Photo by Arina Krasnikova from Pexels

 

Cats can sometimes get overlooked in the toy department at stores. With limited options, you’re left with rat toys, scratching posts, and fake fish hooks. If you’ve owned a cat, you know they can be picky, so if they don’t like any of those options you’re left with almost nothing.

 

While cats can be independent animals, they need some playtime to get their energy out in a healthy way. Big changes such as finding the perfect home can add to their anxiety and long-term stress can create bad behavioral habits. Proving enrichment toys are a great way to keep their minds working and alleviate stress.

 

These DIY cat enrichment are a purr-fect way to help your little one let out that energy by staying active and healthy while you save money:

 

1. Elevated Spaces

Cats love to be in high places. They like to let everyone know they’re the ruler of the house. It makes them feel safe and secure as they can see everything below them. Things such as window hammocks are ideal, but why not go a step further and build their own kingdom in the living room. With just a few planks of wood and nails, you can customize it to your liking.

 

Make sure you create a new and welcoming place for your cat in your home so they know they can feel safe. Adding special touches such as scratching posts or homemade hammocks just add to the fun of customizing their own little space to play.

 

2. Catios

Even if you’re limited on space, you can still create a place for your cat to feel safe. Catios are a great way to welcome your furry friend home and allow them to look and explore outside as they watch the birds and squirrels without having to worry about them running off. There are endless possibilities to create the best catio for your pet.

 

Some catio ideas include:

• Treehouse
• Window extension
• Sunroom
• Repurposed shelves

 

2. Puzzle Feeders

With a busy life, it’s hard to keep your cat entertained all day. Whether you find a cat sitter or want to keep them by your side, puzzle feeders are an easy way to keep your cat occupied for a while so you have time to do what you need to. 

 

It’s easy to use items you already have such as toilet paper rolls, tissue boxes, or towels. Cut holes large enough for their food or treats in a household item of your choice for a quick and easy way to save money and keep your cat amused. Just be sure they are safe and don’t chew on something they aren’t meant to.

 

3. Enrichment Box

Don’t throwaway all of your delivery boxes this week! Instead, repurpose them into enrichment toys for your cat. It takes minimal effort, but keeps your cat happy, healthy, and stress-free.

 

Crumple up a few pieces of old paper, some pet-safe dried leaves, their favorite toys and treats, and throw them into a box. It takes less than five minutes and leaves your cat occupied for the next hour.

 

While you look after yourself, it’s just as important to look after your little friend. Saving money and DIY-ing a catio or enrichment toys are the purr-fect way to allow them to relieve their stress and keep them happy and healthy.

Guest author: Eve is a content writer from Southern California. When she’s not writing, she’s playing soccer, surfing, or taking trips to Disneyland!