouse, although ears and a tail make for an exciting journey through the rooms with the prey. With the same success they sew fish, birds, tigers or piglets. Small balls sewn together and yarn are used to make insects with legs, such as caterpillars.

Toilet paper rolls come in handy too.

You can pamper your kitten with anything. Even a roll of toilet paper! Decorate it with fun things and the fun is ready!

Let the fluffy ride the cars

Even a toy red cat will amuse your pet

Wonderful frogs on a string

Master class No. 3

If you often find yourself in the mood to play with your pet in person, then you cannot do without a shiny cat toy on a stick. Why not use your imagination here too and use a real, beautiful and intricate toy instead of an old candy wrapper on a string? You will need:

• felt;
• embroidery threads;
• cat mint;
• padding material;
• wooden or metal stick;
• various shiny little things for decoration (sequins, pompoms, etc. that come to hand);

We will need diamond-shaped parts. To make them, first draw two small equilateral triangles on paper - the length of each side should be approximately 6-7 cm. Draw them so that they have one common side - you get a rhombus. Cut out a shape from paper and use it as a pattern. For one toy you need two of these parts. Fold the resulting diamonds into a pyramid, as shown in the figure.

Starting from the tip, start stitching the parts. As you move along each side, your toy will become voluminous. When you are almost done sewing it up, leave a small hole and stuff it with the prepared padding material. Add some catnip inside. After this, continue sewing the toy. It is recommended to run the thread and needle along the borders again to make sure it is securely sewn. Do not rush to cut the thread - make it long so that it is comfortable to hold it.

After this, you can start decorating the stick. The stick is not mandatory, but if you want to make the toy more interesting, then attach the free end of the thread to the stick - you need to wrap the thread around the end of the stick several times, tie it in a knot, and then glue a small piece of felt around it - for beauty and strength. Then attach to a thread, tying knots, everything you have prepared to attract your cat’s attention - shiny candy wrappers, pieces of bright fabric, rustling pieces of paper, and the like. The toy is ready!

A little about the herb catnip (catnip)

Why do most cats love catnip grass so much? Veterinarians say that catnip is a cat's cure for stress. Now many products are produced for cats using this plant: various sticks, balls, toys. There are even drops that are used to drip onto the scratching post - this is how the cat gets used to sharpening its claws and not damaging the furniture.

If the cat has no appetite, catnip is recommended as a food supplement. Add a pinch of dried or fresh herbs. Catnip is also an anthelmintic. Catnip is sold at any pet store; you can plant it at home in a pot. At the same time, you need to make sure that the cat does not eat it all at once, and there is no doubt that he will like it.

On video: why cats love catnip.

Toy out of the box for intelligence development

Interactive toys and labyrinths are very popular among cat owners, which not only captivate their pets, but also help develop their intelligence. Such devices are not cheap, so many people create them with their own hands.

Your pet will definitely love this homemade puzzle made from a cardboard box. Several holes are made in the body from different sides. Holes of equal size are also cut out on the lid of the box. They should not be too large so that only the pet’s paws fit through them.

To prevent the box from quickly losing its shape, it is taped around the entire perimeter. Place any round objects inside that easily roll when the cat touches them with his paw.

Another popular educational toy idea is a tunnel house. It is also made from a box, but larger in size. The pet should freely enter the tunnel through the holes on the sides. To attract the cat's attention, colorful ribbons are attached to the box, and fragrant treats, balls, and rustling toys are placed in the house.

Origami cat bookmark step by step

In order to make an unusual bookmark, you will need a sheet of paper measuring 21 by 10.5 cm for a large bookmark or a sheet of paper measuring 18 by 9 cm for a small bookmark. You can take colored or white paper.

It is better to use special origami paper. It is sold in stationery stores, but plain paper will make an interesting craft.

Take a sheet of paper with a wide side horizontally. If the paper is colored on one side, then the white side should lie in front of you.

1. Fold the sheet in half.
2. We unfold the sheet and bend the edges of the upper and lower parts to the central fold.
3. We turn the sheet vertically, the narrow side is on top.
4. Fold the top left and right corners to the center line.
5. Bend the corner down. You should get a triangle.
6. Unfold the sheet without straightening the folds.
7. We bend the upper part of the sheet with triangular folds horizontally.
8. Pull the corner up and fold a narrow strip. We repeat the action on the other side.
9. Fold 1 vertex to the right corner. We repeat on the other side.
10. We bend the corners along the folds in the opposite direction.
11. Open the side and turn the corners inward.
12. Bend the bottom corners. The beginning of the fold is in the middle of the narrow strip, fix the fold with your finger. Fold it in the opposite direction.
13. We reveal the side. Press the corners with your fingers and fold them inward. If desired, you can glue the free sides.

We draw the cat’s face, add drawings of food, toys or a ball. Below we finish drawing the paws. Ready!

Scented toy is not for everyone

Making such a tasty-smelling toy is a good chance to arouse the kitten’s interest in a new item. In this case, it is enough to have at home:

• sewing supplies;
• small pieces of relatively dense fabric (linen, cotton);
• polyethylene, “able” to rustle;
• dried catnip (catnip);
• decorative elements - ribbons, pompoms, cords.

First, make a drawing of the future bag (square, rectangle, oval).

1. The pattern is transferred to the fabric, then a sachet is cut out from it, leaving seam allowances: 2 parts are cut out, they must be absolutely identical.
2. The blanks are placed face to face, stitched manually or on a sewing machine, and a small hole is left.
3. After turning the product inside out, pieces of polyethylene and catnip are placed in it, and the hole is sewn up.
4. Decorate the toy at your discretion - with pompoms, ribbons or laces.

An easier way is to use finished products left without a pair as a bag - children's mittens or socks. In this case, you only need to tighten the open edge with a strong thread and tie it in a knot. The easiest option without sewing is a knot with grass; in this case, no manipulations other than tying are required at all.

It should be noted that there are some “wrong” creatures in the world from the family of feline predators. They don't react to this plant at all. If the owners “caught” such a kitten, then there is a high probability of completely ignoring this fragrant toy.

How to play with a dog?

You need to play with your dog not anyhow, but following some simple rules, since incorrect play can lead to unwanted behavior in the future. For example, you decide to play with your puppy with your old slippers, after which the puppy will decide that he can play with any slippers and will ruin your new ones. Therefore, as soon as the baby appears in the house, you need to immediately attend to the selection of toys for him.

While the puppy is playing, you should carefully monitor how the play process occurs. In some cases, you should even intervene to correct his behavior: for example, at a time when the puppy actively begins to be interested in the baseboard or wallpaper instead of his toy. But be sure to praise him when he plays with what he can. The baby should receive positive reinforcement for his actions. Encourage them in every possible way. When pulling objects, you should not use excessive force - you can injure the animal’s teeth, especially if we are talking about a puppy or a small dog. Observe moderation in all your actions.

How to play with a dog

Advice ! To prevent your dog from losing interest in toys, remove from his sight those that he has stopped playing with and hide them. And those that only you play with are also better removed from public access. This way, the dog’s play motivation will only grow.

And be sure to play where it is safe, in a calm place, where both you and the dog are comfortable. Remember - the game should bring positive emotions to both you and the dog. And it is also better to use only toys that will not harm the animal. And it’s best to make these with your own hands.

Play complexes made from scrap materials

Some owners create complex play complexes for their pets with their own hands. For such structures, cardboard, plywood, plastic pipes, and hoses are used, which can be purchased at the plumbing department. Any man can bring such a project to life. It will require the following materials:

• plastic corners – 4 pcs.;
• pieces of plastic pipes (diameter 110 mm) – 4 pcs.;
• ping pong balls.

The sections must be connected using corners into a closed square, 8 holes with a radius of about 40 mm must be cut in the pipes so that the cat can freely enter the maze. The balls need to be placed in the pipes. The cat will try to get into the pipe to get them.

Pompom - a light toy for kittens

Pom-poms are classic cat toys.

Pompoms on a string are the favorite toy of many cats, which they do not get tired of for a long time. Ready-made toys can be hung on the doorknob so that the cat tries to get them.

Pompoms on the door are very attractive to cats.

Another option for a soft toy for a kitten or adult cat is a pompom.

It’s even easier to make than a mouse or a fish.

1. Gather fabric strips of equal length.
2. Fold the resulting bundle in half and tie it tightly in the center.
3. Cut strips on the fold.
4. Distribute the ponytails evenly.

This completes the pompom for the cat.

All that remains is to cut at the fold

Construction materials

The following materials are most often used to build a cat’s home:

• for the manufacture of the frame, chipboard, MDF and plywood sheets, boards made of natural wood are suitable;
• it is possible to sew a soft house for your beloved cat in the form of a comfortable bed from fabric and foam filling;
• simply create cat houses from ordinary boxes;

• To decorate a scratching post for a furry one, you should stock up on jute or sisal rope. Just do not need to secure them with staples or nails, since the animal can damage its limbs;
• PVC pipes or metal and wood products are suitable for the base of the scratching post;
• synthetic winterizer and foam pieces are chosen as filler for pillows and mattresses;
• the interior is decorated with fur, plush or fleece;
• to cover the external facade, the material is selected based on the animal’s habit of tearing its claws: carpet would be a good option;
• adhesive compositions for work should be purchased without a pungent odor, which can scare away the cat.

Applications

Paper is a material that is easy to cut, bend, and glue. A master class video will help you make an applique of an original paper cat.

Another option is appliqué using pieces of fabric.

For work you will need the following materials and tools:

• foam base 3 cm thick, size 50x80 cm;
• multi-colored pieces of fabric;
• marker;
• scissors, manicure file, stationery knife.

A cat is drawn on the base sheet; you can use a stencil. All details are cut with a stationery knife.

A piece of fabric is cut out a little larger in size than the applique piece, placed on top of the design and carefully tucked into the slots with a nail file. The edges are secured with glue.

How to make a cat house quickly and inexpensively

I would like everyone’s favorite to have a house, but sometimes I don’t have enough time or money. You can make a cat's home from scrap materials without spending a lot of time. Here is one idea for such a light house.

• Cardboard or wooden box
• Old T-shirt
• Stapler

Making a house

1. Prepare the box: glue the cardboard in the torn places, clean the wooden box from unnecessary parts, such as nails, staples and other objects that can harm the animal.
2. The box should only be open on one side. Place a T-shirt over the box so that the neckline is in the middle of the open side of the box. This will be a kind of entrance to the house.
3. Carefully fold the excess material from the hem of the T-shirt to the bottom of the box and secure everything with a stapler so that the material does not dangle. Tuck the sleeves inside.
4. You can first put a soft mattress for the animal or a rug inside the box.

There you have it, an easy version of a cat house!

You can always pay attention to your beloved pet and give the cat his own house, even if you don’t have enough time. Cats love to climb into various containers and cabinets.

So why not give them their own place where they can hide and play? This will bring the animal a lot of joy and pleasure.

Cat fishing rod

DIY cat fishing rod.

A thin wooden stick, strong thread and strips of thin fabric are all you need to make a cat fishing rod. Fold the fabric overlapping and use a needle to thread the thread through the strips. Tie the free end of the thread around the stick.

When the issue of entertaining cats is resolved, a lot of free time is freed up. Why not spend it on improving the interior of your home? For example, check out 15 tricks that will turn a nursery into a child’s dream room.

Basic requirements for toys for pets.

Regardless of whether a purchased or homemade trinket is used for the tailed amusement, it must meet the following requirements:

• Safety. The materials used for it must be environmentally friendly, with high-quality dyes, fillers, without sharp corners, protruding threads and other imperfections.
• Strength. Having sharp teeth and claws, kittens can easily tear a cheap store-bought treat, feast on its contents or parts, causing health problems.
• Focus on the development of natural instincts. The best cat toys encourage them to hunt, jump, run, lurk, attack, and more.

All this can easily be realized in simple crafts from waste materials. To choose what kind of toy you want to make for your pet, take a look at the gallery and look at examples of finished works.

Chenille wire

Required:

• 2 foam balls with a diameter of 2 cm and 4 cm;
• wire white, brown, pink;
• heat gun.

A hole is made in the ball on one side, glue is applied, and a brown wire is inserted. The ball is wrapped around her. The same actions are performed with the second ball. Then the parts are glued together - these are the body and the head.

For the paws, take white wire and twist it in the shape of a trefoil. One part is glued to the body.

The white wire for the ears is twisted into a spiral, and pieces of pink wire are inserted into the middle.

The ears are attached to the head.

The muzzle is formed from white wire, the tail is made from brown, the parts are glued, the mustache is secured - and the cat is ready!

What's the use of it

There really are a lot of advantages to such an unusual toy. We'll deal with everyone. To put it very simply, a food puzzle is a food dispenser, that’s all. But…

Your pet will eat more slowly - and this is the key to his health and the foundation of longevity. And at the same time move a lot and invent ways to obtain food “hunting”.

By the way, zoologists agree that this type of nutrition is more correct than with free access to dry food.

1. If your pet has problems with excess weight, this useful device will help reduce the amount of food eaten and ensure the burning of excess weight through greater physical activity.
2. May help animals prone to vomiting from haste while eating. This toy feeder encourages leisurely eating of food or treats.
3. It forces you not only to exert physical effort, but also trains your cat’s intelligence. A homemade food puzzle for a cat will make it more active, dexterous, and smarter.

The principle of operation is this: the cat needs to think and act on the toy in a certain way in order to get the treasured treat. Food puzzles perfectly develop logical thinking and the “hunter” instinct.

In the wild, it is unlikely that you will come across a bowl filled with mice. And with such a toy, a whole world of adventure is open to the cat.

Physical activity increases and a new hobby appears that will protect your curtains and sofa from an overly active animal. In addition, this is a great activity for those times when our cat is left to his own devices. For example, when it’s night outside or the owners leave and leave the animal alone.

Pipe

So, what kind of design is this? This cat toy is a type of educational toy; it is a closed tube with holes the size of tennis balls. There are several of the same balls inside. The cat enjoys playing with them, rolling them around and trying to catch them out of the pipe.

Making a toy

You need four plastic sewer pipes, more precisely, pipe corners with a diameter of about 20 cm, as well as a flexible plastic tube (cambric type) to secure the cut holes and improve them.

Wrap two or three turns of electrical tape around the narrower edge of the pipe. Cut two holes in each corner. We connect the pipes, tightly fitting each other into a single structure.

On the cambric we make a cut lengthwise and tighten each hole, we get holes that are safe for the cat, into which you can climb with your paw and play.

You can also put crumpled paper candy wrappers into the toy; tailed pets play with them with pleasure. True, you will have to collect garbage around the apartment more often. Such a toy for a cat can be bought ready-made in a store, but its cost will be more than 10 times more expensive than one made by yourself.

Homemade cat toy. Cheap and easy homemade cat toy

Interactive cardboard and plastic games

A four-legged child can also be interested in other educational crafts. Such structures are made of wood, cardboard or plastic. In the latter case, plumbing pipes or elbows are used.

Plastic ring

To assemble an unusual toy for a kitten, you need to get and prepare:

• plumbing plastic elbows - 4 pieces;
• flexible plastic tube (diameter - 5 mm) for edging the holes;
• drill with attachment;
• electrical tape;
• glue;
• sharp knife, file, sandpaper;
• small tennis ping pong balls and/or treats.

The step-by-step creation of an interactive design looks like this:

1. A ring is assembled from plumbing blanks: they first wrap electrical tape around their edges, then smear them with glue and connect them. Wait for it to dry completely.
2. In the upper part, along the entire perimeter of the product, holes are drilled of such a diameter that the ball and, naturally, the paw of a kitten and an adult creature do not fit into it too freely, since the structure is made for growth.
3. Their edges are processed with a knife or file, then with sandpaper. A thin tube is cut lengthwise, then glued along the perimeter of the holes and allowed to dry. Balls are placed in the finished ring and treats are poured in.

Having made such a simple design, the owners have the right to hope that for some time the stomping of a small animal and the noise from its toys will not be heard in the apartment, because everything new and unknown is always very attractive. Especially for creatures whose curiosity can be the subject of legends.

Cardboard house

This material is very popular, if we talk about “handmade” in general. Cardboard is available, can be found in almost any household, and it is quite easy to make various useful items from it. Even a simple open cat box automatically becomes a magnet—enough reason to explore. However, such a basic cardboard option will interest the kitten only for a short time. Therefore, it is better to choose other designs.

1. A labyrinth of several boxes. It is much more attractive even for adult animals. In this case, as many boxes are glued together as the room can allow. Door (window) openings are cut out between them, box lids are removed so that you can quickly get out of the maze, or they are left in place, making life difficult for the pet.
2. Large shoe box. This is also a simulator that, like a plumbing plastic ring, teaches intelligence. Round holes are cut out on all surfaces of this object into which you can insert your paw and then pull it out without difficulty. The lid is attached to the box with tape, and a small mouse, balls and favorite treats are placed inside.

Another convenient product that can serve as such an interactive toy is a food container. In this case, the hunter-kitten will see his “victims,” and this contact will become an incentive to quickly solve a difficult problem.

Cardboard sleeve platform

Such material for interactive toys can be found in every home, and besides, it is easy to accumulate. In this case, the main characters will be cardboard tubes from various rolls: toilet paper, paper towels, baking parchment or foil.

They are glued horizontally and vertically to a sheet of thick cardboard. Holes are made in the lying elements, and treats are simply poured into the second, standing elements, or small toys are hidden. By creating such a playground, we can hope that the restless kitten will find something to do for a long time.

Corrugated cardboard - raw material for toys

This method of creating crafts for kittens is also quite simple. Several identical circles are cut out of cardboard, and holes are then made in the center with an awl. The blanks are strung on a cord, and its ends are tied in knots. Using this technique, you can make various figures: for example, the popular and beloved mouse by kittens.

Almost every owner who carefully studies the habits and preferences of his inquisitive pet will be able to come up with his own signature version on the theme “Homemade toys for kittens.” Knowing all the “weaknesses” of a furry pet, it is easier to make a toy that he will not abandon after a short period of time.

It is customary to share ideas with others, which many “inventors” do with pleasure. You can get to know some of the recipes closely by watching the following fascinating video:

Cardboard houses are allowed, cardboard toys and threads are not.

Kittens, like children, try everything, so it makes sense to exclude small cardboard toys and various kinds of thread pompoms until they are one year old. Kittens can choke on string or small pieces of cardboard. But no cat will remain indifferent to large cardboard boxes. Especially if it is corrugated cardboard from which the house is made. They won’t chew, but they will happily hide and scratch.

The technology is the simplest - using a cutter using a thread secured in the center, we successively cut out several circles and rings. The circles are the roof, we cut the rings, and, pushing them apart (so that the overlap appears as in the photo), we assemble the hut. It is better to secure the structure with a strong thread and a thick needle; you should not use staplers.

It’s even easier to take some fabric (preferably brightly colored flannel), three slats (you can use the long handle of a broken plastic mop or something similar). Depending on the piece of fabric, cut it into triangles or sew slats into a single piece. There is no need to make a floor; just a bedding is enough, which will be easier to clean. We connect the slats in the upper part, decorating to taste, and the elegant home for the cat is ready.

How to make one-story cat houses from boxes

What do you need

• 2 identical large boxes;
• adhesive tape;
• scissors;
• stationery knife;
• marker, pencil or pen;
• brush or roller;
• White paint;
• yellow paint;
• pink paper;
• glue gun;
• paper with drawings and patterns;
• twine;
• 2 colored straws for drinks;
• litter

How to do

1. Take the first box and seal the seam at the bottom with duct tape on the outside and inside.

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2. On the reverse side, cut off the two side flaps.

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3. Adjust the other two sashes with scissors to form triangles.

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4. Draw the outline of the door in front under one triangle - a large vertical rectangle, divided in half lengthwise. Cut the cardboard along the marked lines and along the base of the box. Open the resulting door.

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5. On the side of the box, draw a window with a frame and cut along the contour.

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6. On the triangle above the door, draw and cut out a small round window with a frame.

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7. Take the second box and separate the two side walls from it. Glue them together.

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8. Place the structure on the house and attach it to the back and front to the triangles.

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9. Paint the walls of the house white. Paint the doors outside and inside with yellow paint.

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10. Cut out “tiles” from pink paper - many not too large rectangles with rounded edges. Using hot glue on the straight side of the pieces, attach them in rows to the roof.

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11. Cut out several triangular flags from patterned paper and glue them to the twine. Attach it with glue above the door. Make handles on the doors from tubes. Place warm bedding inside the house.

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What other options are there?

Here is a simpler example of a one-box home:

The authors of this master class made a cute residential bus for pets:

Soft cats squishy

Anti-stress toys are very popular. You can not only play with them, but also decorate phone cases or notebooks. Making such crafts will bring pleasure to both adults and children.

1. You will need a mold for a cat figurine. You can make it yourself. Take a piece of plasticine and form a thick cake. Then, using a stack with a round end, we squeeze out a rounded head at the top. Then we press down the oval tummy at the bottom. We make the tummy wider and deeper so that the cat turns out plump.
2. Next we press out the triangular ears on the head, and draw the legs from below. From the head we make rounded handles. On the head we squeeze out a muzzle with a lower lip and nose. Then use a toothpick to press out the eyes of the strips.
3. Take sunflower oil and pour it into a container. Add silicone sealant. Mix thoroughly. We wear gloves. The better the silicone and oil are mixed, the softer the toy will be after hardening. Without oil, the silicone will remain stiff and hard.
4. Fill the mold with the resulting mixture and smooth the surface so that there are no gaps left.
5. To make a colored cat, add acrylic paint of the desired color to the silicone and mix. Let it harden for 8-12 hours.
6. Then we take out the cat. It comes out of the mold easily. The oil will make the figurine very greasy, so you need to roll it in talc to dry it. You can use starch instead of talc.
7. Using scissors, we cut off all the excess edges to get an even and beautiful cat.
8. We color the figurine. Silicone can only be painted with silicone. Mix acrylic paints with sealant. You will need black, white, pink. We paint the ears, eyes, muzzle. You can draw a spot on the tummy or tail. Let the silicone harden for a couple of hours.

The anti-stress squishy toy is ready!

Video: Dog/Cat Toy | DIY mittens

2. Tennis balls for ping pong. To begin with, one set of these balls should be enough until they are all under the cabinets. Choose balls made of durable plastic, because thin ones can be easily chewed by a cat and swallowed fragments.

3. Cardboard boxes of different sizes make great toys for kittens. You can turn the box over and cut a door or several holes in it. And also build a two-story house with through doors from several boxes. Your animal will definitely like the cat toy out of the box, and he will appreciate your efforts.

4. Sunny bunny. Do you need interactive DIY cat toys? Please! A ray of light reflected in a mirror can be great fun for your cat. Wait for a sunny day, take a mirror, and let in the sunbeams. I'm sure it will be fun for you and your cat.

5. Centimeter tape. My cat loves this simple and unpretentious entertainment, and when I take out a measuring tape, he immediately begins to hunt. As you can see, this is a great way to make a toy for a cat from scrap materials.

6. Empty thread spool. If you sew, then you probably have a lot of empty thread spools around the house. You cannot give a cat a spool of thread, because... the animal can eat the thread. And cats happily chase empty spools around the house. You can make inexpensive and simple toys for kittens with your own hands at home.

7. Wooden wine corks. Such plugs are quite light and large; animals cannot swallow them, but they happily gnaw them and throw them up.

8. Pencils. Buy a set of regular pencils and throw them to your kitten for him to chase. Cats love to play with pencils, so don't be surprised if they bring a pencil to your feet in their teeth. They also like to chew on them, so break the lead and make sure the pencils are not sharp. If you have children in the house, then there is a lot of this stuff in the house, and you won’t have to buy special pencils.

9. Boiler tubes. My cat just loves to play with boiler pipes, and I buy them especially for him. If you don’t know what toy to make for a kitten with your own hands, feel free to buy cocktail sticks; both kittens and adult cats like them.

10. Wooden sushi chopsticks. One of my Marsik's favorite pastimes. I specially keep a few of these sticks in reserve in my nightstand.

11. Live butterflies and moths. My British cat's favorite pastime is chasing live butterflies and moths. They rarely fly into our apartment, so sometimes I catch them specifically for Marsik. These are the best DIY interactive cat toys

12. Golf balls. Yes, yes, there are such exotic things in our house. The cat really likes these golf balls - they are quite heavy, roll slowly, and the cat chases them around the parquet with pleasure.

13. Robot beetles HEXBUG Nano and other varieties of nano insects. A mega cool interactive cat toy that makes the cat get up from the couch and play hunter. I bought it on AliExpress - it’s cheaper there and delivery is free. These bugs are battery-powered (like for a watch) and can be changed when they run out. The robots move chaotically, turning in the other direction after colliding with obstacles. If the cat turns them over on their back, they themselves turn over to their original position and crawl on.

14. Pine cones are a great idea for DIY cat toys made from natural materials. We have a couple of small cedar cones, and Marsik periodically plays with them, chews on the cones, and with even greater pleasure picks them off the Christmas tree.

15. Programs about birds and insects on TV, or better yet programs about cats or rodents. Not exactly, of course, DIY cat toys, but very worthwhile entertainment for cats. My cat enjoys watching such programs on the Discovery and Animal Planet channels.

16. Rustling educational toys for newborns. Don’t rush to get rid of various educational toys for small children. My cat happily plays with various children's balls, rustling fabric books, and other toys of my daughter. As you can see, an interesting DIY cat toy can unexpectedly end up in the house if you have small children.

17. A laundry bag for delicate items is an interesting DIY cat toy. The most ordinary mesh laundry bag is one of my cat’s favorite toys. He likes tossing this bag around, and of course, gnawing and tearing it into pieces.

What's a cat's life like? A game!

If cats could read, they would make the phrase of the great Shakespeare their motto. Owners of furry pets know that if a pet refuses to play, it means something is wrong with its health. A well-fed cat in good health will never ignore advances. At this moment, instinct awakens in the little predator. But you can’t go against nature: tracking down prey, waylaying it, catching up and capturing it - this behavior is characteristic of a real hunter.

There are no kittens that don't like to play

If the kitten is deprived of games, he will hone his skills on your furniture, wires and other surrounding objects. If you don't want destruction, play with it. Joint fun brings people and pets closer together. If there is no emotional connection, a harmful cat may grow up and shit in the owner’s shoes.

It is important not to tire your baby: it is better to spend 10–15 minutes on active entertainment several times a day than half an hour to an hour in a row. The older the kitten gets, the longer he will be able to hunt for toy mice and other prey.

Beginning cat breeders sometimes complain that a healthy pet does not want to play with them. Perhaps they are being too assertive and scaring the kitten or preventing him from taking the initiative. We must remember that this is a small hunter, and the owner only manages his prey. Therefore, allow the cat to dominate during play, give in to him if he grabs a toy.

Why cats need toys

A cat is a predatory animal by nature, which needs to constantly move and hunt for prey. Therefore, active games are not only entertainment, but also a necessity of life. Many owners, due to their busy lives, cannot constantly entertain their furry pet. In this case, you should purchase appropriate gaming products that will help your pet occupy himself independently for some time.

If the cat is left alone, its leisure time should be occupied with various toys.

The main reasons for purchasing cat toys:

• maintain good physical shape of the animal - during games, muscles are strengthened and blood circulation improves;
• satisfy “predatory” instincts;
• protect the house from the pranks of a bored pet;
• help an animal left alone get rid of depression;
• promotes cat mental activity;
• help curb aggression towards another pet living in the neighborhood;
• Strengthens the relationship between cat and owner.

Toys for adult animals

A bad owner is one who doesn't play with his cat. As already mentioned, play for a domestic predator is the most important part of a full life. Of course, an adult, respectable cat does not need as much running and jumping as a young creature. However, without regular active leisure, the animal quickly loses its shape. You don’t want your pet to become lazy, overweight, and end up in the record books as the fattest cat.

This is the fattest cat in Mexico, he doesn't care about games anymore

Entertainment for big cats is no different: use the same ideas of teasers, puzzles, rattles and scratchers that you have already worked out for the kitten. But don't forget to add something new that your pet hasn't played with yet. Old toys can get boring, but the unknown awakens curiosity.

A healthy cat is always ready to play

But sometimes it happens that there is a pause in the games, and the cat has lost the habit of hunting habits. He does not react to the old proven mice, feather dusters, pompoms and other exciting objects. At the same time, you know for sure that the animal is healthy. This means that we will have to teach him to play again.

The game increases the cat's mood

A large toy will help solve the problem. Give your cat a soft faux fur friend. It is better if the gift is a copy of a real animal rather than a cartoon one. That is, a cat, dog, rabbit or someone else in life size. To make friendship happen right away, try rubbing the toy with catnip (catnip) or spraying it with a spray containing an infusion of this herb. Let the cat get used to his new friend, and then make him come to life. Let him jump, run and attack with your help.

An adult cat will frolic like a kitten if you can stir him up

Catnip, or catnip, has a stimulating effect on animals, but not as strongly as valerian. The substance nepetalactone, which the plant contains, irritates the nervous system of cats. But, as scientists assure, catnip does not have an addictive effect and does not harm health. And approximately 30% of cats do not react to it at all. Kittens under the age of six months are also indifferent to it.

Catnip excites cats, but not as much as valerian

It is no coincidence that toys for cats are made in the form of mice, fish and birds. Little hunters instinctively react to the silhouette of their prey. If they are allowed to choose, they will prefer toys that are as similar as possible to real living creatures. When our kitten Timon was allowed to roam around the house, he chose a ferret from IKEA from a variety of soft toys. It turned out to be not quite the right size for him, but satisfied Tim gladly dragged the large booty into his house.

Of all the toys, the cat will prefer the one that most resembles a real animal.

If there are no soft toys or it’s a shame to give them up to be torn to pieces, make a traditional fish mouse for an adult and slightly lazy cat. And put a little dry catnip in the stuffing.

Don't forget to treat your pet with boxes and paper bags from time to time. Just leave them in sight. He himself will figure out what to do with them.

Adult cats, like babies, love tunnels, bags and boxes

A radical way to cheer up a bored cat is to make him a real friend, not a toy one. An aquarium with fish is the simplest thing. It will, of course, interest the animal, but it can put a passive pet in a contemplative mood. But another kitten in the house will definitely add play, fun and movement to the measured life of the fluffy lazy person.

Video: making felt toys with catnip

For cats, play is not entertainment, but a vital necessity. Predators must lie in wait and catch up with prey; for this they have keen eyes, strong muscles, sharp claws and teeth. Domestic cats are equipped with this formidable arsenal, but they live on everything ready-made, surrounded by care and comfort. Only play allows them to express their hunting essence, throw out accumulated energy, and give stress to their body and mind. If you regularly forget to play with your pet, don’t be surprised that he damages furniture and wallpaper, behaves provocatively, or, conversely, has become completely indifferent and passive. Cat games are also useful for the owner: while having fun with his pet, he receives a lot of positive emotions, develops dexterity and speed of reaction, otherwise you can fall under a hot clawed paw.

What can you make for your pet?

The choice of clothing models for cats is limited only by the owner’s imagination. In accordance with the purpose of wardrobe items, the following nuances are taken into account when sewing them:

• Clothes for home use and keeping warm are preferably made from very soft fabrics. Old sweaters and T-shirts are perfect for these purposes;
• suits for walking pets require dense, strong and waterproof material;
• dresses and tailcoats for social events are made from fabrics of a higher price level. They are decorated with original finishing fittings.

Using the same pattern, you can sew both a home and a ceremonial model. It all depends on the quality of the material and finishing.

Vest without pattern

The simplest thing you can sew for a pet without any special skills or a pattern is a vest from an old sweater. For small pets or growing kittens, two items can be made from one such item of clothing.

Short instructions for sewing a vest for a cat without a pattern:

1. Rip off or cut off the sleeves. Place them on the cutting table - seam at the bottom, fold at the top.
2. Make a shaped undercut along the edging line and trim it with braid. This side will cover the back (top - long) and tummy (bottom - short). The seam should be located on the stomach. The narrow part of the sleeve with elastic will serve as a golf collar.
3. After trying the blank on the cat and determining the position of the armholes, cut out oval holes for the front legs and trim them with braid.

Your handmade vest is ready! After putting it on your pet, the elastic band around the neck should be tucked 1 or 2 times for beauty and convenience.

For a small kitten, a similar vest can be sewn even from a sock! For this purpose, the boot or body of this small piece of clothing is used. The heel and toe parts are first cut off.

Sweater

DIY knitted clothes for cats are always in trend. And naked pets sometimes simply need such outfits. Knitting items for the Sphinx is a special pleasure. These cats do not like the cold and will gratefully wear warm clothes.

A fur coat does not bother bald pets, so a sweater for a sphinx will fit perfectly. You can knit it with knitting needles or crochet.

Craftsmen can easily understand the step-by-step instructions with pattern diagrams, loop calculations and patterns. It will be easy to knit an original sweater for the sphinx using it.

A similar product is knitted in the round, from the top, from the neckline:

1. Calculate and cast the required number of loops for a free collar. Knit a stand-up collar with a lapel 8-10 cm high. You need to use knitting needles of a smaller diameter (No. 3) than for the base of the product.
2. Knit the body of the sweater on thicker knitting needles (No. 4). Divide the loops into 3 parts and mark. In every second row, increase according to the raglan principle on each marked stitch. Thus, you will get 3 conditionally “raglan” lines: one will run along the middle of the back, two along the shoulders.
3. Having tied the sleeves to the position, close the required number of loops for the armholes. In the next row, restore these loops using the air casting method.
4. After knitting the armholes, stop increasing and continue knitting to the desired length. Close the loops.
5. If the sweater is long, you should close off some of the loops along the front and use shortened rows to form a transition line to the elongated back, which you knit to the desired length. Close the loops and make a decorative crochet tie.
6. Knit the sleeves and sew them into the armholes.

Fluffy elastic bands - English or semi-patent - are perfect for such a sweater. Thanks to the elasticity and volume of the pattern, you can get by with just one “raglan” line – along the back.

If you knit a product with a through fastener along the front or back, you will get a warm jacket. It is much more comfortable to put it on your pet than a sweater.

Important! Any homemade clothing for cats should be loose in the neck area. The length along the back can be up to the base of the pet’s tail, and along the stomach - only up to the hind legs. In this case, the clothes will not get dirty when the cat visits the toilet.

Dress for the sphinx

Knitted and sewn dresses will suit sphinx girls very much. It will not be difficult to create clothes based on the universal pattern given above. But you can use a simpler drawing:

You can sew a summer dress for a cat using a pattern from light fabric or cotton yarn. Warmer flannel and wool are suitable for fall and winter. The model can be complemented with sleeves.

Using this pattern, you can even sew a ball gown for your pet using interesting fabrics and accessories. If the skirt is made more fluffy, the neckline and armholes are decorated with flounces, and the belt is decorated with a beautiful bow, your favorite will certainly receive the title of beauty queen.

By making the proposed model without a skirt with her own hands and adjusting the desired length, the cat owner will receive a lovely summer blouse or T-shirt for hot days.

Important! The owner of a purring cat needs to understand that clothes from the pet’s wardrobe will have to be washed often. Especially for sphinxes, which is due to their physiological characteristics: the skin of hairless cats quickly becomes oily, dirty and acquires an unpleasant odor.

Overalls

Owners of hairless and short-haired cats strive to provide comfort and prevent their pets from freezing.

In this case, the ideal clothing option is a jumpsuit. It can be sewn using a simple pattern from soft knitwear, fleece or any plastic and non-fraying fabric.

For the sensitive skin of the Sphynx, it is important that the overalls have as few seams as possible. The presented pattern meets these requirements. The seams can be made face by trimming them with decorative braid or bias tape. This will decorate the product and make it more practical and stronger.

The same pattern in a simplified version is suitable for a knitted jumpsuit. It is not necessary to make curved lines. The product, which is knitted by hand, is very elastic and will take the desired shape when processed.

The tuxedo

Sewing a gentleman's suit for a pet will require professional skills and a complex pattern. It’s easier to knit such an interesting, elegant tailcoat with your own hands.

A tuxedo implies the presence of sides made of smooth, dense silk. The tailcoat has long tails at the back.

This is the kind of beauty you can create for your favorite cat to come out into the world. This costume is easy to knit; a pattern is also not required. It is important to correctly calculate the number of loops per neck. Continue knitting, making decreases and increases during fittings or following the above instructions for making a sweater.

Having mastered the basic skills, the craftswoman can easily cope with this work. The gentleman cat is guaranteed applause!

Airy skirt

It is very easy to sew a fluffy skirt for social events for a cat from tulle, nylon or organza.

Tutu skirts are very popular in the virtual space for pets. They are assembled from strips of fabric, tied in knots to a ribbon. But the waistline of such skirts is very rough and will injure the cat’s skin.

Another option for sewing an airy skirt is possible. To make it you need:

1. Cut out a rectangular fabric, the height of which is equal to the desired length of the skirt plus 3 cm, and the length depends on the splendor of the product. For example, for a medium-sized cat, the height will be 20-30 cm, and the length will be from 150 to 200 cm.
2. Along the long side, gather the fabric evenly, slightly larger than the size of the cat’s “waist”.
3. A belt of wide satin ribbon is sewn onto the gathered side, which is tied around the body. The connecting seam is optional.

This skirt is called a “Chopin tutu.”

Insulated option for walking

For walks in cold weather, your delicate pet should be dressed more warmly. A jumpsuit made of windproof and waterproof fabric, always with a lining and a warm padding (sintepon), would be good.

To sew street clothes, you need to enlarge the pattern when cutting. The allowance for seams should also be larger. Then the clothes will not restrict the pet’s movements.

A thick jumpsuit made from thick yarn or a long sweater will be a worthy alternative to tailored clothing. A fleece or knit lining will make the suit breathable.

The correct fit of clothes on a cat is the key to a good mood for a pet during a walk in any weather. And the beauty and originality of the outfits, which are created for the pet by caring hands, will warm the heart of the owner and will delight others.