How to Make a Cat Toy From a Baby Sock

Cat toys don't have to come from a pricey pet shop. You can make them at home from materials you may already have on hand---including baby socks.

Things You'll Need

• Baby socks, old or new Polyester stuffing Catnip Heavy-duty thread or light yarn Sewing needle Yarn (optional) Pom-poms (optional) Jingle bell (optional) Crinkly paper such as Mylar tissue paper (optional) Permanent markers (optional)

Instructions

1. Stuff a baby sock (old or new) with polyester stuffing and a pinch or two of catnip.

2. Using a needle and heavy-duty thread or light yarn, stitch the cuff of the sock securely closed.

3. You may choose to decorate the cat toy with permanent markers, or attach yarn so it can be hung from a doorknob. Other options: add a jingle bell or crinkly paper such as Mylar tissue paper when stuffing the toy or attach a "tail" made of yarn and a pom-pom---just push a needle and yarn through the center of a pom-pom, sew it through the sock and securely tie it off.

Tips & Warnings

• Scout troops or school groups can make these cat toys as a service project for an animal shelter.

• Discard the sock toy if it shows signs of wear.