Cats are very playful and inquisitive animals. They really enjoy playing with their owners and other pets, and their toys help them exercise their bodies and minds.
If you want to make cat toys for your pet or for any other cat in need of a playmate then this article will show you how to make some simple but effective interactive cat toys at home without much effort or cost.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Creating interactive cat toys can be a fun and engaging DIY project. |
| Consider the size and materials used in your cat toys to ensure they are safe and suitable for your feline companion. |
| Incorporating elements like feathers, strings, and bells can make the toys more interactive and appealing to cats. |
| DIY cat toys offer mental and physical stimulation for your cat, helping to keep them entertained and engaged. |
| Donating homemade cat toys can benefit other cats in need and make a positive impact on their well-being. |
Laser Light Cat Toy
A laser pointer is a handheld device that emits a very small, intense spot of light. It can be used to highlight something in a presentation or lecture.
It may also be used for entertainment purposes when playing with cats and dogs, who often chase the dot when it is projected onto nearby surfaces.
Even though the technology has been around since 1960s, it’s only recently that we’ve seen more options become available for home use.
One of which being. The Beam Zapper allows you to create interactive games with your cat using lasers (and by extension any other kind of point light source).
When creating interactive cat toys, it’s important to consider the appropriate size for your feline friend. Learn more about cat toy sizes and find the perfect fit in our guide on how small cat toys can be.
Cereal Box Cat Toy
You can use a cereal box to make a cat toy. You will need the following items:
- A cereal box
- Some scissors to cut holes in the cardboard
- Some string or ribbon, which will be used as ties for your toy.
Now that you have all of the necessary items, it’s time to begin making your cat toys! First, cut out a large hole on each side of the cardboard box so that cats can stretch their paws into them and play with whatever is inside.
This could be crinkle paper or something else that makes noise when moved around by paws (such as peanut butter).
If you want an even more exciting game for your furry friend, place some catnip inside one side of the box and tie off both ends so that it stays in place when shaken around; you may also want to leave open spaces between pieces whenever possible so that kitty isn’t frustrated by having nothing but solid walls all around him (or herself).
Jingle Bell Cat Toy
Making a jingle bell cat toy is easy. You can make one for your cats or for a friend’s cat, too!
What you will need:
- 1 bell (any size)
- 1 piece of elastic string
- 2 paper clips <== This is optional, but it makes the process easier because you don’t have to try to tie a knot that works with the elastic string and bell together.
How to make it:
Tie one end of the elastic string around your finger so that it doesn’t slip off while you’re using it. Then wrap the other end around itself so that there are no strands sticking out; this should form an X shape at its center point between your fingers when done correctly (see photo above).
The same result can be achieved by attaching two paper clips instead just make sure they’re not too close together or else when trying to get them apart later on . . . well…it won’t work out very well!
2) Now twist both ends together until they meet at their center point where there should still be enough space left over between them so that another small loop can fit inside it without blocking anything else off from happening later on during playtime with us cats 😉
3) Take off one end from around yourself now since you don’t need both anymore now since we’ve already got everything setup properly according 4) Put some glue onto inside surface area where bells hang down next before fixing onto bottom side edges only due 5).
Keeping your dog away from cat toys can be a challenge. Discover effective strategies and techniques to prevent unwanted chewing with our expert tips on stopping dogs from eating cat toys.
Mice Cat Toys
This is a great toy for your cat to play with. You will need a paper plate, wooden skewer and yarn to make this toy.
Cut holes in the paper plate using the skewer and then thread some yarns through them. Tie each end of the yarns into a knot so that they cannot be pulled back through the holes in the plate.
Attach a bell or jingle bell on one side of each string before you tie it off so that it makes noise when your cat plays with it.
| Toy Name | Description | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Squeaky Mouse | Realistic-looking mouse toy that squeaks | Paws & Play |
| Feathered Mice | Mouse toy with feathers for added excitement | FeatherFun |
| Interactive Chase Mouse | Motorized mouse toy that moves and evokes chase behavior | WhiskerChase |
| Catnip Mouse | Mouse toy filled with catnip for extra appeal | MeowMunch |
| Teaser Mouse | Mouse toy attached to a wand for interactive play | PlayfulPaw |
Cardboard Roll Cat Toy
Materials:
- Cardboard rolls (you can find these at your local grocery store)
- Tape (ideally duct tape, but regular tape will work too)
Instructions:
Cut a piece of cardboard to fit the width of your arm and long enough to reach from your elbow to the fingertips. You can make this longer or shorter if you like. The cat won’t mind!
Create a hole in the center of one end for inserting a pencil, pen or dowel rod about two inches long into it, then tape it closed on both sides with duct tape or other sturdy adhesive material.
3 . Put something heavy on top of it so that it stays flat when you’re done taping up all four sides (we used an old coffee table). We recommend doing this step outside because things can get messy otherwise!
4 . Your cat will love chasing after these toys as they roll along floors and down stairs!
Little Birdie Cat Toy
What you’ll need:
Wooden dowel, about 3 feet long and 1/2″ in diameter. You can find these at craft or hardware stores; make sure it’s untreated wood, as treated wood will discolor the foam and paper when soaked in catnip oil. I used an old broom handle that was lying around the house, but any long stick would work just fine.
How to make it:
Cut a slit into one end of your dowel with a saw or knife so that you have a small hole big enough for your cat’s head to fit through (make sure not to go too deep here). This is where you’ll insert the bells later on!
Cut off roughly 5 inches from the end of your dowel with another saw or knife; keep this piece aside for now you’ll use it later!
If your dog has a habit of chewing on cat toys, it’s essential to address the behavior. Our comprehensive guide on how to get your dog to stop chewing on cat toys offers practical solutions to keep your cat toys intact.
Ball Of Yarn Cat Toy
A ball of yarn cat toy is a fun way to keep your cat entertained and fit. This toy uses a ball of yarn and some scissors.
You’ll need to cut about 12 inches (30 cm) of the string or yarn, then tie it into a knot at one end as well as tying another knot on the opposite side (this will prevent you from losing the two pieces when they inevitably get tangled together).
The other end should be left loose so that you can play with it! The idea behind this project is that you toss it in the air like a regular soccer ball, but instead of an inflated rubber surface, there’s nothing but thin threads coming out all over the place.
| Toy Name | Description | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Yarn Playtime | Soft and colorful ball of yarn for interactive cat play | Purrfect |
| Cozy Yarn Ball | Cozy and plush yarn ball toy for snuggling and play | ComfyPaws |
| Yarn Tumbler | Rotating yarn ball toy that encourages chase and pounce | WhiskerFun |
| Catnip Yarn Ball | Yarn ball infused with catnip for added excitement | MeowMunch |
| Yarn Rattler | Yarn ball with built-in rattle for auditory stimulation | PouncePlay |
Ribbon Dance Cat Toy
Ribbon is a fun cat toy, but you have to be careful with how long it is. You want it long enough for your cat to be challenged, but not so long that they get frustrated. A good ribbon length is between 3 and 8 inches (7.62 – 20.32 cm).
The width can vary depending on what sort of toy you are making (if you are making something like a wand or keychain), however I would recommend using a ribbon that isn’t too thin, as this can make it difficult for cats to hold onto especially if they have claws!
You will also need: scissors, pliers/wire cutters (optional), super glue/hot glue gun
The Colorful Maracas Cat Toy
This cat toy is made from empty plastic bottles and colorful ribbons. You can also use empty paper towel rolls for this project, but you will need to cover the cardboard with fabric or paper first if you want to avoid your kitty shredding his plaything in no time.
To make this interactive cat toy, you will need:
- Two empty 1-liter water bottles (or larger)
- Colored ribbons of different colors and patterns (about 20 inches long each)
Looking for inspiration to create cool and engaging toys for your feline companion? Our article on making cool cat toys provides easy and creative ideas to keep your cat entertained.
Tissue Roll Cat Toys
Tissue roll cat toys are a great way to get your kitty moving! Tissue rolls are inexpensive, easy to make, and lots of fun for your kitty. If you have some empty tissue boxes lying around, grab one and let’s get started!
How To Make A Tissue Roll Toy:
Cut the bottom edge off the roll (the part that goes into the box). This will leave you with a tube about 3 inches wide by 5 inches tall. You can use scissors or an x-acto knife if you don’t want to risk cutting yourself on sharp edges from tearing apart a cardboard box.
Cut two slits into the side of this tube so it can bend when your cat bites down on it (one slit per side should be fine). It doesn’t need much room just enough that it won’t tear right through when your kitty bites down hard!
If possible, try making these cuts near where they meet up again so there’s less fraying happening over time due to wear and tear during playtime…but if not possible because of how far back those cuts would go then don’t worry too much about getting exact measurements every time
Jjust keep in mind how many times they’re likely going out together before replacing them again after several months worth of usage.”
| Toy Name | Description | Brand |
|---|---|---|
| Kitty Roll | Interactive cat toy made from recycled tissue rolls | EcoPlay |
| Roll-n-Play | Durable and engaging tissue roll cat toy | Pawsome |
| Playtime Purr | Scented tissue roll toy with hidden treats | Whiskers |
| Catnip Roller | Catnip-infused tissue roll for extra excitement | Meowville |
| Paw Roll | Tissue roll toy designed for scratching and play | Scratchy |
String Of Feathers Cat Toys
To make your own string of feather cat toys, you’ll need to create the string and attach it to a toy.
The string can be made out of any material. The main thing is that it has some sort of hook at one end and a loop at the other so that you can attach the feathers (or anything else) to it.
You can buy a ready-made toy with a string attached, or make your own using an old piece of rope or fishing line. String material should be lightweight so that your kitty doesn’t get tired holding on to it while running around with her new toy!
A good place for attaching the string is around halfway down from where you will put on all your feathers/etcetera so just above where they would rest if hanging straight down from their body weight alone.
This makes sense because cats prefer chasing moving things rather than stationary ones (especially when said moving things are attached by strings).
After crafting interactive cat toys, you may consider donating them to benefit other feline friends. Explore our helpful tips on where to donate cat toys and make a positive impact on cats in need.
Conclusion
We hope this article has given you some ideas for interactive cat toys. We love our cats and want to make sure they have the best possible lives, which means keeping them entertained with lots of fun toys!
So go ahead and give one of these projects a try. If it doesn’t work out, don’t worry try another one!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on DIY cat toys:
Care.com – DIY Cat Toys: Explore a variety of DIY cat toy ideas and projects to keep your feline friend entertained and stimulated.
PDSA – Homemade Toys for Cats: Discover creative and budget-friendly homemade cat toy suggestions that you can easily make at home.
Rawz Natural Pet Food – DIY Cat Toys: Get inspired by DIY cat toy tutorials and ideas that can enhance your cat’s playtime and provide mental stimulation.
FAQs
Can I use household items to create cat toys?
Yes, many household items can be repurposed to create engaging cat toys. Examples include empty toilet paper rolls, crumpled paper balls, and cardboard boxes.
Are DIY cat toys safe for my cat?
When creating DIY cat toys, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Avoid using small parts that could be swallowed, and ensure that any materials used are non-toxic and free from potential hazards.
How can I make interactive cat toys?
Interactive cat toys can be made by incorporating elements like feathers, strings, and bells to encourage your cat’s engagement. Adding textures and incorporating motion can also enhance the interactive experience.
What are some popular DIY cat toy ideas?
Popular DIY cat toy ideas include creating puzzle feeders, making crinkle toys from fabric or foil, and crafting wand toys with feathers or fabric attachments. These toys can provide mental and physical stimulation for your cat.
How do I introduce DIY cat toys to my cat?
To introduce DIY cat toys, start by presenting them in a safe and controlled environment. Engage your cat with the toys by moving them in enticing ways or hiding treats inside them to pique their curiosity. Gradually increase their exposure to the toys to encourage play and exploration.
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.
