If you’re a cat owner, you know how crucial it is to keep your furry friends entertained. Bored cats can become restless and mischievous, leading to unwanted behaviors like knocking things off shelves or excessive meowing. That’s why DIY toys are such a great solution. They’re fun to make, cost-effective, and often use materials you already have at home.
⚠️Cat Safety Disclaimer⚠️
Always supervise your cats while they play with DIY toys, especially those containing strings, small particles, or any removable parts. Kittens and senior cats are particularly prone to accidents and may accidentally swallow items or injure themselves. Ensuring a safe play environment is essential for your cat’s well-being.
Now that we’ve ensured your furriend’s safety, Here’s what you’ll need to make these toys: (You’ll need additional tools for #4)
- Empty toilet paper rolls (or paper towel rolls)
- Scissors
- Non-toxic glue (or a string if you don’t trust glue for your pet)
One of my favorite materials for crafting DIY pet toys is empty paper towel rolls. These simple tubes are sturdy, lightweight, and can be transformed into a variety of engaging toys that will captivate your cats. They’re perfect for creating puzzles, scratchers, and even treat dispensers. I’ve been collecting these rolls intentionally, knowing they could provide endless fun for my girls, Zoom and Oreo. In this article, I’ll share 5 simple ideas of DIY toys I’ve found online which you can create using these rolls. I’m excited to try them out and will be sharing more DIY enrichment projects in future posts!
1. Cat Treat Dispenser Puzzle
One of the easiest and most rewarding DIY projects is the treat dispenser puzzle. This toy not only entertains your cat but also stimulates their mind. To make it, take an empty towel roll and poke small holes in it. Make sure the holes are just big enough for treats to fall out but not so large that they spill everywhere. Once you’ve made the holes, seal both ends of the roll with some paper or tape.
Now comes the fun part: fill the roll with your cat’s favorite treats! When you give it to your cat, watch as they try to figure out how to get the goodies out. This toy can keep them engaged for a long time. Just be sure to supervise them to ensure they don’t chew on the roll itself, which can be a choking hazard.
- Here’s a step-by-step guide to a Treat Dispenser Puzzle created by Thesweetestjourney on YouTube:
2. Catnip-Filled Roll Toy
For many cats, catnip is pure magic. To create a catnip-filled roll toy, take an empty towel roll and stuff it with crumpled tissue paper and a sprinkle of catnip. Twist the ends to seal it up. (You can also use a sock if you’re out of paper rolls.) This simple toy will have your furriend pouncing and rolling around in delight.
Keep in mind that not all cats react the same way to catnip!
Some may become hyperactive and playful, while others might relax and chill out. If your furry friend gets a bit too wild with catnip, consider saving this toy for daytime play rather than before bedtime. Trust me, you don’t want a midnight zoomie session!
3. Towel Roll Tunnel- Your Cat Will Love It!
Cats are natural explorers, and a DIY tunnel can be a great way to satisfy their curiosity. To make this toy, gather several empty towel rolls and tape them together in a line or connect them in a fun maze shape. You can even create a bendy tunnel for extra excitement.
Place the tunnel in an area where your cats like to play. You can also toss a few toys inside to encourage them to explore. Watching them dart in and out will bring a smile to your face and keep them entertained for hours.
4. DIY Cardboard Cat Scratcher
Although I’m aware this is not actually a toy, it is an important part of enriching your cat’s life. AND it’s a guaranteed way to protect your furniture; all while giving your cats a designated spot to scratch!
- To create an interactive scratcher, you’ll need:
- Several pieces of cardboard (like old boxes or packaging)
- A sharp utility knife or scissors
- Hot glue gun (optional)
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Instructions:
- Cut Cardboard: Measure and mark rectangles (about 10×10 inches) on the cardboard. Cut out several pieces.
- Stack Layers: Stack the cut pieces, alternating their orientation for varied texture. You can stack them into a carboard box to fix them even more.
- Secure (Optional): Use hot glue to attach the layers for extra stability.
- Dry and Introduce: Let it dry if you used glue, then place it in a spot your cat likes to scratch.
- Catnip (Optional): Sprinkle (or spray) catnip over the new scratcher to attract your cat!
Here’s a step-by-step guide to a DIY Cardboard Scratching Box created by GreenLuckyCat on YouTube:
5. Paper Roll Puzzle Tower
For an engaging challenge, why not create a paper roll puzzle tower? Stack several towel rolls on top of each other to form a tower. In some of the rolls, hide small toys or treats to encourage your pet to figure out how to reach them.
This DIY project not only provides physical activity but also mental stimulation. Your cat will love the thrill of discovering hidden treasures. It’s like a mini adventure right in your living room!
- Here’s a step-by-step guide to a DIY Paper Roll Tower created by NoLi on YouTube:
Why Keeping Cats Active Indoors Is SO Important?
Keeping your cats active indoors is essential for their overall health and well-being. Indoor cats can easily become sedentary, which may lead to obesity and related health issues. Engaging them in play helps maintain a healthy weight, supports their muscle tone, and promotes mental stimulation. Regular playtime can also reduce stress and anxiety, making for a happier and more balanced kitty. DIY toys like these not only entertain but also encourage your cats to move, jump, and explore, providing them with the physical and mental exercise they need.
- BONUS Video For Even MORE DIY Cat Toys!
Jackson Galaxy is a renowned cat behaviorist and host of My Cat from Hell. With his expertise, he shares, in this video, some practical tips and DIY ideas. These can help you create a happier, more enriching environment for your pets.
So there you have it; I hope these ideas inspired you to get DIY-ing! Personally, I can’t wait to try these out and see how my cats Zoom and Oreo react. Stay tuned for more DIY enrichment ideas to keep your cats happy and active! If you’ve made any DIY toys with paper towel rolls, or anything else, I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments!
Remember, a happy cat is a playful cat. By creating these simple toys, you’re not just having fun; you’re also enriching your cats’ lives. So grab those empty towel rolls, get crafty, and enjoy some quality playtime with your furry companions!