19 Homemade Cat Toys Your Furry Friend Will Love

Are you ready to unleash a world of fun for your feline friend without breaking the bank? Look no further! This article is your ultimate guide to crafting 19 engaging and budget-friendly cat toys right from the comfort of your home.

In a world where store-bought toys can often be pricey and short-lived, homemade alternatives offer a creative, cost-effective solution that your cat will adore.

DIY cat toys not only spark your cat’s curiosity and stimulate their senses but also provide a delightful bonding experience for both of you.

Imagine the joy of watching your cat pounce, play, and explore new textures and movements with toys made by your own hands.

Dive into our collection of inventive ideas and discover how everyday household items can be transformed into exciting playgrounds for your furry companion.

Let’s embark on this crafty adventure and enrich your cat’s playtime with endless possibilities!

Easy Homemade Cat Toys

1. Sock Octopus Toy

Turn an old sock into an exciting toy that will delight your cat for hours. Start by filling the sock with crinkly paper or a sprinkle of catnip for added allure.

Secure the open end with a knot, then cut and fray the remaining fabric to create multiple “legs” resembling those of an octopus.

This simple DIY toy is sure to captivate your furry friend with its intriguing texture and rustling sound. The dangling legs encourage playful swats and pounces.

2. Cardboard Scratch Pad

Using corrugated cardboard, you can craft a sturdy scratching pad for your cat. Stack several layers in a box or frame and secure them with non-toxic glue.

Allow it to dry completely before introducing it to your cat. This cost-effective solution satisfies your cat’s scratching needs while being kind to the planet, as it reuses materials.

Position the scratch pad in a favorite scratching spot to protect your furniture and offer your cat a fulfilling scratching experience. It’s a green, sustainable option that’s easy on your wallet.

3. Yarn Ball

Create a delightful toy by rolling up soft yarn into a medium-sized ball. Ensure it’s tightly wound and securely tied to prevent unraveling during play.

This lightweight and gentle toy is perfect for your cat to bat and chase around the house. Add a touch of catnip inside for extra allure, making playtime even more exhilarating.

The movement and texture of the yarn ball provide endless entertainment, keeping your cat engaged while you enjoy watching their playful antics. It’s an easy and fun project that adds excitement to your pet’s day.

4. Pom-Pom Balls

Get creative with colorful yarn to make pom-pom balls, offering your cat a vibrant and dynamic play experience. Craft them in various sizes to keep things interesting and stimulating.

These lightweight toys are ideal for your cat to swat and chase, encouraging active play. Pom-poms are soft and safe for indoor use, ensuring they won’t damage your home.

Plus, making them is a quick and enjoyable activity that allows you to craft multiple toys in one go. These cheerful balls bring joy to both you and your feline friend.

5. Feather Wand Toy

Unleash your cat’s hunting instincts with a delightful feather wand toy. Start by gathering colorful feathers and securely attaching them to a robust stick. You can use strong glue or simply tie them with a ribbon for a pop of color.

This toy is designed to mimic the movement of prey, providing your cat with hours of interactive fun. Wave it gently in the air and watch as your cat leaps, bats, and engages in playful antics.

The combination of bright colors and soft textures not only makes it visually appealing but also ensures it is safe for indoor use. This toy is not just about entertainment; it also encourages physical activity and strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend.

6. Treat Puzzle Roll

Turn an empty cardboard roll into an exciting treat puzzle that will keep your cat engaged and mentally stimulated. Begin by cutting small holes throughout the roll, just big enough for treats to occasionally escape.

Fill the roll with your cat’s favorite treats and securely seal the ends using tape or paper to challenge your feline friend. As your cat rolls the toy around, they’ll be working hard to solve the puzzle and release the delicious rewards inside.

This activity not only provides mental stimulation but also rewards your kitty with tasty treats, encouraging longer playtimes. It’s an excellent way to keep your cat entertained while also promoting problem-solving skills.

7. Catnip Pillow Toy

Create a soothing yet fun catnip pillow toy by sewing a small pillow from soft fabric. Fill it with a mix of cotton and catnip, ensuring the edges are securely stitched to withstand vigorous play.

The catnip inside is irresistible to cats, offering a calming effect while doubling as a soft toy to chew and cuddle. This versatile toy is perfect for solo play, allowing your cat to enjoy some quiet time or a cozy nap.

It’s a wonderful addition to their toy collection, providing relaxation and fun all in one. Whether your cat is in a playful mood or wants to unwind, this pillow toy is a go-to choice for endless enjoyment.

8. Tin Foil Ball

Craft a simple yet captivating tin foil ball that is sure to become your cat’s new favorite toy. Roll a small piece of tin foil into a tight ball, ensuring there are no sharp edges for safe play.

This lightweight, shiny ball captures your cat’s attention with its crinkly texture and light-reflective surface. It’s perfect for chasing, batting, and pouncing, especially on smooth floors where it can roll effortlessly.

Not only is this toy quick and easy to make, but it’s also incredibly cost-effective, allowing you to create new ones anytime. Enjoy endless hours of fun and excitement as your cat plays and exercises with this easy-to-make toy.

9. Plastic Ring Toss Toy

Create an exciting plastic ring toss toy for your cat by gathering several plastic rings like those from shower curtains. These rings are perfect because they are lightweight and easy for cats to push around and carry in their mouths.

The different colors make them visually interesting, sparking your cat’s curiosity. Lay the rings on the floor and watch as your cat hooks its paw through them, tossing them playfully. This simple yet effective toy engages your cat’s natural hunting instincts and provides endless entertainment.

It’s a great way to keep your cat active and mentally stimulated without requiring much effort from you. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose household items into a fun toy for your furry friend!

10. Yarn-Wrapped Ball

Make a yarn-wrapped ball by wrapping thick yarn around a foam or plastic ball. Secure the end with non-toxic glue to keep the yarn in place.

This toy is perfect for your cat because the combination of the soft yarn and the hard ball underneath gives them something to both bat and bite.

The ball is the perfect size for your cat to chase across the floor, stimulating exercise and mental engagement. As your cat plays, they’ll enjoy the texture of the yarn, making it a favorite.

11. Ribbon Hanging Toy

Create a ribbon hanging toy by attaching colorful ribbons to a stick or doorway. As the ribbons sway with the breeze, they entice your cat to jump and swat at them, offering a fun and interactive playtime.

Use ribbons of varying colors and lengths to keep the toy visually appealing and engaging. This toy is easy to assemble and provides a safe environment for your cat to exercise and express their curiosity.

By encouraging your cat to leap and stretch, it promotes physical activity, helping them stay healthy and happy indoors. Engage your cat’s playful nature with this simple yet effective homemade toy.

12. Sock Mouse Toy

Transform an old sock into a mouse toy by stuffing it with fabric or cotton, then adding felt ears and a nose.

Sew the sock closed and use a marker or fabric paint to draw eyes, completing the cute look. This soft, plush toy is ideal for your cat to wrestle with and carry around.

To make it even more exciting, you can add a small amount of catnip inside, turning it into your cat’s favorite toy.

13. Foil Ball Toy

Create a shiny foil ball for your feline friend by tightly crumpling a piece of aluminum foil into a small, round shape. Make sure it’s smooth and free of any sharp edges.

The reflective surface will catch your cat’s eye, while the crinkling sound will spark their curiosity, encouraging them to chase and bat it around. This simple yet engaging toy offers an interactive play experience, keeping your cat entertained for hours.

As the ball rolls smoothly on hard floors, it encourages your pet to stay active, promoting healthy exercise. Best of all, it’s an easy and cost-effective way to bring joy to your pet’s day!

14. Cork and Feather Toy

Transform a wine cork into an exciting cat toy by attaching colorful feathers to one end. Start by drilling a small hole in the cork, insert the feathers, and secure them with non-toxic glue.

This toy is perfect for batting, biting, and chasing, as the feathers mimic the movement of small prey, keeping your cat’s hunting instincts sharp.

The cork’s lightweight design makes it easy for your cat to carry around. It’s an affordable and sustainable option that provides hours of fun, engaging your cat in active play and mental stimulation.

15. Paper Bag Hideout

Turn a simple paper bag into a world of adventure for your cat. Place the bag on the floor, open it, and let your curious kitty explore to their heart’s content.

The rustling sound and enclosed space provide an intriguing environment perfect for pouncing and hiding. This hideout satisfies your cat’s curiosity, offering a secure yet entertaining space for solo play.

It encourages independent exploration, giving your cat a playground of their own that requires minimal setup. This makes it a cost-effective option for indoor playtime that never gets old.

16. Fabric Fish Toy

Craft a delightful fabric fish toy by cutting two pieces of fabric into a fish shape and stitching them together, leaving a small opening. Stuff the toy with cotton or catnip before sewing it closed.

This soft, bite-sized toy is perfect for your cat to wrestle, bite, and cuddle. The addition of catnip makes it even more enticing, providing relaxation and a stimulating play session.

This cute and functional toy appeals to a cat’s instincts and senses, offering both comfort and entertainment in one adorable package.

17. Cardboard Box Maze

Transform an ordinary cardboard box into an exciting adventure for your cat! Cut out various holes in the box and place enticing treats or small toys inside.

Your cat will have a blast reaching through the holes to grab their rewards. This maze not only encourages your kitty’s natural curiosity, but also sharpens their problem-solving skills as they figure out the best angles to retrieve their goodies.

It’s a fun, do-it-yourself puzzle that stimulates both the mind and body, all while using materials you probably already have at home.

18. Floating Ping Pong Ball Game

Create a delightful splash of fun with this Floating Ping Pong Ball Game! Fill a shallow dish with water and place a ping pong ball on top.

As your cat taps the ball, it bounces unpredictably across the water’s surface, captivating their attention. This game provides a unique sensory experience, allowing your cat to explore the feel of water and the lively motion of the ball.

It’s a wonderful way to keep your feline friend active, especially on warm days when they might enjoy a refreshing splash.

19. Sock and Pom-Poms Bag

Turn an old sock into a playful pom-pom bag for your cat! Fill the sock with colorful pom-poms and securely tie the open end.

This soft, vibrant toy invites your cat to pull out the pom-poms or bat around the entire sock. The blend of soft textures and bright colors is irresistible to cats, appealing to their natural instincts.

This simple yet versatile toy offers hours of solo play, encouraging your cat’s hunting instincts and satisfying their love for batting objects.