Creating a cat paradise at home doesn’t mean spending a large amount of money on expensive toys. It’s completely feasible to turn everyday items into fabulous DIY cat toys that your feline friend will love. This article offers some excellent ideas that allow for creativity, recycling, and optimizing for maximum feline enjoyment.
- Cardboard Boxes
Cats love boxes. They love to jump in, out, and even sleep in them. With this in mind, cardboard boxes can be the perfect starting point for a range of DIY cat toys.
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Box Maze: Gather together a selection of different-sized cardboard boxes and create a maze or tunnel system. Cut holes large enough for your cat to pass through comfortably and attach the boxes together with tape. To make it more fun, include several entry and exit points.
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Box Tower: Another fun creation is a vertical box tower. Stack stable, open boxes on top of each other, each layer rotated to create a different entrance. Make sure to secure them tightly together for safety.
- Toilet Roll Tubes
A staple in many homes, toilet roll tubes can be a fun, engaging toy for cats.
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Toilet Roll Ball: Simply cut rings from the tubes, then interlock and shape them into a ball. Add some dried lentils or uncooked rice grains for an interesting sound effect, to entice any curious cat.
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Toilet Roll Treat Toy: Cut small holes across a toilet roll tube, insert some kibble or treats inside, then fold the ends inward to close it up. Watch as your cat has fun trying to get the treats out by rolling, batting, and shaking the tube.
- Old Socks
Does an old, mismatched sock pile live in your laundry room? Turn them into cat playtime favorites.
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Rattle Socks: Stuff an old sock with crinkly materials such as used plastic wrappers, plastic bags, or package stuffing. Add a small bell or a few beads for an interesting chiming sound. Make sure the sock is tied securely before giving it to your cat.
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Scent-sational Socks: For cats who enjoy catnip, put a few sprigs inside the sock and sew it up. Watch as your cat goes into a play frenzy with their new toy.
- String & Feather Toys
These toys are easy to make and can provide hours of play for cats who love to hunt and pounce.
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Feather Dangler: Attach feathers (real or faux) to a string, then attach the other end of the string to a stick. This toy is great for set playtimes, strengthening the bond between you and your cat.
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String Ball: This is a great project if you have leftover balls of yarn or braided string. Simply wind the material around itself, adding in small string loops or small bells for added interest as you go along.
- Bottle Caps
Those plastic bottle caps that always seem to end up in the recycling bin can also be converted into enjoyable toys.
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Bottle Cap Spinner: Simply take a cap, pierce it through the middle with a dowel, stick or knitting needle to create a toy that will keep your cat amused.
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Bottle Cap Pucks: Just like their ice hockey equivalents, these bottle cap pucks can be whizzed across hard floors providing endless fun during chase and fetch games.
- Silk Tassel Strings
These items are excellent for pouncing, chasing, and general play sessions.
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Tassel Dangler: Attach a silk tassel to a long string, then attach the string to a long rod. Use the rod to drag the tassel across the floor, encouraging your cat to interact and chase.
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Tassel Mobile: On a stick or rod, hang several pieces of string of different lengths. On each string, attach a mini silk tassel or a bell for added interest.
Using everyday items to create cat toys is an inexpensive and fun way to enrich your cat’s environment. Not all cats have the same preferences, so it’s important to offer a variety of toys and observe what they enjoy most. Always supervise your pet during play to ensure their safety, and be sure to remove any tiny pieces that could pose a choking hazard.
