Simple Eco-Friendly Cat Toy Ideas

As the author of Make Your Own Cat Toys: Saving the Planet One Cat Toy at a Time, I?m a big proponent of homemade cat toys. The book shows you how to make eco-friendly cat toys that are fast, fun and super-easy to create.

Since writing the book, I have not purchased a new toy for Furball. I find there?s more than enough ?make your own? cat toy ideas in the book (52 in all) to keep him busy. As well, I just can?t help myself. I keep inventing new homemade cat toys all the time.

However, I appreciate that making your own cat toys is not everyone?s cup of tea. So, here are some simple guidelines for making more eco-friendly cat toy choices if you?re not into making homemade cat toys.

1. Only buy toys that you know your cat will love. Observe his or her preferences and stick with them. If he/she loves one type of toy, keep buying more of the same. This will help reduce the number of discarded toys.
2. Buy quality over quantity. Before you make your purchase, examine the toy to see how well it is made. Does it look sturdy or does it look cheaply made? A quality toy will last longer.
3. Buy locally made toys. You?ll help support the local economy and also reduce the resources required to ship the toy to your store. Ideally, the toys should be made from locally sourced materials as well.
4. Choose organic and natural. With the growth in environmental awareness, there are now many options for toys made with organic catnip and natural materials. Bear in mind that from a human attractiveness scale, these toys may be somewhat aesthetically-challenged compared to the brightly coloured plastics from overseas. Remember that your cat cares more about the smell, texture, sound and feel of the toy and you?re the one who cares if it looks cute.
5. Stay away from battery operated toys. There is no substitute for the real thing, which is you. Your cat will always find human companions infinitely more entertaining than a repetitive battery operated toy.
6. Invent your own toys and games. You and your cat are a fountain of creativity. There are no limits. Just remember to play safely.

This blogpost was written by Holly Tse, author of Make Your Own Cat Toys [www.MakeYourOwnCatToys.com] and writer for GreenLittleCat.com, the only blog dedicated exclusively to greener living ideas for cats and cat lovers.