5 Simple DIY Cat Toys You Can Make at Home with Your Kids
As a mom of both kids and cats, finding activities that keep everyone entertained can be challenging. Why not combine both worlds and create fun, interactive DIY cat toys?
Not only is it a fantastic way to bond with your children, but it’s also an excellent way to keep your cats entertained and engaged without spending a fortune. Plus, crafting is a great way to get your kids involved in creative, hands-on projects.
In this blog post, we’ll share five easy and affordable DIY cat toys you can make at home with your kids. These toys will spark your cat’s curiosity while giving your little ones a sense of accomplishment. Let’s dive into these fun, cat-friendly projects!
The Classic Feather Wand Toy
Feather wands are an instant hit with cats who love to leap, chase, and pounce. The best part? Making one at home is simple and requires minimal materials.
What you’ll need:
- A stick or wooden dowel
- String or yarn
- Colorful feathers (you can find these at a craft store)
- Hot glue or strong tape
How to make it:
- Have your kids pick out their favorite feathers for the project.
- Cut a piece of string (around 2 feet long) and tie one end securely to the dowel.
- Glue or tie the feathers to the other end of the string.
- Once the glue dries, it’s time to play! Encourage your kids to wave the feather wand in front of the cat to simulate prey.
Sock and Bell Kicker Toy
This toy is great for cats who love to kick and bat objects. It’s also a fantastic way to recycle old socks and use up spare craft materials.
What you’ll need:
- A long, clean sock
- Catnip (optional)
- A small bell or crinkle paper
- Stuffing or fabric scraps
How to make it:
- Have your child fill the sock with stuffing or fabric scraps. Add a little catnip for an extra treat!
- Insert the small bell or crinkle paper near the center of the toy.
- Tie a knot at the end of the sock to keep everything inside. That’s it!
Your cat will love kicking and pouncing on this soft, interactive toy, while your kids will feel proud of their creation.
Paper Towel Roll Puzzle Toy
If your cat enjoys mental stimulation, this puzzle toy is perfect for them. It’s made from something you likely already have lying around the house: a cardboard paper towel roll!
What you’ll need:
- An empty paper towel or toilet paper roll
- Scissors
- Cat treats or small kibble
How to make it:
- With your child’s help, cut small holes into the cardboard roll, just large enough for a treat to fit through.
- Insert a few cat treats or pieces of dry kibble inside the roll.
- Seal the ends by folding them in or using tape.
When your cat rolls the toy around, the treats will fall out, providing a rewarding challenge for them. It’s fun for the kids to watch, too!
No-Sew Felt Mice
For moms who want a simple, no-sew project, these felt mice are perfect. They’re easy for kids to make and are adored by cats who love batting small, lightweight toys around.
What you’ll need:
- Felt sheets (any color)
- Scissors
- Hot glue
- Small pieces of yarn or string (for the tail)
- Catnip (optional)
How to make it:
- Cut two mouse-shaped pieces from the felt. You can let your child trace and cut out the shape.
- Glue the two pieces together, leaving a small opening.
- Before sealing the last part, add a pinch of catnip and insert a small piece of yarn for the tail.
- Once everything is glued in place, your kids will have created a soft toy their cat can bat around.
Crinkle Paper Ball
This simple, sensory toy is quick to make and keeps your cat intrigued with its crinkling sound. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly way to reuse tissue paper or wrapping paper.
What you’ll need:
- A few sheets of crinkly paper (like tissue paper, parchment paper, or wrapping paper)
- Some yarn or ribbon
- Catnip (optional)
How to make it:
- Let your child crumple the paper into a small ball.
- Tie the paper ball securely with a piece of yarn or ribbon.
- You can sprinkle a bit of catnip into the paper ball before tying it up for an added treat.
This crinkle ball is super light, making it fun for your cat to chase around the house.
Creating DIY cat toys with your kids is not only a great way to keep everyone entertained, but it also provides hours of interactive play for your feline friend. These simple projects use common household items, so there’s no need to spend extra money on store-bought toys. Most importantly, these activities allow your children to engage their creativity while bonding with their furry sibling.
The next time your kids say they’re bored or your cat seems restless, give one of these DIY toys a try. Your cats will thank you with hours of purring and playtime, and your kids will love seeing their homemade creations in action.
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At MCCM, we love sharing tips and insights, but a friendly reminder: this content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional or medical advice. When it comes to decisions about your little ones (both furry and human), your pediatrician and your vet know best, so always consult an expert!