DIY

DIY Diva: Cheapo Pet Toys To Please Your Pussy & Puppy

Updated: Aug 20, 2009 19:10
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The first step is admitting you have a catnip problem...

Heyo — the DIY Diva here with this week’s on-the-cheap craftacular project for all you out there in Broke-Assland.

Pets are absolutely, positively a luxury and not something for the broke-ass.  Though I am a broke-ass and have a dog.  And, I bet you either have a dog/cat or know some other broke-ass who does…

There is no love like the unconditional love of a pet and that is probably why people have them despite it being a shitty economic choice to do so.

If you want your puppy or pussy to be happy, and continue keeping you happy, you need to devote a little time to providing them entertainment.

That’s right: pets get bored.

You know how to keep that from happening?

Toys.

Here are two super-super easy DIY pet toys you can make on the cheap that will keep your pussy from peeing in your backpack and keep your puppy from chewing up your shoes… using… old socks.

Project One: Pussy Catnip Suprize!
What you need:

-One old tube sock (washed, for the love of god… please wash it.)
-One cup of dried catnip
-A stapler
-Scissors
-Duct tape

Step A: Cut the tube sock into two pieces — one piece should be the foot/toe part of the sock (cut right below the heel) and the other should be the tube of the tube sock.

Step B: Fill the foot/toe part of the sock with catnip.

Step C: Close the toe with a double row of staples (much like the t-shirt bag project) and cover with a piece of duct tape for security.  (You may want to use more staples and duct tape depending on how evil and crafty your kitty is.)

This is what a surprise popper looks like in case you dont know...

This is what a surprise popper looks like in case you don't know...

Step D: Slide the catnip package into the middle of the tube part of the tube sock.  Tie a tight knot on each end close to the package so that the whole shebang looks like a surprise popper.

Step E: Cut the ends of the popper into fringe.

Step F: Give it to your kitteh and watch as they go bananas and get stoned out of their lil kitteh gords!

Project Two: Stupidly Easy Puppy Tug Toy
What you need:
Three old LONG tube socks (once again washed, you dirty hippie)

Step A: Tie the three tubesocks together at one end into a tight knot.

Step B: Braid the socks in a tight three strand braid pattern (see image) until you’re about three-four inches from the bottom.

This is how you create a three strand braid pattern, genius!

This is how you create a three strand braid pattern, genius!

Step C: Tie a tight knot at the end of the braid.

Step D: Play tug-o-war with your pooch!

See?  Stupidly easy… yet practical.  Do you know how much toys exactly like that cost in the pet store?  At least $10 each.

Happy Crafting!

Back next week with tips on where to get your knit on for free in the Bay Area and NYC…

[Images via I Can Haz Cheeseburger.com, AutryNationalCenter.org and Fotosearch.com]

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Kate Kotler - DIY Diva

Kate Kotler - DIY Diva

Kate Kotler is a freelance writer and professional blogger. IRL she is a very nice person, regardless of what you might have read about her on the innerwebs. Kate lives in Berkeley with her dog, Max. You can follow her on Twitter @adorkablegrrl