Like any devoted cat parent, you want to offer the finest for your cherished feline. But constantly buying specialty toys and delectable treats for your kitty can quickly become expensive.
You may already be trimming costs by choosing budget-friendly pet food, yet the expense of playthings and snacks can still climb fast.
Saving on pet-related spending matters even more now as we edge toward a possible recession in the US. Fortunately, there are ways to give your cat top-notch accessories and snacks without emptying your wallet.
Plus, sharpening your DIY cat-toy skills might even open up unexpected side gig possibilities. Let’s look at how to cleverly repurpose household items and reuse things you’d normally discard, while also whipping up delicious homemade treats for your favorite furball.
Homemade Cat Treats
Baking fresh goodies for those you care about is always thoughtful, and the same holds true for your cat. For easy homemade cat snacks your kitty will love, mix canned chicken, salmon or tuna with yellow cornmeal and scrambled egg whites.
Bake the mixture and slice it into bite-sized pieces — the ideal dimension for a cat nibble, naturally. You can freeze any extras so your baked treats will last and continue to delight your pet over time.
For a tempting vegetarian option, combine catnip, grated carrots, egg, and flour to craft a special feline morsel.
Use a pizza cutter to make tiny nibble-sized portions. You can train your cat to do tricks and reward them with these homemade delights.
Or for a seasonal homemade treat, mix pumpkin puree, salmon, egg, and flour to create autumn kitty bits so your cat can join in the seasonal festivities.
DIY Cat Toys
Often the simplest objects around the house can become surprisingly entertaining toys for your feline. Before tossing empty toilet-paper rolls and cardboard towel tubes, try turning them into easy, fun DIY cat toys.
Pack them with tempting treats (including the homemade recipes above) and place them where your cat can find them. You might be amazed at how many hours of enjoyment this straightforward toy can deliver.
If your cat has a flair for the dramatic, craft a simple (and extra-glamorous) cat wand that will captivate your diva kitty for ages.
Cut a fringe into metallic craft paper, or even tin foil glued to construction paper. Then tape that fringed strip around one end of a wooden dowel or two chopsticks taped together for additional length.
Wave this creation before your cat and presto: a sparkly, reflective magic wand for kitties.
Experiment with variations by attaching feathers, beads, buttons, or other small items that will glitter and sway to entice your cat. Let them hone their hunting instincts as they leap for the dangling end of the wand.
When your cat needs downtime, they can curl up in a snug homemade cat tent for extra coziness. Use an oversized old T-shirt stretched over a simple wireframe made from repurposed hangers, tape, and cardboard. Fasten the tent opening with safety pins and line it with blankets to create an inexpensive yet comfy feline hideaway.
What To Do If Your DIY Cat Toy Hobby Takes Off
If you truly love pets, you may already have found ways to turn that passion into income. For example, you might convert your knack for animal care into a steady side gig as a pet sitter.
If clients learn you bring your own homemade toys and treats to each sitting, you could quickly attract more bookings from owners who appreciate that extra attentiveness.
Offering DIY toys and treats when you pet-sit demonstrates you plan to spoil other people’s furry companions and will go the extra mile to keep them happy while their owners are away.
Other people may notice your handiwork—and that could become a chance to grow a business. In that scenario, staying organized is key to maximizing the profit potential of your crafty side venture.
Collect as much client feedback as you can, compile it into a PDF, and review it routinely. Make sure to update that PDF regularly with new ideas, plans, and refreshed product descriptions for your treats.
Pet owners may be inclined to support your DIY endeavors by buying the homemade treats and toys you produce, so long as you keep up with the evolving requirements of launching a small business, your homemade goods could turn into a lucrative side hustle.
How to Earn Extra Cash For Special Occasion Cat Treats and Toys
While making homemade treats is a smart way to lower pet expenses overall, there will be times when you want to splurge on a rare high-end item. Maybe you wish to buy organic, premium catnip toys, or perhaps your kitty has anxiety and you want to explore cat-safe CBD options to see if they help.
Here are some straightforward ways to bring in extra money for those special pet purchases:
- As noted above, monetize your DIY cat treats and toys by selling them, turning homemade goods into marketable products that generate side income.
- If your venture grows and you need cash fast, consider invoice factoring to access funds you’ve already earned more quickly.
- Launch an Instagram account tapping into the widespread internet cat craze. If it gains traction, you can attract sponsorships or charge for exclusive behind-the-scenes feline content.
- Start a blog offering cat-care guidance. If you’re experienced and enjoy sharing tips, blogging can bring a steady stream of extra income.
By earning a bit of supplemental cash you can indulge in those occasional premium treats for your cat, which could even reduce pet-care costs over time.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re building a DIY cat tent, teasing out your kitty’s inner hunter with a sparkling magic wand, or baking delicious homemade treats, the time you spend getting creative for your cat will pay dividends.
Not only will you cut back on spending for toys and snacks, you’ll also offer healthier food options and extra attention to your pet.
Making homemade cat treats and toys lets you express love for your feline while sticking to a stricter budget — and it may even leave room to splurge occasionally on a special toy your cat will adore.
New York contributor Maya Brooks writes about personal finance and lifestyle topics. She works as a corporate financial analyst and coordinates a program with the University of Cincinnati that teaches financial literacy to underrepresented students and helps them find internships and employment.
