How to Make a Toy for Cats

Make your own cat toys.

The toys that cats enjoy most are often extremely basic. Because of this, for someone who enjoys a quick craft project, it doesn't make much sense to pay a premium at a pet store for a toy that you could make on your own. Two of the most popular types of cat toys are feather "fishing pole" style toys and catnip pillow toys, each of which can generally be made from two or three components in less than 10 minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Feathers
• String
• Stick
• Scrap fabric
• Catnip
• Sewing machine

Instructions

Feather Toy

1. Gather two to three feathers in a bunch. These can be brightly-colored craft feathers or real bird feathers that have been found outdoors and cleaned. If you would like, you can even cut your own faux feathers out of medium-weight felt.

2. Tie one end of a 1-yard length of string to the base of the feathers. You may want to add a small amount of glue to the knot to prevent the feathers from slipping out during playtime.

3. Attach the opposite end of the string to a thin stick such as a wooden dowel or the adjustment rod from an old set of mini blinds. A clean stick from a tree in your yard will also work. The string can be attached by tying it securely to the stick or by using glue or strong tape. Once finished, this toy can be dangled in front of your cat for fun, interactive play.

Catnip Toy

1. Find some scrap fabric that is too small to use for a larger sewing project and cut out two squares approximately 4-by-4 inches in size. A basic cotton quilting fabric works well for this; the thinner the fabric is, the easier it will be for your cat to smell the catnip that is going to be inside.

2. Place one of the fabric pieces on top of the other with the right sides facing. Using a straight stitch on your sewing machine, sew the fabric pieces together around three sides with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

3. Turn the fabric bag right side out and fill it three quarters of the way with dried catnip. You can also add a bit of polyester stuffing if you'd like to give the toy a more pillow-like appearance.

4. Fold the raw edges inward and sew the opening closed. This can be done either with your machine or by hand, but machine stitching is less likely to unravel over time.

Tips & Warnings

• A small jingle bell can be added to a feather toy to make it even more enticing for your cat.

References

• MarthaStewart.com: Feather Cat Toy
• City of Sacramento Animal Care Services: How to Make Catnip Pillows