The holidays are filled with joy, family, and celebrations, but for many cat parents, they can also bring stress and concern about ornaments. Cats often pull down tinsel, jump on breakable decorations, and sometimes cause more chaos than anticipated.

As a result, some cat parents remove ornaments entirely or exclude their cats from tree decorating altogether.

But there’s an affordable solution: catnip ornaments! These provide a fun, safe, and budget-friendly way to decorate your home for the holidays while keeping your cat entertained.

Why Catnip Ornaments Are the Perfect Choice

Cats love to play, and during the holiday season, it can be challenging to ensure all your decorations are cat-friendly. Breakable ornaments are especially at risk when curious cats explore the tree.

Why Do Cats Play With Christmas Ornaments?

Cats are naturally curious and love to jump, pounce, and bat at objects that move or shimmer. Dangling items, shiny decorations, and small toys immediately attract their attention.

Are Catnip Ornaments Safe?

Yes! Catnip ornaments are among the safest ways to decorate for the holidays while still allowing your cat to interact with your décor. They satisfy your cat’s natural instincts without posing the risks associated with glass or fragile ornaments.

The Cost of Commercial Catnip Toys

Commercial catnip toys can be expensive, and finding ornaments with a holiday theme may be difficult. By making your own, you can create a matching set that complements your seasonal décor while saving money.

Benefits of Affordable Homemade Catnip Ornaments

Homemade catnip ornaments offer multiple advantages:

• Affordable: Made from simple, inexpensive materials.

• Safe: Soft, non-toxic, and designed for feline play.

• Decorative: Perfect for hanging on a tree or using as wall décor.

• Entertaining: Cats love catnip, so they’ll play with ornaments instead of risking breakable ones.

DIY ornaments are not only affordable but also make wonderful holiday gifts for cat parents. They allow you to combine festive décor with interactive toys for your cats.

Materials Needed to Create Catnip Ornaments

Making homemade catnip ornaments is simple and doesn’t require special tools or expensive supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Fabric: Felt, cotton, or other soft fabrics. Felt is especially good for hand sewing. Choose festive colors to match your holiday theme.

• Catnip: Use high-quality dried catnip for best results, or fresh catnip if preferred.

• Thread and Needle: For sewing your ornaments together. Fabric glue is also an option for a no-sew approach.

• Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors work best for clean cuts.

• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill, cotton, or fabric scraps to give the ornaments shape and fullness.

• Ribbon or String: For hanging ornaments on the tree or around the house.

• Optional Decorations: Embroidery, felt cutouts, or securely sewn buttons. Avoid small decorations your cat could swallow.

With these materials and a little creativity, you can make festive catnip ornaments without spending much money.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Catnip Ornaments

Even if you’ve never sewn before, making homemade catnip ornaments is straightforward.

Step 1: Choose Your Shape

Select the shape or design for your ornament. Popular options include stars, hearts, bells, and Christmas trees. You can use cookie cutters as templates for tracing shapes onto felt.

Step 2: Cut the Fabric

Cut two pieces of fabric in the same shape and size for each ornament.

Step 3: Sew the Pieces Together

Place the fabric pieces together, right sides facing inward. Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening for the filling. For no-sew ornaments, fabric glue can be used instead.

Step 4: Add Catnip and Stuffing

Fill your ornament with a small amount of catnip, followed by stuffing. Do not overfill; ornaments should remain soft and flexible.

Step 5: Close the Opening

Sew or glue the opening closed. Make sure it is secure so that catnip cannot spill out.

Step 6: Add Ribbon or String

Attach a ribbon or string to the top for hanging. Ensure it is firmly secured.

Step 7: Optional Embellishments

You can add embroidery, felt shapes, or securely sewn buttons for decoration. Avoid small pieces your cat could chew or swallow.

Tips for Cat-Friendly Ornaments

While catnip ornaments are generally safe, consider these tips:

• Monitor Play: Some cats may become overly excited. Supervise play to prevent accidents.

• Avoid Small Decorations: Beads, sequins, and buttons can be hazardous if swallowed. Only use securely attached decorations.

• Rotate Ornaments: Keep playtime fresh by rotating the ornaments your cat can access.

• Store Properly: Store unused ornaments in airtight containers to preserve catnip potency.

• Use Non-Toxic Materials: All fabrics, stuffing, and decorations should be safe if chewed. Avoid glitter and toxic paints.

Following these tips helps ensure your ornaments remain fun and safe all season.

Creative Variations for Catnip Ornaments

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can explore creative variations:

1. Fabric Patterns and Colors: Mix holiday-themed prints, stripes, or polka dots for unique ornaments.

2. Scented Ornaments: Add dried lavender or valerian root alongside catnip for added fragrance.

3. No-Sew Ornaments: Use felt and fabric glue for quick, kid-friendly projects.

4. Themed Sets: Create themed collections, such as “Santa’s Workshop,” with bells, stars, and candy cane shapes.

5. Interactive Toys: Add crinkle material or small bells (safely enclosed) to make playtime even more engaging.

Benefits of Catnip Ornaments

Catnip ornaments aren’t just fun—they offer several benefits for cats:

• Mental Stimulation: Encourages playful activity and reduces boredom.

• Physical Exercise: Chasing and batting ornaments helps cats stay active.

• Stress Relief: Catnip can have a calming effect for some cats.

• Safe Play: Provides a safe alternative to breakable or hazardous ornaments.

Homemade catnip ornaments combine safety, fun, and engagement for your feline friends.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Making catnip ornaments doesn’t have to break the bank:

• Use Fabric Scraps: Repurpose felt remnants, old clothes, or other fabric leftovers.

• Buy Catnip in Bulk: Purchasing larger quantities saves money over multiple seasons.

• DIY Stuffing: Use scrap cotton, pillow stuffing, or fabric remnants.

• Repurpose Decorations: Reuse ribbons, buttons, and other craft supplies.

These strategies allow you to create dozens of ornaments affordably.

Storing and Caring for Catnip Ornaments

To make your ornaments last longer:

• Keep Cool and Dry: Avoid storing in hot or humid areas to maintain catnip potency.

• Use Airtight Containers: Preserve the aroma and freshness of the catnip.

• Check for Wear: Inspect ornaments for loose threads or tears regularly.

• Refresh Catnip: Add fresh catnip to maintain your cat’s interest if the scent fades.

Proper storage ensures that your ornaments remain safe and enjoyable for years.

Conclusion

Affordable homemade catnip ornaments are the ideal choice for cat parents who want festive, cat-friendly holiday décor. They combine safety, affordability, decorative appeal, and entertainment in a way that store-bought ornaments often cannot.

With simple materials, creativity, and attention to safety, you can craft unique ornaments that provide hours of fun for your cat while enhancing your holiday decorations.

Save pin for later

• Author
• Recent Posts

Benjamin Otu Effiwatt

I'm the kind of person who says hi to dogs before people. Here, I share little tips, fun ideas, and everyday moments from life with cats and dogs. If you love homemade treats, silly pet habits, and making your fur babies feel extra loved, you're in the right place.

Latest posts by Benjamin Otu Effiwatt (see all)

• Why Cats Avoid Eye Contact - January 31, 2026
• How to Stop Cats From Climbing Where They Shouldn’t - January 31, 2026
• Why Dogs Get Hyper at Night - January 31, 2026