Top 25 DIY Cat Toys [Make Within Minutes]

Creating cat toys at home is not only cost-effective but also allows you to customize playthings that perfectly suit your cat’s preferences and needs. 

From simple cardboard creations to more elaborate DIY toys using everyday household items, the possibilities are endless and exciting. 

These homemade toys can provide mental stimulation and physical activity for your feline friend, ensuring they stay happy and healthy.

Let’s dive into it!

DIY Cat Toys

Cat toys are essential for keeping your feline friend active and engaged. From feather wands to interactive laser pointers, these toys stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts. 

Puzzle feeders offer mental challenges, while stuffed mice and balls provide hours of fun. 

Investing in quality cat toys promotes exercise, reduces boredom, and enhances your cat’s overall well-being.

1. Feather Wand Toy

A feather wand toy is a classic and easy DIY cat toy that your feline friend will love. All you need is a stick, some string, and a few colorful feathers. 

Tie the string to the end of the stick and attach the feathers to the other end of the string. 

You can wave the wand around, and your cat will have a blast chasing and pouncing on the feathers. 

This toy is great for stimulating your cat’s hunting instincts and providing them with much-needed exercise.

It’s a fun bonding activity for you and your furry friend. You can even add some bells or shiny ribbons to make it even more enticing!

2. Cardboard Box Maze

Cats love exploring and hiding in boxes, so why not create a cardboard box maze? Gather a few cardboard boxes of different sizes and cut out holes for your cat to crawl through. 

Arrange the boxes in a maze-like pattern, connecting them with tunnels and ramps. 

This setup will keep your cat entertained for hours as they navigate through their new playland. 

You can also place some treats or toys inside the boxes to encourage exploration. It’s a great way to recycle old boxes and provide your cat with a stimulating and fun environment.

3. Sock Fish Toy

If you have some old socks lying around, you can easily turn them into cute fish toys for your cat. 

Simply stuff the sock with some fabric scraps or catnip, and tie a knot at the open end to keep the stuffing inside. 

You can also sew on some felt fins and eyes to make it look more like a fish. Your cat will love batting and tossing this soft toy around.

The added bonus of catnip will make it even more irresistible. This is a quick and easy project that requires minimal supplies.

4. Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle

Toilet paper rolls are versatile and can be used to create a fun puzzle toy for your cat. Take a few empty rolls and arrange them in a circular pattern, securing them with some tape or glue. 

Place some treats or small toys inside the rolls, and watch as your cat figures out how to get them out. 

This puzzle toy will engage your cat’s problem-solving skills and keep them entertained. 

You can also decorate the rolls with some colorful paper or stickers to make them look more attractive. It’s a great way to repurpose something you would otherwise throw away.

5. Felt Mouse Toy

Creating a felt mouse toy is a simple sewing project that will delight your cat. 

Cut out two mouse-shaped pieces from some felt fabric and sew them together, leaving a small opening to stuff with fabric scraps or catnip. 

Once stuffed, sew the opening closed and add some details like eyes, ears, and a tail using embroidery thread or additional felt pieces. 

Your cat will love chasing and pouncing on this soft toy, and the catnip inside will keep them coming back for more. This is a great project for using up small pieces of fabric.

6. Paper Bag Hideout

A simple paper bag can be turned into a delightful hideout for your cat. Just take a large paper bag and cut out a few holes on the sides for your cat to peek through. 

Place the bag on its side and let your cat explore and hide inside. 

You can also crumple up some smaller paper bags or tissue paper and place them inside to create a rustling noise that cats love. 

This hideout will provide your cat with a sense of security and a fun place to play. It’s an easy and inexpensive DIY project.

7. Pom-Pom Ball

Making a pom-pom ball is a fun and easy craft that your cat will enjoy. Use some colorful yarn to create a pom-pom by wrapping the yarn around your fingers or a pom-pom maker, then tie it off and trim the ends to create a fluffy ball. 

You can make several pom-poms in different colors and sizes. Cats love to bat and chase these lightweight balls around the house. 

You can even add a small bell inside the pom-pom to make it jingle as it moves, adding an extra element of fun for your cat.

8. Catnip Sock

A catnip sock is one of the easiest DIY cat toys you can make. Simply fill an old sock with some dried catnip and tie a knot at the open end to secure it. 

You can also add some fabric scraps or stuffing to give it more shape. Your cat will go crazy for this toy, as the scent of catnip is irresistible to most cats. 

They will love batting it around, kicking it with their hind legs, and carrying it around in their mouth. It’s a great way to use up old socks and provide your cat with a fun and stimulating toy.

9. Bottle Cap Jingle Toy

Collect a few plastic bottle caps and turn them into a jingle toy for your cat. 

Drill a small hole in the center of each cap and thread a piece of string or ribbon through the holes, tying knots to keep the caps in place.

You can also add some small bells or beads to the string to create a jingling sound. 

Hang the toy from a doorknob or a piece of furniture and let your cat bat at the caps and chase the jingling noise. This toy is great for keeping your cat active and engaged.

10. Fabric Knot Ball

A fabric knot ball is a simple and durable toy that your cat will love. Cut a few strips of fabric and tie them together in a tight knot. 

You can use old t-shirts, fleece, or any other fabric scraps you have lying around. Trim the ends to create a fluffy ball with lots of dangling pieces for your cat to play with. 

This toy is perfect for batting, tossing, and carrying around. It’s also washable, so you can keep it clean and fresh for your cat.

11. Crinkle Tunnel

Cats love crinkly sounds, so why not make a crinkle tunnel for your feline friend? 

Take a large piece of fabric and sew or glue some crinkly material, like plastic bags or cellophane, to the inside. 

Roll the fabric into a tube shape and secure the edges with some stitching or fabric glue. 

Your cat will have a blast running through the tunnel and hearing the satisfying crinkle sound. 

This toy is great for providing your cat with exercise and mental stimulation. You can also make multiple tunnels and connect them to create a fun play area.

12. Egg Carton Treat Puzzle

An egg carton can be turned into a fun treat puzzle for your cat. Simply place some treats or kibble in the compartments of an empty egg carton and close the lid. 

Your cat will have to figure out how to open the carton and get the treats out. 

You can also cut some holes in the top of the carton to make it a bit easier for your cat to access the treats. 

This puzzle toy will keep your cat entertained and mentally stimulated as they work to get the treats. It’s a great way to reuse something you would otherwise throw away.

13. Yarn Ball

A simple yarn ball is a classic cat toy that never goes out of style. Take a small ball, like a ping-pong ball, and wrap it in some colorful yarn until it is completely covered. 

You can use a few drops of glue to secure the yarn in place. Cats love to bat and chase these lightweight balls around the house. 

You can make several yarn balls in different colors and sizes to keep your cat entertained. This is a quick and easy DIY project that requires minimal supplies.

14. Felt Feather Toy

A felt feather toy is a fun and easy craft that your cat will enjoy. Cut out some feather shapes from felt fabric and sew them together, leaving a small opening to stuff with fabric scraps or catnip. 

Once stuffed, sew the opening closed and attach the feathers to a string or stick. Your cat will love batting and chasing this lightweight toy. 

You can make several feathers in different colors and sizes to keep your cat entertained. This is a great project for using up small pieces of felt fabric.

15. Wine Cork Toy

If you have some wine corks lying around, you can easily turn them into fun cat toys. Simply attach some colorful feathers, ribbons, or bells to the cork using glue or small nails. 

You can also wrap the cork in some yarn or fabric to give it more texture. Your cat will love batting and chasing this lightweight toy around the house. 

It’s a great way to recycle wine corks and provide your cat with a fun and stimulating toy. It’s a quick and easy project that requires minimal supplies.

16. Paper Towel Roll Ring Toy

Transform a paper towel roll into a simple yet fun toy for your cat. Cut the roll into thin rings and connect them to form a chain. 

Cats love batting these lightweight rings around, and the movement will keep them entertained. You can enhance the toy by adding small bells or tying colorful ribbons to the rings. 

This toy is not only easy to make but also an excellent way to repurpose paper towel rolls. It’s a cost-effective and engaging solution for keeping your cat active. 

The different textures and shapes will stimulate your cat’s curiosity, providing both mental and physical exercise. It’s a great way to reduce waste and give new life to household items.

17. Catnip Tea Bag Toy

Create a playful twist on a tea bag by filling a small fabric pouch with catnip. Sew the pouch closed and attach a string with a small fabric tag at the end. 

Your cat will enjoy the scent of the catnip and have fun batting and tossing the toy around. This toy is easy to make and great for using up fabric scraps. 

It provides mental stimulation and encourages physical activity, helping to keep your cat healthy and happy. The catnip scent is irresistible to most cats, ensuring that this toy will be a hit. 

It’s a quick and simple project that requires minimal supplies and offers maximum enjoyment for your feline friend.

18. DIY Cat Scratching Post

A scratching post is essential for any cat. Make your own by wrapping a sturdy piece of wood with sisal rope. 

Secure the rope with glue to ensure it stays in place. You can also attach a small platform at the top for your cat to perch on. 

This homemade scratching post will keep your cat’s claws healthy and provide hours of entertainment. 

The rough texture of the sisal rope satisfies your cat’s natural scratching instincts, helping to prevent damage to your furniture. 

It’s a great way to recycle materials and create a custom piece that fits your home décor. 

Your cat will appreciate the new place to scratch and climb, promoting both physical health and mental well-being.

19. T-Shirt Tent

Create a cozy hideout for your cat using an old t-shirt and a few wire hangers. Bend the hangers into a frame and stretch the t-shirt over it, securing the ends with safety pins. Place a soft blanket or cushion inside to make it extra comfy. 

Your cat will love having a private space to relax and play in. This is not only easy but also a great way to recycle old clothes and hangers. 

The enclosed space provides a sense of security for your cat, making it an ideal spot for napping and hiding.

It’s a simple, cost-effective solution that offers your cat a cozy retreat while helping you repurpose household items.

20. Catnip Pom-Pom Toy

Combine the fun of a pom-pom with the allure of catnip. Make a pom-pom using colorful yarn and stuff it with a small amount of dried catnip. Secure the ends tightly to prevent the catnip from spilling out. 

This toy is lightweight and perfect for batting around the house, providing both physical and mental stimulation for your cat. 

The colorful yarn and enticing catnip scent will attract your cat’s attention, keeping them engaged for hours. 

It’s a quick and easy project that requires minimal supplies and offers maximum enjoyment for your feline friend. 

21. Sock Octopus Toy

Turn an old sock into a cute octopus toy for your cat. Fill the sock with fabric scraps or stuffing and tie a knot at the open end. 

Cut the toe end into strips to create the octopus’s tentacles. You can also add some catnip inside for extra fun. 

This toy is easy to make and provides plenty of entertainment for your feline friend. The tentacles move unpredictably, stimulating your cat’s hunting instincts. 

It’s a fun, simple project that recycles old socks and offers your cat a new plaything. The bonus of catnip will make it even more irresistible, ensuring hours of playtime.

22. DIY Catnip Spray

Make a catnip spray to spritz on your cat’s toys or scratching posts. Boil a small amount of water and steep dried catnip in it for about 10 minutes. Let the mixture cool, then strain it into a spray bottle. 

Use this spray to refresh old toys or entice your cat to use their scratching post. It’s a great way to reuse old catnip and keep your cat interested in their toys. 

The scent of catnip is irresistible to most cats, making this spray a valuable tool in keeping your feline friend engaged. 

It’s an easy and cost-effective solution to maintain your cat’s interest in their toys and furniture.

23. Felt Fish Toy

Create a fish-shaped toy using felt fabric. Cut out two fish shapes and sew them together, leaving a small opening to stuff with fabric scraps or catnip. 

Once stuffed, sew the opening closed and add details like fins and eyes using additional felt pieces. 

This soft toy is perfect for your cat to pounce on and carry around. The texture and scent will keep your cat entertained for hours. 

It’s a simple sewing project that uses minimal materials and offers a delightful new toy for your feline friend. 

The added catnip ensures it will be a favorite, providing both mental and physical stimulation.

24. Jingle Bell Ball

Make a jingle bell ball using a small plastic ball and some bells. Drill a few holes in the ball and insert the bells, securing them with glue. 

Your cat will love the jingling sound as they bat and chase the ball around the house. This toy is easy to make and provides plenty of entertainment for your feline friend. 

The sound and movement stimulate your cat’s hunting instincts, keeping them active and engaged. 

It’s a quick and simple project that requires minimal supplies and offers maximum enjoyment for your cat. 

The lightweight design makes it easy for your cat to bat and chase around the house.

25. Plastic Spoon Rattle

Create a fun rattle toy using a plastic spoon and some beads. Fill the spoon with small beads or bells and secure another spoon on top, sealing the edges with tape or glue. 

Your cat will enjoy the sound and movement of the rattle as they play with it. This toy is simple to make and perfect for keeping your cat entertained.

The noise and movement will attract your cat’s attention, providing both mental and physical stimulation.

It’s an easy project that repurposes everyday items into a delightful new toy for your feline friend. The lightweight design makes it easy for your cat to bat and carry around.