As cat owners, we all know how much joy it brings to watch our furry friends pounce, bat and leap around with excitement when they play. However, buying expensive toys from the store can quickly add up and not every cat toy is designed to stimulate their natural instincts. But don’t worry—creating homemade cat toys is a fantastic way to provide your feline with hours of entertainment without breaking the bank. Plus, making toys for your cat is a fun and creative process that can be tailored to your cat’s preferences, using materials you already have around the house!
In this guide, we will walk you through a variety of DIY cat toys that are simple to create and sure to delight your kitty. Whether you’re looking to craft a toy that stimulates their hunting instincts, provides exercise, or just gives them something fun to bat around, we’ve got you covered. Let’s jump into the world of homemade cat toys and create a purrfect playland for your beloved pet!
Why Homemade Cat Toys?
Before we dive into the actual making of toys, let’s take a moment to understand why homemade toys can be so beneficial for your cat. Cats are natural hunters and their play often mimics the actions they would perform in the wild, such as stalking, chasing and pouncing. Commercial toys, while often fun, can sometimes lack the variety or the engagement your cat craves.
Homemade toys can be customized based on your cat’s play style. Whether your kitty is a fan of chasing, swatting, or tugging, there are endless options to try. Plus, by using safe, inexpensive materials, you can avoid the harmful chemicals and plastics often found in store-bought toys. Lastly, DIY toys can be made with love and there’s something special about seeing your cat engage with something you’ve personally crafted for them!
Essential Materials for DIY Cat Toys
Before we get started, here’s a list of materials you may want to have on hand for crafting cat toys. The best part is that many of these items are likely already in your home!
- Cardboard: A versatile material perfect for creating all sorts of cat toys, from tunnels to scratchers.
- String, Yarn, or Ribbon: Great for creating dangling toys or homemade cat wands. Just ensure that your cat doesn’t swallow it—always supervise play.
- Old Fabric Scraps or Felt: Soft materials for making plush toys.
- Toilet Paper Rolls: Perfect for creating fun interactive toys.
- Feathers: To create realistic, bird-like toys.
- Jingle Bells or Small Plastic Balls: For toys that make noise and engage your cat’s curiosity.
- Hot Glue Gun or Needle & Thread: For putting things together securely.
- Rubber Bands: Can be used to make small, bouncy toys.
- Catnip: Cats love the stuff! It’s perfect for filling toys to make them even more irresistible.
- Buttons, Pom-Poms and Beads: To add extra sensory interest to your toys.
Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Cat Toys
The Classic Cardboard Box Hideaway
Every cat knows the joy of diving into an empty cardboard box and it doesn’t get simpler than that! You can create a stimulating cat hideaway with a few simple steps.
What You’ll Need:
- A large cardboard box
- Scissors
- String or a small toy inside the box
- Optional: Some catnip to sprinkle inside
Instructions:
- Take a large cardboard box and cut a hole on the side. Make sure the hole is large enough for your cat to crawl in and out of.
- You can leave the box as-is or decorate it with additional cardboard tunnels or more holes to make the toy more interactive.
- For an added twist, place a toy inside, such as a small rubber ball or a dangling string. The scent of catnip can also entice your cat to explore and stay engaged longer.
- Sit back and watch your kitty have hours of fun diving in and out of their very own cat cave!
This toy is especially great for breeds like the Siamese or Maine Coon, who are known for their curious nature and love of exploring new spaces. These breeds will enjoy crawling into the box and investigating every corner.
The Feather Teaser Wand
Teaser wands are one of the most popular interactive toys for cats. By dangling a feather or string, you mimic the movements of prey, which taps into their hunting instincts.
What You’ll Need:
- A wooden dowel or a stick (you can use a chopstick or any other slender item)
- String, yarn, or ribbon
- A feather or small plush toy
- Glue or tape
Instructions:
- Secure a long piece of string or yarn to the end of your stick or dowel using glue or tape. Ensure that it’s fastened securely to prevent your cat from pulling it off.
- Attach a feather, pom-pom, or a small plush toy to the other end of the string.
- To make the toy more exciting, tie a few knots in the string or add multiple feathers for added texture and motion.
- Hold the stick and drag the string around, mimicking the movement of small prey for your cat to chase.
This simple toy is ideal for breeds like the Bengal or Abyssinian, both of which have strong hunting instincts and enjoy high-energy play sessions. They will love chasing the feather around the room!
The Tinkle Ball
A small ball with a jingle bell inside is a great way to keep your cat entertained. The sound of the bell adds an element of excitement and the small size makes it easy for cats to bat and chase around.
What You’ll Need:
- A ping pong ball or small rubber ball
- A small jingle bell
- A glue gun
Instructions:
- Take your ping pong or rubber ball and glue a small jingle bell inside.
- Allow the glue to dry completely.
- Once dry, toss the ball across the room and watch as your cat chases it, listening to the sound of the bell as it rolls.
This toy is great for energetic breeds like the Russian Blue and Sphynx, both of which are quick and agile. The bell noise will keep them engaged as they race after the ball!
Sock and Ball Toy
If you have a mismatched sock lying around, don’t throw it away—turn it into a fun toy for your cat! This DIY toy is perfect for cats who love batting things around with their paws.
What You’ll Need:
- A sock (preferably a long one)
- A small ball (you can use a rubber ball or a crumpled piece of paper)
- Catnip (optional)
Instructions:
- Insert a small ball or a wadded-up piece of paper into the sock.
- If you want to add extra appeal, sprinkle a bit of catnip inside the sock.
- Tie the top of the sock securely.
- Toss the sock across the floor and watch your cat go wild, batting and pouncing on the ball inside.
Breeds like the Scottish Fold or Persian that tend to enjoy slower, more methodical play will appreciate the simplicity of this toy. They’ll have a blast pushing it around and swatting at the sock.
Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle
Who knew an old toilet paper roll could be transformed into a fun interactive puzzle for your cat? This toy encourages mental stimulation and problem-solving.
What You’ll Need:
- Empty toilet paper rolls
- Scissors
- A few small treats or pieces of kibble
Instructions:
- Take an empty toilet paper roll and cut slits along the sides, about 1 inch deep.
- Gently press the roll to open it slightly, then place a few treats inside.
- Fold the ends of the roll to secure the treats inside.
- Watch as your cat figures out how to open the roll and retrieve the treats.
This toy is ideal for intelligent breeds like the Burmese and Oriental Shorthair, who thrive on mental challenges and enjoy solving puzzles to get to their rewards.
The Towel Tunnel
Cats love small, enclosed spaces where they can hide or ambush their owners. You can easily create a tunnel for your kitty to explore by using an old towel.
What You’ll Need:
- An old towel
- Rubber bands or a piece of string
Instructions:
- Lay the towel flat on the ground.
- Roll it into a tube-like shape.
- Use rubber bands or string to secure the towel in place, forming a tunnel.
- Place the tunnel in a quiet corner or create a maze with several rolled towels.
Breeds such as the Bengal or Savannah will love darting in and out of the towel tunnel. These energetic and playful breeds enjoy having spaces where they can run through and ambush their human companions.
Final Thoughts:
Creating homemade cat toys is a fantastic way to engage with your pet, provide them with entertainment and tap into their natural instincts—all while saving money. The best part is that DIY cat toys can be made from inexpensive, easily accessible materials. Whether you make a simple cardboard box or an intricate feather wand, your cat is sure to appreciate the thought and effort you put into crafting a toy just for them.
Remember, always supervise your cat while they’re playing with toys, especially DIY creations, to ensure their safety. And most importantly, have fun! Watching your cat enjoy a toy you made with your own hands is incredibly rewarding. So, gather your materials, get creative and create a playland that your kitty will adore. Let the DIY fun begin!
By incorporating some of your cat’s natural instincts and characteristics, whether they’re a playful Maine Coon or a smart Sphynx, homemade toys can bring you closer to your pet while giving them the mental and physical engagement they need for a fun-filled experience!