Cats have varying appetites for play.
Some are content to spend their time soliciting scritches, demanding food, and watching the world go by from the top of their cat tree.
But others seem physically compelled to play for hours each day. And if you don’t help them scratch this instinctual itch, they’ll find their own ways to entertain themselves (generally, by knocking delicate or valuable stuff off the kitchen counter).
No matter which side of the spectrum your cat falls on, it is important for owners to provide their cat with opportunities to play. And the easiest way to do this is by providing your kitty with some fun toys.
Best of all, you don’t even have to buy anything – you can make several kinds of great cat toys yourself.
We’ll share three great DIY cat toys you can create for your cat using stuff you already have on hand.
Three DIY Cat Toys: Easy, Low-Cost Cat Enrichment
All three of these do-it-yourself cat toys are based on time-tested versions offered by pet-product manufacturers. So, while there are few guarantees where felines are concerned, they’re pretty likely to capture your cat’s attention and lead to hours of playtime.
1. Hide-and-Seek Toy
One of the niftiest cat toys around, a hide-and-seek toy (often called a hide-and-seek box) essentially consists of a box with a couple of balls inside. Holes are cut into the sides of the box, giving your cat the chance to bat around the balls. We’ll admit, it seems a bit bizarre that cats enjoy these kinds of toys so much, but many four-footers simply love them.
Supplies:
- Medium to large cardboard box
- Sharp knife or scissors
- Duct tape
- One or more tennis balls
- Small glass
- Permanent marker
Instructions:
- Start by placing the balls inside the cardboard box.
- Tape the box closed securely.
- Place the small glass on the cardboard box and trace its perimeter with the marker to make a circle.
- Repeat this step several times on five of the six sides.
- Cut out the holes with the scissors to give your cat access to the balls.
- Let your cat start playing!
Tips:
- The size of the holes is important. They should be smaller than the balls, so the balls remain contained, yet large enough for your cat to fit her paws through the hole comfortably.
- For bonus points, you can consider making holes of other shapes, including long slots or triangular shaped holes.
- Balls aren’t the only toys worth trying with hide-and-seek toys. You can also place cylindrical objects (such as tennis ball cannisters or cylindrical potato chip containers) inside.
- Balls that contain internal bells or rattles will almost always draw more attention.
2. Flirt Pole
A flirt pole (which is sometimes called a teaser stick, feather wand, or any number of variations on this theme) is fantastic for cats with well-developed prey drives. Essentially consisting of a small “lure” that’s tied to a long stick, flirt poles drive many cats wild. You will have to operate the flirt pole yourself, but you can easily do so while relaxing on the couch or scrolling on your phone.
Supplies:
- Stick or rod of some kind, about 2 to 3 feet long
- 2- to 3-foot-long length of string or cord
- Lure of some type; this can be a small plush toy, a clump of feathers, or just about anything your cat will find enticing
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Tie the lure to one end of the string
- Tie the other end of the string to the stick or rod
- Start waving it around enticingly in front of your cat!
Tips:
- Feel free to experiment with several different kinds of lures until you find one your cat likes. Often, the best lures are made from a soft ball of some kind (such as a pom pom or stuffed sock), with feathers or yarn attached to the outside. Just make sure it is safe for your cat to paw, capture, and chew.
- If you want to put in a little more work to achieve a more durable toy, you can drill a hole through the end of the stick, then pass the string through the hole before tying it on. You can do the same thing for the lure.
- Some owners have found that a long piece of flexible wire (such as a thin metal guitar string) works better than a conventional string, as the springy nature of the wire imparts even more tantalizing movement on the lure.
- Some cats will play with a flirt pole that’s fixed to a stationary anchor, such as a cat tree or door handle.
- If your cat doesn’t seem interested in the lure, you may consider adding some catnip to it. Internal rattles may also increase her desire to capture it.
3. Puzzle Feeder
Puzzle feeders are great for most cats, and they can be especially helpful for encouraging lazy cats to get a little exercise. Simple devices, puzzle feeders are merely containers with small holes. You place a few treats or bits of dry food inside, and your cat has to roll or toss the container around to get the pieces to tumble out.
Commercially manufactured versions typically have some type of adjustment mechanism that allows you to adjust the difficulty. This is a bit tricky for DIY versions, but you can always experiment with different hole sizes until you find the perfect size for your pet.
Supplies:
- Small container or cardboard tube
- Sharp knife or scissors
- Duct tape
- Permanent marker
- Treats or dry food
Instructions:
- Start by sealing the cardboard tube or container with duct tape.
- Trace the outline of a piece of kibble or cat treat in two or three places on the outside of the container or cardboard tube.
- Cut out the holes using the marker lines as a guide.
- Cram a few treats or pieces of kibble through the holes – it should be slightly challenging to do so.
- Roll it across the floor to your cat and let her enjoy!
Tips:
- Hole size is even more important when building a puzzle feeder than it is when making a hide-and-seek toy. Not only do you have to experiment to find a size that allows the treats or food to fit through the hole without falling out too easily, but you also have to be prepared to make adjustments based on your cat’s abilities and interest level.
- A tennis ball will also work for the container, but you may need to experiment with other cutting tools to get through the thick rubber. Best of all, you can make the tennis ball “reloadable” by cutting a long slit in one side. When you squeeze the ball, the hole should open, allowing you to fill it. Then, when you release pressure, the slit will close back up.
- A plastic jar with a screw-on lid also works well as a reusable puzzle feeder that’s easy to reload.
- It’s often helpful to fill puzzle feeders with super-tasty treats, which you don’t normally give your cat. This will help increase her willingness to put in the work necessary to access them.
Have Fun Making DIY Cat Toys, But Keep Safety at the Forefront of Your Mind
The cat toys shared above should largely be safe for cats, but you must always use your own judgement to keep your cat safe.
Avoid using glues or adhesives if your cat is likely to chew on parts of the toy, and always be sure that any component that’s small enough to be swallowed is securely attached to the main toy. For example, if you attach pom poms to your cat’s flirt pole lure, be sure that your cat can’t pull them off.
Additionally, it is always a good idea to monitor your cat during the first few play sessions (this is true of any toy – be it purchased or homemade). Finally, be sure to inspect all toys regularly for signs of wear.
It’s important to provide your pet with the chance to play and enjoy some physical and mental stimulation – especially during those times you’re not at home. Many cats get bored and lonely when their person leaves, and toys can help them cope a little better.
Of course, if you’re planning on leaving the house for more than a few hours, you should consider enlisting the help of a professional cat sitter. A sitter can not only help ensure your kitty remains safe and enjoys a bit of company while you’re gone, but he or she can also make sure your kitty has all of her favorite toys within her paw’s reach.