RECESSION-TIME CAT TOYS
We all want the best toys for our cats, but in harsh economic times, try these alternatives to the expensive traditional cat toys.
When it comes to cat toys, there are lots of choices, including some rather expensive flashy ones. Let’s face it - cats are pretty smart, and they know the difference between real and fake cat toys. So if you’re having trouble deciding which toys are right for your cat and don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on the latest and greatest cat entertainment technology, check out this guide to 8 clever, yet simple alternatives.
1. Hair tie - these little gems come in packs of 100’s and go for as little as a buck. You’ll need em though. Once your cat grabs hold of one it goes under the fridge forever.
2. Pen cap - The bonus with these is that they come free with pens! It’s like two birds with one stone. TIP: if you really want that pen cap and can’t find it, check under the fridge.
3: Zip tie - light and bendy, a cat can knock this off a surface and chase it all over the floor with minimal effort. And like the pen cap, they come free - with most produce, bread, and garbage bags.
4: Plastic bag - while not always the safest toy for some of the not-so-bright cats out there (you know who I’m talking about), these come free with your groceries and provide hours of entertainment for you and your cat. Highlights include watching your cat try to fit in it, or if your cat is like mine, he’ll wrap the handle around his head and run around the apartment like some kind of kitty-superhero. WARNING: DO NOT LET YOUR CAT PLAY WITH THESE UNATTENDED. SERIOUS.
5. A stick: literally a cat toy that grows on trees! Cats love to chase them around, and when you get tired of waving it back and forth, you can throw it on the ground and they’ll chew on it for added fun! Nom!
6. Garbage: That’s right, even garbage makes for a fun toy for cats! They won’t even know the difference between garbage and a real toy. My cat prefers crumpled paper, but is also a sucker for a piece of plastic, the little plastic milk ring, cardboard, and various wrappers and packaging.
7. Shoe lace: How many times have you been tying your shoes and your cat decides to help? Surprise! He’s not trying to help, he’s trying to play! Watch his eyes light up as you pull your laces out and give them to him for keeps.
8. Beer pong ball: Cats love to bat them around and pretend they’re playing beer pong like Dad. Make sure you wash the balls before giving them to the cat though. The last thing you want is for kitty to acquire a taste for your beer and drink all yours while you’re not looking.
You can try giving these to your cat one at a time, or watch their tiny brains melt with sensory overload as you strew them all over the floor all at once. They just wanna play with all of them all at the same time! Hope you and your cat enjoy these thrifty solutions to cat toys!
*this is not a real guide, just based on observations with my cats and I will not be held responsible for anything if you hurt your cat by allowing them to play with these items. Also, don’t hurt your cat ever. keep an eye on it if you see it playing with something it shouldn’t be, like a snake, or knife or a hairdryer in the tub.