I have been trying to brush my cats' teeth with no success; they are not big fans of that process! So, I thought of creating something that entertains them while unknowingly cleaning their teeth.
😺A natural crochet jute toothbrush Mouse😺
The rough texture of the jute is designed to naturally scrub away plaque and tartar as your cat chews, helping to freshen their breath. Plus, I’ve added some fun bobble stitches for bumps and bristles that give the toy an extra texture—making it irresistible for curious paws and sharp teeth. If your kitty loves catnip or silvervine, you can stuff the mouse with it for extra chewing action! This will encourage them to gnaw on it even more, which is great for their teeth.
Blu kept on jumping on my table, already wanting to play!
I had to lock my door as they were both getting too excited, possibly because of the smell of catnip!
😺😺
If you can crochet, here's how I did it.
I first gather my materials:
A roll of jute reel and a 5mm crochet hook.
For filling: (excuse the messy bits from the jute/catnip)
A little bottle with beads makes a tiny rattling sound that grabs the cat's attention.
A sweet wrapper creates a crinkling sound, which cats find irresistible.
And a bell that jingles and mimics the small birds and triggers cats' curiosity!
Some fluffy stuffing for a squishy feel! It would feel satisfying to sink their claws or teeth into it.
A pack of dried catnip adds an extra layer of excitement; it can provoke playful behavior.
Pattern: Jute Cat Toothbrush Mouse
Body
Create a magic ring and secure it.
Round 1
Chain 1, then make 6 single crochets (sc) into the magic ring.
Pull the tail of the magic ring to close it. (6 sc)
Round 2:
Increase: 2 sc in each stitch around. (12 sc)
Round 3:
1 sc, 2 sc in the next stitch around. (18 sc)
Rounds 4-6:
Work even: 1 sc in each stitch around. (18 sc)
Round 7: (This round adds texture for the toothbrush function)
1 sc in the next 2 stitches, bobble stitch in the next stitch (repeat around).
To make a bobble stitch: Yarn over, insert hook into stitch, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through two loops (do this 4 times, then yarn over and pull through all loops on the hook).
This creates little bumps that help scrub your cat's teeth.
Rounds 8-9:
1 sc in each stitch around (no bobble stitches here).
(18 sc)
Round 10:
1 sc, decrease (2 sc together) around. (12 sc)
Round 11:
Before closure, add the stuffing.
Decrease in each stitch: 2 sc together around. (6 sc)
Fasten off.
And then continue a 25-chain for the tail.
Ears (Make 2)
Round 1:
Make a magic ring, Chain 1, then make 6 sc into the ring.
Pull tight and join with a slip stitch. Tie both ends and sew on the top front of the mouse body.
Attach two black beads using heavy thread.
Add Bristtles around the tail by tying some jute and fluff them up.
Weave in all loose ends.
Done!
I gave the toothbrush mouse to my kitties.
They sniffed and loved it. As they have different behaviors, Coco is gentle and looks high with it, and Blu turns so playful!
Coco can't stop sniffing and gnawing!
Blue tumbling with it and chewing!
With this simple solution, I hope to say goodbye to smelly breath and hello to a healthier, happier cat!
I hope you had a lovely Saturday.
Mariah 😺💕