Crafts You Can Make for Your Local Shelter

There’s a pretty fun holiday coming up. National Craft for Your Local Shelters Day is July 21st. At any given time, there are millions of sweet, lovable pets in shelters, hoping to get adopted. If you’ve adopted one or more of your furry friends from a shelter, you’ve already made a huge difference. Of course, adopting a pet is a long term commitment, so it’s not something to take lightly. However, there are other, simpler ways to help … like making crafts! A Washington DC vet lists some simple things you can make below.

 Catnip Mice

Catnip mice are quite easy, and they’re always popular with Fluffy and her pals. These don’t even have to be shaped like mice. Just cut two pieces of fabric to the same shape and size. Put one on top of the other, with the outsides facing in, and sew them together around the edges. Just leave a small hole, which you’ll use to put the catnip through. Then, seal it up. Done!

Cat Tower

Cat towers provide kitties with lookout points, scratching posts, napping spots, and jungle gyms. You can make one by upcycling an old stepladder. Just add some wide planks for Fluffy to sprawl out on. Then, cover the whole thing in carpet or sisal rope.

Beds

There are several ways to make pet beds. You can turn an old sweater or sweatshirt into a bed. Start by folding it into an O shape. Sew the torso closed, and then attach the sleeves to the torso. Put stuffing in through the neck, and sew that closed. You can also make pillow-type beds: the method is the same as the one described above for catnip mice. You just need more material, and some stuffing. (Speaking of stuffing, be sure to use a non-toxic kind.)

Rope Toys

Rope toys are lots of fun for Fido! Cut a towel or tee shirt into thin strips. Braid the strips together, and then braid the braids together. When the toy is thick enough, tie it off with a big knot.

Kitty Tents

You can make a cute kitty tent out of an old t-shirt and some wire hangers. This is a great option for timid cats! You can find step-by-step instructions online.

As your Washington DC veterinary clinic, we’re here to help! Please feel free to contact us anytime!