Top 7 Homemade Cat Toys You Can Make Today
You don’t need to spend a fortune to keep your cat entertained. In fact, some of the best cat toys can be made with everyday items you already have at home! Whether your cat loves to chase, pounce, or bat things around, these DIY toys are fun, affordable, and easy to make.
Here are 7 homemade cat toys you can create today — no crafting experience needed!
🧶 1. Sock & Catnip Toy
What You Need:
- An old sock
- Dried catnip
- Cotton or newspaper for stuffing
- Rubber band or string
How to Make It:
Fill the sock with catnip and soft stuffing, then tie the end securely. That’s it! Your cat will love tossing it around and rolling on it.
📦 2. Cardboard Box Playground
What You Need:
- One or more cardboard boxes
- Scissors or a box cutter
- Tape (optional)
How to Make It:
Cut holes in the sides of the box to create tunnels or doors. You can stack or tape boxes together for a more exciting play area. Cats love hiding, jumping, and sneaking through boxes.
🧻 3. Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle Toy
What You Need:
- An empty toilet paper roll
- Scissors
- Treats or dry kibble
How to Make It:
Fold the ends of the roll to close them halfway, then cut small holes along the sides. Fill the roll with a few treats or kibble and let your cat figure out how to get them out.
✨ 4. Ribbon Wand Toy
What You Need:
- A stick or wooden chopstick
- Ribbon, string, or yarn
- Tape or glue
How to Make It:
Tie or tape ribbons to the end of the stick. Wiggle it around like a wand for your cat to chase and pounce on. This is a great way to encourage play and bonding.
🐭 5. Felt or Sock Mouse Toy
What You Need:
- A small piece of felt or a sock
- Needle and thread (or glue)
- Catnip and stuffing
- Optional: string for the tail
How to Make It:
Cut and shape the felt or sock into a little mouse shape, sew or glue it shut with stuffing and catnip inside. Add a tail for extra fun!
🎾 6. Crinkle Ball
What You Need:
- Aluminum foil or cellophane wrapping
- Optional: a few drops of tuna juice for scent
How to Make It:
Crumple foil or cellophane into a ball — that’s all! The texture and sound will grab your cat’s attention, and it’s lightweight enough to bat around the room.
🥤 7. Bottle Cap Chase Toy
What You Need:
- Plastic bottle caps (clean)
How to Use:
Simply place a few caps on the floor and let your cat push and chase them. They slide and spin in fun ways that mimic prey movement.
✅ Safety Tips
- Always supervise your cat the first time they play with a new toy.
- Avoid small parts that can be swallowed or sharp edges.
- Replace worn-out toys to avoid choking hazards.
Final Thoughts
Homemade cat toys are a fun way to keep your feline friend entertained without spending money. Plus, creating them can be a rewarding project for you, too. Try a few of these ideas and see which ones your cat loves best!
Have you made your own cat toys? Share your favorite DIY ideas in the comments or tag us with a photo of your playful kitty!