Cats are naturally curious and love to explore, but they can quickly lose interest in the same old toys. Instead of constantly buying new ones, why not make your own?
DIY cat toys are a fun, budget-friendly, and creative way to keep your feline entertained while also ensuring their safety. Plus, research shows that interactive play reduces stress, prevents obesity, and strengthens the bond between you and your cat.[1]
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best DIY cat toys you can easily make at home, using materials you probably already have.
Crinkly Paper Ball – The Simplest DIY Cat Toy
🏠 What You Need:
- A sheet of A4 paper (or any scrap paper)
✂️ How to Make It:
- Crumple the paper into a lightweight ball.
- 🐾 Pro Tip: Tease your cat with the ball before giving it to them—this builds curiosity and excitement!
🐱 Why Cats Love It
According to Dr. John Bradshaw, cats are instinctively drawn to objects that mimic prey movements. A simple crinkly paper ball can trigger their hunting instincts, making it one of the best homemade cat toys for playful felines.[2]
⚠️ Safety Tip: Avoid plastic or metallic paper, as it may pose a choking hazard. Always use safe, pet-friendly materials.
DIY Yarn Pom-Poms – Soft and Fluffy Fun
🏠 What You Need:
- A fork
- A bundle of soft yarn
- Scissors
✂️ Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Wrap the yarn around the fork several times.
- Tie the middle tightly with another piece of yarn.
- Cut both sides of the wrapped yarn.
- Fluff it up and trim uneven edges to create a perfect pom-pom.
🎨 Want a detailed tutorial? Check out this step-by-step guide on Instructables
🐱 Why Cats Love It
Many cats love soft, fluffy textures because they resemble prey, such as small rodents. These DIY yarn pom-poms are a safe, budget-friendly alternative to store-bought plush toys.[3]
⚠️ Safety Tip: Never give loose yarn to your cat—it can be dangerous if swallowed. Always ensure the pom-pom is securely made.
📌 Looking for more safe enrichment ideas? Read ASPCA’s Cat Enrichment Guide.[4]
DIY Treat Dispenser – A Fun Puzzle for Smart Cats
🏠 What You Need:
- A toilet paper roll
- Small cat treats
- A paper bag or an empty plastic container
✂️ How to Make It:
- Take a toilet paper roll and fold the edges inward to partially close the openings.
- Place small treats inside and let your cat figure out how to retrieve them.
Alternative Methods:
- Use a paper bag (remove handles for safety) and hide treats inside.
- Repurpose a plastic food container (smooth any sharp edges with a lighter).
🐱 Why Cats Love It
Research from Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine suggests that food puzzles prevent obesity, reduce boredom, and improve problem-solving skills.[5]
Bonus: DIY Slow Feeder & YMOAs Smart Slow Feeder
If your cat eats too quickly or needs to lose weight, a slow feeder can make mealtime more engaging! Studies from PetMD show that using slow feeders prevents bloating, reduces vomiting, and promotes better digestion.[6]
DIY Slow Feeder Ideas
🧊 Ice Cube Tray – Choose a tray with larger compartments to slow down eating.🥚 Egg Carton – Disinfect and dry before use. The irregular shape makes food harder to reach.
🥤 Paper Cup Maze – Tape paper cups together at different heights for a DIY challenge.
While DIY options can be fun and effective if you’re looking for a durable and stylish everyday feeding solution, investing in a dedicated slow feeder is a great choice.
The Ceramic Slow Feeder Bowl with Acacia Wood Stand features a classic design and durable material, making it a perfect long-term option. For those who want a combined feeding and hydration setup.
The Elevated Ceramic Food & Water Bowl Set with Wooden Stand offers both a slow feeder and a water bowl in one elegant design.
FAQ: Common Questions About DIY Cat Toys
1. What are the safest materials for homemade cat toys?
Paper, felt, soft yarn, and untreated cardboard are safe materials. Avoid plastic, rubber bands, and anything with small parts that could be swallowed.
2. How can I make DIY cat enrichment toys using everyday household items?
Use household items like paper balls, old socks, or toilet paper rolls to create budget-friendly cat enrichment toys.
3. Are DIY cat toys safe for kittens?
Yes, but ensure toys are soft, large enough to avoid swallowing, and free from loose threads or sharp edges.
References：
[1]American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). (n.d.). How Play Affects Cat Behavior. Retrieved from https://www.avma.org/cat-play-guide
[2] BBC Science. (2013). The Hunting Instincts of Domestic Cats. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/science/hunting-instincts-cats
[3] The Spruce Pets. (n.d.). Why Cats Love Soft and Fluffy Toys. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/fluffy-toys-for-cats
[4] ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). (n.d.). Feline Enrichment and Play. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/feline-enrichment
[5] Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. (n.d.). The Benefits of Food Puzzles for Cats. Retrieved from https://www.vet.cornell.edu/cat-food-puzzles
[6] PetMD. (n.d.). How Slow Feeders Improve Digestive Health in Cats. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/cat-slow-feeders