“As a pet parent, I’ve discovered that DIY toys aren’t just fun—they’re a way to bond, save money, and keep my furry friends happy.”
~I still remember the first time I made a toy soft ball from an old socks—my cat went crazy for it!
Hey pet family!!
Over time, I’ve realized that homemade toys for cats and dogs don’t have to be complicated. With just a little creativity and a few safe household items, you can turn everyday objects into hours of fun for your pets.
I still remember the first time I made a toy out of an old sock—my cat pounced on it like it was the best gift ever. That’s when I knew these DIY pet toys weren’t just about saving money; they’re about creating special moments and keeping our furry friends active, curious, and happy.
In this guide, I’ll share some of my favorite DIY pet toy ideas that are safe, budget-friendly, and super fun for both cats and dogs.
DIY Fun for Dogs
Whenever my dog gets bored, I’ve noticed he always searches for something to chew, tug, or chase. That’s when I realized I don’t always need to buy new toys—sometimes the best ones are already at home. Here are three of my dog’s all-time favorite homemade toys for dogs, each super easy to make, budget-friendly, and tested for fun.
1.Treat-Filled Tennis Ball
“Turn a simple tennis ball into your dog’s favorite game! Just make a small slit, hide a tasty treat inside, and let the fun begin. It’s a playful puzzle that keeps dogs entertained, mentally stimulated, and joyfully busy—without spending a single penny.”
How to Make:
Take an old tennis ball, cut a small slit in it, and slip in some of your dog’s favorite treats. Once you toss it, the ball bounces unpredictably, and your dog gets excited trying to release the treats.
Quick Tip:
Keep the slit small so the treats don’t fall out too easily—this keeps your dog challenged and entertained longer.
Why I Recommend It:
This toy combines two things dogs love: chasing and snacking. My dog goes crazy every time I bring this ball out, and it also helps burn off extra energy.
“This simple ball turned snack-time into playtime for my pup!”
2.Rope Tug Toy
“Turn a simple rope toy into hours of joy! Just grab a colorful tug rope and let your dog pull, chew, and play to their heart’s content. It’s a fun, interactive way to burn energy, strengthen your bond, and keep your furry friend happy and healthy—all indoors or outdoors.”
How to Make:
Cut old t-shirts or scrap fabric into long strips, braid them tightly together, and tie knots at both ends. That’s it—you’ve got a strong tug toy in minutes.
Quick Tip:
Wet the toy and freeze it—perfect for teething puppies who need relief for their gums.
Why I Recommend It:
Dogs love tug-of-war. My dog can play this game endlessly, and what I love most is that this toy lasts way longer than many store-bought versions.
“My dog loves a good tug-of-war, and this toy lasts longer than store-bought ones!”
3.Crunchy Bottle Toy
“Swap real bottles with these playful plush versions for your pup! Soft, squeaky, and shaped like fun drink bottles, they turn ordinary playtime into a party. Your dog can chew, fetch, or cuddle them—keeping boredom away while giving them a safe and hilarious way to enjoy ‘happy hour.’”
How to Make:
Take an empty plastic bottle, remove the cap and label, slip it inside a clean old sock, and tie the open end. The crunchy noise keeps dogs entertained for hours.
Quick Tip:
Always remove the bottle cap and ring before using, as they can be choking hazards.
Why I Recommend It:
This toy is a lifesaver when I need to keep my dog busy indoors. The crinkle sound is irresistible, and it keeps him occupied while I work.
“My dog can’t resist the crunchy sound—this toy keeps him entertained for hours while I get things done!”
Wrap-Up for Dog Section
These three toys are my go-to whenever my dog starts looking restless. They’re cheap, quick to make, and bring a lot of joy into his day. If you’ve never tried making a DIY dog toy, start with one of these—you’ll be surprised at how much fun your pup will have!
DIY Fun for Cats
Whenever my cat gets restless, I’ve noticed she always looks for something to chase, pounce on, or hide inside. That’s when I realized I don’t always need to buy fancy cat toys —sometimes the best ones are already at home. Here are three of my cat’s favorite DIY toys, all easy to make, budget-friendly, and tested for endless fun.
1.Feather Wand
“Turn playtime into a hunting adventure with this feather wand! Designed to mimic fluttering birds and butterflies, it taps into your cat’s natural instincts. Just wave, dangle, and watch your kitty leap with excitement—keeping them active, entertained, and joyfully engaged in safe, indoor play.”
How to Make:
To create this toy, simply attach a feather—or even a small bunch of feathers—to a string and tie it securely to a stick, chopstick, or old dowel. Make sure the attachment is firm enough to withstand energetic swipes from your playful kitty.
Quick Tip:
Move the wand in short, unpredictable bursts to mimic the way birds flutter. This makes the game far more engaging, as your cat will think she’s hunting real prey.
Why I Recommend It:
It satisfies your cat’s natural hunting instincts while also giving them daily exercise. Plus, it’s interactive—you’ll enjoy bonding with your cat during playtime. My cat never gets bored of this game!
“My cat goes wild the moment she sees the feathers—it’s the best way to burn her extra energy!”
2.Cardboard Hideouts
“Turn a plain cardboard box into your cat’s dream home! With a few cuts for doors and windows, and a soft blanket inside, it becomes the ultimate cozy hideout. Affordable, safe, and endlessly fun—your cat will love lounging, napping, and peeking out from their very own mini house.”
How to Make:
Grab an empty cardboard box and cut out a few holes or doors to create entrances and peep-holes. For extra fun, stack or connect multiple boxes together to make a tunnel system or mini fort. Just smooth out any rough edges so your cat doesn’t get scratched while playing.
Quick Tip:
Add a blanket, cushion, or one of your cat’s favorite toys inside to make it feel like a cozy den. Sprinkle in a little catnip for bonus excitement.
Why I Recommend It:
Cardboard is cheap, safe, and cats are naturally drawn to it. A box fort provides endless entertainment—whether it’s hide-and-seek, surprise attacks, or simply curling up for a nap. My cat spends hours jumping in and out of her cardboard hideouts.
“Give my cat a simple box and she’ll stay busy for hours—sometimes I think she loves boxes more than store-bought toys!”
3.Sock Toy with Catnip
“Give your cat a cuddly fish friend to wrestle, bite, and hug! These soft plush fish toys are perfect for kicking, chewing, and snuggling—keeping your kitty entertained and relaxed. Add a sprinkle of catnip inside, and watch playtime turn into pure joy with their new favorite catch.”
How to Make:
Take a clean old sock and stuff it with catnip, rice, or even some crinkly paper for added sound. Once it’s filled, tie the open end tightly in a knot to keep everything secure. You can also create a few in different shapes and sizes for variety.
Quick Tip:
Rotate between different sock toys every few days. Cats love novelty—switching toys keeps them interested for longer.
Why I Recommend It:
It’s budget-friendly, safe, and incredibly fun. The texture, smell, and weight of the sock toy make it feel like real prey. My cat often drags her sock toy around the house, as if she’s proudly showing off her “catch.”
“As soon as I tie up a catnip sock, she bats it around like it’s her prized catch—totally unstoppable fun!”
Wrap-Up for Cat Section
These three DIY toys are my go-to whenever my cat starts looking bored or restless. They’re quick to make, cost almost nothing, and never fail to bring out her playful side. If you’ve never tried DIY cat toys before, start with one of these—you’ll be amazed at how much joy and energy they’ll bring to your feline friend!
Safe Play Tips Every Pet Parent Should Know
- Choose the Right Toys: Always pick toys that are sturdy, non-toxic, and the right size for your pet to avoid choking hazards.
- Supervise Playtime: Keep an eye on your pet while they play to ensure safety and prevent accidents.
- Rotate & Replace: Clean toys often and replace them when worn out to keep play safe, fun, and hygienic.
Disclaimer: Always supervise your pet during playtime. DIY toys are meant for safe, casual fun but should be checked regularly for wear and tear. Remove or replace any toy that becomes damaged to avoid potential choking or injury risks.
