Need a Dog Cat Toy? Top Picks Here (For Happy Pets!)

Okay, so I wanted to share this little project I worked on – making toys for my dog and cat. I’ve got this hyperactive Border Collie, Max, and a fluffy Persian, Mittens. They’re like an odd couple, but they keep me entertained. Anyway, I noticed Max was getting bored with his old chew toys, and Mittens was turning her nose up at, well, everything. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

First, I gathered some materials. I found an old, sturdy rope that was about to be thrown away. Max loves a good tug-of-war. For Mittens, I grabbed some soft fabric scraps I had lying around from an old sewing project. I also snagged a few bells from a broken wind chime – cats and their fascination with noisy things, am I right?

Making Max’s Tug Toy

• I tied the rope into a series of tight knots, making sure they were secure. Border Collies are smart, and Max is no exception – he’d figure out a loose knot in seconds.
• Then, I braided the ends of the rope to make it even tougher. I wanted something that could withstand his enthusiastic tugging.

It was a simple process, but I could tell it was going to be a hit with Max. You know that look dogs get when they’re about to go crazy for a new toy? Yeah, he had that look.

Crafting Mittens’ Plaything

• I cut the fabric into small, fish-like shapes. I figured since it’s hard to get anything approved by a cat, a fish shape was the safest bet.
• Next, I sewed two pieces of fabric together, leaving a small opening. I stuffed it with some cotton and a sprinkle of catnip. Oh boy, catnip – that stuff is magic.
• I added a bell inside for that extra jingle. Finally, I stitched up the opening.

Mittens watched the whole process with her usual air of judgment, but I had a feeling she’d secretly love it.

When I gave Max the rope toy, he went nuts. He was dragging it around, tossing it in the air, and challenging everyone to a tug-of-war match. It was an instant success. It made that $30 store-bought toy seem like a joke, and it cost me nothing since it was all old stuff.

Mittens, true to her nature, pretended to ignore her new toy at first. But later, I caught her batting it around and pouncing on it when she thought no one was looking. I saw her eyes light up when she heard the bell inside. Success! She just loves that $7 toy more than anything.

This whole experience taught me a couple of things. One, you don’t need to spend a fortune on pet toys. Two, pets, just like people, appreciate something made with a bit of effort and thought. It’s not just about the object itself, but the energy and love you put into it. At least, that’s what I like to think. After all, who knows what really goes on in those furry little heads?

I’m definitely going to make more toys in the future. I found some old jeans that I think would make a great chew toy for Max, and I have some leftover yarn that’s just begging to be turned into a fluffy ball for Mittens. Plus, it’s a fun way to recycle and get creative. Who knows, maybe I’ll start a blog about it – “The Thrifty Pet Owner” or something like that. Anyway, that’s my little story. Hope you found it somewhat interesting or at least got a chuckle out of it.