How to Make Catnip Filled Sock Toys

Anyone who lives with a cat knows that catnip is a must-have staple in the house—and this simple catnip-filled sock is the perfect toy for your feline friends. Not only will it provide them with hours of entertainment, it also serves as a good exercise tool and something to scratch their claws on other than the furniture. It's light-weight and easy for them to tote or drag around. It won't break it you step on it. It can be easily taken apart, washed, refilled and reused over and over again. Or you can throw it away and make new ones without a lot of out-of-pocket expense.

Things You'll Need

• Newspaper
• Cotton or nylon socks (medium or large)
• Catnip, 1 large container
• Poly-fil fiber, 1 to 2 packages
• Twine
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Cover your table or countertop with newspaper. Decide how many toys you want to make and then lay out all of the supplies. The socks can be new or recycled. Ladies or men's cotton crew socks are best, but you can use any standard type of nylon or cotton-blend socks ranging from small to large sizes, as long as they have a standard sock top.

2. Fill the socks. One way is to fill the toe portion of the sock with 1 level tsp. of catnip for a medium-sized sock, or 1 level tbsp. for a large-sized sock. Next, place a handful of poly-fil inside the sock on top of the catnip. Place another tsp. or tbsp. of catnip and then another handful of poly-fil. Repeat until the bottom portion of the sock and heel area is completely filled. Depending on the size of the sock used, stuff the sock with enough poly-fil so that it completely fills out the bottom portion of the sock. You can easily adjust the amount of filler used by adding more or removing any excess before going on to Step 4.

3. Fill the socks (alternate method). The second way to create the socks is to remove the poly-fil from the bag and place it on the newspaper. Pull and spread the filler into a square 2 to 3 inches wide. Using a spoon or your fingers, generously sprinkle the top of the filler from side to side with catnip. If you want, you can flip the filler square over and sprinkle the other side, too. Determine the amount of filler needed for the appropriate sock size, then using either your hands or scissors, pull or cut the filler from the square, roll it up into a loose ball and insert it into the sock in one piece. Add additional poly-fil as needed to fill out the bottom portion of the sock. You can easily adjust the amount of filler used by adding more or removing any excess before going on to Step 4.

4. Cut a piece of twine 6 to 8 inches long. Tie the twine in a tight knot just above the filled portion where the heel of the sock meets the top of the sock. This will secure the opening. Use a tight knot instead of tying a standard bow to prohibit your cat from accidentally getting the sock open and possibly swallowing the poly-fil inside the sock.

5. Shake the sock a few times in order to disperse the catnip and enhance the fragrance emanating from it. Sprinkle a tsp. of catnip on the newspaper and then roll the sock (especially the top part of the sock) over the catnip so there's a light coating on the sock itself. The toy is now complete and ready for your feline friend.

Tips & Warnings

• After a period of time, the sock will become soiled and the catnip will lose its fragrance. Once this happens, cut the twine and empty the sock, then put the sock in the laundry to be washed and dried. Refill the sock with new filler and catnip and secure with a new piece of twine.

• While you're making the socks, be sure your felines are in a secured area away from the catnip.

• Use caution when dispersing the catnip. Regardless of where you put it, cats will react by licking, biting, clawing, rolling, jumping and running. If the scent is on you, they will react to you too, so use caution—wash your hands and change your clothes, if necessary.

• Don't forget to secure the opening of the sock so your pet cannot accidentally open up the toy and become exposed to the filler, which could cause choking.

• Never use foam rubber in your pet's toys, as it is easily torn apart and can become lodged in the throat if swallowed.

Resources

• Fairfield poly-fil products