5 Fun DIY Cat Toys to Craft with Kids: Climber & Crochet Ideas

Crafting with my kids is always a highlight of my week, and when we can make something that our furry family members can enjoy, it’s even better. There’s something truly special about watching your kids’ creativity come to life, especially when it results in endless fun for our whiskered friends.

Fun DIY Cat Toys You Can Make with Your Kids

I’ve always believed that spending quality time with my kids involves a generous dash of creativity. That’s why the idea of making DIY cat toys absolutely delights me. It’s not just about crafting; it’s an opportunity to teach my little ones the value of handmade gifts, especially for our adored family pet. Turning everyday items into playful treasures for our cat has become a cherished activity in our home.

When I first ventured into DIY cat toys, I was surprised at the simplicity yet effectiveness of these homemade playthings. From sock balls to cardboard castles, the options are endlessly entertaining, not only for our furry friend but for the whole family. It’s fascinating to see how a simple item, repurposed with a bit of creative thinking, can offer hours of fun.

Benefits of Making Cat Toys with Kids

Engaging my kids in crafting toys for our cat has been more rewarding than I initially anticipated. Here are a few reasons why:

• Fosters Creativity: As we brainstorm and bring our ideas to life, I watch my children’s imagination flourish. Every session brings new designs, showcasing their unique perspectives on play and fun.
• Educational Value: These craft sessions become informal lessons on topics like recycling and the importance of caring for animals. It’s an excellent way for them to learn about responsibility and empathy towards our pet.
• Quality Family Time: Making these toys has become a bonding activity. It’s heartwarming to see the teamwork and the joy spread across everyone’s faces, not to mention the excited anticipation of our cat’s reaction.
• Saves Money: Let’s not overlook the practical side. DIY cat toys can be a cost-effective alternative to store-bought toys, many of which my kids can replicate with materials we already have at home.

Incorporating playtime for our cat into our crafting sessions has turned into an enriching experience for everyone. It’s a wonderful way to nurture my children’s creativity while caring for our pet.

Materials Needed for DIY Cat Toys

Crafting DIY cat toys with your kids isn’t just a fun activity; it’s also a deep dive into the creative process that uses materials you likely already have at home. 

Common Household Items

You’d be surprised at the treasure trove of toy-making materials lying around your house. Here are some of the most versatile and cat-friendly items you can repurpose:

• Socks: Old socks make excellent toys. Fill them with crinkly paper or catnip, tie a knot, and watch your cat go wild.
• Toilet paper rolls: These are goldmines for DIY projects. Cut them into rings, create a ball, or simply leave them be. Cats love batting them around.
• String and yarn: Ideal for teaser toys. However, ensure supervision during play to prevent accidental ingestion.
• Boxes: Cats famously love boxes. Crafting a cardboard castle or simple hiding spots can provide hours of entertainment.

Remember, safety first! Avoid materials that can easily break or that your cat might try to eat.

Specialized Craft Supplies

For those projects that require a bit more finesse and durability, here are some go-to craft supplies:

• Felting wool: Perfect for creating soft, durable toys that are safe for cats to chew on.
• Catnip: An essential for many DIY cat toys, catnip can make a toy infinitely more exciting for your feline friend.
• Craft bells: Adding a small bell to your toy can provide auditory stimulation for your cat.
• Hot glue gun and safety scissors: For assembly and customization. Remember to use these tools carefully, especially when crafting with kids.

By keeping these materials in mind and utilizing what you have around your home, you can ensure a creative and productive crafting session with your kids. Not only will you create lasting memories, but you’ll also craft unique toys that’ll certainly become your cat’s new favorites.

Easy DIY Cat Toys for Beginners

Creating toys for your furry friend doesn’t have to be daunting. Even if you’re new to the world of DIY, these simple projects are fantastic ways to start. Based on insights from Darina, the owner of MeoWoff, who is an expert in all things cat-related, I’ll guide you through a few beginner-friendly crafts. Let’s dive in!

Cardboard Cat Scratcher

Cats absolutely love to scratch. It’s a natural behavior that helps them keep their claws sharp, mark their territory, and stretch their bodies. You can make an easy and effective scratcher with just a couple of materials:

• Cardboard boxes (the more, the better)
• Non-toxic glue

Simply cut the cardboard into long strips of equal width. Then, using a small amount of glue, start rolling one strip at a time until you have a compact circular or rectangular pad. The key here is patience; let the glue dry completely before introducing it to your cat.

Sock Fish Toy

We all have those lonely, unmatched socks that have lost their partner to the mysterious depths of the laundry. Well, here’s a great way to repurpose them! For this project, you’ll need:

• An old sock
• Some catnip
• A little bit of stuffing (optional)

Fill the sock with a mix of catnip and stuffing to give it a bit of bulk. Then, tie the open end in a knot, or if you’re feeling crafty, sew it shut for a cleaner look. The catnip will drive your cat wild, and the soft, squishy texture is perfect for biting and bunny-kicking.

Feathery Wand Toy

Engaging your cat in play that mimics their natural hunting behaviors is a fantastic way to keep them active and healthy. A feathery wand toy does exactly that and making one is simpler than you might think. Here’s what you need:

• A wooden dowel or stick
• Strong string or fishing line
• Feathers, small bells, or any light object that can be safely attached

Tie one end of the string securely around the dowel. On the other end, attach the feathers, bells, or whichever lightweight item you’ve chosen. This toy is perfect for interactive play sessions that allow your cat to jump, chase, and pounce. Plus, the design can be as straightforward or elaborate as you’d like.

Remember, crafting these toys is not just about the end product. It’s about the fun process, the creativity unleashed, and the bonding experience with your kids. Each toy represents an opportunity to teach them about recycling, craft skills, and animal care—all wrapped up in an activity that brings joy to your family’s feline member.

Intermediate DIY Cat Toys

Moving on from the beginner projects, I’ve got some more challenging yet equally fun DIY cat toys that you can tackle with your kids. These require a bit more skill but promise loads of enjoyment and playtime for your feline friends. 

T-Shirt Yarn Ball

Creating a yarn ball from old t-shirts is an eco-friendly way to recycle fabric while making a playful toy for your cat. Here’s how to make it:

• Collect some old t-shirts that you’re ready to upcycle. Bright colors or patterns make for an enticing toy.
• Cut the shirts into long, 1-inch wide strips. You’ll need about 20-30 strips depending on the size of the t-shirts.
• Stretch each strip to elongate it and make it curl into a cord.
• Start knotting the strips together, one by one, to form a ball. As you progress, it’ll start to take shape naturally.
• Keep it tight as a loosely formed yarn ball might fall apart too easily during play.

This toy is not only great for batting around but also serves as a soft chew toy for your cat to enjoy.

Paper Bag Cat Tunnel

Cats love exploring, and a homemade tunnel offers just the right adventure for your curious pet. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

• Gather large paper bags, preferably from groceries or shopping. You’ll need 3-4 bags depending on how long you want the tunnel to be.
• Cut off the bottoms of the bags to create open-ended tubes.
• Slit one side of each bag from opening to end. This allows you to connect the bags.
• Overlap and tape the bags together using pet-safe, non-toxic tape. Remember to reinforce the inside seams as well for extra durability.
• Let your cat explore. Place toys or treats inside the tunnel to encourage them to enter and enjoy their new playground.

Both of these intermediate projects are not only fun but also offer a fantastic way to bond with your children and engage their creativity. They provide your cats with hours of play and a sense of exploration that indoor pets particularly need.

Advanced DIY Cat Toys

Stepping up the game from the basics, let’s dive into some advanced DIY cat toy projects. Not only are these toys bound to provide endless fun for your furry friends, but they also offer a satisfying challenge for those looking to tackle more involved crafts. 

Cat Tree Climber

One of the most exciting projects you can undertake is building a Cat Tree Climber. It’s not just a toy; it’s a haven for your cat to scratch, climb, and lounge. To start off, you’ll need:

• Plywood for the base and platforms
• PVC pipes or solid wood for the structure
• Rope, preferably sisal, for wrapping around the climbing posts
• Soft fabric or carpet for the platforms
• Tools including a saw, drill, and staple gun

Begin by constructing a sturdy base from plywood, ensuring it’s wide and heavy enough to prevent the tree from tipping over. Next, decide on the height and number of levels for your climber. Cut the PVC pipes or wood to create vertical supports between each level, securing them to the base and platforms with screws. Wrap the posts with sisal rope for a cat-friendly scratching surface. Lastly, cover the platforms with fabric or carpet, attaching it securely with a staple gun. The result? A custom cat tree climber that rivals those found in stores!

Catnip Infused Crochet Toy

For those who enjoy crocheting, making a Catnip Infused Crochet Toy is a delightful project. This toy could be as simple as a small ball or as intricate as a crocheted mouse or fish. You’ll need:

• Crochet hooks
• Yarn, preferably in a scratch-resistant and durable material
• Catnip

The process involves crocheting a design of your choice, keeping it tightly knit to prevent your cat’s claws from getting caught. Before closing up the toy, add a spoonful of catnip to make it irresistible to your feline friend. Not only does this project allow for endless customization, but it also offers a safe and enjoyable toy that your cat will love. Plus, the inclusion of catnip ensures it’ll be a hit!

Tackling these advanced DIY cat toy projects might seem daunting at first, but the joy and satisfaction they bring make the effort worthwhile. Whether it’s building a majestic cat tree climber or crocheting a cute, catnip-infused toy, these activities are sure to deepen the bond between you, your kids, and your feline companions. Plus, exploring creative endeavors like these promotes a sense of accomplishment and inspiration for future projects.

Safety Tips for Making DIY Cat Toys with Kids

Crafting DIY cat toys with your kids is a fantastic way to bond and create lasting memories. But it’s important to keep safety in mind. Always supervise the use of tools and materials, especially when working on more advanced projects like the Cat Tree Climber and the Catnip Infused Crochet Toy. Remember, the joy of making these toys is not just in the finished product but in the shared experience of creating something special for your furry friend. Let’s ensure that every crafting session is fun, safe, and full of creativity. Happy crafting!