Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/pool-noodle-pets/

Pool noodles, those colorful foam tubes often associated with poolside fun, can serve a dual purpose in the homes of pet parents. These unassuming objects can help protect your home from the wear and tear caused by your furry friends while keeping them entertained and comfortable.

Whether you have a cat or a dog, these clever pool noodle hacks can make life easier and more enjoyable for both you and your pet.

Here’s how you can use pool noodles effectively to safeguard your home and keep your four-legged companions content.

8. Window Sill Protectors for Dogs

Is your dog obsessed with guarding your home? While it’s endearing, their enthusiasm can lead to scratched and damaged window sills. To prevent this, consider using pool noodles as window sill protectors. Here’s how the creative minds at House Digest put together their noodle-based home protection system:

• Purchase a set of standard-sized, white pool noodles for a cost-effective solution.
• Slice the pool noodles lengthwise to easily slide them over your window sills.
• Place the pool noodles on the sills where your dog usually props up to look outside.
• These foam noodles act as temporary barriers to prevent damage and can be removed when your dog’s behavior improves.

This simple and affordable project not only safeguards your home but also helps train your dog to be less reactive. Just remember, it’s a temporary solution that’s highly effective for protecting your woodwork while you train your dog not to jump.

7. DIY Cat Bed

Do you have some pool noodles lying around and a crafty spirit? Here’s a DIY project from CatTime to help you create a cozy pet bed for your cat or dog:

• Gather an old, long-sleeved shirt, a pillow, one or two pool noodles, and some duct tape.
• Place the pillow inside the shirt and thread a pool noodle through the sleeves, looping it around and connecting the ends.
• Your pet will enjoy a comfortable bed that’s perfect for napping or lounging.

This pool noodle bed is a versatile and budget-friendly option, suitable for both cats and dogs.

6. Toy Stopper for Cats

If you’re tired of losing your cat’s toys underneath furniture, a pool noodle can also be your solution:

• Cut pool noodles to fit gaps under furniture or tape a couple together for larger spaces.
• Block off potential toy-trapping areas.
• Easily remove the pool noodles when playtime is over.

This clever trick ensures your cat’s toys stay within reach, preventing them from getting lost under your couch.

5. Bumpers for Doors and Door Blockers for Dogs

Sometimes, doors in your home may close on your dog, leading to inconvenient situations. To prevent this, Dogtime recommends using a pool noodle:

• Cut a small section of a pool noodle lengthwise and slide it over the door’s edge.
• This will keep the door from closing all the way, ensuring your dog won’t get stuck inside.

Pool noodles work well as door bumpers for dogs, providing them with a simple way to avoid getting accidentally trapped.

4. Puzzle Feeder for Cats

You can give your feline friend a mental challenge and slow down their eating with a DIY puzzle feeder, Foam Noodles reports:

• Use a small section of pool noodle and hide treats inside.
• Let your cat bat the noodle around to release the treats.

This entertaining and stimulating toy can reduce boredom and anxiety in cats while providing a tasty reward.

3. Cat Scratching Post

Cats love to scratch, and as DIYsCraftsy reports, you can easily transform a pool noodle into a scratching post:

• Wrap sisal rope tightly around the pool noodle, gluing it in place.
• Secure the noodle around table legs or other furniture pieces.

Your cat will have a new, convenient scratching post to keep their claws healthy.

2. Wall Protectors for Cats and Dogs

To prevent damage to your walls from crates or kennels, create simple wall protectors:

• Cut pool noodles lengthwise and slide them over the edges of crates or kennels.
• The soft noodle acts as a buffer, shielding your walls from scratches.

This hack keeps your walls pristine, even during lively play or kennel use.

1. Dog Training Tool and Obstacle Course

For dog parents looking to provide training and exercise, pool noodles are versatile tools:

• Create a soft training tool by using a pool noodle to create a larger loop, allowing your dog to practice tricks safely.
• Craft an obstacle course using pool noodles, duct tape, and your creativity to keep your dog physically and mentally engaged.

These pool noodle hacks are simple, cost-effective, and highly versatile solutions for pet parents. They help protect your home from pet-related damage while keeping your pets comfortable and entertained.

Whether you have a cat or a dog, these creative uses for pool noodles are sure to make your life as a pet parent easier and more enjoyable.

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog