DIY Cat Toys: Fun and Easy Projects at Home

Ever looked at your bored cat knocking things off the table and thought, “There’s got to be a better way”? You’re not alone. 

Most pet owners end up spending a fortune on toys for cats only to find their feline prefers the box it came in. The truth? Some of the most fun cat toys are the ones you make yourself. 

Whether it’s a sock filled with catnip or a cardboard roll turned into a treat puzzle, DIY cat toys are affordable, easy, and incredibly effective. They’re perfect for cat toys for kittens, senior cats, and every fluffball in between. 

This guide will help you craft homemade cat toys your cat will actually play with—no sewing machine or fancy tools required.

Why Make DIY Cat Toys?

The Benefits of Homemade Cat Toys

First off, let's talk about why this is a no-brainer. Homemade cat toys are an easy win on all fronts. You’re saving money, reducing waste, and tapping into your cat’s natural instincts—all with stuff you’ve probably already got at home.

Here’s why it’s worth it:

• Affordable cat toys don’t get more affordable than free. A cardboard roll? That’s gold in the feline world.
  

• You can make homemade catnip toys using a sock, some dried catnip, and a string. It’s a hit every time.
  

• Whether you’ve got cat toys for kittens or for senior cats, homemade options let you control texture, size, and scent.
  

• Crafting together = bonding time. Kittens and toys go together like biscuits and tea—but when they see you made it? That’s love.

And if you're wondering if these are good toys for kittens, the answer is yes. They’re customisable, safe (when made with care), and incredibly engaging.

What Toys Do Cats Actually Like?

Before you get crafty, ask yourself: “What toys do cats like?” Spoiler: It’s usually the box it came in.

Cats naturally gravitate towards toys that mimic prey. So anything that rustles, rolls, or darts? That’s prime entertainment.

• Cat playing with toy isn’t just cute—it’s instinctual. They love cat stimulation toys that activate their senses.
  

• Think feathers, bells, strings, or even scrunched paper balls.
  

• Some of the best cat play toys are simple: bottle caps, paper bags, or rolled-up socks.
  

• Anything that allows for stalking, pouncing, and batting is fair game.
  

• Cat toys for smart cats often include a bit of mystery—like hidden treats or puzzle play.

So when you're planning your next DIY toy cat, don’t overthink it. If it moves unpredictably, your cat will likely be obsessed.

Essential Materials for DIY Cat Toys

Safe & Stimulating Items Lying Around Your Home

You don’t need a craft store haul. Some of the best toys for cats homemade are hiding in your kitchen drawers and recycling bin. Here's your starter kit:

• DIY cat toys cardboard tubes (from toilet rolls or paper towels)
  

• Old socks (especially for diy catnip toys or homemade kitten toys)

• Yarn (for diy yarn cat toys)
  

• Felt or fabric scraps (for diy felt cat toys)
  

• Empty boxes (hello, cat toy cardboard tunnels!)
  

• Plastic bottle caps or rings (just make sure they can’t be swallowed)
  

Bonus points if it’s eco-friendly. Most of these are also great cat toys for when you are away, since they’re low-risk and long-lasting.

Crafting homemade toys for cats with these household materials means you can easily create safe cat toys that are budget-friendly, entertaining, and endlessly customisable.

Tools You’ll Need

Keep it simple. Here’s what you’ll want within reach:

• Scissors (for cutting fabric and cardboard)
  

• Glue or hot glue gun (use sparingly and safely)
  

• String or twine (watch for chewing)
  

• Small bells or crinkle paper for sound
  

• Catnip (optional, but highly recommended for catnip toys for indoor cats)

These basic tools can help you make anything from a cute toy cat for your kitten to a cat self playing toy that rolls and rattles. Add in creativity, and suddenly you’ve got your own line of handmade cat toys without spending a penny.

Easy Homemade Cat Toys – Step-by-Step DIY Projects

So, you've got a playful kitty and some spare time—perfect. This section is all about turning regular household stuff into fun cat toys your furball will actually use. Whether you’re crafting for curious kittens or lazy loungers, these easy DIY cat toys deliver serious enrichment without burning a hole in your wallet.

1. DIY Catnip Sock Toy (Great for Kittens & Older Cats)

This one’s a classic and arguably one of the most handmade cat toys you'll ever whip up.

What you’ll need:

• 1 old sock

• A scoop of rice

• Dried catnip
  

Fill the sock with rice and catnip toys for indoor cats, tie it off, and you’ve got a diy catnip toy that smells irresistible and feels great for chewing. It’s especially ideal for homemade kitten toys, but senior cats will love it too.

Want extra flair? Decorate it with a face using fabric markers—it becomes a cute toy cat and a chew toy in one.

2. Yarn Ball with Bell Inside

DIY yarn cat toys are simple, satisfying, and give your cat something squishy to bat around the room like a lunatic at 3AM.

Wrap yarn around your fingers until it forms a thick ball, slip in a small jingle bell or feather before tying it off tightly. This becomes a sensory-rich, stimulating cat toy that’s excellent for kittens and adults alike. It checks all boxes: soft, noisy, and fun to chase.

This also falls under the list of good cat toys for bored cats—especially if your feline’s stuck indoors all day.

3. Cardboard Roll Puzzle Feeder

Time to turn your trash into treasure. Grab those toilet paper rolls—they’re gold for diy cat stimulation toys.

Cut small holes into a toilet roll, fill it with dry treats or kibble, then fold the edges closed. As your cat bats and rolls it, the treats fall out. Boom—instant cat enrichment diy.

This is perfect for mental stimulation, especially if you’ve got a brainy fluffball that gets into trouble when bored. It also falls under diy cat toys cardboard, one of the most affordable and eco-friendly ways to entertain your cat.

Prefer something ready-made? Try our Green Leaf Cat Toy – Slow Food Puzzle, designed to deliver that same satisfaction, without the DIY effort.

In Image: Green Leaf Cat Toy

4. Felt Mouse Teether Toy for Kittens

Young cats love to chew—so why not make homemade kitten teething toys that are both functional and adorable?

Cut a piece of felt into a mouse shape, stitch around the edges leaving a hole to stuff it with soft fabric or catnip, then sew it shut. Add button eyes or a string tail (safely secured). You’ve now got a diy felt cat toy that’s squeakably cute and chew-friendly.

These are excellent toys for kittens that double as enrichment and relief for sore gums. Plus, they just look like something out of a childrens toy cat catalogue.

5. Door Hanging Ribbon Teaser

Cats love to jump. This cat toy for door setup encourages full-body play, giving your cat a burst of physical activity.

Tie colourful ribbons or strings to a secure clip or suction hook and hang it from a doorframe. It swings and sways every time the wind blows—or your cat walks past it. Think of it as a cat toys hanging jungle gym.

Want the upgraded version? Try our Interactive Plush Cat Teaser Wand – Cartoon Design, which brings the same energy but with plush textures and irresistible squeaks.

In Image: Interactive Plush Cat Teaser Wand – Cartoon Design

Advanced DIY Cat Toys: For Smart & Curious Cats

Now, let’s level up for the feline Einsteins who get bored too easily. These diy cat toys to keep them busy are a little more advanced—but worth it.

DIY Hide & Seek Box

Take a shoebox, poke holes on the top and sides, and drop in small toys or treats. Your cat will spend ages fishing them out.

It’s a cat hide and seek toy that taps into natural foraging behaviour. Especially good for indoor cats or when you’re not home—it’s one of the best cat toys for self play around.

This also serves as a toys to keep cats busy essential, combining mental and physical activity in a way cats love.

In Image: Interactive Electric Cat Toy, Motion Activated, Chirping, Hide & Seek

DIY Cat Puzzle Feeder Maze

Glue toilet rolls upright inside a shallow box. Drop treats into random tubes and watch your cat work to retrieve them. It’s like a DIY version of those expensive puzzle feeders.

Keywords that describe it? Cat enrichment ideas diy, diy cat enrichment, and an all-around good interactive cat toy that keeps your cat’s brain ticking.

In Image: Dog Puzzle Toy Slow Feeder IQ Food Dispenser Non-Slip Bowl

Outdoor Adventure Wand Toy (For Supervised Play)

Want outdoor cat toys that don’t cost £50? Grab a stick, tie a feather or fabric strip to the end, and you’ve got yourself an adventure-ready teaser.

Wave it like prey, drag it along the grass, or let your cat chase it across the patio. It’s engaging and promotes healthy movement.

 Want the convenience of indoor play with the same vibe? Check out our USB Cat Toy – Durable Caterpillar Teaser, perfect for when the outdoors isn’t an option.

In Image: USB Cat Toy – Durable Caterpillar Teaser

Not Feeling Crafty? Our Favourite Ready-Made Alternatives

We get it—making cat toys at home isn’t everyone’s thing. Here are some top picks from our shop that serve the same purpose without the glue sticks and lint everywhere.

1. Hot Cat Toys Set – Ball, Stick, Leaky Food Puzzle

This 3-in-1 set offers the best of cat toys for stimulation. A mix of interactive and self play cat toys that entertain your feline without your constant involvement. Plus, it’s an affordable cat toy option for pet parents who want variety.

In Image: Hot Cat Toys Set High Cat Stick, Turntable Ball & Leaky Food

2. White Cat Tunnel Toy – Dragon Playground

Think of this as the premium version of DIY cardboard cat toys—but it’s foldable, breathable, and, let’s be honest, a lot prettier.

Great for hide-and-seek or zoomies. One of our most popular cat toys for curious kitties.

In Image: White Cat Tunnel Toy - Interactive Dragon Playground for Cats

3. Smart Electric Plush Bouncing Cat Toy

This one’s a no-brainer if you’re after cat activity toys but don’t want to DIY. It hops, bounces, and squeaks—keeping your kitty entertained for hours.

Hands down, one of the best toys for cats alone at home.

In Image: Smart Electric Plush Bouncing Cat Toy

4. LED Robot Fish – Interactive Water Play

Water + motion + glow = genius. It mimics swimming prey and is easily one of our most unique cat toys.

Whether you’ve got a curious kitten or a water-loving weirdo, this cat entertainment toy is a winner.

In Image: LED Robot Fish Cat Toy – Interactive, Glowing, Swims!

5. Rechargeable Flapping Bird Toy

Real flapping wings, lifelike sound, and catnip? This is the ultimate stimulating toys for cats when you can’t be around.

It’s not just a toy for a bored cat—it’s a showstopper that even the grumpiest of felines won’t ignore.

In Image: Rechargeable Cat Toy Chirping Flapping Bird with Catnip

FAQs About DIY Cat Toys

Q. What Are Good Cat Toys for Bored Cats?

A. Boredom can lead to destructive behaviour, especially in indoor cats. The best way to avoid it? Keep their little paws and brains occupied with diy cat toys that combine play, stimulation, and reward.

For starters, cardboard cat toys are a must. You can turn toilet rolls into mini treat puzzles or create tunnels from shipping boxes. Pair that with diy yarn cat toys, which give them something soft to bat and carry, and you’re halfway to a feline playground.

Q. How Do You Make Safe Toys for Kittens?

A. When it comes to kittens and toys, safety is everything. Their teething stage means they’ll chew on anything, so stick to soft and chew-friendly materials.

Felt and yarn are perfect for making homemade kitten toys, especially little teether mice or mini puffs. Just avoid anything with sharp edges or loose, swallowable parts. Buttons and beads? Nope. Feathers? Maybe—only if you’re supervising.

You’re aiming for safe cat toys that provide stimulation but won’t pose a hazard. That means no rubber bands, small plastic bits, or anything that could be chewed off and swallowed.

Q. What’s the Best DIY Cat Toy for When I'm Away?

A. Leaving your cat alone? That’s when self play cat toys shine. But if you’re going DIY, go for enrichment + autonomy.

Try hide and seek boxes or diy cat stimulation toys—simple puzzle feeders where they fish out treats. Or drop a toy into a box with holes and watch them spend hours trying to retrieve it.

Q. Are DIY Cat Toys Better Than Store-Bought Ones?

A. For budget, bonding, and creativity—yes. But if you want motion sensors, LED lights, or cat toys for smart cats that self-activate, you’ll need some help from the pros.

The sweet spot? Use both. Mix do it yourself cat toys with store-bought options to keep your cat's interest levels high.

Bonus Ideas: Crafting Fun for You and Your Kitty

DIY Toy Box for Cats

You’ve made a dozen toys—now where do you keep them?

Build a cat toy house or simply reuse a decorative wooden box. Add compartments, maybe even wheels, and it becomes a little garage for their stash. Throw in a wooden cat toy or two and you’ve got both decor and organisation sorted.

If you’re serious about cat equipment toys, this one’s an essential add-on.

DIY Cat Toy Names & Labels

Make it a family activity! Involve your kids in naming each toy you create. It turns a regular sock ball into “Sir Bouncy Whiskers.”

Use label stickers or chalkboard tags on your toy box. Add fun, quirky cat toy names and you’ve instantly got a line of personalised children’s cat toys that are safe, creative, and memorable.

If nothing else, it’ll make your next Instagram caption a lot more fun. #ToyKittens

Final Thoughts – Making Cat Toys at Home Is Easier Than You Think!

Just a Few Materials + Creativity = Kitty Bliss

If you've got socks, scissors, and a bit of imagination, you’re already halfway to building your own diy cat toy empire. Cats don’t need luxury—they need stimulation, play, and love.

Let them chase, swat, bite, pounce. The more variety, the more joy. Whether it's a cat play toy, a diy catnip toy, or a tunnel made from leftover boxes—your efforts will go a long way.

Shop or Craft? Why Not Both!

Blend your homemade toys for cats with ready-made gems. If DIY feels too time-consuming one day, head over to My Pet Health Shop and check out our full range of cat toys and accessories—from high-tech to hand-woven.

Because sometimes the best cat playground is a mix of love, creativity, and the occasional laser pointer.