Cats benefit greatly from toys that encourage exercise, mental stimulation, and natural hunting behaviours. Pet gear designed for cat care ranges from basic toys to interactive feeders and climbing equipment. DIY cat toys provide a cost-effective, customised way to keep cats entertained using everyday items found at home.
Using simple materials such as cardboard, string, or fabric, we can create toys that are safe and engaging. In the UK, many cat owners look for ways to repurpose household items, reducing waste while offering fresh play experiences. When making or choosing DIY cat toys, it is essential to consider durability, safety, and non-toxicity, especially since cats often chew or swallow parts.
It’s also important to avoid small detachable components that could be choking hazards and to ensure toys are easy to clean. Our guide covers practical, safe ideas for making cat toys from common materials, helping you keep your cat active and happy without specialised purchases. We tested various DIY toys to find the ones that combine simplicity, safety, and fun.
Best DIY Cat Toy Ideas Using Everyday Items
We’ve put together a list of the best DIY cat toys that you can easily create using common household items. These options are practical, affordable, and designed to keep your cat engaged and happy.
KDULPG Cat Toy Set
This 15-piece toy set is a solid choice for keeping indoor cats engaged and active with a good mix of interactive options.
Pros
- Variety of toys for different play styles
- Refillable catnip pouch enhances excitement
- Made from durable, non-toxic materials
Cons
- Some toys include glued-on parts that feel less sturdy
- Certain natural elements may not suit all cats
- Limited appeal if your cat prefers very specific toy types
We found the assortment useful for mixing up play routines, especially the teaser wands and spring toys. The refillable catnip pouch was a definite hit, quickly drawing in our cats and encouraging longer play sessions.
While most items held up well, a couple of the hanging toys had glued-on eyes that felt like they might fall off soon, so supervision might be needed with more aggressive chewers. The natural matatabi sticks added a nice variety but could shed, which might not work for sensitive cats.
Overall, it’s a cost-effective solution to stimulate multiple cats or kittens, especially for indoor use. This set suits those wanting a well-rounded toy box with the bonus of catnip to keep things fresh.
TBTeek Cat Toy Automatic
This automatic cat toy is effective at keeping cats entertained through motion-activated fun and adjustable settings.
Pros
- Adjustable speed and light angles to suit different cats
- Motion sensor conserves battery and keeps playtime engaging
- USB rechargeable with long battery life
Cons
- Automatically turns off after 10 minutes, which can interrupt play
- Laser patterns may become predictable over time
- Sturdiness is an issue if cats aggressively swipe at the device
We found this toy useful for stimulating cats’ hunting instincts by projecting rotating red dots in various shapes. The adjustable light angle helped us place it on different surfaces for varied play environments.
The motion sensor feature intelligently switches the toy off for two hours after 10 minutes of use, encouraging cats to rest before reactivating. This prevents overstimulation but can feel inconvenient if play suddenly stops.
Battery life is impressive. A full 2.5-hour charge lasted us around five days, making it hassle-free compared to battery-powered toys. However, the device isn’t designed to operate while charging, which is something to consider.
The rotating patterns add interest, but in a household with multiple cats, we noticed they quickly figured out the paths, reducing novelty. The toy’s build could be stronger to withstand repeated knocking from enthusiastic cats.
Overall, it’s a solid interactive option to keep pets active, especially when owners can’t engage directly. For more details and purchasing, check TBTeek Cat Toy Automatic.
Wefine 22 Pcs Cat Toys Set
This set is worth considering for keeping kittens entertained with a variety of toys, especially if you want an easy-to-store interactive tunnel included.
Pros
- Wide range of toys keeping cats busy
- Tunnel folds flat for simple storage
- Durable materials suitable for active play
Cons
- Tunnel size fits mainly kittens, not adult cats
- Some smaller toys feel fragile
- Colour selection random, so may vary
The moment we unfolded the tunnel, our own cats were curious and immediately started sneaking through it. The collapsible design made it simple to set up and fold away afterwards without taking up much space. It’s especially good for smaller cats who enjoy hiding and pouncing.
The variety of toys like balls, feathers, and mice meant there was always something to keep our cats moving, which helped burn off energy. However, a couple of the smaller toys didn’t hold up well after a bit of rough play. We also noticed the colours arrived randomly, so what you get might be different.
Overall, this toy set works well as a flexible and interactive way to engage young cats indoors. The tunnel is a favourite, though bigger cats might outgrow it quickly. It’s a practical choice for keeping kittens entertained and active in confined spaces.
Kemowi Feather Toy Set
This set offers good variety and engaging play options but some pieces feel less durable than expected.
Pros
- Wide range of toys in one pack
- Lightweight and easy to attach to wands
- Bright colours appeal to cats
Cons
- Some toys wear out quickly
- Feathers can be too soft for intense play
- Real fur inclusion may be off-putting to some
We found the mix of feathers and soft toys gave plenty of ways to interact with our cats. The bright colours really caught their attention, encouraging jumps and pounces.
However, not all the pieces lasted long. The worm toy, in particular, pulled apart easily during energetic play, which was disappointing. The fluffy fish was a bit heavy for normal wand use.
Despite these drawbacks, the set is lightweight and works well with most teaser wands. It’s suitable for cats of any age, providing simple but effective exercise and entertainment.
Autoau Cat Feather Wand Toy
This interactive cat toy is a solid choice for keeping indoor cats entertained and active with minimal effort.
Pros
- Stays firmly in place thanks to the suction cup base
- Comes with a variety of feather attachments for different textures
- Flexible wand encourages natural play and exercise
Cons
- Suction pad loses stickiness over time, limiting placement options
- Durability may be an issue for very aggressive chewers
- Fixed placement can be restrictive in some rooms
The suction cup base works well on smooth surfaces, allowing the toy to remain stable while your cat bats away at the feathers. We found it really helpful for keeping cats entertained without constant supervision.
The variety of attachments adds interest and caters to different feline tastes. Switching between the mouse, fish or feather ribbon kept playtime fresh for longer periods.
However, the suction cup’s grip weakened after several uses, reducing how securely it stuck to surfaces. Also, it’s a bit delicate for rough play from bigger cats, so it’s better suited for smaller or less destructive felines.
Overall, Autoau’s wand provides interactive fun and encourages exercise, making it a practical addition for households wanting simple yet engaging cat toys.
Buying Guide
When choosing DIY cat toys, safety and durability are our top priorities. We should avoid materials that can easily break or become a choking hazard. Using non-toxic, pet-safe items is essential to protect our cats.
We need to consider the toy’s appeal to our cat’s natural instincts. Toys that encourage chasing, pouncing, or scratching tend to hold their interest longer. Simple things like feathers, string, or crinkly paper can be effective in keeping our cats engaged.
Size and texture matter as well. Toys should be appropriately sized for our cats to prevent swallowing or injury. Varied textures can also stimulate their senses and keep playtime interesting.
| Feature | What to Look For | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Material | Non-toxic, durable | Prevents health risks |
| Size | Small enough to carry, not to swallow | Safety during play |
| Movement | Responsive or interactive | Engages hunting instincts |
| Easy to Clean | Washable or disposable | Maintains hygiene |
We should also consider how easy it is to make or replace the toy. Everyday household items that can be quickly assembled and discarded are ideal. This allows us to frequently refresh our cat’s playthings without much expense or effort.
In summary, the best DIY cat toys combine safety, appeal, and practicality. Keeping these factors in mind helps us create engaging and safe toys for our cats using items readily available at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
We focus on practical ways to create safe, engaging toys for cats using items commonly found at home. Our approach prioritises simple crafting methods while ensuring the toys encourage natural play and mental stimulation.
What are some effective homemade cat toy ideas?
We recommend using crumpled paper balls, cardboard scratchers, and feather wands made from pipe cleaners. Simple, lightweight items that cats can bat and chase work best.
How can I create a cat toy using socks?
A sock can be stuffed with catnip, soft fabric scraps, or crinkly paper. Secure the open end tightly with a knot or stitch to keep the filling inside.
Where can I find inspiration for DIY cat toys similar to those on Pinterest?
Pinterest boards dedicated to pet crafts and DIY pet toys offer numerous step-by-step tutorials. Searching for terms like “homemade cat toys” or “easy cat toys” can help us find fresh ideas.
What are the guidelines for crafting cat toys with a view to selling them?
Toys should be made from non-toxic, durable materials safe for cats to chew. We must ensure no small parts can be swallowed and comply with consumer safety regulations relevant in the UK.
Could you provide a simple guide to making a cat toy?
Take an old glove, fill each finger with catnip and tissue paper, then sew or tie the open end. This creates a lightweight, scented toy that cats find appealing.
What activities do homemade enrichment toys provide for cats?
These toys stimulate hunting instincts, promote exercise through chasing or pouncing, and offer mental engagement by encouraging problem-solving to access rewards.
Last Updated on 8 December 2025 by YEG