Cats are natural hunters, explorers, and play enthusiasts. Keeping them mentally and physically stimulated is important for their health and happiness. While there are plenty of store-bought toys available, making your own do it yourself cat toys can be fun, inexpensive, and a great way to bond with your furry friend. Here are 10 simple ideas you can try at home:
- Crinkle Paper Balls
Take a piece of scrap paper, crumple it into a small ball, and watch your cat chase and bat it around. Make sure the paper is clean and free of staples or ink. - Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle
Cut small holes in an empty toilet paper roll and place some kibble or treats inside. Your cat will have fun rolling it around to get the goodies out. - Feather Wand
Attach a feather to a stick or a string and dangle it in front of your cat. Cats love to pounce, leap, and swat at moving feathers. - Sock Toy
Use an old, clean sock, fill it with catnip or crumpled paper, and tie the end. This makes a soft, swishy toy perfect for batting and carrying. - Cardboard Scratcher
Take a piece of cardboard, cut it into strips, and stack or weave them together. Sprinkle a little catnip on top for extra fun. - DIY Tunnel
Use large cardboard boxes or tubes to create a mini tunnel for your cat to crawl through, hide in, and pounce out of. - Pom-Poms
Make small pom-poms from yarn and toss them for your cat. Ensure they are tightly wound so the yarn doesn’t unravel and become a choking hazard. - Bottle Cap Chase
A simple plastic bottle cap can provide hours of fun. Roll it across the floor for your cat to chase and bat. - Ping Pong Balls in a Box
Place a few ping pong balls in a shallow box. Cats love the unpredictable movement as the balls bounce around. - Fishing Line Toy
Tie a small toy or feather to a piece of fishing line and drag it along the floor. Cats love to stalk and pounce on the moving object.
Safety Tips:
- Always supervise playtime, especially with small or string-like toys.
- Avoid anything that can break into small, swallowable pieces.
- Inspect DIY toys regularly for wear and tear.
DIY toys are a creative and inexpensive way to keep your cat happy, healthy, and entertained. Try a few of these ideas and watch your feline friend pounce, chase, and play with delight!
