Let’s be honest, cats don’t need you to spend your life savings to keep them entertained. Matter of fact… some of the coolest toys I’ve given my cats over the years have come from my own trash can. Pretty awesome how that works, right? Which is why I love DIY cat toys. They’re easy, inexpensive, and—tbh—way more fun than picking something off a store shelf.
Oh, and if you’ve ever reached down to pick up one of those overpriced “fun toys” and watched your cat ignore it for a plastic grocery bag that magically appeared? Yeah… they don’t care how much something costs. Well, maybe cost DOES matter to you. So that’s why I put together this list of homemade cat toys that actually work.
Homemade Cat Toys That Work
Before we jump into the list, let’s talk about why DIY toys can actually be better than store-bought ones.
You see, cats are natural hunters.
They love to:
- Chase
- Pounce
- Bat
- Hunt
Most DIY toys trigger these instincts because they’re easy to move in unpredictable ways.
On top of that:
- You know what’s in them
- You can switch them up
- You save money
- You reuse items instead of throwing them away
Most importantly, you learn what your cat actually likes and can build on that.
Safety Note
I won’t harp on this too much, but there are a few things to consider before making ANY toy for your cat.
Try to avoid:
- Extremely small pieces that they can swallow
- Leaving yarn/string toys unattended
- Using sharp or harmful materials
- Not supervising when needed
Easy rule of thumb: If it can break apart easily, supervise your cat while they’re playing with it.
Ready to Jump In? Let’s Make Some Toys…
1. The Simple String and Stick Toy
We’re starting off with my favourite.
Materials Needed:
- Stick (or even a wooden spoon)
- String/yarn
- Small piece of cloth or paper
Super easy—tie one end of the string to the stick, then tie the cloth/paper to the other end.
Boom.
Why it works: It simulates prey.
Move it around the house and watch your kitty chase it. You can drag it, spin it, or bounce it.
My cats go bonkers over this toy.
2. Crumpled Paper Ball
Another super simple one, but it seriously works.
Materials Needed: Any piece of paper
How to: Crumple into a ball and toss. Done.
Why it works: The sound and lightweight feel make it easy and fun for cats to bat around.
Pro tip: Try different paper types—newspaper, craft paper, or packaging. You’ll be surprised what they prefer.
3. Fun Sock Catnip Toy
Love your cat? Stuff a sock with catnip and toss it.
Materials Needed:
- Old sock
- Catnip
- (Optional: rice or cotton for stuffing)
How to: Fill the sock and tie or seal the end.
Why it works: Cats love catnip—and something they can bite, kick, and claw? Instant favorite.
4. Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle Toy
Time to mix it up with a puzzle.
Materials Needed:
- Toilet paper rolls
- Small box
- Treats/kibble
How to: Place the rolls upright in the box, then drop treats inside.
Why it works: It challenges your cat to “work” for their reward.
5. Feather Teaser Toy
Birds = instant attention.
Materials Needed:
- Stick
- String
- Feathers (real or craft)
How to: Tie feathers to the string, then attach to the stick.
Why it works: Feathers mimic birds and trigger hunting instincts.
6. Cardboard Scratcher
Cats LOVE to scratch—so give them a proper outlet.
Materials Needed:
- Cardboard boxes
- Glue
How to: Cut cardboard into strips and glue them together or roll tightly.
Why it works: It satisfies their scratching instinct and protects your furniture.
7. Bottle Cap Spinner
Who knew bottle caps could be so fun?
Materials Needed:
- Bottle caps
- String
How to: Tie caps to a string and drag or hang them.
Why it works: The clinking sound grabs their attention.
8. Paper Bag Hideout
Not exactly a toy—but still a favourite.
Materials Needed: Paper bag (WITHOUT handles)
How to: Place it on the ground.
Why it works: Cats love hiding, exploring, and popping in and out.
9. DIY Ball With Bells
Materials Needed:
- Fabric
- Small bell
- Thread
How to: Wrap the bell in fabric and sew it into a ball.
Why it works: The sound keeps your cat engaged even when it stops moving.
10. Ice Cube Mystery
Materials Needed:
- Ice tray
- Small treats
How to: Freeze treats inside ice cubes.
Why it works: Encourages play and rewards curiosity.
Rotating Your Cat’s Toys
Here’s a secret…
Cats get bored VERY easily.
Even if they love a toy at first, they’ll lose interest if it’s always available.
Solution:
- Rotate toys every few days
- Hide some and reintroduce later
- Mix toy types (chase, puzzle, interactive)
Learn What Type of Toy Your Cat Likes
- Chasing → String toys
- Pouncing → Balls
- Hunting → Feather toys
- Problem-solving → Puzzle toys
The better you understand your cat, the easier it is to make toys they’ll love.
Homemade Toys = Happy Cats AND Humans
Playing with your cat does more than entertain them.
It builds trust, reduces stress, and strengthens your bond.
Homemade toys make that connection even better because you’re actively involved.
Saves You Money
Let’s be honest—pet expenses add up.
Homemade toys:
- Costs little to nothing
- Reduce waste
- Reuse items you’d throw away
Your cat doesn’t care if it’s store-bought or homemade—as long as it’s fun.
Things to Avoid When Making Cat Toys
- Buying expensive tools
- Using harmful materials
- Leaving unsafe toys unattended
- Getting frustrated if your cat ignores a toy
Remember—kitty toys can be SIMPLE.
Conclusion
Homemade cat toys are cheaper, fun, and easy to make. You don’t need to be crafty to create something your cat will love. If one idea doesn’t work, try another. Eventually, you’ll discover what your cat enjoys most.
As long as your cat is playing, jumping, running, and acting like a crazy little kitty, you’ve done your job. Better yet? You made something just for them.
What’s better than that?
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