DIY cat toys: From simple to interactive

To take care of leisure time for your pet, you can make simple toys for cats with your own hands.

To do this, you can use cardboard boxes, paper, old teddy bears and other available materials.

You can make a cat toy with your own hands with minimal investment of money and time.

• 2 Pompom - a light toy for kittens
• 3 How to make a fragrant toy
• 4 Miniature rattle
• 5 Another option for a soft toy
• 6 What is an interactive toy
• 7 Option for an interactive toy made from pipes
• 8 A complex labyrinth made from improvised means
• 9 The simplest and most accessible

How to make a soft toy for a cat

With just basic sewing skills, you can sew your own soft toy.

The traditional option is a stuffed mouse.

To make a mouse for a cat with your own hands, you will need the following materials and tools:

• thick fabric;
• interlining;
• cotton wool for stuffing;
• pattern (can be seen below);
• threads;
• sewing machine.

First, the patterns of the lower part and one side need to be transferred to the fabric that is selected for sewing.

Then turn the workpiece over to the other side and move the second side part. Cut along the lines.

Pattern for a mouse

To make the mouse look like a real one, it needs to have a tail and ears.

For the tail, cut out a strip of fabric measuring 2.5x10 cm.

The resulting part is stitched lengthwise, leaving a couple of centimeters to the end, and carefully turned inside out.

To prepare the material for the ears, the fabric is folded with the wrong side inward, interlining is placed between the layers and ironed.

Then the pattern is transferred to this material and cut out.

Now all that remains is to sew the prepared parts, leaving a small hole for the stuffing and tail.

The sewn mouse should be turned right side out and filled with cotton wool.

To distribute the filler inside the toy, you can use a regular pencil.

When the stuffing is completed, the tail blank is inserted into the remaining hole with the raw edge. Everything is sewn together with a hidden seam.

Now you need to fold the blanks for the ears in half and sew them on.

Embroidery is suitable for decorating the eyes, nose and antennae. You can simply draw them.

The soft toy is ready, and you can give it to your furry pet or leave it next to a bowl of food (famous brands include Purina Van, Brit, Leonardo ).

Another mouse idea

Important! Given the enthusiasm and energy of cats, the seams of soft toys should be strong enough.

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.

Pompom - a light toy for kittens

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

Strengthening

If you leave the box without reinforcement, there is a risk that your cat will simply fall through and ruin the toy you made. Not every cardboard, especially one with holes, can support the weight of a pet. Therefore, you need to cut out several strips of cardboard. Their length will correspond to the length of the box, and their width will correspond to its height. After cutting out the strips, glue them together and wait until they dry completely. If you have very strong cardboard that is guaranteed to survive the weight of your pet, one strip will be enough.

Check if it fits easily vertically in the center of the box (you marked the middle longitudinal line there). Then apply glue to the edges of the strips on one side and the other, insert them into the box and wait until completely dry. Don't be afraid to smear the glue, because after drying it will be safe for the cat, and no one will see the inside of the toy.

How to make a fragrant toy

Using the principle of sewing an ordinary soft toy, you can make a mouse or fish with catnip.

For work you will need:

• dense soft fabric;
• scraps of bags or other packaging that make a rustling sound;
• scissors;
• needle and thread;
• sewing machine;
• cat mint.

The highlight of this toy is its pleasant aroma for cats.

As a pattern, you can use either the silhouette of a mouse or any other.

The simplest pattern for a cube will do.

Transfer the workpiece to fabric and cut it out.

Place the pieces right sides together and sew.

Then turn it inside out and stuff the toy with torn pieces of bags and other rustling components.

Place catnip inside. Sew the hole for stuffing with hidden stitches.

At this point the toy is ready. Master classes can be combined into one by making a beautiful mouse filled with catnip.

Here everything depends only on the imagination of the owner.

Interesting! The most attractive toys for cats will be made of wool, felt, and fur.

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.

Possible "toy" materials

Almost anything can be fun and prey for cats. The items used are boiled chicken drumsticks, freed from meat, cocktail tubes, pencils, markers and pens, light balls rolled from paper and/or foil. The last leaf is much more attractive as it is shiny, but they say that it is not the best option for babies. Walnuts, pine or fir cones, plastic bottle caps, checkers and chess pieces are used as toys.

A ready-made magnet item for a kitten and an adult is a candy in a candy wrapper that shimmers with all the colors of the rainbow. The semi-finished product is a wine cork, it is tied, or a cylinder-case is sewn for it. Almost everything that can be found in the house is used for production. For example, to create a toy they often take:

• bobbins left over from threads: both cardboard and wooden;
• paper product sleeves;
• cardboard, craft paper;
• bags-covers for washing;
• table tennis balls;
• plastic cups;
• tailor's tape;
• hair bands.

Not all candidates are equally good and safe for kittens, therefore, when choosing material for a toy, you need to take into account the small age of the tailed “child” and assess the potential threat to him in advance. Cats do not like synthetic materials that can unexpectedly provoke allergic reactions: both in adult creatures and in tiny “children”. Therefore, it is better to opt for natural things.

Another option for a soft toy

Continuing the theme of soft toys for cats, it is worth paying attention to the puppet toy.

To make it you will need:

• an ordinary soft toy (you can also use the options that were shown in the master classes above);
• stick (or regular pencil);
• glue.

Toys on sticks

You need to cut a small hole at the bottom of the soft toy.

It should correspond in size to the diameter of the stick.

If filler comes out of the toy, the excess should be removed.

The animal should not be allowed to try to swallow the filler.

Next, apply a drop of glue to the tip of a stick or pencil and place it inside the toy.

It is not advisable to use tape in this situation, as it is less secure and may pose a health hazard to the cat if it swallows it.

When the puppet is ready, you can call the cat and wave this toy in front of him.

An interested animal can pounce on her and pat her.

The main thing is that the pussy plays with the puppet under the supervision of the owners.

Important! A pet toy should be extremely safe. It is better for the cat to play under supervision.

Hole layout

Draw a line in the middle that will run along the length. Then measure several equal lengths along the edges.

Connect the transverse lines (connecting the points on the sides). You can draw one more line along both sides (parallel to the central one). Then the intersection points will be your future holes.

If you want to make a different pattern, don’t be afraid to limit yourself in your imagination.

The main thing is that you leave the middle intact (there should be no holes in it).

When all the points are marked, draw circles. The center of the circle will be at the points you marked. You can use a compass or round objects that suit your diameter for this purpose (for example, tape or a glass).

What is an interactive toy

Interactive toys are becoming increasingly popular.

They are intellectual entertainment where the cat has to go around an obstacle to get to the treat.

In pet stores you can find ready-made versions of labyrinths and other varieties.

However, such toys are quite expensive, and it is not known whether the pussy will like them.

Interactive maze for cats

There is such an option for an interactive toy for a cat.

1. Choose a low cardboard box with a lid.
2. Make small holes in it at different heights so that only the cat's paw can fit through it.
3. Place some treats or favorite food .

This article will tell you why cats love boxes.

Just three steps and the toy is ready.

Now the cat will try to paw the tidbit through the holes in the box.

Another option is also possible.

1. Take a cardboard tube from under paper towels.
2. Make small holes in this cylinder.
3. Using this sample, make a few more (5 pieces) cylinders.
4. Fold the finished products in the form of a woodpile and place a treat inside.

This interactive toy is easy to make with your own hands. This woodpile will look original next to cat furniture.

More information about cat houses can be found here:

Make it yourself

To make an interesting and beautiful toy for a cat, all you need to do is take bright yarn or fabric and various small things that you have around the house.

• For a wine cork, you can knit a case and tie threads with beads and buttons to it.
• Stuff an old glove with cotton wool and sew it on top - you’ll get a funny octopus.
• You need to tie a long thick thread to a wooden Chinese food stick or a pencil, at the end of which a bell, a paper pom-pom or multi-colored feathers will dangle. Such a toy requires the owner to participate in the fun.
• If you put a few coins or small pebbles in a plastic container from photographic film or Kinder Surprise, you will get an entertaining rattle. To decorate it, just knit a bright cover or cover it with a piece of beautiful fabric. Don't forget about the strings with beads. Such a soft toy will entertain the cat all day - it rolls and rattles well.
• Fun toys are made from toilet paper rolls. To do this, small holes are made in a cardboard cylinder, into which plastic drinking straws are then inserted. This “hedgehog” will not leave the cat indifferent.
• Puzzle toys are interesting not only for children; they are also suitable for cats. Several holes are cut into the lid of the cardboard box into which an animal's paw can fit. The structure is filled with balls and coils. The toy is ready - the pet will have fun trying to get objects out of the box.

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.

A teaser for playing in a group

Such toys, in which the owners take the same active part as the kittens, are liked by both: for people it is entertainment, for kids it is an opportunity to hunt for very difficult - resourceful - prey. To make such a craft, you need to get a stick that can bend. The ideal would be a fishing rod purchased in a store. In addition, you will need to prepare:

• electrical tape;
• a ribbon of any color: for example, blue for a gentleman, pink for a lady;
• a few feathers;
• construction knife;
• glue gun;
• lace.

This is one of the simplest options, so there are no difficulties on the way to the goal.

1. First, the fishing rod is decorated: a ribbon is tightly wound around it. The excess is cut off with a knife. Fix the strips with electrical tape wound at regular intervals.
2. Using a cord, make a bouquet of feathers; if desired, short strips of ribbon are glued to it.
3. The cord with the teasers attached is glued to the stick.

This toy is good because it makes it quite easy to replace a frayed attachment, creating a new “stimulant” for the kitten. It can be a pompom made of knitwear or fleece, cut into small strips. They are folded, wrapped in the middle with a cord, and tightened tightly. The rope with the teaser is attached to the rod with the same glue.

An alternative to imperfect feathers would be the same mouse attached to a stick with a rope. Or a small ball of yarn with a well-fixed (threaded several times and then tied) thread.

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.

Self-production

Let's look at how to make some interesting toys with your own hands.

Unusual wand

To make a game stick, take a strong twig from 30 to 50 cm. Tie the “prey” to it on a string 50–70 cm long (so that the toy is comfortable to use given your height).

The “prey” can be:

• a ball with a hole for a string;
• one or more homemade figures made of fabric or leather (fish, mouse, heart - whatever);
• colored ribbons;
• pompon;
• wine stopper;
• traditional paper wrapper;
• pieces of fur;
• a bunch of feathers held together with an elastic band.

You can tie feathers or strips of cut paper directly to the tip of the stick. In this case, first wrap the upper part of the twig with thick fabric in several layers so that the cat does not get hurt.

Mouse

An excellent toy mouse for a cat can be made from a ball and food foil. Wrap the ball with foil, but so that the tip of the thread (8-10 cm) remains outside - this will be the “tail”.

The little predator will enthusiastically run after the Kinder Surprise box. You can additionally put a few peas or cat vitamins in it to make a rattle. You can make a hole on one side and pass a woolen thread through it - you will get a “mouse tail”. You need to tie a knot from the inside so that the thread does not fall out.

Interactive box

Another great idea is a puzzle game box. The box needs to be relatively low so that the cat can reach its bottom with its paw. You will also need cardboard, tape and medium-sized balls.

Make several holes on the box. There can be 2 of them on the sides, 6–10 on the lid. Glue the corners with tape and put several cardboard jumpers inside - this way the box will not flatten too quickly.

Place the balls inside and seal the box with tape.

You can shake it a little so that the cat hears the balls rolling inside and wants to get them.

A good “smart box” can also be made from a plastic food container. In this case, you can simply cover it with a lid without sealing it, and it will last longer.

Air feathers

"Meditative" toy for pets. To make it, you will need a cardboard paper towel tube, several large feathers and a string. Make small holes in the bushing and insert the feather shafts into them. Secure them from the inside with a drop of PVA. Pass the cord through the grommet and hang the structure on a small hill. Feathers can be hung on strings, but they should be short so that the cat does not tangle them while playing.

Virtual option

You can download a computer game for your cat: on the monitor of your smartphone or tablet there will be fish swimming, mice running or bugs flying. Of course, the device must be protected by impact-resistant glass (if the kitten gets angry, it can let out its claws).

In some games, the “prey” does not respond to touch, in others, when the cat hits the monitor with its paw, it gets points. Some sites even have leaderboards.

A number of games provide several difficulty levels. Also, some sites provide the opportunity to play together for the owner and the animal on the score: for example, the kitten will catch “prey” on the tablet screen, and the owner will do so on the smartphone. The devices must be connected via Bluetooth.

As such a sticky game, you can also use simple screensavers with swimming fish.

Offer your pet various options for toys, monitor his reaction, check which materials or types of fun he reacts to more readily, and then focus on his tastes.

In its natural habitat, a cat will always find entertainment, be it a running bug or a leaf flying in the wind. At home, a bored pet does not know what to do with himself and comes up with games on his own. The result is torn wallpaper, tattered furniture and night racing with noise and roar. The solution to the problem will be toys that will brighten up your pet’s leisure time and help him satisfy his hunting instinct.