The toy I made is a fat bird designed for my cat. He could play the toy in all ways he wants, biting, scratching or kicking.
[As my cat is not with me in Shanghai, I cannot provide his response. This is a video showing the toy and my cat’s daily playing.]
When I started to design the toy, I was inspired by Cas Holman that play is an intuitive process. I realized the importance of designing for engagement rather than rigid functions. Instead of forcing my cat into a specific way of interacting, I incorporated multiple elements that allowed him to explore different ways of playing. I hope the toy could stimulate the natural instincts of my cat.
I selected blue and yellow as the main colors, as they are eye-catching for cats. My cat also likes fluffy blankets, so I choose a similar fabric. Adding a bell inside the toy could easily catches his attention. He also usually grinds his teeth, so I added an airbag in the head part. Consequently, when he bites the head, the toy could make some sounds just like real bird. Yarns are also his favorite elements, so I added some on wings and tail part. He can scratches them with his paws for fun.
I think the overall appearance of the toy is good. And this making process helped me greatly improve my sewing skill. However, currently, the airbag moves within the toy, which reduces its effectiveness. I would fix it in the head to ensure a consistent sound response. In addition, I could consider filling the toy with catnips to increase its attraction to my cat.
Here is my process documentation:
