Store-bought cat toys can quickly add up, especially if you have multiple cats or a cat that loves to play. Making your own toys saves money, and the materials are often inexpensive or already available in your home.
Making your own cat toys allows you to tailor them to your cat’s preferences. You can create toys that suit your cat’s age, size, and personality, ensuring they enjoy them more.
When you make your own toys, you can reuse materials that might otherwise go to waste, such as old clothes, fabric scraps, or cardboard boxes. This promotes a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to pet care.
To start making cat toys, you will need a few basic materials. You can choose to keep things simple or get creative with your designs. Here are some materials commonly used to make homemade cat toys:
Fabrics: Twill fabric, fleece, cotton, felt, or old clothes are great materials for soft toys.
Yarn or String: Strong yarn or string can be used for making dangly toys or interactive playthings.
Cardboard: Cardboard tubes or boxes are perfect for scratching posts or tunnels.
Feathers and Bells: These can add extra fun and excitement to toys.
Catnip: Adding catnip to your toys can make them even more enticing for your cat.
Hot glue gun: To hold the materials together securely.
Scissors: For cutting fabrics or string.
The first step in making cat toys is to choose the materials that will work best for your cat. If your cat loves to chew, opt for durable fabrics or leather. If they love to chase and pounce, make use of lightweight fabrics and strings. For cats that like to bat things around, soft, fluffy materials are ideal.
1. Sock Toy
One of the easiest cat toys to make is a sock toy. All you need is an old sock, some cotton or fabric scraps, and a bit of catnip.
How to Make It:
Take an old sock and stuff it with fabric scraps or cotton.
Add a small amount of catnip to the inside to make it irresistible.
Tie the sock closed using a piece of string, leaving one end open for play.
Your cat can bat at it, carry it around, or cuddle with it during nap time.
2. Pom-Pom Toy
Cats love to bat at small, lightweight balls. Pom-poms are an easy and inexpensive way to make toys your cat will enjoy.
How to Make It:
Take some yarn and wrap it around your fingers about 20-30 times.
Tie the yarn in the middle to form a knot.
Cut the ends of the yarn to form the pom-pom.
You can add a small bell inside the pom-pom to make it more enticing.
This simple, colorful toy is perfect for tossing around the room.
Interactive cat toys are a great way to engage your cat both mentally and physically. These toys encourage your cat to play actively, stimulating their hunting instincts.
Feather wands are fantastic for interactive play. They encourage your cat to chase, jump, and pounce.
How to Make It:
Take a long piece of string or twine.
Attach a few feathers to the end of the string using a hot glue gun.
Tie the string securely to a stick or dowel.
Hold the wand and let your cat chase the feathers.
This toy is great for bonding time and provides exercise for your cat.
Rope toys can be great for tug-of-war games. Making one yourself can be both fun and simple.
How to Make It:
Cut several long pieces of twill fabric or old T-shirts into strips.
Braid the strips tightly to create a rope.
Tie both ends of the rope securely, ensuring no loose strands.
This rope toy is perfect for playing tug-of-war with your cat or letting them bat it around.
Cats love to hide and explore, so a cardboard tunnel is an exciting way to provide them with hours of entertainment.
How to Make It:
Take a large cardboard box and cut it into a long tunnel shape.
Cut holes on both sides for your cat to enter and exit.
Decorate the outside with non-toxic paint or fabric for extra fun.
This simple yet effective toy lets your cat climb, hide, and pounce, simulating a natural hunting environment.
A scratching post is essential for any cat to satisfy their scratching instincts. You can make a simple one with some rope and a piece of wood.
How to Make It:
Get a sturdy wooden post or a heavy object.
Wrap it tightly with sisal rope, making sure there are no gaps.
Attach the post securely to the base to prevent tipping.
Your cat will love scratching this toy, and it helps protect your furniture from damage.
While making toys for your cat, safety is crucial. Here are some essential tips to ensure that the toys you create are safe for your feline friend:
Avoid small parts: Small parts, such as buttons or beads, can be choking hazards if your cat swallows them.
Use pet-safe materials: Always choose materials that are non-toxic and safe for pets.
Regular inspection: Check the toys regularly for wear and tear. Replace any toys that have come apart or pose a potential danger.
Making cat toys can be a fun and rewarding activity that not only saves money but also allows you to create personalized toys that your cat will love. Whether you're making simple fabric toys, interactive playthings, or complex scratching posts, the possibilities are endless. By using safe, non-toxic materials and following the step-by-step guides, you can provide your cat with hours of entertainment and mental stimulation.