National Cat Day Crafts: 4 DIY Cat Toys Using Cardboard

If you love cats, you know that felines have an uncanny knack for finding joy in the simplest of things, and cardboard's crinkly texture and endless potential are no exception.

In this blog, we've rounded up our favorite DIY cat toys that you can make and customize to your furry friend's liking. Whether it's a DIY cat house fit for a king or a cardboard cat scratcher, your kitty is going to think these cardboard creations are the cat's meow.

Why Do Cats Like Boxes?

Cats' affinity for boxes is a quirky, well-documented feline behavior that never fails to amuse and perplex cat owners. While the exact reasons behind this obsession aren't entirely clear, there are several theories on why cats seem irresistibly drawn to boxes of all shapes and sizes.

One of the prevailing theories is that cats instinctively seek out confined spaces like boxes as a way to feel safe and secure. In the wild, small, enclosed spaces offer protection from potential predators and a cozy, hidden spot for stalking prey. Boxes mimic this natural environment, giving cats a sense of security and control over their surroundings. When a cat enters a box, it can survey its surroundings while remaining hidden from potential threats, creating a sense of comfort.

Additionally, cats are known for their curiosity and love of exploration. Boxes provide an ever-changing, stimulating environment for cats to investigate. Whether it's the texture of the cardboard, the echoing sound of their purring within the box, or the opportunity to pounce on unsuspecting prey (including your hands or feet if you're nearby), boxes engage a cat's natural hunting and play instincts. So, while we may never fully understand the magic of boxes in a cat's eyes, it's safe to say that providing them with a cardboard haven is a simple way to keep our feline friends happy and entertained.

Four DIY Cat Toys Using Cardboard

DIY Cat Scratching Post

A cardboard scratch post offers numerous benefits to cats and their owners alike.

• It provides an ideal surface for cats to sharpen their claws, keeping them healthy and away from your furniture.
• The texture of cardboard is appealing to cats, making them more likely to use the scratchpost instead of other household items.
• They are affordable and eco-friendly, making them a practical choice for cat owners.
• They are easy to replace when worn out, extending their usability

Overall, a cardboard scratch post effectively satisfies a cat's natural scratching instincts, promotes their well-being, and helps protect your furniture from harm!

If you want to treat your cat to a new scratching post, it's easy to make your own! We love this version using leftover cardboard packaging boxes. If you want to take your cat scratcher to new heights (literally!), give this “catscraper” by Maison Kuotidien a try!

Cardboard Cat House

Cardboard cat houses are an ingenious and eco-friendly solution that provide a cozy and playful retreat for our feline friends.

Their affordability and ease of assembly make them a popular choice among pet owners looking to enrich their cats' environments. Plus, their disposable nature means they are easily replaceable if worn or soiled, making them a practical choice for pet owners who want to keep their cats entertained while staying environmentally conscious.

Recyclable corrugated cardboard doesn't just provide a lightweight yet sturdy structure - it's also a great canvas for getting creative with your cat house. From mini-castles to sleek modernist abodes, you can create the "purrfect" home for your kitty!

Interactive Cardboard Cat Toys

Creating an interactive cardboard cat toy offers numerous benefits for both cats and their owners.

These DIY toys are cost-effective and provide an opportunity for customization. Crafting a cardboard toy allows pet owners to tailor the design to their cat's preferences. Whether it's a maze, puzzle, or simply a scratching surface, the process of making these toys can be a fun bonding experience for pet owners and their feline companions.

Moreover, cardboard cat toys are incredibly easy to make, often requiring just a few materials like cardboard, scissors, and maybe some catnip or a bell for added allure. With a dash of creativity and minimal effort, pet owners can fashion engaging toys that keep their cats mentally stimulated and physically active. This homemade approach ensures that cats get the enrichment they need while offering a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to store-bought toys.

DIY Cat Tunnel

Cardboard cat tunnels are whimsical and functional additions to a cat's playtime repertoire. These tunnels, often made from durable corrugated cardboard, offer a perfect blend of exploration and exercise for our feline companions. Their lightweight and collapsible design makes them easy to store and set up, providing cats with a dynamic environment to dash through, hide in, and pounce on.

Cat tunnels stimulate a cat's innate curiosity and agility as they navigate the twisting passages, while the satisfying rustling sound of the cardboard material adds to the sensory appeal. Some models even incorporate peepholes or dangling toys to heighten the interactive experience.

Overall, cardboard cat tunnels are a "paw-fect" way to keep cats entertained and engaged, promoting both physical activity and mental stimulation.

Find the “Purr-fect” Cardboard Boxes for Your Cat Crafts

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