Cheap Cat Toys Cats are now the most popular pet in the United States, ousting the dog from the traditional role of “Man’s Best Friend.”  While there may be as many as 100 pedigree breeds of cats, the Cat Fancier’s Association recognizes 41 breeds.  Most cats love to play and not all cat toys need to be expensive.  Many are simply and easily made.   Plastic straws can’t be easily caught or held onto.  Cats are amazed when it slides between their claws.  You can even draw a piece of string or yarn through the straw, tying a large knot at the end so the yarn doesn’t slip through the straw.  You can pull this along the floor, and have the cat chase behind you or suspend it from a hook, and let it dangle for their amusement. Wine corks are fun because they don’t roll evenly which makes their action more intriguing. A ping pong ball in the bath tub makes an instant miniature racquetball court.  Up and down the sides of the tub, the ball spins around for the chase. Film canisters are even better with a penny inside. Weed Whacker stripping can be cut to a 2-3 foot piece and as you swirl it and turn it the cat is enticed to stalk and play.