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Easy DIY Cat Toys You Can Make


DIY Cat Toys

As a cat owner you are aware of the inquisitive nature of felines. They seem to always enjoy playing with anything they think is a toy.

You might be asking yourself these types of questions:
  •   How do I entertain my indoor cat?
  •   How can I make a DIY cat toy?


Why not direct their playful energy toward a DIY cat toy you made yourself?  Not only will you get satisfaction in creating something for your pet friend, but you could save money in the process. On average, cat owners spend about $1000 a year on their feline pal.


In fact, the American Pet Products Association reports:
Americans Are Spending More on Pets Than Ever Before: $72 Billion


Indoor cats can get bored, especially during the day if everyone is away from the house. This is the perfect opportunity for DIY toys. 

In this article we'll cover some clever and fun cat toys you can make to provide hours of enjoyment for your pets.

How to make cat toys out of socks?

Catnip Socks:
  • Grab an old sock and simply insert a cardboard toilet paper roll into it. Then add catnip and tie off the end.  Use a marker to 'paint' a face on the sock or sew on a felt face. For variation, tie a string to the end of the sock as a pull toy.
  • You could also do the same with the sock but omit the cardboard roll and put catnip inside and tie off to make a sock ball.
  • Another idea is to stuff a sock with slices of old rags or fabric towels to make the sock more rigid. This will look more snake like that the cat can grab and hug. Also add some catnip as well and tie off the sock.
DIY Cat Sock Toy


Play around with variations to see what your cat responds to the best.  Not all cats enjoy catnip.
If your cat does play with and drag this around the house, you can easily clean it by emptying the stuffing and throwing it in the washing machine.
Only let your pet play with toys that are safe. Ribbons and string can be swallowed and should be removed from your cat.

How do I entertain my indoor cat?

Cardboard Boxes:
  Boxes are readily available and easy to use.  Be creative and make a little house, cut holes in the sides for doorways and windows.  Think about joining two boxes together that act as 'rooms' for them to explore and hang out in.
DIY Cat Toy

Food Puzzles:
 Make a food puzzle by using an old ice tray, scatter some dry food inside the tray and cover with a paper towel.  The cat should be able to smell the food and have fun getting into all the crevices of the tray.

Toys:
 If you can do a little sewing, you can make a number of different plush toys.  Gather some old fabric to make a toy mouse.  Sew pieces together and stuff with more fabric or cotton balls. Think about sewing on a little tail too.

Gather up more cardboard toilet paper rolls, make several small holes along its side, glue one end closed, insert some treats then glue the other end closed.  This will make a rattle toy with the smell of treats inside.

Scratching Post:
  Use an old scrap piece of lumber, something about 2"x 6" will do at the length you desire. Find some carpet scraps large enough to cover the wood plank and nail into place. Large home centers usually have small carpet scraps available to buy that are perfect for this use.

I made a 2"x 6" scratching post that was 5 feet in length that I covered in carpet.  I could lay it across chairs or angle it from the ground up to a cat tree.  My cat loved it; in fact I had to recover it after a couple of years of continual use.
DIY Cat Toy

According to American Humane:
Indoor cats should be provided with appropriate surfaces on which to exercise their natural instinct to scratch. Cats have individual preferences, and many prefer to have a variety of scratching posts and surfaces, so be sure to offer your cat several types in multiple locations around your house.



BONUS TIP
Why you need a cat tree:
Cat trees provide a great place for your cat to feel safe and secure. A place that is theirs to relax and sleep on.  Cats enjoy climbing all around the different levels and being allowed to scratch on their own piece of furniture..
The cost of a cat tree will vary from around $30US to several hundred dollars. It all depends on how large and sophisticated you want to get. Consider this option for your beloved cat.

 
What's the takeaway?

Cat's are members of the family and we want to treat them as such.  Provide not only food and shelter but make great DIY cat toys that will be enjoyed for years.  I've covered a few DIY toy ideas I've made over the years for my cats.  Have fun with these ideas and get creative; try out you own ideas for your furry friend.

What are your thoughts on toys for pets? Let me know..

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