Why spend your hard-earned dollars on supplies for your animal pal when there are so many easy alternatives you can make at home? We’ve rounded up a handful of DIY projects that are easy as pie, and sure to encourage many woofs and purrs of approval.

Easy Catnip Mouse

Easy Catnip Mouse

Here’s one from my personal archives that’s received rave reviews from the feline of the house. Find some scrap fabric, needle, thread, a heapin’ helping of catnip, and presto! A tantalizing mouse she’ll love to toss around the house.

Green Cat Scratching Pad

Green Cat Scratching Pad

Grace Bonney over at Design Sponge suggests a clever way to recycle cardboard boxes: Turn them into a scratch-tastic pad for your kitty. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a sturdy coil of cardboard that ought to stand up to weeks of dedicated scratching and shredding.

Rag Time

Rag Time

From the gallery of Paul Michael comes another homespun treasure: the almost-too-easy-to-be-true kitchen towel braid. All you need is a ratty towel and some scissors to make a tough pull toy for any size dog. Michael recommends braiding multiple towels together or using blue jean material to make super-sturdy braids for big dogs. A word of caution: Be sure to supervise your dog with this and other toys to ensure no pieces are torn off and ingested.

Catnapping Made Simple

Catnapping Made Simple

This concept was inspired by a quirky idea for a basket cat bed hung on a wall, but we wanted a sturdier resting spot for our feline friends. All the essentials remain the same: Grab an empty basket and a soft blanket or sheet, fold and fit the fabric inside, and find a quiet spot on the floor to nestle your kitty’s new favorite napping spot.

Rest On, Rover

Rest On, Rover

Don’t think we’ve forgotten how much dogs enjoy a cozy place to nap. With a little tweaking, this pillow-bed pattern can be cut to suit big or small dogs, and it’s easy to customize the fabric to suit your décor.

Read more Vetstreet articles about dog and cat products.