Cats DIY
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Create a cat bed from an old box, optionally decorated with tape or lined with a blanket.
Some cats ignore expensive toys but enjoy free or cheap items like boxes.
- Some cats only play with dangling objects like ear-buds or charging cords.
3 people, independently
Mount a hook into a wall stud and tether the Christmas tree to prevent it from being knocked over.
It allows the cat to climb without toppling the entire tree.
- Some cats may still knock it down despite securing it.
- Ornaments may still fall off and break.
one person who lived it
If your cat enjoys chasing small objects, try using inexpensive ping-pong balls as toys.
Some cats find them entertaining and they are a low-cost alternative to commercial toys.
- Not all cats like them; some may only play briefly before the balls get lost under furniture.
2 people, independently
Provide a cheap footrest or designated chair for your cat to scratch to protect expensive furniture.
It gives the cat an alternative target for scratching.
- Some cats will scratch both the designated item and the good furniture.
one person who lived it
Use no-scratch spray on Christmas trees to deter cats from climbing or scratching them.
It keeps cats off the tree.
one person who lived it
Spritz water near a cat while saying 'no' to train them to stay away from specific areas or objects.
The cat will learn what 'no' means and stay away.
one person who lived it
Ensure your scratching posts are well-anchored and do not wobble, as cats may refuse to use unstable ones.
Cats will not use posts that move when they scratch them.
one person who lived it
Try a cork scratching post if your cat prefers to dig their claws in deeply.
The texture allows for deep claw digging, which solved the problem for one cat.
one person who lived it
Crumple a bit of paper and throw it at your cat for playtime.
Some cats enjoy playing with crumpled paper.
3 people, independently
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Buy a cheap, undecorated Christmas tree after the holiday and let cats play with it.
It serves as a Christmas present for the cats.
one person who lived it
Cut vinyl guttering to fit behind the sofa and paint it to match as a barrier.
It keeps toys out, allows for neat cable management, and is indestructible to claws.
one person who lived it
Use old shoes as barriers behind couches instead of pool noodles.
They stay in place better and are harder to shred.
one person who lived it
If you have a heavy scratcher, apply a double layer of rope to high-wear areas on cat furniture.
It takes the cat longer to wear through two layers than one.
one person who lived it
Cover the keyboard with aluminum foil when not in use to deter cats from sitting on it.
The noise should scare them away.
one person who lived it
Create a wand toy using the front part of a fishing rod, an elastic band, and goose feathers.
The natural smell of the feathers may appeal to the cat.
one person who lived it
Sew catnip into fabric cutouts shaped like tuna fish for your cat to rub against.
One cat owner found their cat rubbed these on their face.
one person who lived it
Use old blankets or clothing as cat beds instead of purchased pet beds.
Cats often prefer sleeping on items that smell like their owners.
one person who lived it
Engage directly with your cat instead of trying to stop them from sitting on the keyboard.
They are inserting themselves between you and your focus to seek attention, not targeting the keyboard itself.
one person who lived it
Avoid using covered litter boxes if your cat refuses to defecate in them.
Some cats will urinate but refuse to defecate due to the lid.
one person who lived it
Use cardboard tea canisters as slow-feeders for cats that eat too quickly and vomit.
It provides entertainment and prevents vomiting from eating too fast.
one person who lived it
Apply double-sided clear tape to furniture spots your cat favors to deter scratching.
Cats will refocus their attention elsewhere.
one person who lived it
Avoid using pallet wood for DIY cat furniture.
It is often treated with or carries dangerous materials.
one person who lived it
Make covers for DIY foam cat beds using old t-shirts or pillowcases to protect against hazards and make washing easier.
A protective cover reduces fiberglass risk and pillowcases are easier to wash.
one person who lived it
Check Petco dumpsters for discarded cat furniture if you are very frugal.
Staff may not destroy all items as required, leading to waste.
one person who lived it
Avoid removing the cover from Zenus brand memory foam mattresses.
Fiberglass may explode everywhere, even if the cover is undisturbed.
one person who lived it
Refurbish scratching posts by cutting off used cord and regluing new jute or sisal every few years.
3 people, independently
Seal corrugated cardboard edges of DIY cat furniture with gaffer tape.
To cover ugly edges.
one person who lived it
Buy sisal rope from home improvement stores like Lowe's or Home Depot instead of Amazon for better prices.
In-store ropes are typically cheaper per foot than online options.
one person who lived it
Use simple items like cardboard boxes, old towels, or tree branches instead of expensive cat furniture.
Cats often prefer simplicity and may ignore expensive items.
one person who lived it