Cats love to play, and buying toys from the store can be expensive. The good news is that you can make fun and safe toys at home using everyday items. Homemade cat toys are easy to make, cost little to no money, and keep your cat entertained for hours. You can use things like cardboard, yarn, old socks, or even paper rolls to create exciting toys. Cats enjoy toys that move, make noise, or challenge them to hunt and pounce.
By making toys yourself, you can customize them to your cat’s preferences—whether they like chasing, batting, or biting. Plus, DIY toys are a great way to recycle household items instead of throwing them away. In this guide, you’ll learn simple ways to make homemade cat toys that your furry friend will love. Let’s get started.
10 Easy Tips for Making Homemade Cat Toys
- Use safe, non-toxic materials.
- Keep toys small and lightweight.
- Add crinkly sounds for excitement.
- Tie feathers to a string.
- Stuff socks with catnip.
- Roll paper into balls.
- Hang toys for batting.
- Use cardboard boxes for hiding.
- Rotate toys to keep interest.
- Supervise play to prevent accidents.
1. Why Homemade Cat Toys Are Great
Homemade cat toys are budget-friendly and fun to make. Store-bought toys can be expensive, but with DIY toys, you can use items you already have at home. They also allow you to customize toys based on your cat’s favorite activities—whether they love chasing, scratching, or pouncing. Another benefit is that you control the materials, ensuring they are safe and non-toxic. Plus, making toys is a creative way to bond with your cat while keeping them active and happy.
2. Safe Materials for DIY Cat Toys
Always choose materials that are safe for cats. Avoid small parts that can be swallowed, sharp objects, or toxic glues. Good options include cardboard, fabric scraps, yarn, and paper. Catnip is a great addition, as most cats love it. Make sure strings or ribbons are short to prevent choking. If using plastic, ensure it’s sturdy and won’t break into small pieces. Safety should always come first when making homemade toys.
3. Simple Sock Toy Idea
An old sock can become a fun toy in minutes. Fill it with crumpled paper or catnip, then tie the end tightly. You can also attach a string and drag it for your cat to chase. Sock toys are soft, easy to carry, and perfect for batting around. If your cat loves kicking, a stuffed sock makes a great kicking toy. This is one of the easiest and cheapest homemade cat toys you can make.
4. Cardboard Box Playhouse
Cats love boxes! Turn a cardboard box into a playhouse by cutting holes for doors and windows. You can place small toys inside or sprinkle catnip to encourage exploration. Boxes provide hiding spots and climbing opportunities, keeping your cat engaged for hours. For extra fun, stack multiple boxes to create a mini maze. This toy costs nothing and gives your cat a fun space to play.
5. Yarn and Feather Wand Toy
A wand toy is easy to make with a stick, string, and feathers. Tie feathers or fabric strips to one end of the string and attach the other end to a stick. Wave it around for your cat to chase and jump. This toy mimics prey, satisfying your cat’s hunting instincts. Always put the wand away after play to prevent tangling or chewing on the string.
6. Crinkly Paper Ball Toys
Cats love crinkly sounds. Crumple up paper or aluminum foil into small balls and let your cat bat them around. These lightweight toys move unpredictably, making them exciting for cats. You can also wrap treats inside to encourage play. Paper balls are simple, free, and provide endless entertainment.
7. DIY Catnip Toys
Catnip makes toys more enticing. Fill a small fabric pouch with dried catnip and sew it shut. You can also sprinkle catnip on other homemade toys to attract your cat’s attention. Not all cats react to catnip, but for those that do, it adds extra excitement to playtime.
8. Ping Pong Ball Fun
Ping pong balls are perfect for cats. They bounce and roll unpredictably, keeping your cat entertained. You can leave them on the floor or float them in water for paw batting. They’re lightweight, safe, and encourage active play.
9. Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle
Turn a toilet paper roll into a puzzle toy. Fold the ends inward, add treats or kibble, and let your cat figure out how to get them. This stimulates their mind and slows down eating. It’s a simple way to make mealtime fun.
10. Rotating Toys for Fresh Fun
Cats get bored with the same toys. Rotate homemade toys every few days to keep playtime exciting. Store some toys away and bring them out later—this makes them feel new again. Rotation prevents boredom and keeps your cat interested.
FAQs About Homemade Cat Toys
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Are homemade cat toys safe? | Yes, if made with non-toxic materials and no small, swallowable parts. |
| What household items can I use? | Socks, cardboard, yarn, paper rolls, and feathers work well. |
| How do I keep my cat interested? | Rotate toys and add catnip or crinkly sounds for excitement. |
| Can kittens play with DIY toys? | Yes, but avoid strings or small parts that could be dangerous. |
| How often should I replace homemade toys? | Check regularly for damage and replace if torn or unsafe. |
Making homemade cat toys is easy, fun, and rewarding. Try these ideas and watch your cat enjoy their new playthings.
