10 DIY Cat Toys and Games That You Can Make at Home

Cats are very intelligent and inquisitive animals. Indoor kitties are especially prone to boredom if they don't receive enough mental stimulation and physical exercise. "If cats aren't getting enough play, it can affect their whole modus operandi, and their usual habits can change," cat behaviorist and author Carole Wilbourn previously told us. "They can become destructive and aggressive because they have all of this bottled-up energy." In short, your purring sweethearts can turn into cats from hell without regular attention and playtime.

But you don't need to spend hundreds of dollars in order to give your kitties the playground of their dreams. Set up your living room, or another room dedicated to your cats, by adding tall cat trees and perches. Give them space to run around like the little wild animals that they are and provide toys that give them the opportunity to practice their pouncing and hunting skills. Because cats are bound to have full reign of the house, you can also entertain them in other rooms as you go about the day. Nothing excites most cats more than dangly toys. Yours will let out a happy little meow whenever she sees the familiar pole and dangly plush at the end!

You should also remember to put toys away at night. Any toys that have small pieces can become choking hazards for your feline friends. Cleaning your pet's toys on a regular basis also helps to minimize the germs. And because cats can become bored with their toys, it is recommended to rotate them as well. Keep your cats happy by making these DIY cat toys and games for your furbabies.

These feathers are made from colorful wool felt. Tie a satin cord and a bell around a few feathers to bring out the little hunter in your feline companion! Bring these toys out when you want to play with your cat and give her some exercise.

Simple and fun, you can upcycle an old t-shirt to make a ball that dangles from a doorknob. It will give your cat plenty of opportunities to swat and pounce. Her excitement will also be contagious!

Turn some boxes into the ultimate cat playhouse. With doors and windows, your cat will have her own place within your home. She can hide, nap, and play in her cardboard house.

You can upcycle some old menswear or buy menswear fabric from the store for this craft. These mouse toys are absolutely adorable and easy to make. Sewing and embroidery skills are required, but they're a fun toy to put together.

Bring on the "pawty" with this cactus-shaped catnip toy. Most cats get a kick out of catnip, and your feline pal will have fun bunny-kicking this toy.

You love your cat, and your cat is probably fond of you, too! Show her some love by making knitted catnip heart toys that will entertain her until she's ready for a nap…or to cuddle with you.

Sometimes, simple is best, and this baby sock filled with catnip is proof. The Velcro closure allows you to replace the filling from time to time, keeping its appeal alive. Using a baby sock of your choosing, turn the sock inside out, and sew two strips of Velcro along the top (if using self-stick Velcro, follow directions on the package). Then, add a few stitches for extra security. Turn the sock right side out, fill, and close.

If you can knit, you can make a whole family of itty-bitty mice. While amigurumi (the Japanese art of making small animals) allows you to craft all kinds of little creatures, we love the details on this one: round ears, whiskers, and a little tail.

Fishing has always been a nice way for friends to commune; this catnip-filled fish on a pole lets a cat and his pal enjoy quality time together. Pin two pieces of fabric together with the wrong sides facing each other. Trace the fish template onto fabric using a disappearing-ink pen; stitch on top of tracing, leaving a 1-inch opening at the fin; cut out with pinking shears. Fill the toy with catnip using a funnel; stitch to close. Embroider eyes. For "fishing poles," sew thick thread to the mouth and tie the other end to a dowel.

Cats need to stretch their paws and scratch with their claws. Convert an old magazine rack into a cat scratcher that your cat can climb and sharpen her claws on.