6 DIY Cat Toys: Puzzle Toys, Yarn Puff, Ball Track and More

Your cat absolutely loves to play, but she can be quite picky when it comes to toys. It can be frustrating when you buy her a new one, only for her to ignore it. Even worse, sometimes she ignores her own toys in favor of your items! Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to keep your feline friend entertained. Below you’ll find six low-cost and easy-to-make DIY cat toys that Mittens will love.

DIY cat toys you can make with ease

1. DIY cat toys: Foil box puzzle toy

Fluffy often bats her favorite ball under furniture where she can’t reach it, and ends up whining for you to get it or attacking your shoelaces to stay active. Curb this behavior with a homemade hunting box.

First, grab an empty foil or plastic-wrap box; tape the ends closed. Then cut two or three columns of evenly spaced holes (big enough for a paw to poke through) on three sides. Pop a few treats or toys inside and Fluffy will have fun trying to get to all of the goodies.

2. DIY cat toys: Fishing rod toy

For cats who love to jump through the air to catch their “prey,” a fishing rod can be the answer. The pole allows you to swing the attached toy around so Tiger can leap after it. (Learn why playing together can boost your bond!)

YouTube user @CatsProtection shows how you can make your own using a cane, a small toy, feathers, string, tape and scissors. Follow the video below to learn how:

3. DIY cat toys: T-shirt toy

Forget about tossing that old torn-up T-shirt; it can be turned into a fun and free new toy for Mittens. To do: Cut the shirt into 6 strips that measure about 1 inch wide by 8 inches long. (Note: the jersey knit of T-shirts doesn’t unravel when cut, so there’s no need to hem it.)

Then line up all the pieces and tie them in a tight knot, creating a pom-pom. You can toss it to your sweet kitty, who will be entertained batting the toy around the house. Plus, she’s sure to love the fact that it smells like you!

Watch a version of how this comes together in the video below:

4. DIY cat toys: Ball track toy

When your cat is bored, she runs through the house at supersonic speeds, leaving you to pick up all the items she knocks off tables. Keep her busy — and protect your belongings — with an easy DIY puzzle toy.

To make: Place a few Ping-Pong balls inside a dollar-store metal wreath form, then place another wreath form on top and use zip ties to connect the wreaths. Your sweetie will love the challenge of trying to get the balls out!

No Ping-Pong balls handy? You can also consider using wiffle balls that have little holes in them or dollar-store golf balls, shares @CatToyLady on YouTube in the video below.

5. DIY cat toys: Yarn puff toy

If Whiskers loves to get into your sewing supplies to get her paws on your yarn, she may really love her own yarn toy. It’s incredibly easy to make your own using affordable items! Cardboard and scissors turn yarn into fun puff balls for your feline.

Learn how to make them from @Petcube on YouTube.com:

6. DIY cat toys: Hair tie toy

Your little cat burglar has stolen all of your hair elastics yet again! Put a stop to these thieving antics by creating an elastic-filled toy that will keep him entertained and won’t get lost around the house as easily.

To do: Simply take an old hair scrunchie and cut it on one side. Slip a few smaller hair ties on it, then hot-glue the two ends of the scrunchie back together. Once it fully dries, toss to Tiger. He’ll have so much fun with his own hair ties that he’ll stop swiping yours!