You love your cat like family right? That means you want to provide the best toys to keep them happy! But you don’t need to waste a lot of money when you can make your own fun toys for your kitty!
That way you can spend quality time with your family instead of spending your holidays rushing and looking for toys that have already sold out.
Just make sure to put the toys away when you aren’t supervising your kitty’s playtime. Here are nine ways to make DIY homemade toys that your cat will most definitely love.
1. The Irresistiball
Most pet stores sell packs of plastic toy balls, but the problem is you have to keep buying them. It is very easy for them to get lost behind couches or under the bed, which means more money out of your pocket.
Instead, all you need for this toy is one toilet paper roll. Cut it into 4 pieces and then the follow the video tutorial to see how to piece it together into a ball.
It’s super simple and a great way to recycle old toilet paper rolls instead of just throwing them out.
2. Cat Tent
A tent for your cat is a really great DIY project because it serves more than one purpose. It’s not just a place for playing, but it also can be a space for sleeping.
For this project you’ll need an old, medium sized t-shirt, cardboard, coat hangers, safety pins, and something to bend the wires with. This project is a little more complicated, so be sure to give yourself time, but your cat is sure to appreciate it.
You can have fun with it and choose a t-shirt with a cool design and decorate the outside. Add some bedding on the inside and you have yourself the perfect tent.
3. Fun Box
Next time you get a package delivered, don’t throw out the box! Why you ask? Because cats don’t care about what you actually bought, they just want the box.
This is the cheapest toy out there because all you need is a cardboard box and some scissors. Cut holes in the box big enough for the cat to poke their head through, and then put some small holes for them to stick their paws out of.
Cats love to hide and then attack, so a great idea is to take some toys, such as a string or a ball, and play with them through the holes while they are in the box.
4. Puzzle Toy
Create your very own puzzle toy with only a box and some plastic cups. This is a great toy, not only because it’s fun for your cats, but it’s also a learning exercise where your cat has to try and figure out how to get the food.
Follow the instructions so your cat can play this brain game and get treats at the same time. It’s great because your cat is not just given a treat right away, but they have to strategize in order to get it.
5. Party Maker
The party maker is probably the most convenient toy to make because it involves something you already own for your cat — cat food.
Instead of throwing out your empty bag of cat food or cat treats, take scissors and cut the bag into multiple strips. Follow the video tutorial to see how to tape the strips to a cardboard tube, which you can easily get from a coat hanger.
Once taped, your former food bag is transformed into a toy your cat won’t be able to resist.
6. Sock Snake Toy
It’s a fact: at some point, your socks will go missing. It happens to everyone, and then you’re left with one lonely sock. Instead of throwing out any old socks lying around, you can recycle them as toys.
This toy is simple to make, all you’ll need is one sock and some tissue paper to stuff it with. If you’re feeling creative, you can even take a needle and thread to create eyes and a mouth and give it the real snake effect.
It’s also extra fun for your kitty if you decide to add a bell or catnip.
7. No Sew Kitty Knots
This is the perfect toy for anyone who can’t sew or just doesn’t have the time. All you’ll need is one single item, fleece.
These kitty knots are extremely cheap and fast to make. You can make a whole bunch of them at once and create a little jar of knots ready at your whim.
For a bonus you can even add some catnip inside them. Since all you will need are the scraps, try checking with the local art supplies store to see if they have any extra scraps they can give you for free.
8. T-shirt Toy
Making this toy is a bit intricate as you have to do lots of cutting and braiding, but in the end you will have a strong and sturdy toy that your cat can use for a very long time without it tearing.
Take an old t-shirt and cut it into multiple strips. Afterwards, follow this tutorial so you can learn the special way to braid the toy together so you’ll have a thick end for your cat to kick their feet at and then a string at the bottom.
It may be a bit tricky, but this toy might last you longer than any store bought one.
9. Stuffed Mouse
For those who are crafty, this is the perfect homemade toy. You could easily go to the store and pick up a mouse toy, but not only is this way cheaper, it will also feel more special giving it to your cat knowing you made it yourself from scratch.
You’ll need some fabric — preferably grey to resemble a mouse — buckwheat to stuff inside, and a needle and thread. You can add some catnip inside, as well, for an added treat. Even if you aren’t the crafty type, it’s great to still give it a try!
Do you have any ideas for homemade cat toys? Have you ever made a toy that your cat absolutely loved? Let us know and leave a comment below!
