The best cat toys are often the simplest. Ordinary household items bring your cat more joy than factory-made, expensive animal toys from the pet shop. You can make the perfect, personalised toy for your cat yourself and save money at the same time.

Cats are very playful, at any age. Their natural hunting instinct inspires them to play with common objects. Kittens need toys to develop their natural instinct to play with prey, especially if they are indoor cats. Playing is good for the cat's well-being and health. 

Often the best toys for cats are ones that you have made for them yourself, because you know your cat and you know what they like. Many cats like cords and strings that move and that they can try to catch. Other cats respond better to shiny objects, crackling material or bells. Once you have established what your cat likes best to play with, you can concentrate on making it a toy.

Have a look at what things you already have in the house. Paper bags, plastic rings and plastic bottle tops are often more fascinating to a cat than a fluffy mouse stuffed with cat grass. Balls of wool, paper balls and aluminium balls are also very popular with cats. Many cats also like to be brushed. Attach a cat brush to the wall where the cat can brush its own fur. 

You can also make beautiful things from inexpensive craft objects. You can tie a few feathers to a string or wrap a few pieces of old carpet around a piece of wood to make a scratching board. Small bells are available in various sizes at craft shops; you can attach small objects to the bells for the cat to play with. Small, empty plastic bottles often work well, or bottle corks. 

You can also make old, no longer used soft toys for the cat. If you like, you can also sew on a few bells or attach a thread. The good old ball of wool still works best. The cat can bury its claws and teeth in it to its heart's content and chase after it when it rolls away.

A cat doesn't need expensive designer toys to be happy. Be creative and look for objects in the household that your cat might enjoy. Just be careful that the cat doesn't hurt itself or choke on it. 

By the way: a personalised, creative cat toy is also a great gift for friends who have cats!