DIY Cat Toys You Can Make at Home
Cats are natural-born hunters, explorers, and—let’s be honest—sometimes divas. And while their toy preferences can be just as fickle as their moods, one thing is always true: they love novelty. Instead of shelling out for pricey store-bought toys that might be ignored within the hour, why not get crafty with some DIY cat toys?
Making your own homemade cat toys isn’t just budget-friendly—it’s a great way to bond with your cat, enrich their environment, and repurpose everyday objects. Whether your feline is a ferocious feather hunter or a lazy sock cuddler, these DIY projects cover all play styles and purr-sonalities.
Looking for even faster ideas? Check out our 5 DIY Cat Toys You Can Make in Under 10 Minutes for quick wins that’ll get your cat purring in no time.
Let’s dig in (claws first, of course).
Before You Start – Materials to Avoid
Before we bust out the glue gun and empty boxes, a word of caution. Not everything that seems like a fun toy is safe for your furry friend.
Here’s what to avoid when crafting DIY cat enrichment toys:
- Toxic glues: If it smells strong or says "not for children," it's probably not for cats either. Use hot glue sparingly and only if it's labeled non-toxic. When in doubt, tie or sew instead.
- String (unsupervised): Classic string-chasing is awesome, but when left alone, your cat might chew and swallow strands. This can lead to serious medical emergencies. String-based toys should only come out during supervised playtime.
- Small detachable parts: Think beads, bells, buttons, or googly eyes—anything that could come loose and be swallowed. If it fits in a cat’s mouth, it’s a no-go unless it’s super secure.
- Plastic bags or wrappers: Crinkly, yes. Safe? Nope. The risk of suffocation or ingestion isn’t worth it. Stick to safe, breathable materials.
- Scented materials or essential oils: What smells soothing to us (like lavender or eucalyptus) can be dangerous for cats. Avoid anything perfumed or treated with essential oils.
Your best bet? Stick with natural fabrics, cardboard, paper, feathers, and securely tied string. Always check for loose parts and durability—especially if your cat plays rough.
Toilet Paper Roll Toy
How to Turn Toilet Paper Rolls into a Treat Puzzle
Let’s start with a classic: the empty toilet paper roll. It may look like trash to you, but to your cat, it can become a mental challenge and plaything all in one.
You’ll need:
- 1 or more empty toilet paper rolls
- Scissors
- A handful of small treats or kibble
Instructions:
- Fold one end of the roll closed by tucking in the edges.
- Drop a few treats inside.
- Fold the other end mostly shut—just enough so the treats don’t fall out too easily.
- Hand it over and watch your cat swat, pounce, and chew to get the goodies.
You can even spice things up by cutting paw-sized holes along the sides, turning the roll into a tiny puzzle feeder. It slows down snack time while satisfying your cat’s natural foraging instincts.
Want to level it up? Put a few of these filled rolls inside a shoebox with holes and let your cat dig them out. Double the fun!
Sock & Catnip Toy
How to Make a Catnip Toy from an Old Sock
Lost a sock to the laundry void? Give it new life as a cozy, catnip-stuffed kick toy that your kitty will adore.
You’ll need:
- 1 clean sock (thicker is better)
- Dried catnip (or silvervine if your cat prefers it)
- Soft filler: cotton balls, old T-shirt scraps, or even shredded paper
- Needle and thread, or a rubber band
Instructions:
- Fill the sock with soft stuffing until it’s slightly firm but still squishy.
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of catnip.
- Tie off the end tightly with a rubber band or sew it shut.
- Optional: Add a few knots or tie off sections to create fun shapes and textures.
This sock toy is perfect for bunny-kicking, pouncing, and even snuggling. Keep a few in rotation and toss them in the freezer between uses to refresh the catnip aroma. You can also sprinkle extra catnip outside the sock for a bonus hit.
It’s a super quick way to give your cat a comfortable cat bed companion—and a toy that smells like happiness.
Got mismatched socks piling up? Transform them into irresistible catnip toys for your feline friend in just one minute. This quick tutorial shows you how to upcycle old socks into fun, engaging toys that your cat will love. It's a simple, eco-friendly way to keep your pet entertained without spending a dime.
Cardboard Ball Puzzle
Use Amazon Boxes to Create a Rolling Treat Maze
You know that stack of Amazon boxes in the corner you haven’t thrown out yet? Turns out, they’re the perfect material for a DIY cat toys from household items challenge.
What you need:
- 1 medium-sized cardboard box with a lid (shoeboxes work great)
- Scissors or a box cutter
- Tape (optional)
- Ping pong balls, pom-poms, or treats
Steps:
- Cut several holes in the top of the box, just big enough for your cat’s paw.
- Drop a few balls or crinkly objects inside.
- Optional: Add a treat or two to boost the stakes.
- Seal the lid and place the box on the floor for your cat to explore.
This game taps into your cat’s predatory instincts. They’ll bat at the balls, paw for treats, and stay engaged far longer than you’d expect from a literal cardboard box.
Make it harder by cutting fewer holes—or adding moving parts. Bonus if you decorate the outside with your cat’s name or paw prints (just use non-toxic markers!).
Feather Wand
DIY Feather Wand Using a Chopstick and String
Want your cat to get their zoomies out without you losing your mind (or your furniture)? A DIY feather wand is a simple but super engaging way to burn energy and strengthen your bond.
Supplies:
- 1 wooden chopstick or skewer
- Strong string, yarn, or ribbon (12–18 inches)
- Feathers or strips of felt
- Hot glue, tape, or a tight knot
Steps:
- Tie one end of the string to the chopstick securely.
- On the free end, attach feathers or fabric strips using a knot or a dab of glue.
- Shake it around, drag it on the floor, or flick it in the air to drive your cat wild.
These toys mimic the erratic movement of birds and bugs, triggering your cat’s prey drive. You can rotate attachments to keep things fresh—think felt “bugs,” bell-free crinkly ribbons, or even knotted fabric strips for clawing.
Just be sure to never leave it out unsupervised—the string can pose a risk if chewed or tangled.
Pair it with one of our Capnip cat houses for the ultimate stalk-and-pounce playground!
T-Shirt Tent
Make a Cozy Cat Hideout Using Wire Hangers and an Old Tee
Ready to win the Cat Parent of the Year award? Transform old clothes and hangers into a DIY cat cave that’s equal parts cozy and clever.
What you need:
- 1 large T-shirt
- 2 wire hangers
- A square piece of cardboard (roughly 15" x 15")
- Tape, pliers, and safety pins
Instructions:
- Bend the hangers into U-shaped arches and crisscross them in an X shape.
- Tape the ends to the corners of the cardboard base.
- Pull the T-shirt over the frame so the neck hole becomes the front entrance.
- Tuck and pin the fabric beneath the cardboard to secure it.
And voilà—your cat now has a stylish hideout. You can toss in a small blanket, sock toy, or sprinkle of catnip to make it extra inviting. It's the ideal best sleeping spot for cats who love a bit of privacy.
Plus, it looks way better in your living room than that raggedy old Amazon box. Unless your cat still prefers the box. In which case, you tried. Cats, right?
Upcycled Ideas
Repurpose Household Items Like Bottle Caps or Wine Corks
If you’re the kind of person who hates throwing things away (and loves your cat), this section is for you. There’s a whole world of cat toys from household items just waiting to be discovered.
Try these ideas:
- Wine corks: Soak them in catnip tea and let them dry overnight. Soft, safe, and super satisfying to chew.
- Bottle caps: Lightweight and perfect for batting on hardwood floors. Just make sure they’re the smooth kind—no sharp edges.
- Fabric scraps: Braid them into mini tug toys or tie them into knots for gnawing.
- Paper towel rolls: Link cut rings together to make a jiggly snake toy.
- Crinkle paper: Save that tissue paper from packages and scrunch it into a ball—it’s like auditory catnip.
The best part? If your cat gets bored or chews one to bits, you won’t feel guilty. Just toss it, recycle what you can, and make a new one!
Explore a variety of upcycled cat toy ideas using household items, perfect for keeping your cat entertained.
Need a weekend DIY that your cat will actually use?
We’ve got just the thing. This step-by-step cat tent project transforms everyday items into a cozy feline fortress—no sewing required. 🛠️🐱
Final Meow – Pair These Toys With the Ultimate Playhouse
There’s something deeply satisfying about watching your cat go wild for something you made with your own hands. These DIY cat toys aren’t just about being thrifty—they’re about enriching your cat’s life in a creative, meaningful way.
So whether you’ve crafted a sock full of catnip, a crinkle tunnel out of cardboard, or a full-blown cat fort made from T-shirts and wire hangers, know this: your cat appreciates the effort (even if they act like they don’t).
And when playtime’s done? Reward them with the comfiest nap spot around. Our Capnip cat houses and cat caves make the perfect addition to your DIY collection—durable, adorable, and 100% approved by picky paws.
Let the crafting—and the purring—begin.
