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Make These 2 DIY Cat Toys as Early Christmas Gifts for Your Fur Baby

Treat your kitten without breaking the bank.

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Your little one deserves a fun gift this holiday season, but items like a back-scratching station can be pricey. Rather than paying for toys, get creative using everyday household items to make them yourself. This helps you save money, avoid a trip to the store, and — most importantly — give your furry friend a toy they’ll love and enjoy playing with. Plus, you can give the homemade toys as early Christmas presents since they’re quick and easy to build. Give these two ideas for DIY cat toys a try if you’re looking to wow your kitten.

Create a self-scratcher.

Forget spending $25 on a back-scratching station for Tiger when you can make your own for under $5. To do: Pick up two toilet brushes at the dollar store. Use pliers to disassemble, then wrap the wire end of one brush around the other and bend into an arch. Next, hot-glue a carpet remnant to a square of wood and let dry. Drill two holes through wood near the edges; thread wire ends of the brushes through the holes, twisting excess under the wood. Sprinkle catnip on the base and Tiger will rub right up against the brush!

Build a DIY ‘hunting’ box.

Your kitty is bored with her toys and has taken to attacking your moving hands and feet instead! Curb her boredom and encourage her need to forage with a homemade hunting box. To do: Tape the ends of an old shipping box closed. Then grab a soup can and trace two or three columns of evenly spaced holes on one side and two smaller holes on the short sides of the box. Use a craft knife to cut the holes out, then pop a few small toys in the box. Place it in front of your cat and he’ll spend hours trying to “catch” his goodies, leaving you — and your limbs — alone!

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

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