Cats are masters at finding joy in the simplest things; an empty box, a crumpled piece of paper or a piece of yarn can provide hours of entertainment. Toys can also help cats deal with stress and avoid health issues like Pandora syndrome. But you don’t always need to buy your cat toys — why not try making a toy yourself!
You don’t need a skill saw, sewing machine or a drawer full of craft supplies to make homemade cat toys your kitty will go crazy for. Check out this list of homemade cat toys that will provide hours of entertainment for your kitty, and then keep reading for more details on each one.
Remember to always supervise playtime and make sure to store toys safely out of reach when not in use to prevent entanglement or accidental ingestion of small parts. Safety first!
A homemade cat fishing pole is a simple and fun way to keep your cat active and engaged. Start with a sturdy stick, such as bamboo or a wooden dowel; alternatively, you can use a small fishing rod if you have one. Securely tie a strong cord or string to one end, then attach a “lure.”
Lures can be made from a variety of materials, including feathers, braided ribbon or felt. If you can sew, try crafting a durable fabric lure and embellishing it with feathers. You can also fill your fabric lure with catnip and watch them chase the lure around the room.
Another enjoyable enrichment activity that you can build for your cat is a ping pong ball puzzle. Take a medium to large-sized disposable plastic food container with a secure lid. Draw circles on the container lid that are large enough for your cat’s paws to easily fit through. Then cut out the circles with a knife or scissors. If there are sharp edges, you can use duct tape to smooth the edges. Add some ping pong balls, close and secure the top. Put it on the floor and keep your cat entertained for hours.
Cats are natural hunters, and these stimulating toys help to satisfy their natural instincts while providing both physical exercise and mental stimulation.
Let’s face it, when you wash clothes, you often end up with a lone sock without a mate. Instead of throwing these socks away, consider turning them into quick and easy fish toys for your cat.
The best type of sock to use is a tube or ankle sock, since these provide enough room to tie a knot at the end. If you don’t have one of those, you can use a shorter sock and simply stitch the opening closed when you’re finished.
Fill the sock with packing paper that crinkles, or bells if your cat likes more noise with their toys. If they don’t like noise, you can use quiet stuffing like cotton balls or pieces of cloth — you can even use more lone socks! This is another great toy that you can add a bit of catnip to the inside while you are stuffing. Once you are done stuffing, you can draw some eyes or other embellishments on the outside of the sock. Now is the time to either tie a knot or sew the opening shut. The advantage of using a taller sock is that you will have a “tail” on your toy that will look more like a fish.
Cats are natural hunters and like to explore, so a food or prize puzzle is a simple and fun way to keep them entertained and create a challenge they will love.
Using toilet paper rolls is an inexpensive and eco-friendly way to make engaging toys for your feline friend. Cats enjoy puzzles, and this activity is a fantastic way to keep them both challenged and entertained.
To make a cat puzzle box, start with a box or a box lid; an old shoe box works perfectly for this project. Take several toilet paper rolls and arrange them so that they completely fill the box. If you want to get more creative, you can take a pair of scissors and cut the rolls in different lengths to add some interest. Glue or tape the rolls to the bottom of the box, ensuring the openings of the tubes are facing outward.
Next, gather an assortment of treats and small toys that you can place inside each individual tube. This could include cat treats, small toys or even dry kibble.
This DIY toy offers great mental stimulation as your cat uses its natural hunting and problem-solving instincts to figure out how to reach and pull out the treats that are hidden inside.
As you can see, it doesn’t take much to create a toy that cats will enjoy. Cats even love playing in boxes, and that’s where our next homemade cat toy begins. A cat castle or house out of a cardboard box is a simple cat toy and works great for multi-cat households. It gives each cat space to explore, hide, nap and play, all in one structure.
Start with several sturdy cardboard boxes in different sizes. You can use shoe boxes, shipping boxes and even appliance boxes if you have the room! Before you start, lay them out to visualize your design. Then cut holes and windows with scissors or a box cutter in the sides of each cardboard box, big enough for your cat to climb through. Once you have your holes, start stacking the boxes and non-toxic glue them together so that the holes lead from one level to the next.
To make the structure more engaging for your cat, consider hiding feathers, catnip, string or other treats inside for them to discover as they explore. Remember to place the larger, heavier boxes at the bottom to ensure safety and stability.
A hanging DIY cat scratcher is a simple and space-saving project that offers your cat a satisfying place to scratch without taking up much room in your home. To build it, you’ll need a sturdy piece of cardboard wrapped tightly in sisal rope, along with a strong string or cord to form a loop for hanging. You can also attach a string to hold feathers or bells to provide added engagement for your cat while they scratch. When you hang the scratcher from a door handle, it moves slightly as your cat uses it. This movement makes the scratcher more engaging and encourages natural stretching and claw-marking behaviors.
This type of scratcher is particularly beneficial for cats that prefer vertical scratching or enjoy grabbing and kicking their toys. Its lightweight and removable design allows you to easily move it from room to room in your house. Most importantly, it helps redirect scratching away from your furniture while providing your cat with a simple enrichment toy that can reduce boredom and stress.
Enrichment games and toys are essential for cats and kittens of all ages. Keeping your feline friend excited and stimulated contributes to their happiness and health. Without proper stimulation, cats can become bored, which may lead to destructive behaviors such as vocalization, urinating outside the litter box, chewing and scratching furniture. Always supervise playtime and make sure to store toys safely out of reach when not in use to prevent entanglement or accidental ingestion.
Many of the best DIY cat toys can be made at home using materials you likely already have. Additionally, creating DIY toys for your cat is a fantastic way to bond with them and serves as a fun craft project for you!
