I love watching my cat play with new toys. Since buying new ones can get expensive, I started making my own at home.
With just a few minutes and some basic supplies, I create fun and engaging toys that keep my cat entertained.
These do-it-yourself projects are perfect when I want something quick and easy. I don’t need special crafting skills, and I usually find most materials around the house.
Toilet Paper Roll Treat Puzzle
One of my favorite quick cat toys is the toilet paper roll treat puzzle. I just need an empty toilet paper roll and a few cat treats.
To make it, I fold one end of the cardboard roll flat to close it and drop a few treats inside. Then, I fold down the other end.
Sometimes, I cut small holes in the sides so my cat can smell the treats and enjoy getting them out. I avoid using glue, tape, or staples to keep it safe.
My cat bats the tube around and works to get the treats out. This easy project keeps him busy and helps him use his brain.
See a simple example of this project here.
Feather Cat Wand
I love making a feather cat wand because it’s quick and simple. This toy is great for interactive play and uses items I usually have at home.
I tie a string to the end of a stick or wooden dowel. Then, I attach a few colorful feathers to the other end of the string.
Sometimes, I add a small bell for extra fun. I use different colored feathers or a ribbon if I want to personalize it.
My cat gets excited to chase and jump after the fluffy end. This toy is ready in minutes and gives my cat plenty of exercise.
If you want more ideas like this, you can find easy steps in this guide to DIY feather cat toys.
Pom-Pom Teaser Toy
I like making simple toys that keep my cat active. A pom-pom teaser toy is quick to make and needs very few supplies.
I take some yarn and make a fluffy pom-pom, then attach it to a string or thin stick. My cat loves chasing and swatting at the moving pom-pom.
Using thicker yarn helps the pom-pom last longer if my cat plays rough. I tie the yarn tightly so it does not fall apart while my cat plays.
Sometimes I glue extra pompoms onto a tube for more fun, as suggested in this DIY cat toys guide. It only takes a few minutes, and my cat is always curious and happy when I finish this toy.
Wine Cork with Bell and String
I use old wine corks to make quick cat toys. They are light, easy to work with, and my cat loves how they bounce around the floor.
To make this toy, I push a skewer or toothpick through the center of a clean wine cork to make a hole for the string. If the cork feels too hard, I boil it for a few minutes to soften it.
Next, I thread a piece of strong string through the hole and tie a small bell to one end. The sound grabs my cat’s attention and gets her moving.
For more fun, I add a feather or two next to the bell. Then, I tie a knot at each end to keep everything in place.
I check that the knot is tight and the bell is secure so my cat stays safe. My cat bats and chases this toy across the room.
It’s a simple way to reuse wine corks and keep my cat entertained. You can find more details at this guide on wine cork cat toys.
Scrumple Buddy Paper Ball
When my cat looks bored, I make a scrumple buddy paper ball. This toy is super quick and easy.
I just need a sheet of clean paper, like tissue or printer paper. I crumple the paper up into a tight ball.
My cat chases and bats the paper ball around. She pounces on it and carries it in her mouth.
The sound and movement get her really excited. For more ideas like this, check out these homemade cat toys.
Felt Mouse with Bell
I make felt mice because they are simple and quick. I cut out two mouse shapes from felt, usually in different colors.
I stitch the two felt pieces together, leaving a small hole. Then I add a little stuffing and a small bell inside.
The bell makes a soft jingle that catches my cat’s attention. I use a pencil or chopstick to help stuff the felt, then sew up the hole and add a felt tail.
My cat bats it around and chases the sound. For step-by-step instructions, check this DIY felt mouse tutorial.
Ribbon Cat Wand
When I need a quick toy, I make a ribbon cat wand. I use a wooden dowel or stick and some colorful ribbon.
I cut a few pieces of ribbon, about 18 to 24 inches long, and pick bright colors. I tie the ribbons tightly to one end of the stick and sometimes add a drop of glue.
For extra fun, I mix in different textures like yarn or thin strips of fleece. When it’s finished, I wave the ribbon wand and watch my cat jump and chase after it.
This simple toy helps my cat get exercise and gives us time to play together. It only takes a few minutes to put together, as explained in this DIY ribbon wand guide.
Homemade Cat Tent
I make simple and cozy cat tents with things I already have at home. My favorite way uses a t-shirt, two wire hangers, and a piece of cardboard.
I bend the hangers into arches and poke them into the corners of the cardboard. Then, I pull the t-shirt over the hangers so the neck hole becomes the entrance.
I tuck in the sleeves and make sure the shirt fits snugly around the base. This gives my cat a small hideout that feels safe and soft.
I add a little blanket or towel inside for extra comfort. My cat curls up and naps there.
It’s fun to see her peek out from her new tent. For more inspiration and ideas, check out these creative DIY cat tent projects here and here.
Safety Tips for DIY Cat Toys
I want my cat to play and stay safe at the same time. That’s why I always focus on which materials I use and how I watch my cat during play.
Choosing Cat-Safe Materials
I choose soft fabrics like cotton, fleece, or felt because they’re gentle on my cat’s mouth and paws. I stay away from loose string, yarn, or small plastic parts since these can be a choking hazard or cause stomach problems if swallowed.
Here’s a quick list of safe materials I look for:
| Safe Materials | Unsafe Materials |
|---|---|
| Cotton fabric | Loose string or yarn |
| Fleece | Rubber bands |
| Felt | Plastic eyes/buttons |
| Plain paper | Small metal parts |
When I make toys, I avoid using scented or treated fabrics, as some chemicals can be harmful. I double-check that glues or adhesives are non-toxic and safe for pets.
If I’m sewing, I knot the ends of threads tightly to prevent unraveling. For even more tips, I visit guides about safe DIY cat toy materials and how to make toys that my cat will love and safely enjoy.
Supervising Playtime
I never leave my cat alone with a new toy. Even the safest toys can break, and small parts might come loose.
When my cat plays, I watch closely to make sure she isn’t chewing or swallowing pieces that could be dangerous. During play, I inspect the toys for any tears or damage.
If I notice a toy falling apart, I take it away right away. I also rotate toys to keep things fun and give damaged ones a break for cleaning or fixing.
I wash some soft or plush toys in the machine by placing them in a mesh bag and using scent-free detergent. Then I dry them on low heat.
I learned this helpful cleaning trick from a guide on how to clean cat toys.
If play gets too rough or my cat seems frustrated, I stop the session and check if she’s okay.
Encouraging Play and Enrichment
I notice that my cat needs both mental and physical activities each day. Cats prefer different games and toys depending on their age, breed, and personality, so I like to use a variety of ideas to keep things interesting.
Understanding Your Cat’s Play Style
I always start by watching how my cat likes to play.
Some cats love to chase, while others enjoy batting at hanging toys or solving puzzles for treats.
If my cat enjoys hunting, I use toys that mimic prey, like feather wands or small stuffed mice.
These toys encourage natural stalking and pouncing behaviors.
For cats who like climbing, I set up boxes or shelves to give them vertical space.
This setup can really increase their curiosity and confidence, as explained in this guide to enrichment ideas.
I use interactive play sessions with homemade wand toys or crumpled paper balls to help shy or less active cats become more confident.
By noticing how my cat prefers to spend their time, I create or rotate new toys that match their favorite activities.
This approach makes playtime more fun for both of us.
