5 DIY Cat Toys Your Feline Friend Will Love: Easy and Fun Creations

Keeping your feline entertained doesn’t have to be expensive.

With a little creativity, you can make fun and engaging toys for your cat right at home. You’ll find that many everyday household items can be turned into toys that your cat will love.

DIY cat toys not only save money but also allow you to cater to your cat’s specific preferences.

Whether your cat loves to chase, scratch, or bat around small objects, there are endless possibilities for homemade fun.

Plus, making these toys can be a fun project for you too!

1) Sock-and-Toilet Paper Roll

Creating a sock-and-toilet paper roll toy is super easy and lots of fun for your cat.

First, grab an old sock and a few empty toilet paper rolls.

Cut off the leg or sleeve from a piece of clothing if you’re using that instead.

If you have a sock, you can skip this step.

Push one of the toilet paper rolls into the sock until it reaches the toe.

Then, tie a knot in the sock at the end of the roll.

Now, push another toilet paper roll into the sock and repeat the knotting process.

Keep adding rolls and tying knots until you’ve used as many toilet rolls as you want.

This toy will have lots of bumps and textures for your cat to explore.

Once you’re done, toss the toy to your cat.

Watch them bat at it, wrestle with it, and have a great time.

These added textures can make it super engaging for your furry friend.

This toy is perfect for keeping your kitty entertained.

Plus, it’s a great way to reuse old socks and empty toilet paper rolls.

2) Feather Wand

A feather wand is a classic toy that cats can’t resist.

You can make one easily at home with a few supplies.

First, find a sturdy stick or dowel.

This will be the handle of your wand.

Ensure it’s smooth so your cat won’t get hurt.

Next, cut a piece of string about two feet long.

Attach one end of the string to the stick, securing it tightly.

At the other end of the string, tie on some colorful feathers.

You can string the feathers through a small bell to add an extra jingle.

Make sure everything is tied securely.

Wave the wand around for your cat, and watch them leap and pounce with joy.

This homemade feather wand is not only fun but also helps keep your cat active and entertained.

It’s a great way to bond with your feline friend.

3) Catnip Pillow

A catnip pillow is super easy to make and your cat will absolutely love it.

All you need is some fabric, a handful of dried catnip, and some stuffing.

Cut the fabric into two small rectangles.

Make sure they’re the same size.

Sew three sides together, leaving one side open.

Fill the pillow with stuffing and dried catnip.

Don’t overfill it; just enough to make it soft and squishy.

Sew the last side closed tightly.

Your catnip pillow is ready! Just toss it to your cat and watch the fun begin.

Your furry friend will enjoy rolling around and rubbing their face on it.

Be sure to replace the catnip if you notice it losing its potency.

Fresh catnip keeps the toy irresistible for your feline buddy!

4) Cardboard Box Maze

Cats love exploring new spaces.

A cardboard box maze is a fun and easy way to keep your cat entertained.

Start with a large cardboard box.

Cut holes in the sides and top.

Make sure the holes are big enough for your cat to crawl through.

Connect smaller boxes inside the large box.

You can use tape to secure them.

Create tunnels and additional hideouts by cutting more holes in the smaller boxes.

Feel free to get creative.

Add different levels by stacking boxes.

Your cat will enjoy climbing and discovering new spots to hide in.

Remember to supervise your cat while they play.

This ensures they are safe and having fun in their new maze.

5) T-shirt Tent

A T-shirt tent is a great way to make a cozy spot for your cat.

You’ll need an old t-shirt, some wire hangers, and a piece of cardboard for this project.

Your cat will have their little hideaway in no time.

First, cut the hangers and shape them into arches.

These will form the frame of the tent.

Tape or glue the ends of the hangers to the cardboard, making sure they are secure.

Next, pull the t-shirt over the frame.

The neck hole of the t-shirt will be the entrance to the tent.

Adjust the t-shirt so it drapes nicely over the entire frame.

Tuck the sleeves and the bottom of the t-shirt under the cardboard.

Use some tape or glue to keep it in place.

Make sure there are no sharp edges sticking out from the hangers.

Place a soft blanket or pillow inside the tent.

This will make it extra comfy for your furry friend.

Your cat now has a cozy, hidden spot to relax.

You can customize the tent with different t-shirts or decorations.

Your cat will love their new T-shirt tent.

It’s a simple and fun project that also helps you recycle old clothes.

Happy crafting!

Materials You Need

To make fun and engaging DIY cat toys, you’ll need some common household items and a few extras for added flair.

This guide will list what you absolutely need, as well as a few optional materials to make your projects more interesting.

Basic Materials

• Cardboard: Use leftover boxes to create scratchers or balls.
• String/Yarn: Great for making dangling toys and chase items.
• Feathers: Cats love the texture and movement of feathers.
• Catnip: Used to stuff toys, making them more appealing.
• Hot Glue Gun: Helps secure parts of your toys together.
• Sisal Rope: Perfect for making scratchers.

Having these basics ensures you can whip up a variety of toys that cater to different feline preferences.

For example, cardboard and sisal rope are excellent for scratchers, while string and feathers work well for chase games.

Optional Add-Ons

• Bells: Add some jingle to your toys for extra fun.
• Pom-Poms: Bright and soft, perfect for batting around.
• Elastic Bands: Useful for creating stretchy, bouncy toys.
• Fabric Scraps: Great for making soft toys that your cat can cuddle with.
• Plastic Rings: Add these to help create durable, interactive toys.
• Pipe Cleaners: Bend and twist for versatile, fun shapes.

These add-ons can elevate your homemade toys, making them more exciting and varied.

Bells make noise that captures attention, while pom-poms add a different texture.

Elastic bands can make toys move unpredictably, enticing your cat to play.

Safety Tips For DIY Cat Toys

When making DIY cat toys, it’s important to prioritize safety.

Always make sure the toys don’t have small parts that could be swallowed and use non-toxic materials.

Avoid Small Parts

Small parts can be a choking hazard for cats.

Items like beads, small bells, and buttons might seem fun, but they can easily be swallowed or get stuck in your cat’s throat.

Steps to ensure safety:

• If using smaller pieces, secure them tightly.
• Frequently inspect the toys for wear and tear.
• Replace any damaged toys immediately.

It’s also a good idea to avoid strings longer than a foot.

Long strings can tangle around your cat’s neck or limbs, posing a serious risk.

Non-Toxic Materials

The materials you use should be safe if your cat chews on them.

Many crafting supplies contain harmful chemicals, so always choose non-toxic options.

Suggestions for safe materials:

• Fabric: Use untreated cotton or wool.
• Glue: Opt for non-toxic, pet-safe glue.
• Fillings: Avoid anything with small beads or stuffing that can be ingested.

Making sure your DIY cat toys are made of safe materials helps ensure your cat stays healthy and happy.

Always do a quick safety check before giving a new toy to your cat.