Catnip Pinatas

Guest Blogger: Suzanne Denk, Animal Enrichment Specialist

Who can resist the lure of a colorful, swinging piñata?  A piñata appeals to all of a cat’s senses and gets the kitty up and moving. 

Supplies:
•    Origami paper ball. (Click here for step-by-step instructions.) 
•    Tissue paper
•    String
•    Catnip
•    Non-toxic school glue

Directions:
•    Make a paper ball according to origami instructions.  When folding the paper ball, sprinkle catnip in the folds. 
•    Cut thin strips of tissue paper.  Glue the strips into the folds of ball.
•    Glue string in a loop on the opposite side of the ball from the tissue strips. 
•    Let glue on the piñata dry thoroughly.
•    Hang piñata and let the cat play! 

Multiple piñatas can be made and stored in a bag with catnip to marinate. 

Play with piñata must be supervised and string removed when the cat pulls down the piñata.