Cats are natural-born hunters and curious adventurers—boredom is their arch-nemesis. But you don’t need fancy gadgets or pricey toys to keep your feline friend entertained. With just a little creativity and some household items, you can craft toys that spark endless fun and wild play sessions. From feather wands that mimic fluttering prey to simple cardboard mazes begging to be explored, these 20 DIY cat toys will have your kitty pouncing, batting, and zooming around in no time. Get ready for hours of joy, laughter, and maybe a few shredded socks—because when cats play, the fun is unstoppable! Ready to turn your home into a playground that any cat would dream of? Let’s get crafting!
Feather Wand
Feather wands can brighten any cat’s day. With feathers as light as a whisper, the colorful wand dances through the air, mimicking the flight of a bird. Cats become entranced by its erratic movement, leaping and swatting with exuberance.
To create one, all you need is a wooden stick and a few feathers. Attach the feathers securely to one end of the stick using string or glue.
Watch as your feline friend pounces, eyes wide with excitement. This simple toy is perfect for interactive play, stimulating your cat’s hunting instincts. A fun fact: Birds’ feathers have always fascinated cats!
Pom-pom Balls
Pom-pom balls are a delightful treat for cats. These soft and colorful balls can be made using yarn or wool, providing a squishy texture that’s irresistible to a curious paw.
To make them, wrap yarn around a fork, tie tightly in the center, and cut the loops for a fluffy ball. Cats love to bat them around, chasing and pouncing with unending energy.
Place a few around the house, and watch your feline become an acrobat. Did you know? Yarn toys stimulate cats’ natural hunting instincts, satisfying their playful curiosity.
Cardboard Box Maze
Every cat’s paradise can start with a simple cardboard box. By cutting holes in several boxes and stacking them, you create a maze that’s perfect for hiding and exploring.
Cats can spend hours darting in and out, peeking through holes, and stalking imaginary prey. It’s a playground and a sanctuary all in one.
Not only is this toy fun, but it’s also made from recycled materials. Place some treats inside the boxes to enhance the explorative fun. Cardboard boxes are a cat’s best friend—an inexpensive way to entertain and engage.
Paper Bag Hideout
A paper bag on the floor may seem mundane, but to a cat, it’s an invitation to adventure. The crinkly sound and enclosed space make it an irresistible hideout.
Place the bag on its side, and let your cat investigate. They’ll love the sound and feel of the paper as they pounce, hide, and ambush imaginary foes.
It’s an excellent way for them to engage their senses. An ordinary paper bag becomes an extraordinary playground, proving that sometimes the simplest things bring the greatest joy to our feline friends.
Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle
What can you do with an empty toilet paper roll? Turn it into a puzzle, of course. By filling the roll with treats and crimping the ends, you’ve got a fun and tasty challenge for your cat.
Cut small holes into the roll so treats can fall out as your feline bats it around. This toy encourages problem-solving and satisfies their curious nature.
It’s a simple way to create a rewarding game that keeps your pet busy and happy. Fun fact: Cats’ love for puzzles is linked to their natural hunting instincts.
Sock Mouse
Old socks can become a favorite toy for your feline. By filling a sock with stuffing or catnip and tying it off, you’ll create a plush mouse they’ll love to chase.
Add some embroidered eyes and whiskers for a touch of character. This homemade toy mimics the size and shape of real prey, engaging your cat’s natural hunting instincts.
Watch them bat, toss, and cuddle their new friend, delighting in the scent of catnip. A sock mouse can quickly become a beloved companion in your cat’s toy collection.
String Chase
There’s a timeless charm in dragging a string across the floor. Cats find it irresistible, chasing with gleaming eyes and twitching tails.
Using a piece of yarn or ribbon, dance the string along the ground, mimicking the movements of prey. Cats will leap, swat, and pounce, turning playtime into an exciting chase.
This simple toy brings out their playful side, providing endless entertainment. A string chase game not only entertains but strengthens the bond between you and your feline friend.
Bottle Cap Spinner
Who knew bottle caps could be so entertaining? By threading a few colorful caps onto a string, you create a spinner that cats love to bat and chase.
Hang it from a doorknob or hold it in your hand, and watch your feline friend become mesmerized by its spinning dance.
The caps rattle and spin, capturing your cat’s attention and encouraging playful swats. It’s a simple yet effective way to engage their senses and keep them active. Try it and watch their delight!
Crinkle Tunnel
Crinkle tunnels bring a world of adventure to your cat’s playtime. Using aluminum foil sheets, roll them into a tube and let the fun begin.
The shiny and noisy tunnel captures their curiosity, encouraging exploration and playful antics. Cats enjoy the crinkly sound as they crawl through, hide, and pounce.
It’s an exciting playground that stimulates their senses and satisfies their adventurous spirit. Crinkle tunnels are a fantastic way to keep your feline entertained and engaged.
Ping Pong Ball in a Box
Simple yet effective, a ping pong ball in a box becomes an enthralling game for cats. Place the ball inside, and watch as your feline tries to bat it around, chasing the elusive prize.
The enclosed space adds an extra challenge, as they nudge and pounce with determination.
This toy is perfect for honing their coordination and reflexes. It’s a delightful way for them to engage their playful instincts, creating endless entertainment from a simple setup.
Yarn Ball
A simple ball of yarn can be a source of endless amusement. By tightly wrapping yarn into a ball, you create a toy that’s perfect for batting and chasing.
Ensure the ball is secure so no loose threads can harm your feline. Cats adore the texture and feel of the yarn, nudging and rolling it with delight.
Place it in their play area, and watch the fun unfold. Yarn balls stimulate your cat’s natural instincts, providing a playful outlet for their energy and curiosity.
Catnip-filled Glove
An old glove can become a treasure trove of fun. Fill it with catnip and sew it shut, creating a plush toy that your cat won’t be able to resist.
The scent of catnip is a powerful lure, drawing them in for cuddles and play. Cats enjoy pawing and nibbling at the soft fabric, finding endless joy in their new toy.
It’s an inventive way to repurpose an old item, providing comfort and excitement for your feline friend. Catnip toys are a timeless favorite, bringing happiness to cats everywhere.
Wand with Ribbons
A wand with ribbons becomes a dance of color and movement. By tying vibrant ribbons to a stick, you create a toy that captivates your cat’s attention.
Wave it through the air, and watch as your feline leaps and twirls, following the enchanting trail.
This toy encourages physical activity and fosters a bond between you and your pet. The swirling ribbons mimic the movements of prey, engaging their hunting instincts. It’s an exciting and interactive way to keep them entertained.
Sisal Rope Ball
Sisal rope offers a satisfying scratch and chase experience for cats. By wrapping sisal rope into a ball, you create a toy that satisfies their need to scratch and play.
The texture is perfect for their claws, providing a healthy outlet for their natural instincts.
It’s a great way to keep them entertained while protecting your furniture. Place it in their play area, and watch them bat, chase, and scratch with joy. Sisal rope balls are a must-have for any cat’s collection.
Ice Cube Chase
An ice cube, simple and refreshing, can turn into a playtime delight. Place one on the floor, and watch as your cat chases the slippery prize across the room.
The cold texture and unpredictability create an engaging challenge that keeps them entertained.
It’s an excellent way to provide activity on a hot day, and cats love the cool sensation under their paws. Ice cube chase games offer a refreshing twist to playtime, adding variety to their routine.
Paper Ball
A crumpled paper ball may be simple, but it offers endless possibilities for fun. Cats love the noise and texture as they bat and chase it around the room.
The lightweight nature makes it easy to toss and swat, providing a satisfying game for your feline friend.
Scatter a few paper balls around, and watch your cat become an agile acrobat. It’s an inexpensive and creative way to keep them entertained, proving that sometimes the simplest toys bring the greatest joy.
Treat Dispenser
Turn a toilet paper roll into a fun treat dispenser. Fill it with your cat’s favorite treats, and let them figure out how to retrieve the delicious rewards.
Crimp one end to create a slight challenge, keeping them engaged as they bat it around.
This toy encourages problem-solving and satisfies their natural curiosity. Treat dispensers offer a rewarding playtime experience, combining mental stimulation with tasty treats. It’s an enjoyable way to keep your feline entertained and satisfied.
Felt Mice
Felt mice are an adorable addition to your cat’s toy box. Sew small mice-shaped toys from felt, and stuff them with catnip for added allure.
The soft texture and enticing scent create a toy that’s irresistible to cats.
They’ll love batting, tossing, and cuddling their new friend. Felt mice offer a touch of whimsy to playtime, providing endless entertainment and comfort. The crafting process adds a personal touch, making it a cherished toy for your feline companion.
Puzzle Feeder
Challenge your cat’s mind with a puzzle feeder. By hiding treats inside a cardboard box with holes, you create a game that stimulates their problem-solving skills.
Cats will eagerly paw and nudge the box, trying to reach the tasty rewards inside.
It’s a fun way to engage their senses and keep them mentally active. Puzzle feeders provide a rewarding and enriching playtime experience, satisfying their curiosity and love for treats.
Ribbon Streamer
Ribbon streamers offer a lively and captivating playtime experience. Attach long, flowing ribbons to a stick, and watch as they create a mesmerizing dance in the air.
Cats are drawn to the movement, chasing and leaping with unbridled enthusiasm.
This toy encourages physical activity and provides an interactive way to bond with your feline friend. The colorful ribbons add a touch of magic to playtime, engaging their senses and hunting instincts.