5 DIY Cat Toys Your Pet Will Love

By Courie Dennis
DIY Cat Toys
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Cats have claws. They shred, chew, tear, scratch, and destroy, even when they’re just playing. Buying a toy for your cute rascal can be a chore when it’s destroyed minutes after they get their paws on it. 

But there are options for saving a penny and getting something special that your cat can enjoy. Maybe the most obvious is, well, just the box your most recent Amazon package came in.

But if you’re looking for something a little more elaborate to get your cat, these five DIY cat toys are fun, engaging, and budget-friendly.

1. The Classic Cardboard Box Maze

  • Materials: Cardboard boxes (various sizes), scissors or box cutter, non-toxic markers (optional)
  • How-To: Cut holes and openings in the boxes, connecting them to create a maze. Add optional drawings for extra fun!
  • Cost: Free if you use the leftover boxes from your online shopping.
  • Why Cats Love It: Cats adore exploring, hiding, and pouncing. This maze provides endless entertainment and stimulates their natural instincts.

2. The Toilet Paper Roll Treat Puzzle

  • Materials: Empty toilet paper rolls, cat treats or kibble
  • How-To: Fold the ends of the roll inward to create a closed container. Poke small holes in the tube and fill it with treats.
  • Cost: Free.
  • Why Cats Love It: This puzzle toy taps into their hunting instincts. They’ll love batting the roll around to release the tasty rewards.

3. The Feather Wand Teaser

  • Materials: Stick or dowel, string or ribbon, feathers (real or faux)
  • How-To: Securely attach the string to the stick. Tie feathers to the end of the string.
  • Cost: Approximately $5 (if you need to purchase feathers)
  • Why Cats Love It: Feathers mimic the movement of birds, triggering your cat’s prey drive. The interactive nature of this toy is perfect for bonding.
DIY Cat Toys

4. The Sock Fish

  • Materials: Old sock, catnip, string (optional)
  • How-To: Stuff the sock with catnip. Tie off the open end or sew it closed. Add a string for extra enticing play.
  • Cost: Free
  • Why Cats Love It: The combination of catnip and the crinkly texture of the sock is irresistible to most cats.

5. The Crinkle Ball

  • Materials: Aluminum foil or crinkly candy wrapper, small bell (optional)
  • How-To: Crumble the foil into a tight ball. If using, enclose the bell inside.
  • Cost: Free
  • Why Cats Love It: The sound and unpredictable movement of this toy keeps cats entertained for hours.

DIY Cat Toys: Tips and Tricks

  • Rotate Toys: Kitty cats are notorious for wearing out after a few play datesKeep playtime fresh by rotating your cat’s toys regularly. This prevents boredom and keeps them engaged.
  • Personalize: Tailor the toys to your cat’s preferences. Some love chasing feathers, others prefer crinkly sounds. Experiment to see what they like best. Every cat is unique – make sure to take the time to understand your feline friend.

Be Creative

Do-it-yourself projects are creative and fun. They can be a little time consuming, but they also give options for making something interesting and unique. And your kitty cat will definitely appreciate the extra time you’ve spent making it a new toy.

For more information about this subject or general questions you can contact:

Courie Dennis with Posh Paws Pet Care, LLC
843.900.0438
Visit our website at PoshPawsPetCareSC.com
Or send us a note from our contact page here.

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