20 Amazing DIY Cat Toys Easy To Make For Your Furry Friend

Is your cat looking a little bored? Do they seem to be giving you the "I need entertainment" stare? Well, you're in luck! You don't need to spend a fortune at the pet store to keep your feline friend happy. This article is all about creating fun and engaging diy cat toys easy using things you probably already have around your house. We're talking toilet paper rolls, socks, cardboard boxes – the works! We'll show you how to transform these everyday items into a treasure trove of toys that will have your cat chasing, pouncing, and purring with delight. Get ready to unleash your inner crafter (no special skills required!) as we explore 20 super simple, super fun, and super cheap DIY cat toys. We’ll start with the basics, using items you can find in any home, then move into some slightly more involved projects for those feeling crafty, and finish with some no-effort toys that require zero crafting skills! So, grab your scissors and let's get started, your cat will thank you for it!

Easy DIY Cat Toys from Everyday Items

Toilet Paper Roll Fun

Okay, let's start with the absolute easiest thing you can find in your recycling bin: toilet paper rolls! Don't toss 'em; your cat sees treasure! These little cardboard tubes are like tiny, free amusement parks for cats. You can simply let them bat them around, or you can get a little creative. Cut slits in the ends to make fringe, or stuff a few treats inside, folding the ends to create a simple puzzle. My cat, Mittens, goes bonkers for these, especially when I crinkle up some paper and stuff it inside. It's like a tiny piñata, but without the mess.

Another fun idea is to connect a few toilet paper rolls together to form a tunnel. It's like a mini-obstacle course for your feline friend. You can even decorate them with markers or stickers if you're feeling fancy. Remember those old wrapping paper tubes? They work great too! Just make sure to remove any tape or staples, and you've got hours of entertainment for your cat. It's amazing how something so simple can provide so much joy.

The Feather Teaser

Next up, let's talk about the classic feather teaser. You don't need to buy those expensive wands at the store. A simple feather tied to a string works just as well. I usually find feathers on my walks, but you can also buy a bag of craft feathers if you prefer. Tie that feather to a piece of string or twine, and then tie the other end to a stick or a pencil. Boom! Instant cat entertainment. It’s all about the movement, the unpredictable flutter that mimics a bird or bug, driving your cat wild.

To make it even more exciting, try adding a bell to the string. The sound will help get your cat's attention and make playtime even more engaging. You can also vary the length of the string to change how the feather moves. Sometimes I like to drag it along the floor, other times I make it fly through the air. It's like being a puppeteer, but with a very fluffy, very enthusiastic audience. It’s simple, but cats find it irresistible.

• Feathers
• String or twine
• Small stick or pencil
• Optional: small bell

DIY Cat Toys for the Crafty Cat Parent

Sock It To 'Em

Alright, let’s talk socks. Yes, those lonely socks without a partner that always seem to appear after laundry day. Don't throw them away! They're perfect for making simple cat toys. I like to take an old sock and stuff it with some cotton balls or fabric scraps. If you're feeling fancy, add a pinch of catnip in there. Tie off the end or sew it shut, and you've got a soft, squishy toy that your cat will love to bat around and cuddle with. It’s like a mini pillow, but more fun!

You can also make a sock snake by stuffing a long sock and tying knots along the length. This creates a fun, wiggly toy that your cat can chase and wrestle. If you have some jingle bells, you can put a few inside the sock before you tie it off. The sound will add an extra element of excitement. I've even seen people sew on little felt ears and eyes to make a sock mouse! The possibilities are endless and it's a great way to give those stray socks a new purpose. Plus, it's a good way to use up old clothes.

"The smallest feline is a masterpiece." - Leonardo da Vinci

Crinkle Paper Chaos

Ever notice how much cats love the sound of crinkling paper? It's like music to their ears! So, let’s use that to our advantage. Take a piece of parchment paper or even a simple brown paper bag and scrunch it up into a ball. That’s it! You have a toy that will provide endless entertainment. The sound and the way the paper moves when they bat it around is irresistible to most cats. It’s one of the easiest toys ever and so effective.

For an extra layer of fun, you can hide a small treat inside the paper ball. This makes it a puzzle toy, encouraging your cat to work a little to get a reward. I like to use small bits of dry food or catnip. You can also tie a string around the paper ball and make it a dangle toy. Just be sure to supervise your cat if they are playing with a string toy. The crinkle sound is what really makes it exciting for them. So, next time you have some paper, don’t toss it, let your cat play with it first!

Cardboard Box Adventures

Okay, let's move on to something a bit bigger: cardboard boxes. If you have a cat, you know that they have an almost magnetic attraction to cardboard boxes. It’s like they believe they are the kings and queens of their cardboard castles. Don't throw those boxes away; they’re gold for cats! A simple box can become a hideout, a playground, or a napping spot. Put a couple of boxes together, cut some holes, and you have a cat-sized maze. It's like a mini adventure park for them.

I like to cut out different shapes in the box, like circles or squares. This gives them a place to peek out and play. You can also add some toys inside the box to encourage them to explore. If you have multiple cats, you can even set up a whole cardboard city! It’s fun and also good for their mental stimulation, plus it keeps them entertained for hours. Next time you get a delivery, remember that the box is just as exciting as what’s inside!

• Cardboard boxes
• Scissors or a box cutter
• Optional: toys

Ping Pong Pandemonium

Ping pong balls are another simple yet effective cat toy. Their light weight and bouncy nature make them perfect for chasing and batting around. You can just toss a couple of ping pong balls on the floor and let your cat go wild. The way they skitter across the floor is pure entertainment for them and for you. It’s like watching a tiny, furry athlete in action!

To make it even more exciting, you can put ping pong balls inside an empty plastic bottle. Cut a few holes in the bottle, and now you have a puzzle toy that will keep your cat engaged. The sound of the balls moving around inside the bottle adds to the fun. I usually use a water bottle, but any plastic bottle will work. You can also use a cardboard box and cut holes in it, put the ping pong balls in and close the box. Your cat will enjoy trying to get the balls out. It’s a cheap and easy way to provide a lot of fun.

Super Simple DIY Cat Toys With Zero Effort

Paper Bag Hideout

Okay, so you're not feeling crafty? No problem! Some of the best cat toys require absolutely zero effort. Take a simple paper bag, the kind you get from the grocery store. Just set it on the floor and watch your cat go wild. They love to crawl inside, peek out, and make rustling noises. It’s like a mini cave for them. I've seen my cat, Whiskers, spend hours in a paper bag, batting at the sides and pouncing on anything that moves. It’s free, it’s easy, and it's cat-approved!

Make sure to remove any handles or staples from the bag for safety. You can also fold down the top edge of the bag to make it a little more sturdy. You can even put a small toy inside the bag to make it more enticing. It’s amazing how much joy something as simple as a paper bag can bring to a cat. So, next time you get groceries, remember to save the bags for your furry friend. It's a win-win situation: you get rid of the paper bag, and your cat gets a new playground!

Laser Pointer Chase

Another super simple toy that requires zero effort is the laser pointer. Just shine the little red dot on the floor or wall and watch your cat's inner hunter come alive! The way they chase and pounce on the dot is hilarious to watch. It's like a tiny, high-speed chase scene. I have to admit, it’s fun for me too. It's a great way to get your cat some exercise, especially if they are indoor cats.

Just be sure to never shine the laser pointer directly into your cat's eyes. Also, try not to make the laser dot disappear too quickly, it can be frustrating for them. Let them catch it every once in a while. It's important to end the play session with a real toy they can actually grab. This will help avoid frustration and make sure they get the sense of accomplishment. But when you need a quick and easy way to get your cat moving, the laser pointer is a perfect choice!

Drip Tubing Teaser

Got some old drip tubing lying around? Don't throw it out! This flexible plastic tubing makes a fantastic and surprisingly engaging toy for cats. The way it wiggles and bounces when you drag it across the floor is just irresistible to them. I often find myself using it to play with my cat. I drag it on the floor, hide it behind furniture and watch my cat try to get it. It is like a snake slithering on the ground.

You can also cut the tubing into smaller pieces and let your cat bat them around. The flexibility and lightweight nature of the tubing make it perfect for chasing and playing. It's a great way to repurpose something that would otherwise end up in the trash. Make sure you have cut the tubing in small sizes so they do not create a hazard for your cat. It’s cheap, it’s simple, and it keeps cats entertained. What is not to love?

Refillable Catnip Pouch

Who doesn't love a little catnip? Well, your cat definitely does! For a super simple toy that requires little to no effort, take a small piece of fabric, like an old washcloth or a scrap from a t-shirt. Place a tablespoon of catnip in the center, gather the edges and tie it off with a string or a rubber band. And that’s it! You have a refillable catnip pouch. Your cat will enjoy rubbing, licking, and kicking it. It’s a great way to give them a little extra fun.

You can make a few of these and keep them on hand for when your cat needs a little extra stimulation. When the catnip starts to lose its potency, just open the pouch, refill with fresh catnip, and you're good to go. It's a simple way to keep your cat happy and entertained. You can even sew the pouch shut if you don’t want it to be refillable, but I prefer the refillable option. It's a win-win situation for both of you!

"Time spent with cats is never wasted." - Sigmund Freud

The Scrumple Buddy

This might be the easiest toy of all, and it’s a favorite with my cat. Do you have a piece of paper? Great! Scrunch it up into a ball. And... that's it! You've made a scrumple buddy. The crinkly sound and unpredictable movement of the ball are irresistible to cats. My cat loves to bat it around, chase it down the hallway, and then bring it back for another round of fun. It’s amazing how something so simple can provide so much entertainment.

You can use any kind of paper, but I find that parchment paper or brown paper bags work best because they make the most satisfying crinkly sound. You can also put a small treat inside the ball to make it more enticing. It's a great way to keep your cat active and entertained, especially when you don't have a lot of time or energy to spend on more elaborate toys. So, next time you're about to throw away some paper, think twice. It might just be your cat's new favorite toy!