How to Make DIY Pet Toys from Household Items
Your pets need to have fun to stay happy. Playing keeps them from getting bored, lowers their stress, and makes your connection with them stronger. But toys from the store cost a lot, and sometimes they're made with bad stuff.
But hey, good for you! You can produce these fantastic, harmless, and super cool pet toys from things you have lying around the house. Making your pet toys is easy on the budget and great for reusing the stuff you would otherwise throw away.
So, let's dive into crafting simple yet clever DIY pet toys. We've got you covered whether you've got dogs, cats, or little critters, with stuff you can find without leaving your house.
1. DIY Dog Toys
Your dog digs chomping, yanking, and sprinting after stuff, right? Check out these simple DIY playthings to keep your pooch psyched.
1.1. T-Shirt Rope Toy
Stuff You'll Need:
✔ Worn-out T-shirt (or fabric leftovers)
✔ Shears
Here's the Drill:
Slice up the T-shirt into three or four lengthy bits.
Knot the bits on one side with a snug bind.
Plait the bits hard and finish off with another solid bind.
Why Your Dog'll Dig It:
✔ Top-notch for gnawing and pulling.
✔ It's like a toothbrush for your doggo's chompers.
✔ It's green 'cause you're reusing old garb.
1.2. Tug Toy with Sock & Tennis Ball
You'll Need These:
✔ A worn-out sock
✔ One tennis ball
Putting It Together:
Shove the tennis ball right into that sock.
Make a knot on the sock to keep the ball from escaping.
(You might wanna) Tie one more knot at the end that's open to make holdin' on easier.
Perks of This Toy:
✔ Mashes up chewin', yanking, and tossin' games into a single plaything.
✔ Aces for fun back-and-forth games.
✔ Repurposes stuff ya got lying around the crib.
1.3. Crunch Toy from a Plastic Bottle
What You'll Need:
✔ Get an empty plastic water bottle and make sure it's got no cap
✔ Grab some old fabric or an old sock
Building the Toy:
Twist off the bottle cap and strip off the label.
Shove the bottle inside an old sock or wind fabric around it.
secure the the bottle by tying a knot at each end.
Reasons Why This Is Awesome:
✔ Pups dig the noise the bottle makes.
✔ It's a top-notch swap for toys ya buy at the pet store.
✔ It gives a second life to stuff you've recycled.
2. Craft It Yourself Cat Toys
Kitties get their kicks from stalking and swatting tiny moveable things. These homemade toys will keep your kitty on the prowl and amused.
2.1. Puzzle Toy Made of Toilet Paper Rolls
Stuff You'll Need:
✔ Unneeded toilet paper rolls
✔ Yummy snacks or kibble
✔ A pair of scissors
Putting It Together:
Grab a toilet paper roll and bend the ends a bit to the inside.
Toss in a couple snacks or bits of kibble.
Watch your cat mess around with it to get the snacks out.
Why Your Cat Will Love It:
✔ Boosts their puzzle-cracking abilities.
✔ A super cool method to give 'em some brain exercise.
✔ Recycles stuff that you'd just chuck.
2.2. Wand with Feathers Toy
You'll Need These:
✔ Get yourself a stick or a chopstick
✔ Grab some string or yarn
✔ Hunt down some feathers or snippets of cloth
Here's How You Make It:
Knot the yarn right on the stick's end.
Fix feathers or bits of material to the yarn's opposite end.
Shake that homemade toy like the prey's movin'.
The Cool Reasons It Rocks:
✔ Fires up your kitty's urge to hunt.
✔ Gets them movin' for health and lively games.
✔ Strengthens the special connection with your furball.
2.3. Home-Brew Sock Catnip Thing
You'll Need These:
✔ A sock that's seen better days
✔ Catnip that's dried out
✔ Optional: some cotton for stuffing
Putting It Together:
Stuff that sock with catnip and maybe some fluff (if you're feeling it).
Get a solid knot in there to keep everything together.
Hand it over to your kitty and check out the craziness that ensues!
Here's the Deal:
✔ Most cats get jazzed by catnip so they're set for fun for quite a while.
✔ You've got a toy that's easy and won't make a mess.
✔ You're giving those old socks a second life.
3. Toys for Your Tiny Fur Buddies (Like Bunnies, Tiny Pigs, and Little Hamsters)
Your little critters deserve some fun times too! Try these easy DIY toys to keep them lively.
3.1. Cardboard Maze
What You'll Need:
✔ Old cardboard boxes
✔ A pair of scissors
✔ Some tape (you don't have to use it though)
Steps to Craft It:
Snip out various doorways in a big box for creating passageways.
Join a bunch of boxes to craft a labyrinth or cozy secret spot.
Pop in some snacks or beloved playthings inside to spark curiosity.
Reasons for Success:
✔ Awesome for brain exercise and scouting around.
✔ Offers a chill zone for hiding.
✔ Makes good use of old stuff.
3.2. Create Your Own Hanging Gnawing Toy
You Gotta Have:
✔ Rope or some twine
✔ Wooden bits (okay for critters)
✔ Little goodies or munchies
Here's the Drill:
Whip the twine through those wooden bits, snacks, or tiny trinkets.
Fasten the thing inside their home at a height they can get to.
Why You'd Dig It:
✔ Spurs on gnawing - mega important for keeping teeth sharp.
✔ Keeps 'em busy and amused.
✔ A cinch to whip up and mix up.
3.3. Whip Up a Treat Chuckin' Gadget for Tiny Buddies
Need Somethin':
✔ A used-up TP tube
✔ Some hay or noshes
Get It Done:
Pack the roll with hay or treats safe for pets.
bend the ends to make a fun challenge.
This Is Awesome Because:
✔ Sparks pets' instinct to forage.
✔ It's a hoot for keeping tiny critters busy and into it.
✔ Takes advantage of reused stuff.
Wrapping It Up
Whipping up your own playthings for pets from stuff lying around the house is a blast, crafty, and easy on your wallet. No matter if you're a pal to a pooch, kitty, bunny, or tiny hamster, you've got loads of simple homemade toy choices for them.
