Inexpensive cat toy ideas that your feline will love

When you make the decision to adopt a cat from a New York animal shelter, you may buy all sorts of pet products like bedding, food bowls and furniture that are necessary to improve your feline's quality of life. Cat toys are also very important, as they can provide a way to nurture your pet's instinct to hunt and encourage regular exercise. If you're looking to save a bit of money after your initial kitty purchases, consider a few of these ideas that you can throw together with items you have lying around the house.

1. Wand toys. Making one of these toys at home requires a chopstick or an old ruler, an extra thick rubber band and a rarely used sweatshirt or T-shirt, reports CatChannel.com. Cut the fabric with scissors into 1-inch strips and tie them together with double knots for additional strength. Wrap the rubber band around the chopstick and tie the plush portion to the end. You'll have a great toy that your cat will love to jump and chase after.

2. Wine or champagne corks. These small corks can be tied onto the end of a string or simply rolled around on the floor, which can entertain your feline for hours. According to MyFoxTampaBay.com, the key to making these small items engaging is to put them in new hiding spots around your house so he or she can hunt for it.

3. Ping-pong balls. Placing a ping-pong ball in your bathtub could be a great change of pace for your feline. Cats love the sound that the balls make as they roll around, and the surface of the tub will make it much harder to catch. Be sure to supervise your cat during playtime and make sure the surface is dry beforehand!

4. Cardboard boxes. As a cat parent, you should keep a few cardboard boxes lying around for your kitty's amusement. These can provide a place to sleep during the day or a means to play an interactive game with treats or a toy.

There are plenty of fun craft projects out there that can turn into wonderful cat toys, and you're only limited by your own creativity. Skip the trip to the pet store and be a bit more sustainable next time you're looking to have a bit of fun with your furry friend.