How to Make Simple Cat Toys

Some cats love to play and others are not as active. If you have an active cat with a playful personality, you may be often on the lookout for new and interesting toys and items to use to engage your cat in recreation.
There are a number of toys that are both inexpensive and easy to make. Your cat is sure to enjoy playing with these homemade toys.

Things You'll Need

  • Stick Ping-Pong ball Scissors String Yarn needle Tape measure Sock Catnip Empty plastic medicine bottle (with child-safety cap) Jingle bells
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Instructions

  1. Make a Cat Fishing Pole

    • 1

      Punch a hole though the Ping-Pong ball with the yarn needle.

    • 2

      Cut a 2-foot length of string. Thread the string through the hole and secure the ball to the string by tying a knot that is bigger than the hole you punched into the ball.

    • 3

      Tie the other end of the string to the stick.

    • 4

      Engage your cat by getting its attention. Cast off with the fishing pole and encourage your cat to play with the ball.

    Make a Catnip Sock

    • 5

      Wear the sock for several hours. This will transfer your unique smell to the sock.

    • 6

      Place one or two tablespoons of catnip into the sock and twist the sock several times to seal the catnip into the toe of the sock.

    • 7

      Hold the catnip in the sock in your hand and turn the sock inside out.

    • 8

      Place another 1 to 2 tablespoons of catnip into the toe of the sock and twist the sock again.

    • 9

      Repeat step 4 one or two more times.

    • 10

      Tie the sock with an overhand knot to seal the catnip within the sock.

    • 11

      Add fresh catnip periodically to keep the sock attractive to the cat.

    Make a Jingle Ball

    • 12

      Wash the medicine bottle and scrub off the label if there is one.

    • 13

      Place the bells inside the container. Two or three bells will be sufficient.

    • 14

      Replace the medicine container lid and make sure it is securely in place.

    • 15

      Get your cat's attention and place the jingle ball on the floor to be played with.