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Catnip Toys
Cats love catnip! Making your own catnip toys at home is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your kitty entertained. Simply fill old socks, pouches, or small cloth bags with dried catnip. Sew the top closed tightly and watch your cat go crazy batting and chewing on their new favorite toy! You can also rub catnip on cardboard scratchers, cat beds, or towel knots to create a playful environment. Catnip contains an oil called nepetalactone that triggers a euphoric response when smelled by about 50% of cats. It is non-addictive and perfectly safe when used appropriately. Always supervise your cat when playing with catnip toys. Learn more about safe uses of catnip from ASPCA.
Puzzle Feeders
Challenge your cat's mind and reward their natural hunting instincts by making puzzle feeders or treat-release toys. These provide mental stimulation along with physical activity. Cut a few holes or slits in an empty tissue box, cardboard tube, plastic bottle, or small storage container. Make the openings just big enough to allow dry kibble to fall out when batted around. You can also place treats inside a paper bag or cardboard box for your cat to sniff out and tear open. Another idea is to put small treats inside a toilet paper tube or mailing tube and fold over the ends - cats will bat it around persistently to get the goodies inside. Check out more DIY puzzle feeder ideas from Preventive Vet.
Cardboard Scratching Posts
Save money on store-bought scratching posts by making your own from recycled cardboard and carpet scraps at home. All you need is some large cardboard boxes, old carpet or towel pieces, a utility knife, and strong glue. Cut the cardboard into tall, sturdy posts or wide scratching pads. Make sure they are stable enough to withstand vigorous scratching without toppling over. Next, use the glue to firmly affix carpet pieces over the cardboard - wrap it around edges for maximum durability. You can also attach sisal rope for added texture. Finally, rub some catnip on the finished scratchers to make them even more enticing! Place near furniture that your cat tries to scratch to divert attention onto their new appropriate scratching surface. Learn step-by-step instructions for making a simple cardboard cat scratching post from The Spruce Pets.
Treats from Your Kitchen
Many common human foods are safe and healthy homemade treats for cats when given in moderation. Try baking unseasoned chicken, turkey, beef, or fish in the oven, then cutting into bite-sized pieces when cool. Other nutritious options are baby carrots, blueberries, unsweetened yogurt, and sweet potatoes. Some human foods can be dangerous for cats, so always check a reputable list before feeding people food to your pet. The AKC has a great guide to human foods cats can and can't eat. When trying new treats, introduce in small amounts and watch for any signs of gastrointestinal upset or allergies.
Catnip Kick Toy
This easy no-sew catnip toy will send your cat into a frenzy of kicks and attacks! To make it, you'll need an old sock, dried catnip, scissors, and string or ribbon. First, fill the sock about halfway full with loose dried catnip. Next, tie a strong knot in the open end, leaving a small amount of excess sock material above the knot. Use scissors to trim off the extra sock above the knot. Finally, tie a 12-18 inch piece of string or ribbon securely around the knotted end. Drag the toy around the floor to engage your cat's strong prey drive and kicking instincts. The catnip scent will drive them wild! Get full step-by-step instructions for making a simple and fun catnip kick toy from Cole & Marmalade.
Treat Dispensing Toys
Keep your curious cat entertained for hours by transforming household items into fun treat-releasing toys. An easy option is to take an empty paper towel or toilet paper tube and poke small holes all along it with a skewer. Then fill the tube with dry kibble or tiny treats. As your cat bats it around the room, yummy rewards will spill out of the holes. This mimics the action of catching prey in the wild. You can also tape or glue treats inside an empty cardboard box, paper bag, or mailing tube. The noise and smell will grab kitty's attention. They'll work persistently to tear open the container and fish out the goodies inside. DIY treat dispensing toys provide mental stimulation, physical activity, and allow cats to indulge their natural foraging instincts.
Outdoor Play Enclosures
Let your indoor cat safely enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the outdoors by building a DIY catio or cat enclosure. Use wood, chicken wire, and wire mesh to construct an enclosed patio space or outdoor "catio" attached to your home. Make sure to include ramps, perches, scratching posts, and toys. You can also build a free-standing outdoor cat enclosure or cat run in your yard from PVC pipe or wood posts. The enclosure should be partially shaded and protected from wind or rain. And remember to completely cat-proof it by burying fencing and using sturdy materials that can't be chewed through. Your cat will love being outside while staying safe from cars, predators, and wandering off.
Personalized Cat Trees
Purchased cat trees can be quite expensive, so why not build your own custom creation? Make it as simple or elaborate as you wish with your cat's personality in mind. Purchase sisal rope, wood posts, and fabric or carpet scraps from a craft store. Attach slanted wood posts to a sturdy base, then wrap the posts in sisal rope for scratching. Add carpet-covered platforms in varying heights and shapes so your cat can climb and perch at different levels. Include some dangling toys, hiding spots, and ramps between platforms. Building your own one-of-a-kind cat tree allows you to cater the design exactly to your pet while saving money. Consult this guide for how to build a cat tree.
Making your own cat toys, scratchers, treats, and furniture at home is easy, affordable, and lets you customize activities to your feline friend's interests. Offer a variety of textures, movements, challenges, and structures to keep your cat engaged and entertained, both mentally and physically. Get creative and have fun bonding while you craft toys together! Most importantly, remember that the cardboard box the toys came in will probably end up being your cat's favorite new napping spot.
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