25 Adorably Easy DIY Cat Toys to Entertain Your Cat

Cats need mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and avoid boredom.

Because if you don’t give them that stimulation they will attack your hands and feet.

Yea, it’s kinda cute, I must admit. With my cat he gives me a warning meow, tilts his head, then…pounce!

But pouncing a toy is better for kitty, and better for me.

To help avoid all of that pent up energy, making some cool cat DIY toys (or even DIY climbing shelves) is a fun way to bond with your pet and save money at the same time.

I’ve found that homemade toys can be just as exciting for cats as store-bought ones. With some simple materials and a bit of creativity, you can make all kinds of toys your cat will love.

From crinkly pom-poms to feather wands, there are endless options to try.

In this article, I’ll share these quick DIY cat toy ideas you can make at home.

1. Feather Wand Toy

I love making feather wand toys for my cat because they’re easy and fun to create. A

ll you need is a wooden dowel, string, and colorful feathers. Simply tie the string to one end of the dowel, attach the feathers to the other end, and secure them tightly. Adding a small bell can make the toy even more exciting with its jingling sound.

Using different feathers keeps things interesting, and my cat goes wild chasing and pouncing on them. These DIY wands last longer than store-bought ones and are easy to refresh with new feathers. It’s a win-win for both me and my feline friend!

2. DIY T-shirt Cat Tent

This DIY cat toy is incredibly cute and easy to make with items found at home. Start by bending old wire hangers into a tent shape and taping them together for stability.

Slip an XL T-shirt over the frame, with the neck forming the tent opening, and tuck in any extra fabric.

For a comfy base, use a small cardboard box or folded towel inside the tent to provide a soft resting spot.

The finished tent serves as a cozy hideaway for naps or observing the room. This quick and budget-friendly project recycles old clothes and can be enhanced with decorations or a small toy for extra fun.

3. Cardboard Box Puzzle

To make this cat puzzle, start with a cardboard box and cut holes of various sizes on the top and sides.

Place treats or small toys inside to encourage the cat to reach in and retrieve them.

Adjust the hole sizes for difficulty and add obstacles or flaps for extra challenges.

Using different textures or crinkly materials inside can make the puzzle more appealing. It’s fascinating to see how quickly the cat figures out new ways to get to the treats. This DIY toy is easy to replace and is a great way to recycle delivery boxes.

4. Sock and Bell Toy

For this cat toy, use an old sock and a small bell. Stuff the sock with catnip or crinkly paper, then tie a knot at the open end to keep everything inside. Sew the bell onto the sock for extra jingle.

The soft texture is perfect for batting and kicking, while the bell grabs the cat’s attention. This DIY toy is easy to replace when worn out, offering a cheap and fun way to recycle old socks and keep the cat entertained.

5. Pom Pom Yarn Balls

Making DIY pom pom yarn balls for your cat is a simple and fun project. Gather yarn, scissors, and a pom pom maker or fork.

Wrap the yarn around the pom pom maker or fork until thick. If using a fork, slide the yarn off, tie it in the middle, and trim the loops.

Trim and fluff the pom pom, adding a bit of catnip for extra fun. Toss the yarn ball and watch your cat enjoy their new toy!

6. Catnip Knotted Rope

Creating a DIY catnip knotted rope is simple and will keep your cat entertained for hours. Gather a length of rope, catnip, and scissors.

Cut the rope to your desired length and tie a knot in the middle, securing it tightly. Add more knots if desired. Sprinkle and gently massage catnip into the rope.

Finally, let your cat enjoy the toy! The knotted rope and catnip provide plenty of playtime fun and stimulation.

7. Cat Tunnel

Making a cat tunnel from an old rug is a creative way to repurpose materials and provide your cat with a new plaything. Gather an old rug, scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, and a sewing kit or fabric glue.

Measure and cut the rug into a long strip, adjusting the width for your preferred tunnel diameter. Roll the strip into a cylindrical shape and secure the edges with sewing or fabric glue.

For added stability, sew or glue extra strips along the inside edges if needed. Let the tunnel dry completely if using glue, then place it in a fun spot for your cat to explore. Your furry friend will love their new cozy hideaway!

8. Homemade Felt Mouse

These felt mice are easy and adorable. Cut out two mouse shapes from felt, stitch them together, and stuff with cotton and a pinch of catnip. Add felt ears, a string tail, and use embroidery thread for eyes and a nose. My cats love these soft, safe toys, especially the smaller ones they can carry. Making extras ensures I always have spares, and it’s fun to watch them enjoy their new toys.

9. Cat Kicker Toy

Creating a DIY cat kicker toy is a fun project. Start with a piece of fabric, catnip, stuffing, and a sewing kit or fabric glue. Cut the fabric into a 10-12 inch long rectangle, fold it in half, and sew or glue the sides, leaving one end open. Stuff with catnip and stuffing, then seal the open end. Adding a few knots along the length boosts appeal. Your cat kicker toy is ready for hours of fun and exercise!

10. Wine Cork Toys

Yes, you can use wine corks for a DIY cat toy!

They’re inexpensive and cats love them. Simply tie a string around a cork and drag it for your cat to chase. For more fun, drill a hole through the cork, thread a string, and add feathers or bells.

You can also glue corks together to make shapes or create a “fishing rod” toy by attaching a cork to a stick with a string. These cork toys are great for batting and pouncing and are safe if swallowed. Just supervise playtime and replace them if they wear out.

11. Cat Ribbon Wand

Creating a DIY cat ribbon wand is quick and fun! Gather a wooden dowel, colorful ribbon, glue or tape, and scissors. Cut the ribbon into 18-24 inch lengths and attach them to one end of the dowel. Add small bells or feathers for extra excitement. Once the glue dries, wave the wand to let your cat enjoy hours of play. Store the toy safely after playtime to prevent accidents.

12. Toilet Paper Roll Tower

A DIY toilet paper roll tower is a great toy for your cat! Gather empty rolls, scissors, and glue. Cut the rolls into 2-3 inch segments and stack them into a tower, gluing each piece together. For added fun, hide small toys or treats inside some rolls. Once dry, place the tower where your cat can climb and play.

13. Cat Nip Yarn Ball

A catnip yarn ball is a fun and simple toy for your cat. Start by cutting yarn into lengths of about 12-18 inches. Wrap the yarn around your fingers to form a bundle, then secure it with a piece of yarn.

Add catnip by pressing some into the center or sprinkling it on the surface. You can wrap a bit more yarn around the catnip to keep it in place. Trim any excess yarn, and your catnip yarn ball is ready for playtime. Toss it to your cat and watch them enjoy the engaging scent and texture!

14. Puzzle Feeder

Making puzzle feeders for a cat is a great way to provide both entertainment and slow down their eating. Using an ice cube tray or egg carton filled with treats makes the cat work for their food. A cardboard box with holes or a sealed toilet paper roll with holes also keeps the cat engaged, with treats falling out as they play. These DIY feeders are simple to create and offer mental stimulation while extending mealtime fun.

15. Scratching Post with Dangling Toys

Making a scratching post for a cat is fun and cost-effective. Start with a sturdy base like a wood plank and attach a tall post wrapped in sisal rope, which cats love. Add light, hanging toys like small balls, feathers, or bells at the top with string. Ensure the toys are securely attached but not too heavy for easy batting.

This DIY project provides exercise and fun for the cat while protecting furniture. The toys can be swapped out for variety, keeping the cat entertained.

16. T-Shirt Cat Toy

Making a cat toy from old t-shirt strips is simple and eco-friendly. Cut an old t-shirt into 1-2 inch wide, 6-8 inch long strips. Tie a few strips together in a knot, adding more strips for fullness and varying colors for visual appeal. For extra fun, add knots or braid the strips. Shake the toy to fluff it up and toss it to your cat. The soft, crinkly texture will keep your cat entertained.

17. DIY Catnip Sock

To make catnip sock toys, start with an old knee-high sock. Cut off the foot part and tie a knot at one end. Stuff the sock with polyfill and about a teaspoon of catnip, then tie off the other end. These soft, durable toys are great for cats who love to kick and wrestle. They also make perfect gifts for cat owners. Always supervise playtime and replace the toy if it wears out.

18. Cat Feather Toy

To make a cat feather toy, attach feathers to one end of a stick using hot glue or tape. Mix feather colors for extra appeal. Once the glue dries, wave the stick to entertain your cat. It’s an easy way to engage your cat’s hunting instincts!

19. Simple Cat Tree for Apartments

Turning a bar stool into a cat tree is a clever way to create a cozy spot for your cat in a small space. Start by removing any existing seat cover. Upholster the stool with fabric or carpet scraps using hot glue or screws. Add additional levels or perches with small wood or cardboard pieces covered in fabric.

Sprinkle catnip on the platforms and attach some toys for extra fun. Once everything is secure, place the cat tree where your cat likes to hang out.

20. Catnip Fish Toy

These cat toys are cute and easy to make! Start with old denim or sturdy fabric. Cut out two fish shapes, sew them together, and stuff with cotton batting and dried catnip. Close the opening and add crinkly material for extra noise. Optionally, use fabric markers to draw eyes and fins. Cats love the catnip, whether or not the fish are decorated!