13 DIY Cat Toys Your Cat Will Love to Chase and Play With.

Introduction.

Keeping your cat entertained and active is essential for their overall health and well-being. Making your own DIY cat toys is a fun, affordable way to provide your feline friend with endless hours of entertainment.

Plus, creating toys at home allows you to customize them based on your cat’s preferences, making them even more exciting and engaging.

In this guide, we’ll share 13 DIY cat toys that are easy to make and designed to appeal to your cat’s natural instincts to chase, pounce, and play.

From interactive toys to puzzles and teasers, these ideas will keep your cat happy and active.

13 DIY Cat Toys Your Cat Will Love to Chase.

 1. Feather Wand Toy.

A feather wand is a classic favorite for cats who love to chase and pounce. You can make your own DIY feather wand toy with just a few materials.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Choose a Stick or Dowel: Use a thin wooden dowel or even a sturdy stick.
2. Attach Feathers: Tie a few feathers together with string and securely attach them to the end of the dowel.
3. Add a Bell: For extra fun, add a small bell to the feathers to catch your cat’s attention.

Expert Tip: Use colorful feathers to keep your cat engaged, and pair this with a DIY outdoor cat run so your cat can play outdoors safely.

2. DIY Catnip Sock Toy.

Cats love catnip, and a catnip sock toy is one of the easiest and most effective DIY toys you can make. It’s soft, simple, and perfect for kicking and wrestling.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Choose an Old Sock: Find a clean sock that you no longer use.
2. Fill with Catnip: Stuff the sock with a mix of catnip and cotton or stuffing for shape.
3. Tie the End: Tie the open end of the sock into a knot to keep the catnip inside.

Expert Tip: You can create several of these in different sizes and rotate them throughout the week to keep your cat interested.

3. Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle Toy.

This simple DIY cat toy uses recycled materials and provides mental stimulation for your cat. You can make it with just a few empty toilet paper rolls.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Collect Toilet Paper Rolls: Gather a few empty rolls.
2. Create a Puzzle: Glue the rolls together in a pyramid shape or stand them upright in a box.
3. Add Treats: Place small treats inside the rolls to encourage your cat to paw them out.

Expert Tip: This toy is perfect for indoor cats, and you can create similar enrichment activities for other pets like rabbits using DIY bunny cages.

4. DIY Felt Mice Toys.

Mice are a natural prey for cats, making felt mice toys an exciting chase-worthy project. These small toys are easy to make and mimic real mice, providing hours of fun.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Cut Felt into Mouse Shapes: Cut two pieces of felt in the shape of a mouse’s body.
2. Sew and Stuff: Sew the edges together, leaving a small opening for stuffing. Fill the mouse with cotton or catnip.
3. Add a Tail: Use a piece of string or yarn for the tail, then sew the opening closed.

Expert Tip: You can sprinkle catnip inside the felt mice to make them even more irresistible.

5. DIY Scratching Post with Toys.

Cats love scratching posts, and combining one with hanging toys creates the ultimate DIY cat toy. It satisfies their scratching needs while keeping them entertained.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Build the Post: Use a sturdy piece of wood and wrap it with sisal rope for scratching.
2. Add Hanging Toys: Attach small toys or feathers on strings to the top of the post to dangle in front of your cat.
3. Secure to the Base: Ensure the post is securely attached to a solid base to prevent tipping.

Expert Tip: This setup can also be paired with a DIY dog furniture crate to create a multi-pet play area in your home.

6. Crinkle Ball Toy.

Cats are naturally attracted to crinkly sounds, making this crinkle ball toy a simple yet stimulating toy for them to bat around.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Use Aluminum Foil: Take a sheet of aluminum foil and crumple it into a small ball.
2. Wrap in Tissue Paper: Wrap the foil ball in tissue paper or crinkle paper to make the toy soft and add more texture.
3. Secure with Twine: Tie the tissue paper with twine to prevent it from unraveling.

Expert Tip: These crinkle balls are great for indoor play, but be sure to supervise your cat to prevent accidental swallowing of small pieces.

7. DIY Cardboard Box Maze.

Cats love exploring and hiding, and a cardboard box maze provides a fun environment for both. This toy encourages your cat to use their natural hunting instincts while navigating through tunnels.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Choose Several Cardboard Boxes: Collect a few boxes of different sizes.
2. Cut Openings: Cut holes in the sides of the boxes to create tunnels and pathways.
3. Connect the Boxes: Arrange the boxes together to form a maze and tape them securely.

Expert Tip: Place toys or treats inside the maze to encourage your cat to explore, similar to the way you would create pathways in a DIY outdoor cat run.

8. Pom-Pom Play Balls.

Pom-poms are lightweight and fun for cats to chase, making pom-pom play balls a simple yet effective DIY toy.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Make Pom-Poms: Wrap yarn around your fingers or a small piece of cardboard, then tie the center and cut the loops to create a fluffy ball.
2. Trim the Pom-Pom: Trim the edges to make the pom-pom even and round.
3. Add Bells (Optional): You can add small bells inside the pom-pom for an extra element of fun.

Expert Tip: These pom-pom balls can easily be tossed around by your cat or even attached to a DIY dog bed ramp for pets to play together.

9. DIY Fishing Pole Toy.

A DIY fishing pole toy allows you to interact with your cat while encouraging them to chase and jump. It’s perfect for engaging your cat in active play.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Find a Stick or Dowel: Use a stick or dowel as the pole.
2. Attach a String: Tie a long piece of string to the end of the pole.
3. Add a Toy to the End: Attach a small toy, feather, or ball to the other end of the string.

Expert Tip: Use lightweight toys to make it easier for your cat to pounce and catch the dangling object.

10. DIY Puzzle Feeder.

Stimulate your cat’s mind and reward them with treats by creating a DIY puzzle feeder. This toy encourages problem-solving skills and slows down fast eaters.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Use a Muffin Tin: Take a muffin tin and place small treats or kibble in each section.
2. Add Obstacles: Cover the treats with tennis balls or small cups to make your cat work to uncover them.
3. Let Your Cat Play: Watch as your cat paws through the obstacles to retrieve their treats.

Expert Tip: Puzzle feeders are also great for dogs, and you can adapt this idea for dogs by adding it to a DIY dog furniture crate for interactive mealtime.

11. DIY Paper Bag Tunnel.

Cats love the rustling sound of paper, and a paper bag tunnel is a cheap and simple way to provide endless fun.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Choose Large Paper Bags: Use several large, sturdy paper bags.
2. Create a Tunnel: Cut out the bottom of the bags and tape them together to create a tunnel.
3. Add Toys: Place small toys or balls inside the tunnel to encourage your cat to explore.

Expert Tip: If you have both cats and dogs, consider building a shared space that includes a DIY dog wash station and a play area where both pets can enjoy their toys.

Conclusion.

These 13 DIY cat toys will keep your feline friend entertained, stimulated, and happy for hours.

From simple pom-pom balls to more interactive puzzle feeders, these toys cater to your cat’s natural instincts to hunt, chase, and pounce.

Not only will you save money by making these toys at home, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of creating something special for your pet.

If you’re interested in creating more DIY pet projects, check out designs for DIY dog furniture crates, DIY outdoor cat runs, or even ideas for a DIY dog bed ramp to complete your pet-friendly home.

FAQs On 13 DIY Cat Toys Your Cat Will Love to Chase.

1. Are DIY cat toys safe for my cat?

Yes, most DIY cat toys are safe as long as you use non-toxic materials and ensure there are no small parts that could be swallowed. Always supervise your cat during playtime.

2. How often should I rotate my cat’s toys?

It’s a good idea to rotate your cat’s toys every week to keep them interested and engaged. This helps prevent boredom and keeps playtime exciting.

3. Can I make DIY toys for other pets like dogs or rabbits?

Absolutely! Many DIY toys can be adapted for other pets. For example, you can create similar toys for dogs with designs found in DIY dog furniture crates or rabbits with toys suitable for DIY bunny cages.

4. What materials should I avoid when making DIY cat toys?

Avoid materials that can break into small pieces, sharp objects, or anything toxic to pets like certain glues, paints, or fabrics. Stick to pet-safe and durable materials.

5. How can I encourage my cat to play with DIY toys?

Cats are naturally curious, so adding catnip, bells, or treats can make your DIY cat toys more appealing. Rotate toys regularly and engage with your cat during play to encourage activity.