How to Make Cat Toys

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   Stuff a toilet paper roll with catnip to create a simple catnip holder. Take a cardboard toilet paper roll, and pinch the ends inward so they almost form a crescent-shape. Secure 1 of the folded ends with hot glue to seal the end closed, and allow the glue to dry for 1-2 minutes. Then, fill the toilet paper roll with 1-2 tsp (1-2 g) of dry catnip before closing and gluing the second end closed. Once the glue dries, you will have a simple catnip toy for your cat to play with. ^[6]

   • Personalize the exterior of the toilet paper roll by wrapping it in colorful felt so your cat’s claws can cling to it, or use markers to draw a smiley face or design onto the cardboard.
   • To hold your cat’s attention longer, slip a small bell inside the toilet paper roll along with the catnip.
   • You can also buy catnip spray to spritz onto the toy to make it more enticing for your cat. ^[7]
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   Fill a sock with tissue paper and catnip to make a long, crinkly toy. Crumple 5-6 pieces of tissue paper into loosely formed balls; use more or less tissue paper depending on the size of your sock. Then, take an old sock that does not have any holes or obvious worn spots in the fabric, and stuff it with 1-2 of the tissue paper balls. Add your desired amount of dry catnip into the sock, usually 1-2 tsp (1-2 g) and finish stuffing it with the remaining tissue paper balls. Then either tie off the end of the sock or use a needle and thread to stitch it closed. ^[8]

   • Instead of tissue paper, fill the sock with polyester or cotton fiberfill to make a plush toy.
   • Add a small bell inside of the sock to further stimulate and entertain your cat.
   • Make a smaller toy for your cat by using an infant’s sock and stuffing it with a little bit of cotton or polyester fiberfill and some catnip.
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   Make a catnip pillow by sewing two 4 by 4 in (10 by 10 cm) felt squares together. Use fabric scissors to cut 2 squares of felt—in a color of your choosing—that are approximately 4 by 4 in (10 by 10 cm) in size. Layer the fabric, and take a needle and thread to stitch together 3 sides of the squares to form a pouch. Fill the pouch with 1-2 tsp (1-2 g) of dry catnip and cotton stuffing to create a plush feel to the pillow. Then, seal the small pillow by stitching the last side closed. ^[9]

   • Instead of a simple square shape, consider cutting the felt into the shape of a fish, mouse, or another design of your choosing. Print a silhouette of your desired shape and trace it onto the felt to make the design process easier.
   • If you do not have any felt, use the fabric from an old T-shirt instead. This is a great way to put an old shirt to good use, and it will supply you with extra fabric to make more toys.
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   Transform a cardboard poster tube into a simple, colorful scratching post. Use standard cream-colored sisal rope to wrap the tube, or pick some rope that is dyed your favorite color to make it aesthetically appealing. Then, wrap the long piece of rope around the poster tube until all of the cardboard is covered. Secure the ends of the rope to the tube with hot glue to keep it from unraveling. ^[10]

   • The amount of rope you need greatly depends on the size of your tube, so bring it with you when you purchase your rope to help you gauge the amount you need.
   • Purchase the poster tube at your local post office, craft store, or online with major retailers. Pick up some sisal rope at your local craft or hardware store.
   • Have the post lay down or make it vertical by creating a base out of a cardboard box. Simply fill a small cardboard box with weighted items like large rocks. Seal the box with packaging tape to keep it from opening. Use hot glue or long strips of packaging tape to vertically secure the tube to the box.
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   Wrap a wooden stool with rope to create a sturdy, long-lasting scratching post. Take an old wooden stool and purpose it by wrapping the legs with sisal rope. Secure the ends of the rope to the wood with some hot glue. Size and cut a piece of carpet to fit the top of the stool, and secure it with hot glue. Once the hot glue dries, your cat will have endless fun scratching away at the covered stool. ^[11]

   • If you do not have a wooden stool, visit your local thrift store and purchase an inexpensive one. Your local department store may even have a plastic one to use as an alternative.
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   Turn a traffic cone into a lightweight scratching post for small living spaces. Put hot glue around the bottom portion of the cone where the triangular point meets the base. Begin wrapping your sisal rope, in a color and thickness of your choosing, around the cone on top of the glue. Continue laying a foundation of glue along the cone and wrapping it with the rope until the entire cone is covered. Then, allow it to dry for 1-2 hours before letting your cat scratch it. ^[12]

   • Purchase a rubber traffic cone in the sports section of your local department store or online with major retailers. Sisal rope can be purchased at a local hardware or craft store.
   • Consider spray-painting the traffic cone your favorite color before wrapping it with rope. This way any portion of the cone that is visible will be aesthetically pleasing.
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A "Cat chase ball track" is an easy toy for kids to make and cats to enjoy. And the people watching the cats will enjoy it too. All you need are two clear 6 inch plastic plates, a small snack cup, a ping pong ball, and some multi-purpose or plastic cement. All materials are available at the Dollar Tree. It takes about ten minutes to make and then the fun begins. Simply call your cat, put down the toy and the cat will do the rest.

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   Put glue on the top ridge of the bowl and place the glued side of the bowl so it is centered on one plate facing up. Let dry a few minutes.
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   Place glue on bottom ridge of the bowl and place ping pong ball on the bottom dish.
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   Place the second plate facing down so it is centered over the bowl. Let dry. Call your cat and enjoy.
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A cat wand is an easy toy for kids to make and cats to enjoy. All it takes is three items and maybe three minutes. You will need a rigid, reusable straw, a long shoelace, and some ribbon. When you are done, call your cat and both of you will have a good time.

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   Push the shoestring through the straw. A bamboo skewer is useful for this task.
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   Tie a knot in the end of the shoe string.
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   Cut three or more pieces of ribbon, each at least 4 inches long and tie them in a knot at the other end of the shoelace.
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   Now you have a cat wand; good for hours of fun for you and your cat.
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A variation of the "Cat Wand" is even simpler to make. You will need a clip, a string or shoelace, and a plastic Christmas ornament (not a glass one!).

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   Tie one end of the shoelace to the clip.
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   Tie the other end of the shoelace to the ornament.
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   Clip the cat wand to a window sill or a chair slat.

   • Now you have another cat wand; good for hours of fun for you and your cat. You can also clip the ball and string to a wooden or plastic rod to use and interact with your cat.
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A cat spinner is an easy toy for kids to make and cats to enjoy. All it takes is three items and maybe three minutes. You will need a small plastic plate (6" is best), a spinner, and three ping pong balls When you are done, call your cat. Both of you will have a good time.

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   Glue the spinner onto the center of the plastic plate.
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   Glue a ping pong ball on each arm of the spinner.
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   Now you have a cat spinner toy; good for hours of fun for you and your cat!
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