How to Make Kitten Toys

Kittens love to play with toys. Not only do they mimic the skills they would need to survive in the wild, they stimulate your kitten's senses and encourage agility and overall physical health. By using household or inexpensive craft store materials, you can make toys that will keep your kitten entertained for hours and save money in the process.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Making a Feather Toy

Usually your feather toy won't require a stick longer than two feet, but depending on your height you may want to select a stick that's a bit longer. As for thickness, you should try to find a stick that's around a half inch in diameter—any slimmer and it might snap while your kitten is playing with it.
Fishing line is usually the best choice for making feather toys because it's easy to work with and very strong. Fishing line has the added benefit of being hard to see, causing your kitten to focus more on the feathered end of the toy and avoid getting tangled up in the line. If you don't have fishing line, any thin, sturdy string will do.
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3
Attach the string to the dowel. Use some strong tape to affix your string to the dowel, making sure to wrap the tape tightly. While masking tape is an acceptable choice, electrical tape is even better. Electrical tape will wrap tighter and last longer than masking or scotch tape.
- While tape usually gets the job done, you may also want to consider drilling a small hole in the dowel and threading the string through the hole. Be sure to tie a knot at one end of the string to prevent it from slipping through.
4
Tie the feathers onto the length of string. There are a few methods you could use to attach the feathers, but the most secure way is to pierce a small hole in through the hollow, quill end of the feather and thread your string through. Be sure to thread all your feathers onto the string before tying off the end with a knot.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Feathers can usually be found a craft store and are typically inexpensive. Resist the temptation to use wild bird feathers that may be laying around your yard or neighborhood, as they haven't been sterilized and may make your kitten sick.
- When making your holes, a needle or awl will usually be sufficient to pierce the quill.
- You may also want to attach a few small bells or rattles to your feather toy by threading them onto the string the same way you attached the feathers. Your kitten may respond better to the toy if there's sound involved.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Making a Treat Toy

Observe the tube to make sure it is free from any traces of toilet paper and isn't bent or damaged.
2
Draw a circle around the tubes on a piece of cardboard. The circles will need to be a little larger in diameter than the tubes themselves. Place your pen or marker about half an inch out from the edge of the tube and draw a consistent circle all the way around it. Making the circle larger will make it easier to attach to the end of the tube.
- If you prefer, you can use your first circle as a template for making your second. Simply cut the first circle out and use it as a stencil to draw another.
Using a pair of scissors or an X-acto knife, cut out the circles you drew and set them aside. It's okay if your circles aren't perfect, as your kitten will probably make quick work of biting and clawing the cardboard anyway.
Using a sturdy masking tape, attach the cardboard circle to one end of the tube as shown. You'll need to leave the other end open to add treats. Apply the tape liberally to make sure it doesn't come off right away—your cat will enjoy the toy more if they are able to play with it longer before getting the treats inside.
5
Put some cat food or treats in the tube. Pour some dry cat food into the roll for your cat to enjoy once it has successfully opened the toy. In addition to making a rattling sound while your kitten is playing with it, the scent from the food will also encourage your cat to play with the toy until it has discovered the treat.
- This kind of toy is often referred to as a puzzle feeder, and is designed to develop your kitten's instinctive hunting and problem-solving skills. The toilet paper roll is an example of a basic puzzle feeder, but there are many different varieties to choose from as your cat gets older and more capable.^{[2]XResearch source}
Tape the tube shut the same way you did with the first circle, making sure to achieve a good seal.
Using a pair of scissors, and awl, or even a sharp pencil, make small holes in the cardboard circles you taped onto the tube. It's important not to make the holes too big as your kitten will make the holes bigger with its teeth. These holes are also important because they allow your kitten to smell the contents of the toy.
8
Decorate the toy. If you're so inclined, you can decorate your toy by using brightly colored paper or drawing designs on it with markers. Be sure to use pet safe materials and to supervise your kitten at all times when it's playing with the toy.
- Most paper is pet safe, but make sure your kitten doesn't swallow small pieces of it or it might become a choking hazard.
- If you use markers to decorate your toy, make sure they're non-toxic.
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making a Pill Bottle Toy

Remove any labels from the bottle by soaking them in hot water and then scrubbing or using products like Goo Gone. Once the labels are removed, clean the inside of the bottle with soap and water to remove any powdery residue that may have accumulated.
Use anything from beans to corn kernels to create rattling sound as your kitten bats the bottle across the room. While most pill bottles will have childproof (and kitten proof) lids, it's always a good idea to fill the bottle with edible items just in case your kitten manages to open it.^{[3]XResearch source}
Secure the top tightly before letting your kitten play with the bottle. If your bottle doesn't have a locking lid, you may consider gluing or taping the bottle shut to prevent the contents from spilling out.
It's always important to keep a close eye on your pet when it plays with toys—especially homemade ones. You may also need to retrieve the bottle toy if your cat happens to bat it under a sofa or somewhere it can't reach.
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Tips

If your cat/kitten doesn't play with the toys you made, try adding catnip to it.
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Kittens love to play with objects that move erratically and mimic prey animals. Never underestimate the entertainment power of a shoelace or a simple ball of scrunched-up paper for a kitten.
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Instead of using a toilet paper tube, consider using something a little more durable like a thin plastic container. Your cat may find plastic more challenging to open and get more use out of the toy. Conversely, if your kitten is having trouble with the cardboard model, consider making the holes bigger or using less tape.
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Warnings

Don't let your kitten play with any homemade toy unsupervised. Watch the kitten closely to make sure it isn't trying to eat cardboard, feathers, or any other harmful material.
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Provide water to your kitten after playing to reduce the risk of dehydration.
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