The Barn by Ralph Hagen for November 22, 2014

We do not spend a lot on cat toys. Wadded paper, twist ties, string, plastic pot scrubbers, ice cubes, things that fall on the floor can keep a cat amused for up to a few minutes. Of course, their favorite scratching ‘post’ is our couch.

My cat has quite a collection of toy mice. I keep them on a bookcase shelf and she brings one over when she wants to play fetch.

My cat only plays with plastic packing straps, string and chestnuts. The $5 cat toys get ignored. Love Rory’s eyes in the last frame!

Never had a cat who didn’t love a slightly curved Qtip.

I’ve never had a cat who preferred playing with toys over sleeping most of the day.

My cats prefer paper, boxes and cardboard tubes. Although they do prefer the occasional toy mouse.

You know what worked really well? The crumpled up cellophane wrapper from a pack of cigarettes. As it tries to straighten itself out it makes a crinkling noise they can’t resist.

You want a GREAT cat toy? Shine a flashlight around. Forget about spending “boocoo” bucks on those red laser lights. Your flashlight works JUST AS WELL!