Purr-fectly Affordable: 4 Ways to Entertain Your Feline Friend at Home

Original publish date: March 28, 2024 | Last updated: October 31, 2025

Cats are known for their independent and curious nature, but even the most self-sufficient need some entertainment from time to time. Keeping your cat engaged and mentally stimulated is crucial for their well-being. Fortunately, you don't need to break the bank to provide entertainment for your furry friend. In this blog post, we'll explore four affordable ways to keep your feline friend entertained right in the comfort of your home! 

Puzzle Feeders:

Turn mealtime into playtime by creating simple DIY puzzle feeders for your cat. This not only engages their natural hunting instincts but also provides mental stimulation. You can use everyday household items, such as empty toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, towels, or even old socks to create challenging feeding puzzles. Create nooks and crannies by folding, rolling, or tying loose knots, fill these items with your cat's favorite treats or dry food, and watch as they figure out how to get out the goodies. It's a fun and cost-effective way to keep your cat entertained while promoting problem-solving skills.

Alternatively, you can use their favourite crunchy treat and toss small amounts on non-carpeted floors so the treats scatter and make an intriguing sound, engaging their hunting behaviours.

Cardboard Creations:

Cats have a natural affinity for cardboard, and we have all seen them wedge their noodle-bodies into the smallest of boxes. You can use this to your advantage by creating inexpensive and entertaining cardboard play structures out of everyday cardboard boxes. Simply cut out openings to create tunnels, hideaways, and scratching surfaces. You can even stack or connect multiple boxes to form a makeshift cat condo or village. To make it more exciting, sprinkle some catnip inside or attach small toys for added interest; make sure to use pet-safe materials to adhere any toys or decorations. Cardboard creations are both budget-friendly and eco-friendly, offering a sustainable way to entertain your feline companion. However, like my boy Frumbumbly, some enjoy cardboard a little too much and will chew or shred it, and ruin the exciting new toy. 

Simple Toys:

Skip the expensive store-bought toys and opt for homemade alternatives that are just as entertaining! Simple items like crumpled-up paper balls, ping pong balls, or even bottle or wine caps can become hours of amusement for your cat - mine all think the plastic caps off C02 bottles are some of the best toys in the house. Experiment with different textures and sizes to discover what your cat enjoys the most, and as always, "alive" toys are much better than "dead". This means your cat doesn't want to play with a still toy, it needs to move around and stimulate their prey drive and to become exciting. Not only are these DIY toys cost-effective, but they also provide an opportunity for bonding through play. 

Wand:

As we all know, cats are natural hunters, and few things captivate their attention quite like a feather dancing through the air. Fortunately, you can create your own feather wand using common household items at minimal cost. Simply attach a feather or two, or even a small toy,  to the end of a string or stick, and voila – you have an interactive toy that will keep your cat entertained for hours! Don't have any feathers? Use small bits of ripped fabric tied together, or fold a paper bag lengthwise a few times and cut finger-like tendrils into the opening , and attach this to your ribbon or string. Move the wand around in different patterns and speeds to mimic the erratic movements of prey, allowing your cat to indulge their hunting instincts in a safe and engaging manner. One of mine absolutely loves strings and ribbons, and his favourite toy is made out of a fabric ribbon from a gift from somewhere and some leftover wooden doweling from the garden.

Entertaining your cat at home doesn't have to be a costly endeavor. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can create engaging and affordable entertainment options that will keep your feline friend happy and healthy. Whether it's DIY puzzle feeders, cardboard creations, or homemade toys, these budget-friendly ideas will surely bring joy to your cat's life without breaking the bank.