7 Simple Cat Toys to Make With Household Items
Let’s be honest—our cats would rather play with the empty box the toy came in than the toy itself. I’ve lost count of how many fancy feather wands and electronic mice are sitting neglected under my couch while my cat happily bats a crumpled receipt across the floor.
That’s why I love making DIY cat toys. They’re free, take five minutes, and honestly, they’re often more entertaining than anything from the pet store. If you’re looking for a fun afternoon project (or just want to save some money), here are seven ridiculously simple cat toys you can make with things you already have at home.
Grab your scissors, dig through that junk drawer, and let’s get crafting. Your feline friend will thank you—probably with a head butt or two.
1. The Classic Toilet Paper Roll Treat Dispenser
You know those cardboard tubes you always toss in the recycling bin? Stop right there. They’re perfect for keeping your cat busy for a good ten minutes (which, in cat time, is basically forever).
Here’s the trick: fold one end of the tube shut like you’re wrapping a present. Drop a few treats or a single piece of kibble inside, then fold the other end closed. Make sure it’s not too tight—your cat needs to be able to pry it open with some effort.
For an even better version, cut a few small holes in the tube so the treats fall out when your cat rolls it around. The crinkly sound alone will drive them wild. It’s messy, it’s noisy, and my cat absolutely loses her mind every single time.
Pro tip: if your cat is a little too good at this game, try taping two tubes together for a longer, more challenging puzzle.
2. The Sock Fish (No Sewing Required)
Got a lonely sock missing its pair? You’ve just found the base for the best cat toy ever. I don’t know why cats love these so much, but they really do—something about the shape and the floppy movement just triggers their hunting instincts.
Stuff the sock with a little bit of poly-fill, old fabric scraps, or even a handful of crinkly plastic bags (the ones from the grocery store are perfect). Add a sprinkle of catnip in the middle if you have it. Then, just tie a knot at the open end. That’s it.
The best part? No sewing. No glue. Just a knot. You can even leave the toe end longer to make a little “tail” that flicks around when your cat pounces.
My cat carries hers around the house like a proud trophy. It’s honestly the cutest thing I’ve ever seen—and it cost me absolutely nothing.
3. The Cardboard Box Maze or Castle
Look, we all know the real reason we keep cardboard boxes around. Cats are obsessed with them. But instead of just leaving a single box on the floor, why not take it up a notch? Build a little castle or maze using a few different-sized boxes.
Cut holes in the sides of each box—big enough for your cat to climb through but small enough to feel like a secret tunnel. Tape the boxes together in a line, or stack them up to make a multi-level fort. It doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect. Honestly, the jankier it looks, the more your cat will love it.
For extra fun, drop a jingle bell or a small toy inside one of the boxes. Your cat will spend hours trying to fish it out through the holes. It’s like their own personal whack-a-mole game.
When the boxes start looking tired (usually after a week of serious abuse), just recycle them and build a new one. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
4. The Wand Toy Made From a Dowel and Old Ribbon
Wand toys are great for interactive play, but they’re surprisingly expensive for what they are. All you really need is a stick, some string, and something crinkly or fluffy on the end. I used a wooden dowel I found in a craft drawer, but a chopstick or a sturdy plastic straw works too.
Tie a piece of string or yarn to one end of the dowel. Then, tie a ribbon, a scrap of fabric, or even some aluminum foil (crinkled into a ball) to the other end of the string. That’s literally it.
Drag the toy across the floor like a mouse, flutter it through the air like a bird, or wiggle it under a rug to mimic something hiding. The motion is what matters—your cat won’t care that it’s not a $15 store-bought wand.
One important note: always supervise play with string toys and put them away when you’re done. We don’t want anyone eating the string, if you know what I mean.
5. The Cardboard Scratching Post Protector
Is your cat ignoring their expensive scratching post and going straight for your sofa? I feel your pain. Instead of buying a new post, try making the old one irresistible again. All you need is some cardboard and a little patience.
Cut a piece of thin cardboard (like from a cereal box) into strips, then crumple them up. Place the crumpled cardboard at the base of the scratching post, or even better, wrap the post itself in a layer of corrugated cardboard. Cats love the texture of corrugated cardboard—it’s the perfect scratching surface.
You can also rub a little catnip on the cardboard to draw your cat in. Once they start scratching, they’ll realize it feels amazing, and they’ll keep coming back.
This isn’t just a toy—it’s a behavioral fix. And it works way better than those plastic couch protectors, trust me.
6. The Ping-Pong Ball in a Muffin Tin
This one is a favorite in my house because it’s so easy and so silly. Grab a metal or silicone muffin tin (the one you actually bake with is fine, just make sure it’s dry). Place a ping-pong ball or a small jingle ball in one of the cups.
That’s the whole setup. Your cat will see the ball, try to get it out, and when the ball rolls out, they’ll chase it and bat it back in. It’s a never-ending cycle of entertainment—for both of you.
If you don’t have a muffin tin, an ice cube tray or even a shallow baking dish with some crumpled paper balls works just as well. The key is having a smooth surface that allows the ball to roll easily.
It’s not high-tech, but it taps into that deep feline instinct to hunt and bat at small moving objects. My cat will do this for a solid twenty minutes before she gets bored.
7. The Simple Paper Bag Hideout
I’m ending this list with the most low-effort toy of them all: the paper grocery bag. Don’t overthink this one. Just lay a paper bag on its side and leave it on the floor. That’s it. Your cat will be inside within seconds.
To make it a bit more exciting, crumple up a few pieces of paper and toss them inside. You can also cut a couple of peepholes in the sides so your cat can spy on you from their secret hideout. It’s basically a cat cave, and they’ll guard it like it’s Fort Knox.
Plastic bags are a big no-no for unsupervised play, but paper bags are generally safe as long as the handles are cut off. Always supervise playtime just to be safe.
I’ve bought my cat so many fancy beds and tunnels, and her absolute favorite “toy” is still a crumpled paper bag. Sometimes the simplest things really are the best.
Wrap Up: Homemade Toys Are Where It’s At
There’s no need to spend a fortune on cat toys when you have a house full of potential entertainment. These DIY treats are not only budget-friendly, but they also give your cat something new and exciting to explore. Plus, there’s a special kind of joy in watching your cat go wild over something you made with your own two hands.
So, next time you’re about to throw out a cardboard tube or a lonely sock, think twice. Your cat might just find their new favorite toy in the recycling bin.
FAQ: Your DIY Cat Toy Questions, Answered
Q: Are DIY cat toys safe for my cat?
A: Generally, yes, but always supervise playtime. Avoid small parts that could be swallowed, and never leave string or ribbon toys out when you’re not around. Cardboard and paper are safe, but always remove tape and staples.
Q: How do I get my cat interested in a new toy?
A: Rub a little catnip on it or move it around in a way that mimics prey—quick, jerky movements work best. Some cats just need a little time to warm up, so don’t give up too quickly.
Q: How often should I rotate my cat’s toys?
A: Cats get bored easily. Try rotating toys every few days. Put some away and bring out others. It makes old toys feel new again, and your cat will be much more engaged.
Q: What household items should I avoid?
A: Avoid anything with sharp edges, small plastic pieces, or toxic materials. Steer clear of tin foil (the sharp edges can hurt their mouths) and always cut loops off any string or ribbon.
Q: My cat only likes the box, not the toy. Is that normal?
A: Totally normal. Cats are weird, and they love boxes. If your cat prefers the box, just put the toy inside the box. Problem solved.
