How to Make Your Own DIY Cat Toys at Home
Cats are natural hunters who thrive on stimulation and play. But keeping your feline entertained doesn’t have to mean spending money on expensive toys. With just a few household items, you can create safe, fun, and eco-friendly DIY cat toys your cat will love.
Let’s dive into five simple projects that bring big enrichment—on a small budget.
Why DIY Cat Toys?
Homemade cat toys offer a range of benefits beyond savings:
- Cost-Effective: Most DIY toys use items you already have lying around.
- Customizable: You can tailor each toy to suit your cat’s personality and play style.
- Eco-Friendly: Reuse old materials instead of throwing them away.
- Bond-Building: Creating and playing with your cat strengthens your relationship.
Tip: Always supervise your cat with any new toy, especially those made from soft or breakable materials.
1. Crinkly Sock Toy (Perfect for Pouncing!)
What You’ll Need:
- An old sock
- A crinkly plastic bag (like from packaging)
- Catnip (optional)
- Needle and thread (or just tie a knot)
How to Make It:
- Place the plastic bag inside the sock to create that irresistible crinkle sound.
- Sprinkle in some catnip if your cat enjoys it.
- Either sew the sock shut or tie a tight knot at the end.
Why It Works: The texture, sound, and scent will have your cat batting, pouncing, and wrestling in no time.
Tip: Experiment with different sock materials—some cats love thick fuzzy socks, others prefer sleek cotton.
2. Ribbon Wand Toy (Great for Chasing & Jumping!)
What You’ll Need:
- A wooden dowel, chopstick, or stick
- Ribbons or fabric strips (12–18 inches)
- Hot glue or string
How to Make It:
- Cut the ribbons to length and attach them to one end of the stick using glue or by tying them securely.
- Let the ribbons hang loose and flutter.
Why It Works: Wand toys activate your cat’s prey drive and are great for high-energy play.
Tip: Use a mix of textures like satin, fleece, and tulle to keep things interesting.
3. Cardboard Box Maze (Perfect for Explorers!)
What You’ll Need:
- Several cardboard boxes
- Scissors or box cutter
- Non-toxic tape
How to Make It:
- Cut holes in the sides of each box to connect them into a maze.
- Tape the boxes together securely.
- Add toys, treats, or a soft blanket inside.
Why It Works: Cats love to hide, explore, and ambush—this maze satisfies all three instincts.
Tip: Sprinkle a bit of catnip inside to encourage your cat to explore deeper into the maze.
4. No-Sew Felt Mouse (A Simple Soft Toy!)
What You’ll Need:
- Felt fabric
- Cotton stuffing or old fabric scraps
- Catnip (optional)
- Fabric glue
- Scissors
How to Make It:
- Cut out two simple mouse-shaped pieces of felt.
- Place stuffing and optional catnip between the layers.
- Glue the edges together, leaving an opening for a “tail.”
- Attach a piece of string or ribbon as the tail.
Why It Works: It’s soft, lightweight, and perfect for solo batting or carrying around.
Tip: Add ears or small stitched eyes if you’re feeling crafty!
5. Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle Feeder (Interactive & Fun!)
What You’ll Need:
- An empty toilet paper or paper towel roll
- Scissors
- Dry cat treats or kibble
How to Make It:
- Cut small holes in the roll—just large enough for treats to fall through.
- Fold in both ends to keep the treats inside.
- Let your cat bat it around to release the treats one by one.
Why It Works: It turns mealtime into playtime and encourages foraging behavior.
Tip: Make it more challenging by cutting fewer or smaller holes.
Safety Tips for DIY Cat Toys
While homemade toys are fun and cheap, safety should always come first:
- Supervise first-time play.
- Avoid small parts that could be swallowed or chewed off.
- Use non-toxic materials and avoid strong glues, dyes, or sharp edges.
- Regularly inspect toys for wear and replace them if they start to fray or fall apart.
Tip: If your cat loves chewing strings or ribbons, store wand toys out of reach when not in use.
Final Thoughts
DIY cat toys are a creative, budget-friendly way to enrich your cat’s life—and yours. Whether your cat prefers pouncing, chasing, hunting, or problem-solving, there’s a homemade toy out there they’ll love. Try a few of these simple crafts and see what gets your cat’s tail wagging.