My genius wife makes the best cat toys.
When our cats destroyed their plastic cat tunnel they received as a gift, she took a cheap laundry basket–the kind that collapses like a windshield sun shade–and cut a hole in the bottom. Best cat tunnel ever! And we can fold it up when company comes over.
Our older kitties like what we call close play. They settle in next to one of us, we wag a finger (or pencil) in front of them, and they swat and grab and give it little nibbles. It’s more than just hunting play, it’s a way of bonding. They’re very gentle, and the claws don’t come out, but sometimes you get nicked anyway.
My wife took some silicone drinking straws and attached silicone twist ties to one end. Twist the straw–which keeps your hands just out of swipe range–and the cable tie dances before the kitty. When they catch it, they can gnaw on it. It’s all food-safe grade silicone, and their remaining teeth aren’t sharp enough to actually cut into it. Send them through the dishwasher every now and then to rinse off the cat spit.
