Pet toys can make your dog or cat happier, more mentally engaged, and more entertaining to hang out with. Buying toys is fine, but it can add up and sometimes your pet might not like the new toy. Making your own from stuff you already have at home cuts down on costs and gives your pet an endless supply of fun things to play with.
Image from npmullins.
These DIY toys shouldn’t take you too long to make, especially if you set aside a weekend morning to bust them out and then let your pet go wild.
Dogs
- Braided rope: Turn an old T-shirt or two into a braided rope you and your dog can use to play tug-o-war or fetch.
- Tennis ball treats: Cut a slit in a tennis ball, pop a couple of treats in, and give it to your dog to figure out how to get the treats out.
- Water bottle in a sock: Put an empty water bottle in a sock and tie the top closed. If crinkling noises annoy you, don’t make this one!
- An empty milk or juice jug: You’ll need to toss this one if your dog chews it into pieces. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don’t eat any of the pieces, too.
- Knotted fabric: Any heavy fabric, like denim or a towel, cut into a large strip and knotted to create a chew toy that you can also use for fetch.
- No sew bed: OK, this isn’t a toy, but it will be a great spot for your pup to rest after playing.
Cats
- Fabric on a string: A floaty fabric (or feathers if you have them) tied to a string.
- Puzzle feeders: Poke a hole in a plastic container, put a couple of treats inside, and leave your cat to try and get them out.
- Cardboard roll: Honestly, this is good as is. Your cat will love it.
- Scratching stump: Cut strips of cardboard that are 7.5-10cm wide. Roll the first strip tightly in on itself to create a cylinder. Tape the end down and roll another strip around the first, continue until your stump is as large as you want. Lay it flat and sprinkle catnip into the cardboard.
- Ramps: Set up ramps (from scrap wood, heavy cardboard or plastic tub lids) so your cat can get a bird’s eye view of your home.
- Cat tent: A cosy spot for your kitty to nap after playing. You just need a T-shirt, two wire hangers, and cardboard.
If your pet who tends to eat things they shouldn’t, be watchful when they play with their new toys. If you’ve made one of these toys before, or have another DIY toy that your pet loved, share it in the comments below.
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