As a cat owner, you probably understand how important toys are to your furry friend. But as a cat owner, you may also know that not all toys are created equal.
In fact, some can actually be harmful to your pet if they’re not used properly or aren’t suited for their age and species.
So how do you make sure your cat is always having fun while avoiding potentially dangerous situations? Well, it’s easier than you might think! Here’s our guide on how to make cool cat toys at home — no sewing machine or expensive crafting tools required:
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Making cool cat toys at home can be easy and fun. |
| DIY cat toys provide a budget-friendly alternative to store-bought options. |
| Using common household items, you can create engaging and stimulating toys for your cat. |
| Interactive cat toys can promote physical activity and mental stimulation for your feline friend. |
| Ensure the safety of DIY cat toys by using non-toxic materials and regular inspection. |
Paper Towel Rolls
A paper towel roll is a great shape for a cat toy, and you can make one easily using scissors. Cut the roll in half, then place treats inside.
Your cat will love to play with this toy! If it gets dirty, just throw it away and make another one.
Looking to engage your feline friend? Discover the joy of interactive cat toys with our step-by-step guide on making interactive cat toys. Your cat will thank you for the purr-fect playtime! Explore our guide to interactive cat toys for endless fun and bonding moments.
Cardboard Boxes
In the world of cat toys, cardboard boxes are king. They’re inexpensive and easy to find, but don’t let that fool you: a good cardboard box can be an awesome cat toy!
Cut holes in the box for added play value. You can cut holes in any shape or size, but a heart will always be appreciated by your kitty.
For extra fun, try putting treats inside the box so your cat has to work at getting them out—and then reward her with more treats once she succeeds!
Use it as a tunnel! If you have multiple boxes lying around, use duct tape or sticky tack to connect them together into one long tunnel that allows your cat access all over your house (or apartment).
This is especially great if there are people who might get annoyed when their feet get stepped on by tiny paws while they walk around.
Baseballs
If you’re looking for a cat toy that’s easy to make and can be found at just about any store, consider a baseball.
This classic ball is simple and inexpensive, but it can also be dangerous for your cat (and probably for you as well).
The problem is that cats are very curious creatures, and they might decide to eat the material that holds the stitches together instead of playing with it. This could result in choking or intestinal blockage issues if not treated promptly.
If you do decide to make one of these toys, there are some things you should do to keep everyone safe:
Keep an eye on how your cat plays with this toy before letting him or her get too excited by batting it around constantly.
You don’t want them running after when they’re holding onto something like a baseball because they could hurt themselves either by tripping over something else in their path or getting hit hard enough by another moving object (like another player) that bruises their bodies badly enough!
If possible use another kind of material besides felt–such as cardboard–when constructing these types of toys so no one gets injured unintentionally due
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Pompoms
Pompoms are easy to make and they’re a great cat toy. The biggest advantage of pompoms is that they’re cheap. Just buy some yarn, cut it into two equal-length pieces, and tie them together at the center with some string or ribbon.
Then cut or tear small pieces of fiberfill stuffing and stuff each end of the yarn evenly with it until you get the desired shape. You can also use rags instead of yarn, but this will require more sewing skills than we’ve got room for here!
Pompoms are fun because they move around easily when you throw them across the floor or toss one from hand to hand (your own, not your cat’s).
Plus cats seem amused by anything that looks like cotton candy it’s probably just their natural instinct as predators soothsaying its way through their tiny brains: “Yum yum! Tiny rodents!”
| Brand Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Darice | Assorted colorful pompoms for crafts and DIY projects. |
| Creativity Street | Soft and fluffy pompoms in a variety of sizes and colors. |
| Caydo | Vibrant and lightweight pompoms for creative endeavors. |
| Chenille Kraft | Chenille stem pompoms that add a playful touch to crafts. |
| DECORA | Miniature pompoms ideal for jewelry making and embellishments. |
Sock Toys
A sock toy is a great and easy way to add a little silly fun to your cat’s playtime. You can use one or two socks for this project, but we’d recommend using at least one (if not both) of the socks with the toe still attached.
If you’re feeling ambitious, you can even stuff the toe of each sock with treats!
To make a treat-filled toy: take some wet food and put it into a small plastic bag. Cut up the corner of that bag so that when you squeeze it, food comes out.
Put part of that bag in each end of your sock(s). Stuff your now-food-filled sock(s) with dry catnip or other safe toys for added stimulation on either side. “Fetch” away!
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The Hole In The Wall Trick
The hole in the wall trick is one of the oldest cat tricks, but it’s still a fun one for most cats. It’s easy to set up and has a lot of variety depending on how you want to use it. All you need is some cardboard (or something similar) and treats or toys that your cat enjoys playing with.
First, cut a large enough hole in your cardboard so that at least one treat will fit through it easily while still being able to close up the box afterwards this way your cat won’t be able to see all their treats right away.
Next, place the box against an actual wall or other flat surface where there are no cables running through (or anything else dangerous) as this could cause injury if chewed on by curious cats looking for more treats!
Once again, make sure there are no cables running behind walls so that after placing food inside there aren’t any wires left exposed; this can be dangerous if eaten by pets due to chemicals used during manufacture which could cause harmful side effects such as illness or death in extreme cases!
Catnip Toys
Catnip toys are a great way to keep your cat entertained and interested. Cats love catnip, and they can get quite energetic when they smell it.
Catnip is a type of herb that you can grow in your garden, as long as you have some space under full sun exposure. You can also purchase dried catnip from most pet supply stores or online stores.
Catnip toys are easy to make at home and fun for both children and adults alike! The first step is finding the right materials for your project:
Materials Needed:
- Scissors (to cut out fabric)
- Fabric (any type will do – just be sure it’s not too thick so that the stuffing doesn’t show through)
| Brand Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Yeowww! | Durable and potent catnip toys for maximum enjoyment. |
| Kong | Interactive catnip toys designed for active play. |
| SmartyKat | Innovative catnip toys that stimulate natural instincts. |
| Petstages | Catnip toys with various textures and engaging features. |
| OurPets | Catnip-infused toys that promote exercise and playtime. |
Laser Pointers
Laser pointers are a favorite for cat owners. They’re a great way to distract your cat, and can keep their attention for hours.
You can play hide and seek with them using the laser, or you can use it to play fetch with your kitty by tossing it across the room, or even with other pets if they have collars on (you know what kind of collar they need).
If you want to save money on buying new toys every few months when your cat gets bored, invest in some basic supplies like cardboard tubes from paper towel rolls and empty toilet paper rolls—then get creative!
Fishing Pole Toys
To make a fishing pole toy, you’ll need a long stick (make sure it’s not too heavy for you to hold), some string or yarn that’s easy for your cat to catch, and an attached treat like a piece of hard candy.
String your yarn about six inches down from the end of the stick and tie both ends securely. Then gently lower this string into your cat’s territory so he can attack it with his claws and teeth.
If he catches on quickly, praise him! You can also try attaching bells to these toys as an added challenge for both of you!
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Fisher-Price Little People Figurines (Or Any Small Figurine)
You can use any small figurine as cat toys, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Make sure they are not too small. You don’t want the cat to swallow it, so choose objects that fit comfortably in the palm of your hand.
Make sure they aren’t too big. If they’re too big, your cat won’t be able to find them on his own or get them out of tight spaces this defeats the whole purpose of having the toy!
Also, when using something like this as a distraction while you leave for work or go on vacation (and yes, these things are great for distracting cats), make sure you choose an object that’s lightweight enough so that it won’t get stuck under furniture or hurt any little paws if it gets thrown around during playtime.
The shape and size should also matter here: Don’t pick anything with sharp edges and points or corners because those might hurt your kitty’s mouth when trying to bite down upon them; instead opt for smoother surfaces like spheres or cylinders instead since these shapes typically aren’t dangerous either when used properly by both humans AND felines alike!
Consider what kind of material will work best for both parties too since some materials may be harder than others which means that kids wouldn’t necessarily have trouble handling them whereas pets could possibly break their teeth trying out different ways/methods until desired results were achieved…
| Brand Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Fisher-Price | Classic and beloved figurines for imaginative play. |
| Schleich | Highly detailed animal figurines for educational play. |
| LEGO Minifigures | Collectible and customizable characters for building adventures. |
| Playmobil | Diverse range of themed figurines for immersive play. |
| Safari Ltd. | Realistic animal and dinosaur figurines for educational exploration. |
Don’t Forget The Treats!
Don’t forget that treats are an excellent way to reward your cat while they play with their toys! Treats can be used to entice your cat to play, and then you can use them as a reward for the toy being played with.
Cats love getting treats, so this is a great way to make sure they continue playing with the toys you’ve made for them.
Ever wondered what goes inside cat toys? Uncover the secrets behind the stuffing and learn about the materials used in creating captivating toys for your furry friend. Get insights into the world of cat toys with our article on what cat toys are stuffed with. Explore the fascinating world of cat toy stuffing and discover the elements that make playtime so enticing.
Conclusion
Now you know how to make cool cat toys! Just remember, these are not meant to replace the real thing. Your cat would be happier with a toy that they can play with in their own way and they might even prefer it.
Keep an eye on them and make sure they’re enjoying themselves. You’ll soon find out which toys your cat is most interested in playing with, so let them choose for themselves!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for exploring DIY cat toys:
Care.com – DIY Cat Toys: Discover a variety of creative and budget-friendly DIY cat toy ideas to keep your feline companion entertained and happy.
Rawz Natural Pet Food – DIY Cat Toys: Learn how to make simple and safe DIY cat toys using household items and promote interactive play with your beloved cat.
One Crazy House – Easy DIY Cat Toys: Dive into a collection of easy and fun DIY cat toy projects that will engage your cat’s curiosity and provide hours of entertainment.
FAQs
How can I make cat toys at home?
Creating cat toys at home is an enjoyable and cost-effective way to provide entertainment for your furry friend. You can use materials like feathers, yarn, and empty toilet paper rolls to make simple and engaging toys.
Are DIY cat toys safe for my cat?
DIY cat toys can be safe for your cat if you use non-toxic materials and ensure that the toys are securely assembled. It’s essential to supervise your cat during playtime and regularly inspect the toys for any signs of damage.
What are some popular DIY cat toy ideas?
Some popular DIY cat toy ideas include feather teasers, crinkle toys made from empty snack bags, cardboard puzzle toys, and wand toys made with string and a stick. These toys can stimulate your cat’s natural instincts and provide mental and physical exercise.
How do I know which DIY cat toys my cat will enjoy?
Every cat has different preferences, so it may take some trial and error to determine which DIY cat toys your furry friend will enjoy the most. Observe your cat’s reactions to different toys and note their preferences for certain textures, sounds, or movements.
Can I incorporate catnip into DIY cat toys?
Yes, catnip can add an extra element of excitement to DIY cat toys. You can create catnip-infused toys by stuffing small fabric pouches with dried catnip or sewing catnip-filled pockets onto your homemade toys. Just remember that not all cats are affected by catnip, so it may not be appealing to every feline.
I’m Dr. Hellen James, a professional veterinarian with a deep interest in the ways that litter size affects the health of animals. I’ve spent years studying this subject and performing research on reproduction in many different kinds of creatures.
