With summer fully upon us, you may be looking for a different kind of craft to occupy your kids for a little while. Do-it-yourself cat toys are an awesome way, especially for little ones, to feel useful, improve their motor skills and creativity, be entertained, and bond even more with your precious family cat. Read on for some easy (and cost-effective) cat toys your kids can make. Scissors are required for some of these; please assist your children as appropriate.
Important Considerations
If you have dogs as well, remember that the needs of dogs and cats when it comes to playtime are usually different. Games such as tug of war with tug toys are not recommended for cats, because their teeth are much easier to break. So, keep canine and feline toys separate.
Simple Rings
Materials Needed
- Empty cardboard toilet paper roll.
- Scissors.
- Pen, pencil, or marker.
Directions
- Make four ¼-inch (finger-width) marks on the empty cardboard toilet paper roll.
- Cut each into a ring using your scissors.
Ring Ball
This is similar to the last “recipe,” but is a little more aesthetic in appearance and more difficult for cats to quickly tear apart or eat.
Materials Needed
- Empty cardboard toilet paper roll.
- Scissors.
- Pen, pencil, or marker.
Directions
- Create four ¼-inch (finger-width) marks on the empty cardboard toilet paper roll.
- Cut four rings using your scissors.
- Insert the first ring into the second ring.
- Insert that ring into the third ring.
- Insert that ring into the fourth ring.
Now, you have a ring ball! For added kitty excitement, put a treat inside the ring ball.
Treat Rattle
This is really a DIY cat toy for even the youngest child, as no scissors are required.
Materials Needed
- Empty cardboard toilet paper roll.
- Small cat treats.
- Pen or marker (optional).
Directions
- Fold one end of the toilet paper roll to form a semi-closed end.
- Put a few small treats inside.
- Fold the other end of the toilet paper roll to form another semi-closed end.
- Optional step: draw a cute cat face or other art on one or both sides of your new treat rattle, using non-toxic paint or markers.
Conclusion
Hopefully, these DIY cat toys will give you, your human children, and your feline companions hours of inexpensive fun!