Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      7 Things to Do in the Morning to Be Healthier and More Productive

      Kick-start your day by making habits out of these mood-boosting tips. Read More
    • Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      Should You Refrigerate Bananas?

      It's one of your favorite fruits, but does it belong on the counter or in the refrigerator? Read More
    • This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      This 3-Ingredient Homemade Weed Killer Uses Vinegar to Safely Remove Pesky Growths from Your Garden

      A few easy-to-find ingredients are all you need to create a powerful formula that squashes weeds. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    Our 20 Most Popular Recipes for Summer

    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    The Most Patriotic Flowers for the Fourth of July, According to Symbolism

    Show your love of country by displaying these varieties on America's birthday.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    How to Start Entertaining Friends and Family More Regularly

    Make gathering with loved ones a priority.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Baby Shower Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • You're Invited
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We're Putting Up Walls Again—Is the Open Floor Plan on Its Way Out?

    We asked the experts to weigh in on this popular home design concept.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    A Month-by-Month Hydrangea Care Guide

    Confused about when to do what to your favorite flowering shrubs? We have you covered.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Wash Pillows

    How to Wash Pillows

    They're an essential element of a comfortable bed, so keep yours fresh and in their best shape ever with these expert-approved tips.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Who Pays for What for the Wedding?

    Get the traditional rules for who pays for the wedding details.
    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    How to Melt and Reuse the Leftover Wax from Candles

    Our easy melt-and-pour method saves the last bit of this home essential.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
    • Rescue & Revamp
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    Can Rice Water Really Encourage Hair Growth?

    This buzzy ingredient is a star player in many new-age hair care products.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
    • Net Worth
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Life
  3. Pets
  4. Cats
  5. 10 DIY Cat Toys and Games That You Can Make at Home

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

roxanna-coldiron-profile-picture.jpg
By Roxanna Coldiron September 24, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
cat playing with fuzzy ball toy
Credit: WaitforLight / Getty
The family pet should have its own stash of playthings—toys, games, and playgrounds to explore. Our homemade toys are often sturdier and more attractive than the store-bought kind, and they make great gifts for a feline companion.
Start Slideshow

1 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
cat playing with fuzzy ball toy
Credit: WaitforLight / Getty

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.

  • Experts Say These Are the Smartest Cat Breeds

1 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Feather Cat Toy

la103157_1207_cattoy.jpg
Credit: Laura Moss
Get the Feather Cat Toy How-To

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.

2 of 11

3 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Knotted Ball

knotted cat toy hanging from doorknob
Credit: Kara Whitten
Get the Knotted Ball How-To

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!

3 of 11

Advertisement

4 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cardboard Cat Playhouse

pc_wgd104781_cathouse3a.jpg
Credit: Johnny Miller
Get the Cardboard Cat Playhouse How-To

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.

4 of 11

5 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Menswear Mouse Toy

mld104586_0310_mice_v2.jpg
Credit: Dana Gallagher
Get the Menswear Mouse Toy How-To

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.

5 of 11

6 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cactus Catnip Toy

two felt cactus cat toys
Credit: Kara Whitten
Get the Cactus Catnip Toy How-To

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.

6 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Knit-Heart Catnip Toy

la104506_0209_catnphearts.jpg
Get the Knit-Heart Catnip Toy How-To

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.

7 of 11

8 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baby-Sock Catnip Toy

kitten with Baby-Sock Catnip Toys
Credit: Stephen Lewis

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.

8 of 11

9 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Knit Mouse Toy

knit mouse cat toy
Credit: Jason Frank Rothenberg
Get the Knit Mouse Toy How-To

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.

9 of 11

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fish Catnip Toy

fish catnip toy DIY
Credit: Stephen Lewis
Get the Fish Template

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.

10 of 11

11 of 11

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cat-Scratcher Magazine Rack

cat playing with scratch post magazine rack duo
Credit: Chelsea Cavanaugh
Get the Cat-Scratcher Magazine Rack How-To

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.

11 of 11

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Roxanna Coldiron

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 11
    2 of 11 Feather Cat Toy
    3 of 11 Knotted Ball
    4 of 11 Cardboard Cat Playhouse
    5 of 11 Menswear Mouse Toy
    6 of 11 Cactus Catnip Toy
    7 of 11 Knit-Heart Catnip Toy
    8 of 11 Baby-Sock Catnip Toy
    9 of 11 Knit Mouse Toy
    10 of 11 Fish Catnip Toy
    11 of 11 Cat-Scratcher Magazine Rack

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    10 DIY Cat Toys and Games That You Can Make at Home
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.