Cats are undeniably taking over the world! From famous cat celebrities on Instagram to charming cat cafes, and an abundance of cat-themed accessories, our feline friends have captured our hearts. They truly have us wrapped around their adorable paws.
My own cat, Jax, is no exception. He definitely rules the roost in our household, and now, he’s even inspired me to create these fun and easy DIY cat toys!
Cat owners, you know “THE LOOK”! It’s that irresistible, pleading gaze that’s impossible to ignore. How can anyone refuse such a request?
If your cat has been giving you “THE LOOK” frequently lately, it probably means they want you to learn how to make some exciting homemade cat toys. After all, they deserve the best playtime experience possible.
You’re in luck! I’ve got three modern, stylish, and incredibly easy DIY cat toy ideas for you: a stimulating puzzle box, an irresistible catnip sock, and an engaging wand toy.
Your cat will absolutely love these toys because they promise hours of playtime fun. And you’ll love them because they are inexpensive to make, and they’re stylish enough to show off to all your fellow crazy cat lovers!
Keep reading to discover how to create these affordable DIY cat toys. Get ready to unleash your creativity and make your cat’s playtime even more exciting!
Table of Contents
- Simple & Easy DIY Cat Toys from Curbly
- Simple & Easy DIY Cat Toys From Around The Web
- DIY Cat Condos
- DIY Cat Scratching Posts
- The Best Cat Toys to Buy
- What do cats like to play with?
- What kinds of toys are safe for cats?
- How often should I play with my cat?
- Do cat toys need to be cleaned?
Simple & Easy DIY Cat Toys From Curbly
DIY Cat Wand Toy with a Wooden Twist
Are you ready to take your cat’s playtime to the next level? Say goodbye to disposable toys and hello to a handmade creation with character. Learn how to make a unique DIY cat wand toy with a touch of natural wood that will keep your furry friend entertained for hours.
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Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Irresistible DIY Catnip Stick Sock Toys
How simple and easy DIY that is sure to make your furry friend love you with these DIY catnip stick socks for cats.
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Crafting a DIY Cat Food Puzzle Game with 3 Simple Materials
A DIY Project perfect for kids for your furry feline friends. A Cat puzzle that is sure to keep your cat entertained.
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Simple & Easy DIY Cat Toys From Around The Web
DIY Macaron Cat Toys
This is quite possibly the cutest homemade cat toy tutorial I’ve seen! And also, puts me in the mood for macarons…
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How to Sew Your Own DIY Catnip Stuffed Cat Toy
I love this DIY catnip toy because felt holds up well to claws.
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DIY Toilet Paper Roll Treat Ball
Who knew you could use empty toilet paper rolls to make free DIY cat toys?!
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DIY Cat Wand with Pom Poms
For the modern cat, try this minimal DIY cat wand toy.
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DIY Cat Condos
DIY Wood Cat Tent
This sweet homemade cat tent allows your cat to hide, rest, scratch, and look so hip all at once!
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DIY Cat Hammock
This simple yet stylish DIY cat hammock stays tucked out of the way by being mounted on the wall.
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Faux Cactus Cat House
There’s no tutorial posted for this cute faux cactus cat condo, but the picture is pretty clear! Just make sure to sand the cut edges of the pot so kitty doesn’t cut herself.
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DIY Mid Century Dog Bed
You can adapt the plans for this dog bed to fit your cat…or give your cat a dog-sized bed, I’m sure she’ll love the extra space to sprawl.
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DIY Cat Tree From a Real Tree
Real branches bring the outdoors in for your cat, and for you.
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Cat Condo: Made from a Wood Pallet
You can turn old pallets into a DIY cat condo with this clever tutorial.
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DIY Cat Condo Using Ikea Tables
This blogger turned two LACK tables into a multi-level cat chill zone.
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DIY Cat Teepee
You’ll love the cost of this DIY cat tent: absolutely free. See how to turn scarves and branches into an elegant, boho cat hideout.
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DIY Cat Scratching Posts
Colorblocked Scratching Post DIY
Beautiful AND functional, this scratching post is the perfect place for cats to reach up and scraaaaatch. Scratching is an important part of play, too, to allow cats to establish their territories.
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DIY Cactus Cat Scratcher
What’s better than cats? Cats and cacti, of course.
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Minimal DIY Cat Scratcher
Not all cats like vertical scratchers; it’s good to have a horizontal option too! This DIY scratcher fits the bill and looks chic doing it.
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DIY Rainbow Cat Scratching Post
Learn how to make a beautiful, modern Rainbow DIY cat scratch pad that your cats will be completely obsessed with — and you’ll love to have out on display!
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The Best Cat Toys to Buy
To buy, or DIY? That’s always the question for us makers. If you’re looking fore more time to play with your feline family members, consider going with store-bought toys.
I showed you my favorite electronic cat toys above. Now, give these other options a try.
Songmics Large Multi-Level Cat Tower
Cats are excellent time-sharers, but when you have a large fur family, it’s best to provide everyone with a perch. That’s why this cat tree is a great option for multi-cat households.
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Vesper Cat Tree
If you’re looking for a mid century style cat tree, this is the highest-rated choice. The best part is the huge sisal poles for scratching.
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PetFusion Ultimate Cat Scratcher Lounge
I’ve seen this lounger in action, and the glowing reviews are fully justified. Cats love it!
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Furhaven Deluxe Playground
For those who have more floor space, this cat condo has it all: plenty of scratching posts, perches on multiple levels, and even an integrated puzzle toy!
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Petstages Dental Kitty Chew Wheel
Ideal for younger cats, but still good for adults—this toy satisfies that urge some cats have to chew on everything.
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The Cat Dancer
A cheap but amazing cat toy that bounces around at the slightest hand motion, fluttering erratically like a moth. You’ll be amazed at how little effort it takes to get the laziest cat on her feet with this toy.
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GoCat Da Bird
This wand toy is an absolute MUST for cat households. Even if you think your cat doesn’t like chasing birds after testing his prey preference, it’s worth giving Da Bird a go. It truly is the best cat wand toy on the market.
When you twirl the wand in the air, the feathers make a “whoosh,” just like bird wings in flight. Every cat I’ve used this toy with has leaped and even somersaulted to try to catch it!
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What do cats like to play with?
Maybe you’ve just come home with a new feline addition to your family, or you’d like to help your current kitty companion shed that extra pound by playing with her more.
Learning a little about how cats like to play will get you two having fun play sessions in no time!
What types of toys do cats like?
In the animal kingdom, play is all about practice. For predatory animals like cats, this means practicing the hunt. Kittens learn how to hunt by observing their parents and play stalking and attacking each other.
Our house cats don’t need to hunt since their food comes from a can.
But, they don’t know that! Cats still have strong hunting instincts, and they love to play to hone their skills.
This means, cats like toys that resemble “prey.” Depending on your cat’s personal preference, she may like chasing birds, mice, insects, or all three.
To find out which type of prey your cat prefers to chase, try playing with her using a toy that moves or sounds like a bird. The wand toy above is great to use here.
See how she reacts when you move the toy like a bird. Then, try a toy that moves like a mouse, and one that moves like an insect. Does she react more strongly to one or the other?
If you’ve never done this before and aren’t sure what to do, watch some nature shows of big cats hunting and notice how the prey moves, and how the cats respond!
Try to make your cat’s toys come to life as different prey. Your kitty will love “hunting” the toys.
Puzzle toys are also wonderful to get your cat interested in playing. While this type of toy doesn’t move, your cat has to use his senses to work out how to access the treats.
This is just like trying to hunt for a small animal that has hidden itself.
What toys do cats hate?
There are many household objects that make fun, free cat toys, like crumpled pieces of paper, boxes, and toilet paper tubes.
But, did you know that cats hate tin foil? They despise the sound it makes and the texture under their paws.
The same goes for sticky surfaces, like double-sided sticky tape. (Incidentally, this means that both of these items can