Category Archives: Pets

How to Choose the Right Toys for your Dog

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Photo by Josh Sorenson on Pexels.com

When it comes to dogs, almost anything can be a toy. An old shoe, a piece of wood, or a spare glove are often a dog’s favorite chew toy. But buying a toy for your dog can be a different story.

There are several kinds of toys available for dogs. Playing fetch with a stick or ball are a classic favorite. But, there are many other toys to choose from. Tug toys, plush toys, chew toys, interactive toys, and rubber toys that squeak are several kinds to consider.

How do you decide? The first thing to keep in mind while shopping for dog toys is your dog’s size and age. Some toys a especially for puppies, while others are for grown dogs of all different sizes. Read the toy’s label or packaging for this information.

Another thing to think about is if your dog tends to chew or tear apart its toys. Tough dog toys are made to withstand your dogs sharp teeth and will not tear apart as easily.

Some toys, such as tug toys and interactive toys, are fun for both you and your dog. Some interactive toys keep your dog busy by dispensing treats, and some are like puzzles for dogs.

If you’re not sure what kind of toys your dog likes, try several different kinds to see which ones grab your dog’s attention. Chew toys, as well as ball toys, are almost always a good choice.

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How to Choose the Right Toys for Your Cat

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Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Recently, I’ve done a few blog posts about making cat toys. But, when you’re at the store shopping for cat toys, you often have a very large selection to choose from. How do you know which toys to buy for your cat?

You might notice that there are different kinds of cat toys. There are toy mice, balls, catnip toys, teasers, and interactive toys. If you don’t already know what kind of toy your cat prefers, you might want to try several different kinds to see what your cat responds to most. Take note of what what your cat likes to play with and consider buying the same kind of toy again. Also, make sure to keep an eye out for any toys your cat seems to destroy or tear apart. Be sure not to buy this kind of toy for you cat again.

Each kind of toy is a little different from the other. Balls roll and bounce, teasers, like feathers and ribbons, are fun for a cat to bat around, and interactive toys are fun for both you and your cat. Other toys make noise, and are different textures and sizes. Therefore, some toys can be more appealing to your cat than others.

Don’t forget to buy toys according to your cats age and size. Read the toy’s packaging for the correct information. Some toys are suitable for kittens while others are better for adult cats. Another way to tell is if the toy appears to large or bulky for your cat, or if it is very small in comparison to your cat.

While keeping your cat entertained can be as easy as tossing around a catnip ball, some newer toys are a little more high tech. Some use laser pointers that your cat and chase around the room. Others twirl feathers, and some are even remote controlled.

Don’t be overwhelmed by all of the choices of cat toys. As always, your cat’s favorite toy could be as simple as a spare shoe string or a paper bag.

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DIY Catnip Yarn Balls

Posted in crafts, diy, Pets by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

Balls of yarn have always been toys for cats. Add a little catnip with some glue and a styrofoam ball, and you have an enticing new toy for your cat.

I used 3 inch styrofoam balls and 22 yards of yarn to make the toys, although feel free to use smaller styrofoam balls for smaller cats.

You will be handling the styrofoam balls while they are covered in glue, so you might want to keep paper towels near by.

What you need:

  • styrofoam balls
  • yarn
  • catnip
  • glue
  • paintbrush
  • paper plate or other surface for catnip

Instructions:

  1. Place some catnip in a paper plate.
  2. Coat the styrofoam ball in glue using a paint brush.
  3. Roll the styrofoam ball in the catnip until it is mostly covered.

4. To begin wrapping the styrofoam ball in yarn, hold the end of the yarn against the ball and wrap the yarn around so it holds the first piece in place.

5. Continue to wrap the ball in yarn until it is covered.

6. Tuck the end of the yarn into the yarn wrapped around the ball. Use a dab of glue to keep it in place.

7. You’re done!

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DIY Braided Sock Dog Toy

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Photo by Kathleen Quandt

In an earlier blog post (July 12, 2020), I showed three simple ways to make dog toys out of old socks. The braided sock dog toy, shown above, takes only a few more steps to make. This toy is still uses old socks and is very easy to make.

One thing to keep in mind while making the braided sock dog toy is to use longer socks. You will need several extra inches to braid and tie the socks.

You Will Need:

  • 2 old socks
  • sharp scissors

Instructions:

  1. Begin by cutting the socks open so they lay flat.
Photos by Kathleen Quandt

2. Cut each sock into three strips, about 2 or 3 inches wide. You will need a total of 6 strips.

3. Gather all 6 strips and tie them together in a tight knot.

4. Pair 2 strips together each to make the 3 pieces needed to make a braid.

5. Begin to braid the sock strips. Pull the strips to tighten the braid as you go.

6. Braid several inches if the sock strips, making sure to leave enough length at the end to tie another knot.

7. Trim the strips to make both sides even. You’re done!

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DIY Pom Pom Cat Toys

Posted in crafts, diy, Pets by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

These pom poms made of yarn may have many uses when it comes to making crafts, but they also make great cat toys. They are simple to make using yarn and a few household items. I have included three ways to make pom poms, each makes a different size.

There are just a couple of things to keep in mind while making your pom poms. First, when tying the pom poms with a separate piece of yarn, be sure to tie very tightly. This is what holds the pom pom together. Second, make sure you hold the pom pom securely in your hand or on a flat surface while cutting the pom pom. This is so pieces of yarn don’t fall out before your’re finished. Third, the more yarn you wrap, the bigger and fuller the pom pom.

What you need (for all three pom poms):

  • yarn
  • fork
  • cardboard
  • jar or can (for tracing)
  • quarter (for tracing)
  • scissors
  • two empty toilet paper rolls or one empty paper towel roll

Small Fork Pom Poms

What you need:

  • yarn
  • fork
  • scissors

Photos by Kathleen Quandt

Instructions:

  1. Start by wrapping yarn around the fork until the yarn is about an inch thick.
  2. Cut a separate piece of yarn about 12 inches long.
  3. Wrap the piece of yarn around the yarn on the fork through the middle tines. Tie the yarn very tight.
  4. Slide the yarn off the fork and tie the separate piece of yarn tightly again.
  5. Slide the scissors through the loops of the yarn and begin to cut them until they are all cut.
  6. Fluff the pom pom and trim any stray pieces.

Cardboard Circle Pom Poms

What you need:

  • yarn
  • cardboard
  • jar or can (for tracing)
  • quarter (for tracing)
  • pen or pencil
  • scissors
Photos by Kathleen Quandt

Instructions:

  1. First, trace a jar or can on the cardboard twice.
  2. Then, trace a quarter in the middle of each circle. (shown above)
  3. Cut out both circles with a small space in each one to make the letter “C”.
  4. Put both circles together to make one circle.
  5. Wrap the yarn around the circle until you have reached desired thickness (about 1 inch).
  6. Slide the scissors between the two circles to cut the yarn. Make sure to hold the yarn in place while cutting.
  7. Cut a separate piece of yarn, about 12 inches long.
  8. Place the piece of yarn between the two circles, wrapping the pom pom, and tie tightly. Repeat (optional).
  9. Remove the two cardboard circles.
  10. Fluff and trim the pom pom.

Large Cardboard Roll Pom Poms

What you need:

  • yarn
  • two empty toilet paper rolls or one empty paper towel roll (cut in half)
  • scissors

Photos by Kathleen Quandt

Instructions:

  1. Begin by wrapping the yarn around both cardboard rolls until you have reached desired thickness.
  2. Cut a separate piece of yarn, about 12 inches long.
  3. Slide the piece of yarn between the two cardboard rolls and tie tightly. Repeat (optional).
  4. Slide the yarn off of the cardboard rolls and tie the yarn tightly again.
  5. Cut the loops of yarn until all of the loops are cut.
  6. Fluff and trim the pom pom.
Photos by Kathleen Quandt

These pom poms are instant fun for you feline friend! Kitty (a.k.a Ginger, shown above) is curious about her new toys!

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DIY Sock Dog Toys

Posted in crafts, diy, Pets by
Photo by Kathleen Quandt

Give those old worn out socks a new life by upcycling them to make dog toys. All it takes is a few old pairs of socks and some other common household items.

These sock toys take very little time and your dog will love them! You will need to tie a knot in the sock to make the toys, so, make sure you choose socks that are long enough.

You will need:

  1. An empty water bottle
  2. A tennis ball
  3. Old socks

Basic Knotted Sock Toy

  1. Hold the sock in both hands and stretch the sock while tying a knot in the middle. Make sure to tie the knot tight so it doesn’t come undone.

Water Bottle Sock Toy

  1. Rinse out an old water bottle and remove the label.
  2. Fit the water bottle into the sock until it reaches the toe.
  3. Tie a tight knot at the top of the bottle.

Tennis Ball Sock Toy

  1. Fit the tennis ball into the sock until it reaches the toe.
  2. Tie a tight knot just above the tennis ball.

You’re done! These DIY sock toys will give your dog endless hours of fun!

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