In a world of curated toys and aesthetic accessories, there’s still something wonderfully reassuring about the things that make our cats happiest. A cardboard box. A feather found under the sofa. The crinkle of paper that becomes a game of chase.
At Cambridge Cat Sitting Company, we’re lucky to meet cats with very discerning tastes - and more often than not, their favourite toys aren’t the most expensive. They’re the ones that engage curiosity, encourage natural behaviour, and offer comfort, without overstimulation.
The Egg Box: A Humble Favourite
One of our most quietly brilliant discoveries? The humble egg box.
Pop a few dry treats or favourite biscuits into the compartments, add a bit of scrunched paper, and perhaps a few of their smaller toys or a dash of catnip. Then close the lid, leaving it just slightly ajar.
What follows is feline enrichment at its finest.
Gentle pawing, curious nosing, careful exploration - slow, satisfying play that rewards patience and brings out their inner hunter.
No plastic. No noise. Just something tactile, curious, and completely recyclable.
The Tea Towel Tunnel
Another favourite? A simple tea towel or lightweight throw draped across a chair or low table to create a tunnel.
Toss in a crinkle ball or a treat and wait. Some cats will pounce straight in; others will stalk from a distance before darting through. For more shy cats, it becomes a calm hideaway where they can still observe the world around them.
It’s cosy. It’s safe. And it turns the everyday into a game.
Play, the Calm Way
We’re big fans of calm enrichment. Not all cats need high-energy toys or endless stimulation. For many, the best play is soft, simple, and rooted in their natural behaviour.
During our visits, we often take a moment to introduce these quieter forms of interaction - be it a little food puzzle, a new scent, or the subtle pleasure of a cardboard maze made from a box you were about to recycle.
These slow joys build trust. They also remind us that sometimes, the simplest things are the most thoughtfully designed - from nature, not a factory.
Have a favourite homemade toy or trick?
We’d love to hear what your cat enjoys.
And if you’re heading away, we’re always happy to incorporate your cat’s favourite style of play into our visits - whether it’s a jellyfish wand or an upcycled egg box.
Because happiness, after all, can be as simple as an egg carton and a sprinkle of curiosity.