Every cat parent knows the struggle: you buy a fancy toy, only to find your kitty obsessed with the box it came in. Turns out, some of the cheapest, almost free “toys” are actually the biggest hits with our feline friends.
Why Cats Love Simple Toys
According to SnuggleSouls, a good cat toy should bring out natural hunting instincts—think stalking, pouncing, and bunny kicks—while being durable enough to handle claws, teeth, and licking. Toys that mimic prey movement or disappear under fabric are ideal.
Interestingly, while color isn’t the most important factor, cats tend to see blue and yellow better than other shades.
Lola’s Favorite DIY Toy
One Reddit user recently shared on r/standardissuecat how their rescue cat, Lola, became obsessed with a homemade toy. All it took was a hoodie string with a shiny purple scrunchie tied to the end.
Forget the expensive pet store purchases—this simple invention became Lola’s favorite. She carries it around the house, plays nonstop, and consistently chooses it over all her store-bought toys.
The post received nearly 400 comments and 3,400 upvotes, with cat parents chiming in to share their own budget-friendly toy discoveries.
Other “Almost Free” Cat Toy Favorites
Here are some popular low-cost toys cats reportedly go wild for:
- Paper balls & grocery bags – Cats love the crinkle, warmth, and even the scent, which absorbs pheromones and feels familiar (Catster).
- Egg cartons – Great for pawing, clawing, or hiding treats inside.
- Cardboard tubes (like from paper towels) – Especially when frayed at the ends.
- Plastic bottle rings & lids – Small, lightweight, and perfect for batting around.
- Hampers & laundry baskets – Hide-and-seek playgrounds in disguise.
- Kitchen tools – Believe it or not, one cat was obsessed with a basting brush!
Clearly, cats don’t need designer toys to stay entertained. Sometimes, the trash—or your laundry—has more appeal than the toy aisle.
Safety Reminder
While homemade toys are fun and creative, not every household object is safe. Avoid items with loose strings, sharp edges, or swallowable small parts. Always supervise your cat during playtime.
Takeaway for Cat Parents
The next time you feel guilty for not buying that $30 feather wand, remember: your cat might prefer a crumpled receipt or a hoodie string. Playtime isn’t about price—it’s about engagement, bonding, and letting your cat’s inner hunter shine.
FAQs
Q: Why do cats prefer household items over store-bought toys?
Cats are instinct-driven. Everyday objects like paper or cardboard mimic prey textures, sounds, and unpredictability, which excites their natural hunting instincts.
Q: What household items are safe as cat toys?
Paper balls, cardboard boxes, egg cartons, and plastic bottle rings can be safe—if supervised. Always avoid sharp objects or anything small enough to swallow.
Q: How much playtime do cats need daily?
Most cats benefit from two to three short play sessions a day. Even 10–15 minutes of active play can keep them mentally and physically healthy.
Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to lifo@snugglesouls.com with some details about your best friend, and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
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