Asked on Feb 13, 2017

DIY Cat/Pet Items: can you help me?

Tammy Hawkins
by Tammy Hawkins
I got an e-mail, thank you, Hillela, about sharing what we have DYI'd for our Pets. Great thought, idea, and topic, Hillela, as I have searched this group MANY times for DIY Pet ideas and there is very little to find here. I have made a few things for my cat, many over the years for my dogs, but 'hometalk' was not around then, the Internet was just starting then! Here are some of my recent attempts. One specifically did not go well and if anyone can help me, I would be so greatly appreciative!


I recently posted this, Cat Play House, there is a story as to why it is not finished, but this is not my troubled project.


As well, I recently posted this Cat Deshedder, came out better than I hoped, yes that is Cat Nip all over the bottom, still not my troubled project.


This is my troubled project, almost too embarrassed to post this (it is THAT bad). Having said that...I saw this video on YouTube about this cat playing with a Wack-a-Mole thing- here is the video ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ti3mWTKXIgk ) I wanted to make something like it and never EVER found any instructions ANYWHERE, so...I did what I thought. I FAILED. I glued the cutest happy emojis to plastic knives. The cylinders are empty salt boxes (gardening thing), the rest is black duct tape and some cute washi cat tape. These just don't move smoothly. If you have ideas to help, please! If you know of any instructions floating around the NET, please! My cat has tried to play with this, but the thing hangs up and the faces don't come up far enough for him, or the knife moves and it just doesn't work-and he walks away. I am open to all sorts of suggestions. Thanking You ALL in Advance!!!!!
  7 answers
  • Tammy Hawkins Tammy Hawkins on Feb 13, 2017

    So sorry I forgot to state the the Happy Emoji's were Pez dispensers. They are so cute!

  • Susan Igo Susan Igo on Feb 14, 2017

    Yours is so cute, no reason to be embarrassed.  I've looked at a few different ones online. I noticed all the others have open tops. I'm thinking that is why yours gets caught up. If you cut the tops off your salt containers it might solve the problem.

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 14, 2017

    You did a great job!!! I hope your cats appreciate you and the time you take to make wonderful projects for them!!!

    • Tammy Hawkins Tammy Hawkins on Feb 14, 2017

      He tends to appreciate my effort once he gets over the fear of something new. He is such a skiddish cat at times!

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 14, 2017

    I watched the video ( and first of all- so cute!!) and - Maybe if you make the stick connecting the emoji heads longer, it will have a further reach and might move a bit smoother

    • Tammy Hawkins Tammy Hawkins on Feb 14, 2017

      I thought of that, maybe should have cut the holes in the front of the salt containers higher up, thinking of how I could fix that to see if it would work. And that video is so adorable! I love that cat!

  • Hillela G. Hillela G. on Feb 14, 2017

    I LOVE that you shared something that you're working on, I don't consider that a fail AT ALL! We learn from the journey- thank you for teaching us as you go

    • Tammy Hawkins Tammy Hawkins on Feb 14, 2017

      Thank you, this was a serious fail and I thought that maybe by posting it I could get some helpful suggestions.

  • Tammy Hawkins Tammy Hawkins on Feb 14, 2017

    That could work. Thanks!

  • Zest it Up Zest it Up on Feb 15, 2017

    We made a fun kitty bed for our fur baby! Check it out here: http://zestitup.com/diy-fur-lined-kitty-bed/


    If you want a LIVE tutorial on how to make it, join us on Hometalk's Facebook next Tuesday (Feb 21st) at 12pm PST!