8 x upcycling packaging for your pets

About to tip an empty container into the dumpster? Not too soon then! Your dog, cat or feathered pet will be only too happy. In this article, we look at eight original ideas to pamper and protect your pets, all using discarded packaging material. Keep that deluxe cat tree with scratching post coming!

Eight ways to reuse packaging for your pets

► 1. Accessories for cats

What do you need? ⇒ Cardboard boxes, shipping tubes, string or yarn

Anyone who has cats will have experienced the following. You buy a new toy but after a few minutes your tiger turns out to be happiest with… the packaging. Packaging is a real goldmine for your cat, and at the top of the league in this regard is the cardboard box. A box offers your cat a safe place, shielded from stressors. Moreover, cardboard insulates very well and if there is one thing cats love, it is a nice warm cocoon. So give your boxes a second life as a cat tree or create a cosy sleeping place, close to the radiator.

Time for some action now! If you want to get your cat moving, you can make simple toys with some pieces of cardboard. For example, a cardboard ball. If you receive a shipping tube, transform it into a scratching post. To do this, first fix the tube to a wooden base. Then wrap it with string. Your cat will purr with delight!

► 2. Perch for chickens

What do you need? ⇒ (Shelves of) wooden pallets

Did you know that… chickens prefer to sleep and rest in a high place? That way they are better protected from possible predators. With the planks and beams of a pallet, you can simply build a perch.

► 3. Shelters for birds, squirrels, bats, etc.

What do you need? ⇒ (Shelves of) wooden pallets

Reusing pallets has been immensely popular for a while now. Many recycling enthusiasts transform a discarded pallet into trendy furniture, for example. Of course, there are also tips for reusing pallets for animal welfare. For example, you can use several pallets to build a bird’s nest box, or a shelter for squirrels or even for bats. You can see below how to create a safe hiding place for them with a few simple planks.

► 4. Shelter for hedgehogs

What do you need? ⇒ Box in double corrugated cardboard, plastic carrier bag or plastic rubbish bag

Hedgehogs are a protected species in Europe. With a simple cardboard box you can very well help and protect these prickly garden dwellers – especially in the harsh winter months. It is best to use an extra thick box (so that it is suitable for outdoor use). Fill your box with some dry leaves or straw. Finally, do not forget to make ventilation holes and cover the outside of the box with a waterproof bag or rubbish bag. That way, your hedgehog will always be snug, dry and safe.

► 5. Rabbit hutch

What do you need? ⇒ Cardboard boxes

Do you have a frisky woolly rabbit as a pet? Then make him extra happy with a personalised hutch. Just use a cardboard box that you cut completely to size for this purpose, including an entrance, windows, doors, drawbridge, etc. This way, he can quietly hide and keep an eye on his surroundings.

► 6. Feeding trough for livestock

What do you need? ⇒ Wooden pallets

After the chicken perch and bird’s nest box from above, do you still have wooden pallets left over? Then you can also transform those pallets into a hay rack. Fully customised for all types of livestock such as horses, donkeys, etc.

► 7. Dormitory for dogs

What do you need? ⇒ Wooden pallets

Time to spoil one of the most popular pets: dogs! Instead of putting their cushion directly on the cold floor, simply put it on a pallet. Or convert a pallet into a cosy dog basket as in these examples.

► 8. Nest for rodents

What do you need? ⇒ Paper pads, wood wool , raffia, paper envelopes, bags, etc.

Are you a fan of guinea pigs, hamsters or other rodents? Then know that paper pads, wood wool or raffia are good alternatives to hay and straw. They are highly absorbent and keep your pets nice and warm. You get the same benefit from shredded pieces of paper from recyclable envelopes, bags, wrapping paper, etc. Just make sure the paper is thick and rough enough, as paper that is too smooth will not be as insulating.

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Source images:
www.blog.take-me-home.com/fabriquer-un-arbre-a-chat-facile-pas-cher/
www.plus-saine-la-vie.com/animaux/comment-faire-un-lit-pour-votre-animal-de-compagnie-avec-une-palette-en-bois/
www.comment-economiser.fr/10-astuces-pour-le-poulailler-que-les-poules-adorent.html
boerenbond.nl/advice/self-build-birdhouse/