July 21st is Craft For Your Local Shelters Day! This is a great way to support the local charities, rescues, and shelters that are working hard to care for homeless animals. If you enjoy crafts, or maybe want to keep your kids occupied for a while, why not make something for adoptable pets in our region? A Crown Point, IN vet lists some things you can make below.
Catnip Mice
Fluffy’s mice don’t have to be mouse-shaped. You can make squares, circles, triangles … whatever works. Cut two pieces of fabric to the same size and shape, and then lay one on top of the other, with the outsides facing in. Sew them closed, leaving just a small hole to pull the fabric through so it’s right-side-out again. Stuff with catnip, and sew that hole shut.
Rope Toys
Rope toys are one of the easiest things you can make for dogs. This is also an easy way to upcycle old towels and clothes! You can use any fabric you want, as long as it doesn’t have buttons, zippers, or any type of decorative glitter or appliques.
Box Castles
Box castles are always a hit with our feline pals. These can be as simple or complicated as you want. If you make one that is more than one story, just reinforce it a little.
Cat Towers
One of the easiest ways to make a cat tower is to repurpose an old stepladder. Put boards on the steps to widen them out, and then wrap the whole thing in carpet or sisal rope. You can also do this with bookshelves or storage racks.
Sweaters
You can easily upcycle many infant and toddlers’ tops into sweaters. These are often used for dogs with thin fur, but hairless cats also need them. Look online for ideas and instructions.
Beds
There are many different ways to make beds. The simplest is a pillow bed, which is basically a bigger version of the catnip mouse we mentioned above, just filled with stuffing instead of catnip. You can also make them out of old sweaters. Sew the torso into an O shape, and attach the sleeves to it, with the wrists sewn closed. Use the neck hole to fill it, and then seal that up. Done!
As your Crown Point, IN animal clinic, we are here to help! Call us anytime!
