DIY cat toys: From simple to interactive

11/12/2017 Pet supplies Share

We bring to your attention DIY cat toys. They will help your cat spend a couple of hours a day playing. True, if you don’t like noise, then place them where it won’t disturb you. Homemade toys from scrap materials are a good opportunity to please and entertain your kitten or seals.

Pipe

So, what kind of design is this? This cat toy is a type of educational toy; it is a closed tube with holes the size of tennis balls. There are several of the same balls inside. The cat enjoys playing with them, rolling them around and trying to catch them out of the pipe.

Making a toy

You need four plastic sewer pipes, more precisely, pipe corners with a diameter of about 20 cm, as well as a flexible plastic tube (cambric type) to secure the cut holes and improve them.

Wrap two or three turns of electrical tape around the narrower edge of the pipe. Cut two holes in each corner. We connect the pipes, tightly fitting each other into a single structure.

On the cambric we make a cut lengthwise and tighten each hole, we get holes that are safe for the cat, into which you can climb with your paw and play.

You can also put crumpled paper candy wrappers into the toy; tailed pets play with them with pleasure. True, you will have to collect garbage around the apartment more often. Such a toy for a cat can be bought ready-made in a store, but its cost will be more than 10 times more expensive than one made by yourself.

Homemade cat toy. Cheap and easy homemade cat toy

What's the use of it

There really are a lot of advantages to such an unusual toy. We'll deal with everyone. To put it very simply, a food puzzle is a food dispenser, that’s all. But…

Your pet will eat more slowly - and this is the key to his health and the foundation of longevity. And at the same time move a lot and invent ways to obtain food “hunting”.

By the way, zoologists agree that this type of nutrition is more correct than with free access to dry food.

1. If your pet has problems with excess weight, this useful device will help reduce the amount of food eaten and ensure the burning of excess weight through greater physical activity.
2. May help animals prone to vomiting from haste while eating. This toy feeder encourages leisurely eating of food or treats.
3. It forces you not only to exert physical effort, but also trains your cat’s intelligence. A homemade food puzzle for a cat will make it more active, dexterous, and smarter.

The principle of operation is this: the cat needs to think and act on the toy in a certain way in order to get the treasured treat. Food puzzles perfectly develop logical thinking and the “hunter” instinct.

In the wild, it is unlikely that you will come across a bowl filled with mice. And with such a toy, a whole world of adventure is open to the cat.

Physical activity increases and a new hobby appears that will protect your curtains and sofa from an overly active animal. In addition, this is a great activity for those times when our cat is left to his own devices. For example, when it’s night outside or the owners leave and leave the animal alone.

Mazes and puzzles

Flickr.com Educational toys are becoming increasingly popular among cat lovers.
These are labyrinths and puzzles with balls hidden inside, multi-level tracks, at the end of which the animal expects a prize: a mouse, a catnip ball, or some other thing. Such toys can occupy a cat's attention for a long time. This is a great way to entertain the animal while the owner is at work. But here, too, an important condition must be met - production must eventually become available.

The option with labyrinths and puzzles, in which the ball is locked tightly and the cat can only chase it inside without a chance to get it, is harmful to the mental health of the pet.

By the way, you can make such attractive toys yourself. For example, from cardboard boxes, cutting several holes in them into which a paw can fit. And cut plastic bottles connected with tape make an excellent labyrinth.

Option for an interactive toy made from pipes

Another version of the interactive toy is made from plumbing pipes.

For work you will need:

• four plastic elbows;
• drill with a special attachment.

Original part

Connect the water pipe elbows together to form a vicious circle.

Using a drill with a special attachment, make holes in them that only a cat's paw will fit through.

Process the edges and throw a rattling ball into the resulting maze.

Cat and mouse - game under the sofa

Cats love to play - everyone knows that. DIY cat toys are a good idea. One of their favorite games is to push a ping pong ball under the sofa and try to fish it out from all angles. So the idea arose - why not make such a toy - a cat and a mouse (game under the sofa).

There was only one question - how to make sure that the toy could be returned from under the sofa. After all, the balls roll very far and eventually get lost. There was one more question: to make your own “sofa” for a cat, which, while playing, clings to the fabric with its claws (and, accordingly, spoils the sofa itself).

A toy mouse and a return mechanism are used as a running mouse. The return mechanism is a metal tape measure, it can be bought for 100 rubles. at any newsstand. Do-it-yourself interactive cat toys in pet stores cost the same as toys for children (a lot). We will do no worse.

It was decided to make the cat's own sofa. A piece of chipboard, knocked down in the shape of the letter P, was used as a sofa.

All that remains is to cover it with carpet. A cardboard cylinder from toilet paper is used as a holder.

A mouse pulled from under the sofa comes back, which forces the cat to pull it out from under the sofa over and over again.

Here is the finished toy - a cat and a mouse under the sofa. The most important thing is that it can also serve as a scratching post for your cat.

A complex labyrinth made from improvised means

To take care of their pet, some owners buy comfortable carriers, clippers, closed trays, collars , and in order to entertain them, they build complex game labyrinths.

Although it will take more time to make such a toy for a cat with your own hands, you will only need available materials for it.

You can see ideas using egg containers, parts cut out of plastic bottles, yogurt cups and much more.

The cat found a toy tunnel

To create entertainment for the cat, take a sheet of plywood.

A labyrinth is created on it using glue, various sticks and planks.

Additionally, other elements listed above are also included.

The cat needs to figure out how to get around obstacles and get treats.

Miniature rattle

The next cat toy idea is to create a rattle.

The sound-making beads inside will attract the pussy's attention.

The cat will chase her like prey and try to catch her.

To create a toy you will need:

• medicine bottle;
• beads or other elements that will rattle inside;
• cover and/or tape.

Wash the empty jar; if there is a label, remove it.

Then place the beads inside.

Alternatively, you can use any small items such as seeds or bells.

The toy must be tightly closed so that the cat cannot reach the contents.

If the lid is not tight enough, you can wrap the neck with regular tape.

Soft toy for cat

Pet owners should remember that cats need attention and care. Original and exciting mouse toys will delight any cat. You can make such toys yourself from scrap materials. Moreover, if you choose colorful and bright materials, then such toys will be able to overcome the apathetic mood of even the most boring and clumsy cat. After all, if the cat is bored, and at the same time she is an active lady, then she will try to bite you once again on the hand or leg, and run around the entire apartment. Such toys will help solve the problem of boredom for a long time.

In this case, it is completely useless to purchase expensive toys; as practice shows, most often expensive toys only last for two to three days. Therefore, you can make many similar toys, diversifying them with your imagination.

For work you will need the following materials:

1. beads for eyes
2. pattern
3. cotton wool or padding polyester
4. the fabric is varied, preferably bright, it can be cotton, wool, etc.
5. needle
6. threads
7. laces
8. iron
9. scissors

We cut out a pattern from a piece of fabric according to the template.

First you need to cut out one side part, and therefore one bottom part. The fabric can be chosen in different colors and textures, so the side can be one color and the bottom another. Then we can turn the template over and cut out the remaining parts.

For the ponytail, we need to outline a rectangle on fabric measuring 2.5x10 cm and cut it out; you can also use a simple lace for the ponytail.

Now you need to make the ears, cut them out of the fabric and apply the two parts for the ears to each other with the wrong side.

If we make the tail from fabric, then you need to fold the rectangle in half lengthwise and fasten it with a seam, leaving an allowance of 5 mm. The ends of the strip should not be sewn together to turn the tail out. Now you can start sewing together all the parts for the mouse body. We attach the parts to each other and stitch them, do not forget that you need to fold them right sides together, with an allowance of 5 mm, then leave a hole on the back so that you can then stuff the toy with padding polyester. We turn it inside out and stuff it with padding polyester, insert the tail into the hole, sew everything tightly with a hidden seam and tie the tip of the tail with a knot.

We take the ears, fold the parts for them in half and sew them to the body with small stitches. It is recommended to make the eyes with a line stitch, but you can also sew on beads, but it is worth remembering that these are small parts and they must be sewn securely; if you are not sure, then just make a line stitch. Now the mouse toy is ready.

HAND MADE Mouse for cat

Simple DIY cat toys are a good idea. In order to please and entertain your cat, you don’t have to spend money; we’ll show you how to make a heart-shaped mouse stuffed with catnip and other toys for your pet from available materials. To prevent your cat from getting bored and spoiling his home environment, make several toys for him with your own hands.

Scented toy is not for everyone

Making such a tasty-smelling toy is a good chance to arouse the kitten’s interest in a new item. In this case, it is enough to have at home:

• sewing supplies;
• small pieces of relatively dense fabric (linen, cotton);
• polyethylene, “able” to rustle;
• dried catnip (catnip);
• decorative elements - ribbons, pompoms, cords.

First, make a drawing of the future bag (square, rectangle, oval).

1. The pattern is transferred to the fabric, then a sachet is cut out from it, leaving seam allowances: 2 parts are cut out, they must be absolutely identical.
2. The blanks are placed face to face, stitched manually or on a sewing machine, and a small hole is left.
3. After turning the product inside out, pieces of polyethylene and catnip are placed in it, and the hole is sewn up.
4. Decorate the toy at your discretion - with pompoms, ribbons or laces.

An easier way is to use finished products left without a pair as a bag - children's mittens or socks. In this case, you only need to tighten the open edge with a strong thread and tie it in a knot. The easiest option without sewing is a knot with grass; in this case, no manipulations other than tying are required at all.

It should be noted that there are some “wrong” creatures in the world from the family of feline predators. They don't react to this plant at all. If the owners “caught” such a kitten, then there is a high probability of completely ignoring this fragrant toy.

Simple options

Sometimes there are no available materials nearby to create complex entertainment for the amusement of a cat. What to do then? The simplest, most common materials that can be found in any home are suitable for creating toys. Making simple toys does not require much time or expense, but it brings a lot of joy.

Corks, balls, balls, made of fabric

For playful cats, any objects that roll and attract the attention of predators are suitable. Ordinary corks, small ping pong balls, and various balls, both ringing and soft, may be useful. And of course, a ball of thread is one of the most fun things for a cat. In this case, the end of the ball must be tightly secured so that it does not roll out throughout the house. Fun fun will keep your pet busy for a long time.

From paper, bags

Plain paper can serve as a toy for your cat. You just need to crumple it up and tie it with a string, crushing it in the middle. The cat will be happy to chase a new toy. Large paper bags are also a favorite place for pet ponytails. If you throw some toy into them, then the pussy's delight will know no bounds. We recommend learning how you can make a paper house - here.

Sunny Bunnies - a simple interactive game

One of the most fun activities is available in summer, in sunny weather. All you have to do is take a small mirror and point it at the window. A bright highlight will appear on the wall - a sunbeam.

Reference!

Point the mirror in different directions and the cat will chase it with delight. Despite the prostate, this interactive game allows the animal to develop its hunting skills and logic.

Meter tape

If you have a regular measuring tape on hand, then you can safely pick it up. Cats love to play, chasing her throughout the apartment, putting on a whole show for their owners.

From the box

Large boxes are a great place for felines to play. Not only do they love to sleep in them, but they can also frolic very well, especially if you make holes in the box and throw a small rolling and ringing ball into it. It’s just as easy to build a cardboard house as this toy.

Pencils

An ordinary set of pencils can serve as a reason for active and fun fun. You just have to break off the leads before use so that your pussy doesn’t get hurt accidentally while playing. Throw pencils to your cat and watch him chase them, or tie a pencil on a string for some exciting fun.

Programs about animals, birds (with video!)

Many pet owners think that animals do not like to watch TV and do not take the images on it seriously. However, it is not. Experiment and turn on a program for your pussy about its closest relatives from the world of wildlife, and watch how it watches with surprise and delight what is happening on the monitor screen. Below you can find a video that you can play for your pet.

"Who's there?" Let's play peek-a-boo

With this game your cat will definitely not get bored. Treat him with a fun activity. It will be enough to cut out the figures in the box and put inside everything that might interest a curious pet. Balls, beads, skeins, spools of thread are an excellent option.

Cat puzzle

The elusive mouse on a stick. Shall we try to catch it?

A little about the herb catnip (catnip)

Why do most cats love catnip grass so much? Veterinarians say that catnip is a cat's cure for stress. Now many products are produced for cats using this plant: various sticks, balls, toys. There are even drops that are used to drip onto the scratching post - this is how the cat gets used to sharpening its claws and not damaging the furniture.

If the cat has no appetite, catnip is recommended as a food supplement. Add a pinch of dried or fresh herbs. Catnip is also an anthelmintic. Catnip is sold at any pet store; you can plant it at home in a pot. At the same time, you need to make sure that the cat does not eat it all at once, and there is no doubt that he will like it.

On video: why cats love catnip.

Catnip.avi

Cat fishing rod

DIY cat fishing rod.

A thin wooden stick, strong thread and strips of thin fabric are all you need to make a cat fishing rod. Fold the fabric overlapping and use a needle to thread the thread through the strips. Tie the free end of the thread around the stick.

When the issue of entertaining cats is resolved, a lot of free time is freed up. Why not spend it on improving the interior of your home? For example, check out 15 tricks that will turn a nursery into a child’s dream room.

Heart mouse for a cat - master class

From any piece of fabric, leather, or suede you can make this heart-mouse for a cat. This toy can be filled with different “fillings” - you can take dry catnip, chamomile, wheatgrass, barley, oats. You cannot take plants that are poisonous to cats: datura, wormwood, hogweed, henbane, poppy. If you stuff your mouse with fresh grass, collect it away from the roads, in a clean area, and be sure to wash it in water and then dry it with a napkin.

So, we have decided on the filling, all that remains is to sew the mouse itself. You can sew several mice for your pet and fill them with different herbs - then you can determine exactly what attracts your cat more. We offer you our master class on sewing a mouse step by step.

To work you will need:

1. Fabric (small pieces).
2. Grass.
3. Sample.
4. Needle, scissors, thread.
5. A stick or pencil for stuffing the “mouse”.
6. Tailor's pins.
7. Rope.
8. Thick needle.

We print or draw the toy pattern by hand. The dotted line indicates the line along which we will sew 2 parts. Using two points - the place that we are missing - we will turn the toy inside out through it.

Place the 2 parts of the mouse with the right sides facing inward. We pin the pattern with pins.

Trim off excess fabric.

We cut a piece of rope equal to 16 cm. We need to insert the rope into the center of the heart so that it protrudes 1 cm.

We insert a piece of rope inside two parts of the toy.

Let's see: we will sew on the wrong side, we have already inserted the “tail” of the mouse. Don't forget to leave an unstitched section for turning the toy inside out.

We sewed 2 parts and turned them right side out. We fill the toy with chopped grass through the unstitched area; it is more convenient to do this through a funnel.

We compact the grass with a stick or pencil more firmly, let the mouse be plump.

Sew up the remaining hole. We take a thick needle and thread a rope into the eye. This will be a mouse's whisker.

We tie thick knots at both ends of the mustache. Tie more knots - it will be more interesting for the cat to untangle them.

You can sew 2 eyes from felt, but this is not necessary. Even without this, the cat will understand that it is a mouse; everything on the mouse is in place: the mustache and the tail.

Mouse is a number one hit

There is no need to even mention how popular this couple is - a cat and a mouse, so such a toy is an almost obligatory accessory. If the housewife knows how and loves to knit, then a rodent can be knitted, but products made from thick textiles are no less attractive to kittens and cats. The range of candidates for the role of a mouse is large. This:

• drape;
• suede (artificial);
• fur;
• felt;
• fleece

In addition to the fabric, you need to prepare:

• sewing supplies;
• holofiber, cotton wool or foam rubber; their replacement is leftover yarn.

The operation will not take much effort or much time.

1. First, a triangle is cut out from the selected material, then its two sides are sewn together.
2. One or more fillers are tightly stuffed into the resulting bag. The edge is basted, then the seam is pulled together and the thread is tied.
3. Ears and a tail are cut out of the fabric, and these elements are sewn on very securely.

It is better to draw the eyes of the mouse, since the sewn beads will become a big threat to the baby. They can be replaced with small buttons, but only if it will be very difficult for the “naturalist” to get to the threads holding them in place.

A soft toy can be more than just a mouse, although ears and a tail make for an exciting journey through the rooms with the prey. With the same success they sew fish, birds, tigers or piglets. Small balls sewn together and yarn are used to make insects with legs, such as caterpillars.

Cardboard houses are allowed, cardboard toys and threads are not.

Kittens, like children, try everything, so it makes sense to exclude small cardboard toys and various kinds of thread pompoms until they are one year old. Kittens can choke on string or small pieces of cardboard. But no cat will remain indifferent to large cardboard boxes. Especially if it is corrugated cardboard from which the house is made. They won’t chew, but they will happily hide and scratch.

The technology is the simplest - using a cutter using a thread secured in the center, we successively cut out several circles and rings. The circles are the roof, we cut the rings, and, pushing them apart (so that the overlap appears as in the photo), we assemble the hut. It is better to secure the structure with a strong thread and a thick needle; you should not use staplers.

It’s even easier to take some fabric (preferably brightly colored flannel), three slats (you can use the long handle of a broken plastic mop or something similar). Depending on the piece of fabric, cut it into triangles or sew slats into a single piece. There is no need to make a floor; just a bedding is enough, which will be easier to clean. We connect the slats in the upper part, decorating to taste, and the elegant home for the cat is ready.

Interactive cardboard and plastic games

A four-legged child can also be interested in other educational crafts. Such structures are made of wood, cardboard or plastic. In the latter case, plumbing pipes or elbows are used.

Plastic ring

To assemble an unusual toy for a kitten, you need to get and prepare:

• plumbing plastic elbows - 4 pieces;
• flexible plastic tube (diameter - 5 mm) for edging the holes;
• drill with attachment;
• electrical tape;
• glue;
• sharp knife, file, sandpaper;
• small tennis ping pong balls and/or treats.

The step-by-step creation of an interactive design looks like this:

1. A ring is assembled from plumbing blanks: they first wrap electrical tape around their edges, then smear them with glue and connect them. Wait for it to dry completely.
2. In the upper part, along the entire perimeter of the product, holes are drilled of such a diameter that the ball and, naturally, the paw of a kitten and an adult creature do not fit into it too freely, since the structure is made for growth.
3. Their edges are processed with a knife or file, then with sandpaper. A thin tube is cut lengthwise, then glued along the perimeter of the holes and allowed to dry. Balls are placed in the finished ring and treats are poured in.

Having made such a simple design, the owners have the right to hope that for some time the stomping of a small animal and the noise from its toys will not be heard in the apartment, because everything new and unknown is always very attractive. Especially for creatures whose curiosity can be the subject of legends.

Cardboard house

This material is very popular, if we talk about “handmade” in general. Cardboard is available, can be found in almost any household, and it is quite easy to make various useful items from it. Even a simple open cat box automatically becomes a magnet—enough reason to explore. However, such a basic cardboard option will interest the kitten only for a short time. Therefore, it is better to choose other designs.

1. A labyrinth of several boxes. It is much more attractive even for adult animals. In this case, as many boxes are glued together as the room can allow. Door (window) openings are cut out between them, box lids are removed so that you can quickly get out of the maze, or they are left in place, making life difficult for the pet.
2. Large shoe box. This is also a simulator that, like a plumbing plastic ring, teaches intelligence. Round holes are cut out on all surfaces of this object into which you can insert your paw and then pull it out without difficulty. The lid is attached to the box with tape, and a small mouse, balls and favorite treats are placed inside.

Another convenient product that can serve as such an interactive toy is a food container. In this case, the hunter-kitten will see his “victims,” and this contact will become an incentive to quickly solve a difficult problem.

Cardboard sleeve platform

Such material for interactive toys can be found in every home, and besides, it is easy to accumulate. In this case, the main characters will be cardboard tubes from various rolls: toilet paper, paper towels, baking parchment or foil.

They are glued horizontally and vertically to a sheet of thick cardboard. Holes are made in the lying elements, and treats are simply poured into the second, standing elements, or small toys are hidden. By creating such a playground, we can hope that the restless kitten will find something to do for a long time.

Corrugated cardboard - raw material for toys

This method of creating crafts for kittens is also quite simple. Several identical circles are cut out of cardboard, and holes are then made in the center with an awl. The blanks are strung on a cord, and its ends are tied in knots. Using this technique, you can make various figures: for example, the popular and beloved mouse by kittens.

Almost every owner who carefully studies the habits and preferences of his inquisitive pet will be able to come up with his own signature version on the theme “Homemade toys for kittens.” Knowing all the “weaknesses” of a furry pet, it is easier to make a toy that he will not abandon after a short period of time.

It is customary to share ideas with others, which many “inventors” do with pleasure. You can get to know some of the recipes closely by watching the following fascinating video:

DIY cat toys

There are many possibilities to make cat toys from available materials. You can buy a paper bag for 8 rubles in any large store (Auchan, OK) - we are sure that this will be an excellent opportunity to keep your cat busy. Various sticks, pencils, balls of any size. You can make something yourself from what you have in the house.

Candy toy

The next master class is DIY kitten toys. To make it, you need 2 parts: a paper tube from used foil or paper towels and corrugated or any rustling paper.

Cut a small piece from the paper core.

Use a thread to pull the rustling paper.

Insert it into the sleeve - that’s it, the cat toy is ready! You can start the game.

Toy made from a regular bottle

Every home has an empty plastic drink bottle. We wash it, dry it, and wipe it dry.

We cut holes in the bottle - large and small. The holes should not be sharp - otherwise the cat may injure its paw. You can burn the edges with a lighter so that they are not sharp. We put a treat for cats in the bottle. The cat’s task is to get the treat with its paw. To be convincing, you can rattle the bottle and roll it on the floor. The interactive toy is ready.

felted kitten

It is not very easy to master, which is why some people try to avoid working with it. But if you are not afraid to experiment with materials and want to bring a little creativity into your creative field, then you can definitely give it a try.

For beginners, we can recommend purchasing special kits for creating a cat with the main stages and a full description of all the steps. In this case, you won’t have to suffer much and fool around for a long time with making a new friend.

But if you want to take on something new and make a cat craft with your own hands without any kits, then all you need to do is purchase wool, a needle and beads that will serve as eyes.

First, try to make the animal yourself, but if nothing works, then you can always turn to art servers to find help among the professionals in your field.

Pompom - a light toy for kittens

Pom-poms are classic cat toys.

Pompoms on a string are the favorite toy of many cats, which they do not get tired of for a long time. Ready-made toys can be hung on the doorknob so that the cat tries to get them.

Pompoms on the door are very attractive to cats.

Another option for a soft toy for a kitten or adult cat is a pompom.

It’s even easier to make than a mouse or a fish.

1. Gather fabric strips of equal length.
2. Fold the resulting bundle in half and tie it tightly in the center.
3. Cut strips on the fold.
4. Distribute the ponytails evenly.

This completes the pompom for the cat.

All that remains is to cut at the fold