CRAFTING WITH KIDS

MAKE YOUR OWN CAT TOYS

KEEP YOUR FELINE FRIENDS HAPPY & POUNCING

STORY & PHOTOS BY AMY ALLEN

THERE ARE CAT PEOPLE and there are dog people — and my son is decidedly a cat person. He loves our cats and they tolerate his need to pick them up, cradle them like babies, snuggle them, read to them and share them with his friends via video call. He’s made them costumes, created a three-story “meow motel” and used his own money to buy them tunnels and toys. And he’s discovered that their very favorite toys are anything that dangles from a stick — that and hair elastics.

We decided to try our hand at making some fun and feathery cat toys this month — and they are a hit! If you have more than one cat, you might have to make multiple toys — ours were not too keen on sharing. Our cats went into full predator mode, stalking the felt feathers and pouncing away.

You know your pet best, so feel free to add any embellishment that might up the ante on fun, like real feathers or little bells. Just remember to keep a close eye on them in case any of the pieces get pulled off while playing.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Felt scraps in a variety of colors • Dowel • String or twine • Feathers, bells or anything else to entice your cat to play

DIRECTIONS & TIPS

1. Cut rectangles of felt in varying lengths and fold in half the long way. (Use an iron to help create a sharp crease.)

2. Trim the folded felt into a featherlike shape, then snip notches out to create the actual feather.

3. Layer two or three felt feathers (adding a real feather or other decoration as well) and tie tightly together with string or twine. Tie in a bell or any other additions.

4. Drill a small hole in the end of a wooden dowel and thread your string through to secure the toy to the stick.

5. Always keep a close eye on your cat when playing to be sure none of the pieces come loose or get pulled off. Have fun! Looking to sell your home? Having experience on your side matters.

CALL TRICIA LARGAY

207-949-3060 458 Main St., Bangor

Your listing could be on this page.

Sell it faster. Advertise in Bangor Metro’s Home section. Call 990-8000.