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.
Grass Food Puzzle by Chirpy Cats
- Materials: Cat grass seeds, empty egg carton, acrylic paints, brushes, grow mats, tiny rocks, bread ties, cat toys.
- Tools: Utility knife, non-toxic glue.
This puzzle combines feeding with mental stimulation by incorporating cat grass into a feeder. Cats can graze on the grass, aiding digestion and reducing hairballs. It’s easy to customize with household items like wine corks for added fun.
Reach Feeder by ASPCA
- Materials: 3–4 toilet paper rolls, soda box, cat food or treats.
- Tools: Sharp knife, pencil or pen.
Transform a soda box into a feeder that encourages your cat to “hunt” for food. Cut holes in the box, insert toilet paper rolls, and drop in treats. This activity satisfies a cat’s natural hunting instincts safely and engagingly.
Catnip Kicker Toy by Nifty Thrifty DIYer
- Materials: Fabric, catnip, stuffing.
- Tools: Scissors, tape measure, sewing machine.
Make a stimulating kicker toy by sewing fabric into a pillow shape, filling it with catnip-infused stuffing. Cats will enjoy batting and biting this toy, providing both physical activity and mental stimulation.
Epic DIY Cat Castle by Cuteness
- Materials: 5 large boxes, 2 medium square boxes, acrylic craft paint, dowels, felt, twine, cat drinking fountain, small plant pots, cat grass.
- Tools: Box cutter, duct tape, scissors, hot glue gun, paintbrush, black permanent marker.
Build a majestic cat castle using cardboard boxes, painted and decorated to create a royal playhouse. This advanced project offers multiple levels and hiding spots, ideal for multiple cats to explore and play.
Giant Maze Labyrinth by EverXFun
- Materials: Cardboard.
- Tools: Box cutter.
Construct a large labyrinth using cardboard pieces arranged to form a maze. Add treats throughout the maze to encourage cats to explore and navigate through different paths. This project challenges their agility and problem-solving skills in a playful environment.
Cat Play Gym by Charleston Crafted
- Materials: 8 feet of 1×2 wood, drill bit, dowel, white rope, ribbons of choice.
- Tools: Scissors.
Build a cat play gym using wood and colorful ribbons. This gym offers a place for your cat to climb and play, promoting physical activity and agility. It can be folded flat for easy storage when not in use.
Cat Grass Pond by Chirpy Cats
- Materials: Colorful water beads, cat grass seeds, small fishbowl, large glass mixing bowl, grow mats (optional), river stones or crystals (optional), interactive robot fish, stand.
Create a unique cat grass pond using water beads and a fishbowl. This setup allows your cat to enjoy the visual appeal of moving water and the sensation of soft grass. It’s easy to assemble and provides a calming and enriching environment for your cat.
DIY Cat Tunnel by Cats Ace
- Materials: Paper shopping bags, non-toxic glue.
- Tools: Marker, ruler, scissors.
Make a cozy cat tunnel using paper shopping bags. Simply glue the bags together to form a tunnel that your cat can explore and hide in. This project is budget-friendly and perfect for stimulating your cat’s curiosity.
DIY Cat Running Wheel by Cat Toy Lady
- Materials: Foam poster board, spray glue, wrapping paper, caster wheels, door mat, wood.
- Tools: Low-temp glue gun, white duct tape, tape measure, ruler, X-acto knife or scissors, rolling pin, ¾” screws, saw.
Construct a cat running wheel to provide exercise for your cat indoors. This large wheel encourages physical activity and can be customized with wrapping paper to match your decor. It requires some skill to assemble but offers a rewarding play experience for your cat.
DIY Soda Box by Cuteness
- Materials: Soda box, bamboo skewers, crafting feathers, duct tape, 2 pipe cleaners, paper towel tube.
- Tools: X-acto knife, scissors, glue (or hot glue gun).
Create a DIY soda box toy that engages your cat’s hunting instincts. Cut holes in the box, insert feathers on bamboo skewers, and secure with tape or glue. This interactive toy encourages playtime and bonding between you and your cat.
Sensory Box by KittycatGo
- Materials: Cardboard box, yard debris (cat-safe only!).
Make a sensory box filled with cat-safe yard debris like dried leaves and pine straws. This simple project provides sensory stimulation for your cat, allowing them to explore different textures and scents indoors.
Mega Cat Puzzle Toy by Cat Lessons
- Materials: ~150 empty toilet paper and/or paper towel tubes, glue, basket, clothespins, treats or food.
Create a mega puzzle toy using cardboard tubes. Glue the tubes together to form a complex structure where treats can be hidden. This puzzle encourages problem-solving and mental stimulation, keeping your cat entertained and active.
Summary
Many domestic cats lack daily stimulation. Environmental enrichment offers both physical and mental benefits for all cats, and can strengthen your bond with your pet, as well as foster harmony between cats in a household.
This makes today an ideal time to explore a DIY cat enrichment project!
