Easy DIY Cat Toys You Can Make at Home

Pet toys can be expensive, right? And if you're like many cat owners, there's a good chance you've showered your pal with toys only to see a lot of them sitting around, gathering dust. Playing with toys is good for your pet's exercise and enrichment needs, but it's easy for kitties to become accustomed to their belongings and lose interest as a result. So, why not try to save some dough and offer a more unique item by crafting your own cat toys?

Ready to be the ultimate human? Crafting your own unique DIY cat gift can save a trip to the store and show your feline friend how much you care.

4 DIY cat toys

Whether you’re a cat parent or a doting aunt or uncle to a playful kitty, these homemade cat toys are sure to add some fun and cheer to your four-legged friend’s holidays.

1. Feather string toy

Whether you have a kitten or adult cat, string toys are a fun way to interact with your best friend. Adding eye-catching, enticing items like feathers or small bells gives kitty more enriching playtime. These different textures and sounds provide mental and emotional stimulation, and the toy itself can be tied in various places or used freely for a plethora of unique experiences.

Feather string toys are fairly easy to make, involving just a thick, sturdy string or ribbon and some tied-on feathers (Martha Stewart even made a cat feather toy out of wool felt). Use at least double knots to make it secure, and if you do use glue, make sure it’s non-toxic. You can get even more creative with the accessories and add whatever you see fit — providing it’s safe for your cat and securely fastened to the string.

Materials

• At least two feet of thick, sturdy string (felt, thin rope, and certain ribbons work well)
• Non-toxic glue
• Feathers, pom-poms, bells — enchanting items to draw kitty’s eye

Craft instructions

• 1. Tie one end of the string around the base of your feathers. Use double knots or more to ensure it’s secure. You can also add a couple dabs of glue in between the feathers and string knot for added security.
• 2. Glue or tie-in other items (like bells) as desired.
• 3. Tie another knot about halfway up the rest of the string, then another close to the opposite end. These will help with movement as well as give you better grip when playing with your cat.

2. Treat puzzle toys

If you have a curious kitten in your home, a good treat puzzle toy allows them to learn, explore, and work for their special treat. This is an easy DIY pet gift to make too, as you can pretty much craft it with any small box or cardboard tube. Just cut some holes — big enough for a kitty paw if you want them to fish it out, smaller if you want them to figure out how to make the treat fall out — and you’re good to go!

Materials

• One shoebox, small box, or cardboard tube
• Small treats, balls, or pom-poms
• Box cutter
• Hot glue gun

Craft instructions

• 1. Use a box cutter to cut small holes of varying sizes in your box or tube. The exact amount and size will be up to you, but it’s a good idea to have at least two that are large enough for your cat to stick their paw through.
• 2. Aside from the holes you just cut, make sure the box is securely closed shut by adding some hot glue under the lid or flaps. Gently press down while it dries. If using a cardboard tube, add a couple dabs of glue just inside each tube opening and pinch together to glue shut.
• 3. Pop the treats or small toys inside the box or tube once dry. Time to give the “puzzle” to your cat and watch them figure it out!

3. Scratching post

In case you haven’t noticed, cats love to stretch and scratch! Felines scratch for a variety of reasons — from playing to sharpening their claws. But scratching posts get worn out frequently with use, which means that they will eventually need to be replaced. Seeing as these items can be quite pricey, why not try your hand at DIY?