Cut the cost of pet care

Cats care – Why buy expensive pet beds?    You’ll only throw them away when they get soiled.   Cats love snuggling down in a sports bag but cut the handles off first and make sure it’s safe.   Look out for second hand bags at car boots and flea markets.    Try using earth, ash, sand, wood shavings or paper instead of expensive cat litter.   It’s what everyone used before bags of cat litter were available.   A shallow metal tray makes a good substitute for a litter tray – make sure it can be cleaned or you could use cardboard and recycle frequently.    Fleeces make super cat blankets – buy off cuts from the market.  Make your own cat toys – push catnip into a baby sock and knot or sew up the end – there you have a cat toy your pet will drool over!   What did we give cats before cat biscuits came along?   Toasted brown bread cut up into tiny squares – mix with fish or meat – much cheaper than bought in, no additives or animal derivatives and fresh too.   Sprinkle a bit of baby talc on your hand and pat on to your cat’s fur when you groom her, makes her smell nice and helps to keep her coat tangle free.    Clean the inside of her ears with a bit of olive or almond oil on a piece of cotton wool.    Leaves, feathers, screwed up silver paper and ping pong balls make great cat toys.   Cardboard boxes are the best cat condos – cut doors and windows in if you want it to be extra special.  Cats adore catnip and its good for them – buy a plant and grow your own.  Pick a few leaves and dry in the sunshine for a herbal sprinkle.

Mischa goes for Ikea.

Cardoard boxes are popular – even better – they are free.

They are the most environmentally friendly option – you can recycle them when they get a bit tatty.