DIY Pet Toys: 15 Budget-Friendly Projects Your Pets Will Actually Love
DIY Pet Toys: 15 Budget-Friendly Projects Your Pets Will Actually Love
Let me tell you about the $30 cat toy I bought last month.
Luna played with it for exactly 4 minutes. Then she discovered the cardboard box it came in and played with THAT for three weeks.
Pets don't care about price tags. They care about fun.
So I started making toys from stuff I already had. And honestly? My pets like these better than anything from the store.
Here are 15 DIY pet toys that cost almost nothing and actually work.
For Dogs 🐕
1. The T-Shirt Tug Toy
You need: Old t-shirts (2-3)
How to make it:
1. Cut t-shirts into 2-inch wide strips
2. Gather 3 strips and tie a knot at one end
3. Braid tightly
4. Tie a knot at the other end
5. Trim any uneven ends
Why dogs love it: Perfect for tug-of-war, soft on teeth, your scent is built in.
Pro tip: Use different colored shirts for a fun look.
2. The Muffin Tin Puzzle
You need: Muffin tin, tennis balls, treats
How to make it:
1. Place treats in muffin cups
2. Cover each cup with a tennis ball
3. Let your dog figure out how to get the treats
Why dogs love it: Mental stimulation + food = doggy heaven.
Difficulty levels: Start with some cups uncovered. Gradually cover more.
3. The Sock Ball
You need: Old sock, tennis ball
How to make it:
1. Put tennis ball in sock
2. Tie a knot above the ball
3. Done!
Why dogs love it: Easy to grab, fun to shake, satisfying to "kill."
Safety note: Supervise play—some dogs will try to eat socks.
4. The Frozen Kong Alternative
You need: Empty plastic bottle, peanut butter, kibble
How to make it:
1. Smear peanut butter inside bottle
2. Add some kibble
3. Freeze for 2+ hours
Why dogs love it: Long-lasting treat challenge.
Safety note: Remove cap and ring. Supervise to prevent chewing plastic.
5. The Snuffle Mat (Simple Version)
You need: Rubber sink mat with holes, fleece fabric
How to make it:
1. Cut fleece into 1x6 inch strips
2. Push strip through hole, tie a knot underneath
3. Repeat until mat is full and fluffy
4. Hide treats in the fleece "grass"
Why dogs love it: Mimics foraging behavior, great mental workout.
For Cats 🐱
6. The Cardboard Box Maze
You need: Multiple cardboard boxes, box cutter
How to make it:
1. Cut holes in sides of boxes (big enough for cat to fit through)
2. Tape boxes together in a maze configuration
3. Add some crinkle paper or toys inside
Why cats love it: Hiding, exploring, ambushing—all their favorite things.
Level up: Cut small holes for paw-fishing toys through.
7. The Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle
You need: Toilet paper rolls, treats, box
How to make it:
1. Stand toilet paper rolls upright in a box (pack tightly)
2. Drop treats into various rolls
3. Let cat fish them out
Why cats love it: Hunting simulation, paw dexterity challenge.
8. The Sock Catnip Toy
You need: Old sock, catnip, stuffing (or more socks)
How to make it:
1. Fill sock with stuffing
2. Add generous amount of catnip
3. Tie off end tightly
4. Optional: Add crinkle material for sound
Why cats love it: Kick, bite, bunny-kick—the whole routine.
9. The Feather Wand
You need: Stick or dowel, string, feathers (or fabric strips)
How to make it:
1. Tie string to end of stick
2. Attach feathers or fabric strips to string end
3. Wiggle enticingly
Why cats love it: Mimics prey movement, interactive play with you.
Safety note: Store away after play—strings can be dangerous if swallowed.
10. The Paper Bag Crinkle Tunnel
You need: Paper grocery bags (not plastic!)
How to make it:
1. Cut bottom out of bags
2. Tape bags together end-to-end
3. Crinkle the sides for extra sound
Why cats love it: Crinkle sounds + tunnel = irresistible.
For Both Dogs and Cats 🐾
11. The Treat Bottle Roller
You need: Plastic bottle, treats
How to make it:
1. Clean bottle thoroughly
2. Cut small holes (big enough for treats to fall out)
3. Fill with treats
4. Let them roll it around
Why pets love it: Food + puzzle + movement = engagement.
Adjust difficulty: Smaller holes = harder puzzle.
12. The Ice Block Treasure Hunt
You need: Container, water, treats/toys
How to make it:
1. Fill container partially with water
2. Add treats or small toys
3. Freeze
4. Add more water and treats
5. Freeze again (creates layers)
6. Pop out and let them work at it
Why pets love it: Cooling in summer, long-lasting entertainment.
Best for: Supervised outdoor play (it's messy!).
13. The Crinkle Ball
You need: Crinkle material (chip bags, washed and dried), fabric scrap
How to make it:
1. Wrap crinkle material into a ball
2. Wrap fabric around it
3. Secure with stitches or tight knots
Why pets love it: That irresistible crinkle sound.
14. The Hide-and-Seek Toy
You need: Old towel or blanket, treats
How to make it:
1. Lay towel flat
2. Scatter treats across it
3. Roll up loosely
4. Let them unroll to find treats
Why pets love it: Foraging instinct satisfaction.
For dogs: Tie loose knots for extra challenge.
For cats: Use smaller towel, fewer treats.
15. The Box Fort
You need: Various boxes, creativity
How to make it:
1. Collect boxes of different sizes
2. Cut entrances and windows
3. Stack and arrange into a fort
4. Add blankets for coziness
Why pets love it: New territory to explore and claim.
Safety First
Always Supervise
DIY toys aren't tested for safety like commercial ones. Watch your pet play, especially at first.
Know Your Pet
Avoid Hazards
When to Throw Away
The Real Value
These toys cost pennies. But the real value?
Time spent playing together.
The best toy in the world is you—engaged, playful, present.
So grab that toilet paper roll, make something silly, and watch your pet's eyes light up.
That's the good stuff.
Need Ready-Made Options Too?
We've got toys for every pet personality—tested and approved.
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