As a cat owner, it is important to ensure that your pet is happy and healthy. However, many cat owners overlook the fact that their pets can become bored, anxious, or curious, which can lead to problem behaviors. To prevent this, it is crucial to provide your cat with enrichment activities that can be created easily and inexpensively. In this article, you will discover 12 DIY cat enrichment box ideas that you can create for your furry friend today.
Recycle Items Around Your Home
If you’re looking for ways to keep your cat entertained, you don’t need to spend a lot of money on fancy toys. In fact, some of the best cat toys can be found in items that you would normally throw away. By recycling items around your home, you can create a fun and stimulating environment for your feline friend.
Here are some basic items that you can use to create DIY cat toys:
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Paper bags | Crumble up paper bags and allow your cat to roll these around. |
| Scrap paper | Any scrap paper, wrapping paper scraps, construction paper, old newspaper, etc. can also be rolled up and used as a ball. Simply ensure that you do not accidentally give your cat any choking hazards. |
| Milk caps, pop bottles, and wine corks | These items are great for cat toys. Just make sure they are clean and free of any sharp edges. |
| Carpet remnants | These are great for giving your cat a free scratching post. They can sharpen their nails without harming your home. |
| Paper towel and toilet paper rolls | These can be rolled around easily by your cat. You can also stuff them with treats to create a fun puzzle toy. |
| Shower curtain rings | Old shower curtain rings can also be used in enrichment boxes for your cat to pat around and play with. |
When using recycled items for your cat’s toys, it’s important to ensure that they are safe. Avoid using items that could be a choking hazard or that could harm your cat if ingested. Always supervise your cat while they play with these toys and monitor their response to ensure that they are enjoying them.
By recycling items around your home, you can create a fun and engaging environment for your cat without breaking the bank. Give it a try and see how much your feline friend loves their new toys!
Create a Cat Condo
Creating a cat condo for your feline friend is an easy and cost-effective way to keep them entertained. By using boxes of various sizes, you can stack them to create a basic cat condo. Be sure to secure the boxes when stacking and avoid stacking them too high.
To create a fun and engaging cat condo, you will need to cut holes in the boxes using scissors or a knife. Create a larger box that your cat can go inside and include holes through the cardboard to include toys or treats. Hanging toys are a great option for these cat condos, as they can be smacked and provide entertainment for your cat.
Adding a cat bed, blanket, or pillow to the cat condo is a great way to make it more comfortable for your furry friend. Cats quickly find new places to sleep, and adding a blanket to the condo will give them a cozy place to rest.
Creating a new cat condo is easy by using the same boxes in new patterns. This will keep your pet entertained for longer periods of time. By creating a cat condo from boxes you have around your home, you can easily redo the condo when boredom strikes, and the costs are practically nonexistent.
Overall, creating a cat condo is an easy and cost-effective way to keep your cat entertained and happy. With a little creativity and some basic supplies, you can create a fun and engaging activity for your feline friend.
Create a Cat “Whack-a-Mole”
To create a fun and interactive game for your cat, you can make a “Whack-a-Mole” style toy using a cardboard box. Cut several holes in the top of the box, large enough for your cat to put their paw through, but not too big.
Place the box with the holes facing up and put your cat’s favorite toys inside. You can use wand toys with feathers attached and play along, moving the toy while your cat tries to grab it from above. Your cat will reach inside the box and try to snatch out the toys.
To make the game even more exciting, use a wand toy and pop it up through the holes. Your cat will try to grab the toy as it appears, just like in the arcade game “Whack-a-Mole.”
If you don’t have time to play along, you can still use the same box and fill it with toys and treats for your cat to enjoy. This easy entertainment will keep your cat entertained for hours.
Consider using different sized holes and placing the toys in different locations to keep the game interesting and challenging for your cat. This simple DIY toy is a great way to bond with your cat and provide them with mental and physical stimulation.
Include a Motorised Toy
Motorised toys are a great way to keep your cat entertained for hours. There are numerous options available, and they are relatively inexpensive. However, allowing these toys to run around your home can be a bit of a trip hazard.
To avoid this, you can add the motorised toy into a box. This will not only keep your cat entertained but also make it easier for you to keep track of the toy. You can use a simple box and allow the toy to run around inside it. Your cat will reach inside and try to catch it. Alternatively, you can cut holes in the box and let your cat reach inside and try to catch the toy.
This activity will help your cat practice their natural instinct to hunt and keep them mentally stimulated. It’s a fun and easy way to provide your cat with endless entertainment.
Create a Simple Toy Box
Creating a toy box for your cat is a simple and fun way to provide enrichment and entertainment for your furry friend. With a few materials, you can easily create a toy box that your cat will love.
There are many options for creating a toy box, but some of the best ones include pizza boxes, shoe boxes, Amazon boxes, or other cardboard box options. These boxes are often available for free and can be easily repurposed into a toy box for your cat.
Another option is to use cheap plastic milk crates, which can be purchased for under £5 at most stores. These crates are sturdy and can hold a variety of toys for your cat to play with.
Plastic storage totes or tubs are also a great option for creating a toy box. These containers can be found around the home and can be easily repurposed into a toy box.
If you have an old suitcase lying around, this can also be used to create a toy box for your cat. Simply fill it with toys and watch as your cat explores and plays.
One simple way to use these boxes is to put toys inside. This will give your cat the opportunity to search for their favorite toy and play inside the box. You can also add treats or catnip to make the experience even more enjoyable for your cat.
Overall, creating a toy box for your cat is an easy and affordable way to provide enrichment and entertainment. With a little creativity, you can create a toy box that your cat will love.
Create Sensory Spots
If you have a cat, you know that they love to sit in unique places. Creating sensory spot boxes can provide even more opportunities for your cat to explore and enjoy. Most cats naturally seek out boxes, but you can make them more enriching by adding sensory items.
Here are some ways to create sensory spots for your cat:
- Add a pillow or a fluffy blanket with a unique texture to the box.
- Use packing paper or newspaper to create a unique texture.
- Place an old t-shirt that smells like you in the box.
- Add new smells and textures that you think your cat will enjoy.
You can place these sensory boxes in various places around your home. Your cat is sure to explore these boxes and may find a texture or smell that they love. They will likely find a box that they enjoy and make it their perfect sleeping spot.
Create a Rooting Box
If you have an indoor cat, creating a rooting box can be a great way to bring the outdoors inside and provide your pet with new textures and experiences. Before you start, make sure your cat is up to date on their vaccinations and healthcare needs to minimize any risk associated with introducing outdoor items to an indoor pet.
To create a rooting box, you will need a cardboard box, an old storage tote, or any other non-toxic container. Fill the bottom of the box with dried leaves, sticks, grass clippings, rocks, and any other safe items from outdoors. You can also add some toys or treats into the box, covering them with sticks or leaves to make it more interesting for your cat.
Your cat will enjoy playing through the sticks and leaves, and with the added treats or toys, even the most hesitant cats will become intrigued by the box and more likely to join in. This is also a great way to have your cat use natural foraging and hunting skills that they may not get indoors.
In addition to providing your cat with a fun and stimulating activity, creating a rooting box can also help prevent destructive behavior in the home. By giving your cat an outlet for their natural instincts, they will be less likely to scratch furniture or other household items.
Overall, creating a rooting box can be a simple and effective way to provide your indoor cat with a taste of the outdoors and a fun new activity.
Include Children’s Toys
If you’re looking for cheap and easy ways to provide your cat with some entertainment, consider upcycling old children’s toys. Your children may have outgrown their toys or have toys they no longer play with. These toys can be repurposed for your cat’s enrichment box.
You can add size-appropriate balls, perpetual motion toys, stuffed animals, and other toys to your cat’s enrichment box. These toys are readily available in most households and can be a great source of entertainment for your cat.
Another great enrichment activity for cats is blowing bubbles. Cats love chasing and popping bubbles, and adding an automatic bubble blower to your enrichment toolkit is sure to entertain.
In summary, incorporating children’s toys into your cat’s enrichment box is a simple and budget-friendly way to provide your cat with some entertainment. Adding an automatic bubble blower to your toolkit can also be a fun and engaging activity for your cat.
Create a Muffin Tin Puzzle
Looking for a fun and easy way to stimulate your cat’s brain? Try creating a muffin tin puzzle! This simple DIY puzzle can be made with items you likely already have at home, such as a muffin tin, small pom poms, cat treats, cat kibble, or any other small toys.
To create the puzzle, start by placing a treat or piece of food inside each muffin tin and covering it with a pom pom or toy. Your cat will sense the food and be curious to explore how to find it. As they get better at the puzzle, you can gradually reduce the number of treats and fill the tins with more toys or pom poms.
Your cat will eventually learn to move the toy to uncover the treat. While you may need to show your cat how to do this at first, most cats catch on quickly and will enjoy the challenge of the puzzle.
This is a great way to keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated, especially if they are indoor cats. Plus, it’s a fun and easy DIY project that you can do with items you already have at home. Give it a try and see how your cat enjoys the muffin tin puzzle!
Create a Reach Feeder
A reach feeder is a simple and effective way to provide your feline friend with an interactive feeding experience. To create a reach feeder, you will need a few toilet paper rolls, a pencil or pen, a sharp knife, a shoe box with a lid or washing powder box, and cat food or treats.
First, place your box on a flat surface that is easily workable. Use the pen or pencil to trace around the toilet paper rolls on the top of the box. You will want to do a different circle in several locations around the lid, depending on the size of the lid. Using the knife, cut around these circles, creating holes on the lid. You should do your best to trace around the lines precisely.
Next, put treats or kibble into the bottom of the box and then slide the rolls into the created holes. Your cat will have fun reaching inside and grabbing these treats. This simple activity can be used to fight boredom and make mealtime more interactive for even the pickiest of cats.
Overall, a reach feeder is a great way to include food in your enrichment activity and provide your cat with a fun and engaging feeding experience.
Include Arts and Crafts
Arts and crafts are not just for humans, they can also be a great way to provide enrichment for your cat. You can create the perfect enrichment box by grabbing a plain cardboard box and including crafting supplies. You can include supplies inside the box or even poke them through the cardboard.
Here are some basic ways to use crafting supplies in an enrichment box:
- Poke pipe cleaners through the box. The cat can lay inside and hit these pipe cleaners.
- Add a paper fan or other paper pieces to these pipe cleaners both inside and around the outside of the box. The cat will love smacking these pieces of paper.
- Throwing in some basic pom poms or cotton balls is a great way to keep the cats entertained.
- Including any type of yarn or ribbon in your enrichment box will be a major hit.
It is important to ensure that any crafting supplies added to the enrichment box are safe for your cat to chew on or play with. While you should always monitor your cat, smaller things like buttons can be easily eaten and harmful to your pet. With a little creativity, you can create an enrichment box that will provide hours of entertainment for your furry friend.
Try Including Water
If you are looking for a new way to entertain your cat, consider including water play activities. A narrow plastic tub filled with water can be an excellent option. Although not all cats may be attracted to water play, many enjoy it. Once you have a tub of water, there are several activities you can include for your cat.
Some of the activities you can try include:
- Floating ping pong balls around the top of the water. This can be a fun way to engage your cat in a game of “go fish”.
- Adding a wind-up fish or similar cat toy. These can be quick to entertain a cat and they will likely reach in to grab the toy.
- Using practically any plastic toys that float can be used with this style of enrichment.
One important thing to keep in mind is that this activity should be done in an area where your cat is allowed to frequent. Avoid doing water activities on countertops, as this can create negative behaviors. If you are worried about messes, placing a towel underneath the tub you are using can help with this.
Overall, including water play activities can be a great way to keep your cat entertained and engaged. Just be sure to supervise your cat during these activities to ensure their safety.
Summary
Looking for ways to keep your feline friend entertained? Make them a DIY cat enrichment box! With just a few simple materials, you can create a variety of fun and stimulating boxes that will keep your cat entertained for hours. From cardboard boxes to PVC pipes, there are endless possibilities for creating the perfect cat enrichment box. So, why not give it a try and see how much your cat will love it?
