by Robin Ragland

Created on: May 30, 2009   Last Updated: May 31, 2009

Playtime with your cat doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Forget all those pricey goodies they sell in the pet stores, the best cat toys are found right in your own home.

As with small children, the box is often more fun than what came in it. Any box or bag gets a second life when you present it to your cat as his next big chance for adventure. The box is a handy hiding spot while stalking prey. The bag is also a great hiding spot with the addition of a crinkly sound effect that could be a mouse or a bug just waiting for your cat to catch it.

Items you might have thought of as trash can make wonderful cat toys. Don't throw away that cellophane wrapper, ball of foil or crumpled up piece of paper, just throw it and watch your cat chase and bat it around the room. The kitchen is a good source of toys. There is the bread twist tie, the cap from a water bottle, or the ring around the top of the milk container. My cat has even had fun with a dropped green pea or bean.

We have some craft items in our home that do double duty as cat toy supplies. Feathers are always a big hit with cats. Make your own bird with some string, a rubber band, and a few feathers. Just secure a bundle of feathers with the rubber band and tie the string on. You can dangle this for a flying effect or, drag it for an on the ground chase.

Medium sized pom-poms are good for cats because they are lightweight enough to bat around but large enough to attack. My cat will actually get up on his hind feet and bat these balls when they are pitched at him.

A few squares of toilet paper or a tissue can be tie with string for a quick and easy bird. I've even threaded a tissue onto the cap of my pen to keep my cat entertained while I worked on the computer. I just wave it around or play peek-a-boo with the pen under the edge of the desk.

Light is a great thing to chase. If you have a laser pointer, you are in for hours of fun as you make your cat run, jump, and climb the walls. A flashlight works as long as the room is dimly lit or dark.

There is no end to the list of fun toys your cat can play with right in your own home. Any small item that can roll, make noise, or be chased will work as well as any store bought toy. An open drawer or cupboard can be a chance to explore, as can a blanket or sheet raised just enough to create a tunnel. Nature has already supplied us with all the toys your cat could want. Just use some imagination and you'll be able to keep your money.

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