10 DIY Cat Toys You Can Make From Everyday Household Items

Cats love to play, and keeping them entertained is essential for their mental and physical health. While there are plenty of fun cat toys available on our site, you don’t always need to spend a lot of money to keep your feline friend happy. In fact, many of the best cat toys can be made using simple, everyday items you probably already have around the house.

Not only are DIY cat toys budget-friendly, but they can also be a fun, creative project for you and your family.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to create 10 easy and engaging DIY cat toys using items that you can find around your home like string, cardboard, and paper.

Whether your cat loves to chase, pounce, or bat things around, there’s something here for every type of playful kitty!

DIY Cat Toys You Can Make at Home

1. Toilet Paper Roll Tunnel

Have a few toilet paper rolls lying around? Stack them together to create a fun tunnel for your cat to crawl through or bat toys around inside. Simply glue the rolls together in a pyramid shape, and watch your cat try to reach into the different tunnels to grab their favourite toy!

Example: Use 6-10 toilet rolls to create a larger tunnel and add some dangling yarn inside for extra fun!

2. Sock and String Bouncer

Got an old sock and some string? Stuff the sock with a little fabric or crinkly paper and tie it to a long piece of string. Hang the sock from a door handle or let it dangle in front of your cat as you move it around. Cats love batting at soft objects that bounce unpredictably!

Example: Add some catnip inside the sock to make it even more irresistible.

3. Cardboard Box Puzzle

Turn an ordinary cardboard box into an interactive puzzle toy. Cut small holes in the top and sides of the box, just big enough for your cat to reach their paws through. Then, drop a few small toys or treats inside, and let your cat figure out how to get them out!

Example: Use multiple boxes of different sizes to create a "cat play station" where your cat can explore and solve puzzles.

4. Tinfoil Ball

A simple but effective toy—crumple up a piece of tinfoil into a small ball and roll it across the floor. Cats love the shiny appearance and the crinkly sound it makes when they bat it around.

Example: You can also tie a string around the tinfoil ball for a chase toy!

5. Feather and Stick Wand

If you have a spare chopstick or thin wooden dowel, you can create a cat wand toy in no time. Simply attach a string to the end of the stick, then tie a feather or small toy to the string. Drag it along the floor or dangle it in the air, and watch your cat leap and pounce!

Example: You can alternate with other dangling items, like a small bell or piece of fabric, to keep your cat intrigued.

6. Bottle Cap Chase

Save your plastic bottle caps and turn them into a simple chase toy. Bottle caps slide and spin easily on hard surfaces, making them perfect for cats to chase around the house. You can add a bit of tape to the edges for more grip and unpredictability.

Example: Attach two or three bottle caps together with tape to make a larger, noisier toy for extra fun.

7. Yarn Ball

An old classic, yarn balls are a great DIY cat toy. Roll some yarn into a small ball, and secure it by tucking in the end. Toss it for your cat to chase or bat around. Be sure to supervise your cat while they play to avoid them swallowing any loose threads.

Example: For extra durability, use felt balls wrapped in yarn.

8. Paper Bag Hideaway

Most cat owners know that cats love playing with empty paper bags. Place a paper bag on the floor and let your cat crawl inside, crinkle the paper, or hide and pounce on toys or their own tail. You can even cut a few small holes in the sides for your cat to peek through!

Example: Place a small ball or toy inside the bag to encourage your cat to explore.

9. Plastic Ring Toss

You know those plastic rings that come from milk or juice cartons? Cats love them! Simply toss one across the floor or let your cat bat it around. It’s lightweight and slides easily, making it a fun, interactive toy.

Example: Attach a bell or small piece of cloth to the ring for extra sound and texture.

10. Sock and Catnip Pillow

Use an old sock to create a soft catnip-filled pillow. Stuff the sock with cotton or fabric scraps, add a pinch of catnip, and sew or tie the end shut. Cats will love batting, wrestling, and snuggling with this scented toy.

Example: Add different fillings like crinkly plastic or bells inside for more stimulation.

Conclusion

Here are 10 simple, cost-effective DIY cat toys you can make with items from around the house. Not only will these toys keep your cat entertained for hours, but they’re also a great way to repurpose everyday materials and reduce waste. Whether your cat prefers to bat, chase, or hide, these toys are sure to engage their playful instincts.

So, gather some household items and get crafting! Not only will your cat appreciate the new toys, but the process of making them can be a fun activity for you too.