Do It Yourself Toys
Why spend money on a toy you cat may not play with?Below are some very simple suggestions
- Pingpong ball in bathtub
- Kindereggs or plastic containers holding toys in vending machines
- Nuts with shell still on them
- Scrunched up paper
- Laser pointer. Or flashlight with narrow beam
- A real rabbits foot, brings out the predator in some cats
Creating Your Own Cat Tree?
This is a great idea that is inexpensive and trust me - your cats will love you for it. A cat tree is more than just a 'tree' - it is a safe haven for your cat(s)
The most important thing about a cat tree is introducing it to your cat(s). You can build or buy one, but if your cat is spooked by it, you've just wasted time energy and money. The best way is to let your cat(s) be involved during the construction of your tree. Let them wander around, scent and smell everything. As well, sometimes liquid cat nip (available in spray form) can be very helpful in getting your cat comfortable with their new structure.
Basic Material
Trees can be made of real wood or ply wood; whatever the choice they have to be durable and stable enough to withstand feline assaults on their strength, without coming apart after little use. Stability is a key issue - you tree must not wobble. Cats prefer stable structures that they can charge to and run/climb up
Trees can be made of real wood or ply wood; whatever the choice they have to be durable and stable enough to withstand feline assaults on their strength, without coming apart after little use. Stability is a key issue - you tree must not wobble. Cats prefer stable structures that they can charge to and run/climb up
Outer Covering
You can have your tree covered in sisal, mock fur, carpet and rope, and if you want to really splash out, a thermal lining will help your cat retain its body heat which makes for greater comfort. In my opinion sisal is by far the best, rather than carpeting. Carpeting will always come off after some scratch wear, and you'll be constantly picking up pieces of rug off your flooring
Placement
If it is possible place the tree close to a window so your cat can also observe life on the outside.
Levels
The tree should have as many levels as possible because cats adore climbing as it is part of their hunting instinct. Besides having many floor levels with stairs, ideally, a “lounging” place such as a soft pillow or bed in which kitty can relax after exploring the various floors.
The tree should have as many levels as possible because cats adore climbing as it is part of their hunting instinct. Besides having many floor levels with stairs, ideally, a “lounging” place such as a soft pillow or bed in which kitty can relax after exploring the various floors.
Tunnels
Some trees have tunnels, which are great fun for cats as they can creep, in real cat mode and explore. Their legendary curiosity can have its reward if at the end of the tunnel they can discover catnip treats. Tunnels also provide a very entertaining way to play
Some trees have tunnels, which are great fun for cats as they can creep, in real cat mode and explore. Their legendary curiosity can have its reward if at the end of the tunnel they can discover catnip treats. Tunnels also provide a very entertaining way to play
Toys
You can't go wrong with toys. Dangling toys are a must have on trees; cats simply love getting at them with their paws. These toys can be feather toys, catnip pouches, fur mice or whatever you can think will interest your feline buddy.
You can't go wrong with toys. Dangling toys are a must have on trees; cats simply love getting at them with their paws. These toys can be feather toys, catnip pouches, fur mice or whatever you can think will interest your feline buddy.
Scratch Pads
The entire tree can be a scratch pad or you can have areas for scratching depending on the material used for covering the tree. Rope or carpet, are an excellent choice to sharpen and keep claws in trim shape.
Hiding Places
Cats love to hide and some trees incorporate hollows where Kitty can hide to meditate in peace and feel really independent. My cats love a secluded 'box' part of the tree where they peek their head out.
Cats love to hide and some trees incorporate hollows where Kitty can hide to meditate in peace and feel really independent. My cats love a secluded 'box' part of the tree where they peek their head out.
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