How to Make a Catnip Toy

So you want to pamper your cat with new toys, but don’t feel like running to the pet store. No problem! You can make a variety of cool pet toys out of basic supplies you may already have around your home. Socks offer plenty of space to fill with stuffing and catnip for a quick, fluffy toy. If you know how to sew, you could also assemble little mice out of pieces of fabric. Another option is to stuff cardboard rolls with catnip and let your cat figure out how to open it. Give your cat a homemade toy with fresh catnip and watch it have fun!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Creating a No-Sew Sock Toy

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1
Select a small sock without any holes in it. Use a children’s sock or an ankle sock to make a small toy your cat can easily bat around. If you don’t have one of those, you could use any other sock and fill it with more stuffing. However, choose an undamaged sock to avoid having any of the stuffing spill out. Wash the sock before turning it into a toy.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Avoid any socks that could fall apart while your cat is playing with it. For instance, don’t use yarn socks or any with loose strings your cat might accidentally swallow.
- You could cut larger socks down to size if you wish to turn them into smaller toys. The extra length you trim off can typically be used to make a second toy as well.
2
Spread a handful of polyester stuffing next to the sock. Set the sock aside and place the stuffing next to it. Use as much as you are able to fit into the sock while still being able to close it up. You can estimate how much you need by lightly stuffing the sock and then removing the material afterward. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on the size of the sock.
- Polyester stuffing is available online and at craft supply stores. If you are unable to find any, you could use an alternative, such as yarn, felt, tissue paper, or cut-up T-shirts.
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3
Sprinkle 1 tbsp (0.5 g) of catnip over the stuffing. Get some store-bought shredded catnip or catnip spray your cat will love. Measure out a little bit, then spread it as evenly as possible. You can pour it onto the stuffing with a measuring spoon or sprinkle a pinch on by hand. Try to coat all sides of the stuffing so the catnip scent is strong all over.^{[2]XResearch source}
- If you have fresh catnip available, you could chop it up and add it to the toy. Another option is powdered catnip, which is easier to rub over a toy but works the same way as shredded catnip.
- Adding the catnip is easiest before stuffing the sock. You could do it after inserting the stuffing, but you won’t be able to distribute the catnip throughout the toy as evenly.
- Be careful to avoid using too much catnip. Although it isn’t harmful, it can make your cat feel a little sick.
4
Stuff the polyester all the way into the sock. Push the stuffing down so it completely fills the toe of the sock. Most of the catnip will stick to the stuffing and end up in the sock as well. Maintain some empty space along the top end so you are able to easily close the toy afterward.^{[3]XResearch source}
- If you wish to, you could also put in a piece of string to give the toy a mouse tail for your cat to chase around.
5
Tie the sock into a knot to close it. Pinch the sock closed while looping the empty end around your hand. Tuck the end of this tail underneath the loop, then pull it back up again. Then, pass the tail end through the center of the loop and pull it tight to knot the toy shut.^{[4]XResearch source}
- You could also tie the sock shut with a piece of yarn. Sewing the sock shut is possible but will prevent you from being able to open and refill the toy with fresh catnip.
- Once you’re done making the toy, you can decorate it. Try coloring it with a marker or gluing parts, like plastic eyes or fabric ears, onto it.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Sewing Mouse Toys

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1
Sketch the shape of a mouse onto wool felt fabric with chalk. Pick a pair of colorful fabric squares with a pattern you like. Get ones that are at least 2 by 2 inches (5 cm × 5 cm) in size or otherwise roughly the size of the mouse you wish to make. Sketch the design by hand. Try drawing a round body with a pointed nose.^{[5]XResearch source}
- Purchase fabric and other supplies online or at a local craft supply store.
- If you’re unsure how to make the design, look online for examples. The size and shape can be changed according to your preference, so let your creativity loose.
2
Cut the patterns out with sharp fabric scissors. Trim the fabric along the chalk lines you traced. Make sure both pieces are roughly the same size and shape so they can easily be joined together. Test this by laying the halves on top of one another and seeing where they overlap. Trim them down as needed, smoothing out any rough edges.^{[6]XResearch source}
- To ensure the halves come out to be the same size, cut one first, then use it to trace an outline on the second set of fabric. You don’t have to do this, but it can be helpful if you’re having a hard time getting the halves to look even.
3
Turn the pieces of fabric upside down to build the mouse. Place the cut pieces of fabric next to one another. This side will form the inside part of the mouse. Arranging the fabric this way hides most of the stitching so your cat can’t get to it. Keep the patterned side face down for now.
- The patterned side will end up on the outside once you finish sewing the toy together. You can turn it inside-out so the stitches stay well-hidden on the inside.^{[7]XResearch source}
4
Lay a 4 in (10 cm) length of yarn over the fabric. Select one of the pieces of fabric to be the bottom half of the mouse. Set the yarn on top of it, stretching it from the nose to the back end. Let the excess length of yarn hang off the back end to serve as the tail. Then, set the other piece of fabric on top of the first one.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Using a longer length of yarn is fine and can help ensure you have enough material for the tail. Any excess can be trimmed or tucked inside the fabric later.
- Make sure the fabric is arranged properly, leaving the pattern-side up. When you turn the fabric inside-out later, the pattern will be on top with the stitches hidden. If you’re using double-sided fabric, it doesn’t matter which side is on top.
- Hot glue can also be used to secure the tail to the fabric. If you’re using hot glue, you could wait to add the tail until you have turned the fabric inside-out, then permanently glue or sew it inside with the stuffing.
5
Use a sewing machine to sew the front and sides closed. Set the other piece of fabric upside-down over the yarn. Set your sewing machine to a low stitch length, such as 1 in (2.5 cm). Then, begin securing the parts with a basic straight stitch. Push the fabric slowly past the needle to bind it together.^{[9]XResearch source}
- When you sew the nose shut, tuck in the yarn if it extends past the edge of the fabric.
- Leave the back end open so you are able to finish stuffing the toy afterward.
- You could also knit or crochet your own mouse out of yarn. It takes a little more skill but can be simplified by following a pattern. Search online for “catnip mouse knitting patterns” to find one you like.^{[10]XResearch source}
6
Turn the fabric inside-out to prepare to finish it. Reach inside the sewn pouch and take hold of the fabric. Carefully pull it toward you to reverse it. The pattern will be on the outside with the stitches on the inside.^{[11]XResearch source}
- If you sew the fabric the wrong way, there is nothing to worry about. The finished mouse may not look quite the way you want, but it’s still useable and your cat surely won’t mind if you make some more.
7
Place a handful of polyester stuffing beside the fabric. The exact amount of stuffing needed depends on the size of the mouse. A healthy handful of it is usually enough to make the finished toy soft and fluffy. You can get a more accurate estimate by filling the mouse, then pulling out the stuffing afterward. However, don’t leave the stuffing in until you have added the catnip.
- If you don’t have polyester stuffing, use cotton, yarn, or cut-up fabric instead to fill the mouse.
8
Sprinkle about 1 tablespoon (15 ml) (0.5 g) of catnip onto the stuffing and put it into the mouse. Add catnip sparingly, spreading it all across the stuffing. Afterward, pick up the stuffing and begin putting it into the mouse. Hold the back end of the mouse open to fit the stuffing in a little at a time. Fill up the entire mouse, making sure you are able to sew it shut afterward.^{[12]XResearch source}
- If you’re able to find powdered catnip, it sticks to the stuffing very well. Powdered catnip is just catnip leaves that have been ground up instead of shredded.
- Stuffing the mouse this way spreads the scent of the catnip throughout the toy. Adding the catnip after stuffing it could
- Be aware of the tail so it doesn’t fall out while you’re stuffing the mouse. If you’re having a hard time keeping it in place, secure it to the fabric with a hot glue gun.
9
Sew the back end of the mouse shut to seal the toy. Use a sewing machine to easily finish the toy. Rotate the toy so the open end with the tail is underneath the needle. Push it along the machine carefully to complete the seam. The stitching will also finish pinning the tail to the fabric.^{[13]XResearch source}
- You could sew the final seam by hand if you’re familiar with using a needle and thread. Doing it by hand can be easier if you’re having a hard time keeping the stuffing and tail inside the mouse.
- Add eyes, ears, and other decorations to the toy if you wish. You could cut and sew on ears, glue on plastic eyes, or draw on a face with a marker, for instance.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Making Toys out of Cardboard Tubes

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1
Remove any glue or paper left on a small paper cardboard tube. Save some of the cardboard paper tubes left over after you finish using a roll of toilet paper or paper towels. Most of them have a little bit of material left on them. Inspect the tubes carefully, picking off any debris by hand. Remove it so your cat doesn’t swallow it.^{[14]XResearch source}
- Cardboard tubes come in a variety of sizes, so you can use them to make different toys. The tubes inside rolls of toilet paper are really good for small toys. You may wish to trim paper towel tubes in half and make multiple toys out of them.
2
Fold the ends of the rolls halfway in to cover the openings. Work on the ends one at a time. Press one edge of the cardboard down, folding it halfway over the opening. Repeat with the other side. Pinch the folded cardboard flaps together afterward to ensure they stay in place. Then, close the opposite end as well.^{[15]XResearch source}
- To prevent the tube from opening back up, you could glue or staple the cardboard flaps together. Keep one end of the tube open until you have added the catnip
3
Open one end of the tube to add 1 tablespoon (14.8 ml) (0.5 g) of catnip to it. Gently unfold the flaps to avoid tearing the cardboard. Measure out the catnip and pour it directly into the tube. Make sure it goes all the way down into the tube.^{[16]XResearch source}
- Shredded catnip is easier to use than powdered catnip for this kind of toy, especially if you’re planning on refilling it when the scent wears out. Powdered catnip will be harder to clean out of the tube.
- To spread the catnip scent around, you could rub some of it around the inside of the tube. Since the catnip is loose, it will still attract your cat’s attention even if you don’t do this.
4
Close the cardboard tube back up to shut it. Fold the flaps back over to reseal the tube. Make sure the cardboard stays well-sealed so the catnip doesn’t instantly fall out as soon as your cat starts playing. To make the tube into a longer-lasting toy, glue or staple this end of the tube shut as well.^{[17]XResearch source}
- Choose a cat-safe glue like a fast-drying, scentless wood glue. Use staples only if you’re sure your cat won’t swallow them.
- If you close the tube up permanently, your cat won’t be able to access the catnip. It also prevents you from replacing the catnip once its scent wears out.
5
Decorate the tube by drawing or coloring on it. Decorating is optional, but it adds color to the otherwise bland brown coloring. If you’re able to hold your cat off long enough, you could draw a cat or mouse face on the tube, for instance. Use some colored or permanent markers to make all sorts of imaginative patterns.^{[18]XResearch source}
- Another option is to use a hot glue gun to add decorations to the tube. For example, add fabric whiskers or plastic eyes, but avoid using anything your cat might be tempted to swallow.

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Tips

If you can’t refill a toy, rub fresh catnip over its exterior to give your cat a little treat.^{[19]XResearch source}
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Provide your cat with lots of different toys and rotate them out on occasion. Also, put them away after playtime so your cat doesn’t get bored of them or accustomed to the catnip.^{[20]XResearch source}
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Many toys can also be used as treat dispensers. Cardboard tubes in particular work well since your cat gets to pull open the ends and find the surprise inside.
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Warnings

Any decorations you add to a toy could be a potential hazard to your cat. Avoid small parts that your cat could accidentally swallow while playing, such as tiny bits of string and plastic.
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Although catnip isn’t considered toxic, using too much of it can make your cat a little sick. Add sparing amounts of it to any toy to prevent symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea.^{[21]XResearch source}
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