Homemade Cat Toys

Here are some ideas for homemade cat toys that can provide fun and exercise for both you and your cat. I've used several of these over the years to provide hours of fun. Always make sure your cat is safe and can't choke on any of the objects.

1. Ice cubes make great hockey pucks. Frankie loves to play with ice so much that she almost always comes running when it drops on the floor.

2. Felt pads. You know those felt pads you can get for the bottom of the legs on your furniture? If you turn a chair upside down, Teddie will attack it and try to pry the felt pad off the bottom of the leg. These things fly like Frisbees, roll like balls, and slide like hockey pucks. It's one of the best homemade cat toys I've seen.

3. Tie a string to an object and drag it around the house for some stalk, pounce and kill fun!

4. "Paws under the door." Close a door and let your cat play from the other side. Alternate sending something on a string, or maybe a light stick under the door and bringing it back out to your side.

5. A belt works great. Drag it around the house, on the floor and over chairs and watch the chase begin!

6. Cats love to discover hidden treasures. Hide a feather under a pillow, a T-shirt, or a loose pile of newspaper.

7. Shoelaces and strings make tremendous toys.

8. An empty box or paper bag can provide all kinds of fun.

9. Hiding something under a blanket or a pillow can make a good game as well. Use your free hand to make a scratching sound for added fun for your cat.

10. A rolled up sock can be a great and inexpensive chase toy. Rub it with some catnip for extra fun.

11. Ping pong balls in the bathtub or sink can be a great, cheap game.

12. Cat treats or dry cat food can be spread around the house or thrown so you're cat will chase them.

13. A fish tank or goldfish are good for gazing. Fish can provide quite a bit of entertainment for your cat. Just make sure the fish are well protected.

14. Running water is a favorite of some cats. Just turn on the sink and let it run for a while.

15. Chase your cat around the house and you can both get some exercise. After all, humans are known to be one of the best cat toys ever.

You can use these homemade cat toys to increase your cat's exercise level, which can help prevent obesity and diabetes and is good for overall health. Don't stress your cat with too much activity though. If your cat has been playing with you for a while and then finds a spot to start grooming, that probably means it's time to rest up.