DIY cat toys: Safe materials and tips for fun playtime

Every cat parent knows they’re curious, energy-crazed, playful pets that love exploring and engaging in interactive play. But it’s frustrating when you buy expensive toys that your cat ignores after a day or two.

The good news is that you can easily make your own ‘do it yourself’ cat toys, save money, and customize them to your cat’s unique preferences. Plus, crafting toys for your cat is a great way to bond. You’ll get the satisfaction of creating something by hand and watching your cat enjoy hours of play with something made just for them. 

In this article, we’ve compiled a list of simple DIY cat toys you can start making right away. But first, let’s explore the benefits of DIY toys compared to store-bought ones – beyond just the price

Why DIY cat toys?

DIY cat toys offer several advantages over store-bought options. Here’s why they’re worth considering:

• The money spent on store-bought cat toys can add up quickly, especially if your cat loves to play with a new toy every few days. DIY toys save you money as you can make them with items you already have at home.
• Some cats love dangling strings, while others prefer toys they can bat around the floor. DIY allows you to customize your cat toys based on their play style. You can experiment with materials and shapes until you find what your cat loves most.
• Some store-bought cat toys are dyed or treated with chemicals. These dyes often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or other toxic substances that harm your cat. When you make it yourself, you have complete control over the materials you use and can choose non-toxic fabrics.
• DIY toys made from recycled or repurposed materials reduce waste that ends up in landfills. It’s a creative way to upcycle items for the benefit of the environment.

Easy DIY cat toysCrumpled paper ballCrumple some paper up into a tight ball. You can use printer paper, newspaper, or old receipts. It will create a satisfying, crinkly sound that cats love. If you want to add a bit of extra excitement, sprinkle some catnip on the paper ball before crumpling it. This will entice your cat to play even more. Then toss the paper ball across the floor and watch your cat chase it.Toilet paper roll puzzleStart by taking one or more empty toilet paper rolls and cutting slits along the edges, about 1 inch long. Fold the ends inward to close the openings, creating a sealed tube. Next, fill the roll with a few of your cat's favorite treats or dry kibble. If you'd like to increase the challenge, stack several rolls or tape them together to create a mini puzzle tower.For an even more engaging puzzle, you can cut small holes along the side of the roll. Once you're done, place the roll(s) on the floor and watch as your cat works to figure out how to get the treats. T-shirt knotsLay the T-shirt flat on a surface and cut it into strips of 1 to 2 inch width, ensuring they’re long enough to tie knots. Next, secure the strips in a knot at one end, then take the loose ends of the strips and tie them in knots. You can either tie knots along the length of the strips or create a few larger knots at the end of the strips. To make the toy even more enticing, add a small amount of catnip inside the fabric knots or at the base. Now you’ve got a soft, bouncy toy that’s perfect for your cat to chase, bat at, or chew.DIY cat stimulation toysStimulation and DIY interactive cat toys engage your cat's instincts, offering a fun and mental challenge. These homemade cat toys provide both entertainment and enrichment.Feather wandCut a piece of string to your desired length, typically around 3 to 4 feet.  You want the string long enough for your cat to chase and pounce on it but not so long that it becomes tangled or hard to control. Then, take a small section of the string and tie it securely around the base of a feather. Repeat this process for 3 to 5 feathers, depending on how full you want the toy to look. If you have multiple feathers, you can tie them all at once or space them out along the string for a more dynamic look. Now, hold one end of the string and dangle the feathers in front of your cat. Move the string slowly at first and then quickly, making the feathers flutter and mimic the movement of small prey.Puzzle tubStart with a yogurt container, a small Tupperware, or a plastic bottle, then use scissors or a small drill to create several small holes in the container. The holes should be large enough for treats to fall out when moved but small enough to make the puzzle challenging for your cat. Seal one end of the container and fill it with your cat's favorite treats or dry kibble. Then, place the puzzle tub on the floor and let your cat figure it out. If the puzzle seems too easy, add more holes, make the holes smaller, or fill the container with various treats, some of which might require more shaking to release.Fishing pole toyChoose a long stick or dowel about 18 to 24 inches in length for your fishing pole. Next, cut a piece of string around 2 to 3 feet long. Then, tie one end of the string securely to the top or end of the stick, either with a double knot or hot glue. If you’re using glue, let it dry completely before moving on. At this point, securely tie or glue a few feathers at the other end of the string to make it look like a bird or flying insect.And now you’re ready for play! Hold the fishing pole and dangle it slowly to get your cat’s attention. Then, jerk it around a bit to mimic the movement of prey. DIY cardboard cat toysCreate easy DIY cardboard toys for your cat to scratch, climb, and explore for endless fun and engagement.Catnip-infused cardboard boxFirst, choose a cardboard box that’s the right size for your cat. It should be large enough for them to climb in and out of easily but not overwhelming. Then, cut holes in the sides and top to mimic doorways and windows.Sprinkle dried catnip inside the box, focusing on the corners and base. Rub catnip on the walls too, or add catnip-filled toys for an extra boost. Finally, you can line the bottom with a soft towel or fabric to make it cozier and help the catnip scent last longer.Scratcher skyscraperChoose a sturdy cardboard box to serve as the base for your skyscraper. Next, stack the boxes on top of each other and use hot glue or a stapler to attach the edges of each box. Stack them in a way that the boxes reduce in size from the bottom to the top to give them that skyscraper look.Once your skyscraper is ready, wrap the sides of the boxes with sisal rope or twine, securing the ends with hot glue. This will act as a scratching surface for your cat. Alternatively, if you have carpet scraps, glue them on the boxes to create a soft yet durable scratching surface. Then, sprinkle a little catnip inside the boxes and place the skyscraper in your cat’s favorite area. This will attract your cat to the skyscraper and encourage them to use it more frequently.Safety tips for handmade cat toysWhen making cat toys at home, safety should always come first. Here are some important tips to keep in mind:

• Ensure that small pieces, such as beads, buttons, or loose parts, are securely attached to the toy.
• Ensure your materials are non-toxic in case your cat chews on them.
• Always keep an eye on your cat when they’re playing with a DIY toy.
• Check the toys regularly for signs of wear, fraying, or loose pieces, and replace or repair them as needed.
• Anything with nails, screws, or sharp edges can hurt your cat. Stick to smooth, soft materials that won’t cause injury.
• Toys should be appropriately sized for your cat’s mouth and body. If it’s too small, it could be a choking hazard. If it’s too large, it might not be enjoyable for your cat.

The importance of play for your cat's well-beingIf you need an extra reason to begin making DIY cat toys, know that play is essential for cats. It helps keep their instincts sharp and provides much-needed exercise to maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone. Play also combats boredom and anxiety, reducing the likelihood of destructive behaviors such as scratching furniture or over-grooming.Happy DIY-ing!