Cats are natural hunters and explorers, always on the lookout for something to pounce on, chase, or scratch. But keeping your furry friend entertained doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few household items and a bit of creativity, you can whip up these 15 DIY cat toys that provide endless fun while saving you money. These projects are simple, use recycled materials, and can be customized to suit your cat’s personality. Plus, making them yourself adds a personal touch and strengthens the bond with your pet. Let’s dive into these budget-friendly ideas!
1. Toilet Paper Roll Toys
One of the simplest DIY cat toys around, a plain toilet paper roll can keep your cat batting and chasing for hours. For extra excitement, stuff it with treats and fold the ends to create a puzzle they have to solve.
Materials Needed: Toilet paper rolls, treats (optional).
Steps:
- Take an empty toilet paper roll.
- If using treats, place a few inside.
- Fold the ends inward to seal them.
- Toss it to your cat and watch the fun unfold.
2. Feather Fascinator
This colorful feathery toy mimics birds and will captivate your cat’s hunting instincts until they’re ready for a nap.
Materials Needed: Loose craft feathers, mesh braids, string and needle, elastic, small plastic ring.
Steps:
- Sew the mesh braids together into a bundle.
- Attach feathers to the ends of each braid.
- Bind the tubes with elastic, leaving a long piece to hang from.
- Tie a ring at the end for easy handling.
3. Ultimate Kitty Puzzle
Combine toilet paper rolls and boxes for a pinball-like puzzle that engages your cat’s problem-solving skills with added balls and pipe cleaners.
Materials Needed: Toilet paper rolls, boxes, pipe-cleaners, cardboard egg carton, balls.
Steps:
- Arrange toilet paper rolls inside a box.
- Add pipe cleaners for obstacles.
- Place an egg carton and balls inside.
- Let your cat figure out how to retrieve the items.
4. Cat Scratch Door Hanger
A hanging scratcher that provides endless entertainment and saves your furniture from claws.
Materials Needed: Wooden board, sisal rope, hot glue, string, pom poms.
Steps:
- Wrap sisal rope around a wooden board using hot glue.
- Decorate with string and pom poms.
- Attach a hanger to loop over a door knob.
5. Tree Stump Scratch Pad
Bring a touch of nature indoors with this stump-shaped scratcher—add catnip for extra appeal.
Materials Needed: Rolled cardboard (about 3.5 inches thick), clear tape, cork or bark, wood glue, rope, catnip (optional).
Steps:
- Secure rolled cardboard into a stump shape with tape.
- Glue cork or bark on the outside.
- Wrap rope around it.
- Sprinkle catnip on top.
6. Cardboard Catscraper
Stack cardboard into a skyscraper shape for a tall scratching post your cat will love to climb and claw.
Materials Needed: Cardboard, dowel.
Steps:
- Build a sturdy base with a central dowel.
- Cut and stack cardboard pieces to form a tower.
- Secure everything in place.
7. Wiggle Wand
A wiggly toy that’s perfect for interactive play, keeping your cat active and engaged.
Materials Needed: Leather and cord thread, wire cutter, pliers, dowel, superglue, bell, felt for faux feathers.
Steps:
- Attach threads and bells to a dowel with superglue.
- Add felt feathers for movement.
- Use pliers to secure.
8. Cat Puzzle Toy
A container filled with surprises that challenges your cat to paw out treats and toys.
Materials Needed: Disposable food container, utility knife, lighter (optional), catnip toys, balls, treats.
Steps:
- Cut holes in the container lid with a knife.
- Smooth edges with a lighter if needed.
- Fill with toys and treats.
- Close and let your cat explore.
9. DIY Cat Tent
Create a cozy hideaway for your cat to nap or play in, using just a shirt and hangers.
Materials Needed: Medium-sized T-shirt, cardboard, two wire hangers, tape, safety pins, cozy blanket.
Steps:
- Form a tent frame with cardboard, hangers, and tape.
- Drape the T-shirt over it and secure with pins.
- Add a blanket inside for comfort.
10. Cat Dancer Toy
A flying toy with feathers and pom poms that taps into your cat’s prey drive.
Materials Needed: Colorful felt, catnip, string, rod, pom-poms, feathers, hot glue.
Steps:
- Cut felt into shapes and stuff with catnip.
- Sew shapes closed.
- Attach to string on a rod with hot glue, adding pom poms and feathers.
11. Cardboard Hide-and-Seek Toy
A basic box with holes for peeking and pouncing—inexpensive and highly engaging.
Materials Needed: Cardboard box, scissors.
Steps:
- Cut various holes in the box.
- Place treats or toys inside.
- Encourage your cat to investigate.
12. Junk Food Homemade Cat Toys
Fun felt toys shaped like burgers and donuts, stuffed with catnip for irresistible play.
Materials Needed: Colored felt, catnip, colored embroidery thread.
Steps:
- Cut felt into food shapes.
- Stuff with catnip.
- Sew together with embroidery thread.
13. DIY Fork Pom Pom Toys
Quick yarn pom poms that are perfect for batting around or fetching.
Materials Needed: Yarn, fork.
Steps:
- Wrap yarn around a fork 60 times.
- Tie yarn through the middle.
- Slip off the fork and trim edges.
14. Cattail Catnip DIY Toy
A simple, seam-minimal toy shaped like a cattail, filled with catnip.
Materials Needed: Home decor fabric, thread, yarn, catnip, chopstick, funnel.
Steps:
- Cut fabric using a pattern.
- Sew into shape.
- Use funnel and chopstick to fill with catnip.
15. Cat Fishing Pole
A wand toy that simulates fishing, with a custom fish lure for chasing.
Materials Needed: Dowel (optional paint), cotton clothesline, materials for fish (fabric, glue).
Steps:
- Make a fish shape from fabric.
- Attach to clothesline.
- Tie the line to the dowel.
- Dangle for playtime.
These DIY cat toys are not only easy on your wallet but also promote mental and physical stimulation for your cat. Experiment with variations, like adding bells or catnip, to keep things fresh. Your feline friend will thank you with purrs and playful antics! For more inspiration, check out sources like Care.com.
