Buying pet toys can be fun—until you learn how to make DIY pet toys your pets will love and until…. your dog rips through a $20 squeaky llama in five minutes flat, or your cat snubs the fancy feather wand in favor of the box it came in. Plus it’s a bit of arts and crafts for yourself as well. Let’s get started:
That’s where DIY toys come in: budget-friendly, boredom-busting, and often made from stuff you already have at home. Bonus: you’ll feel wildly accomplished, like a Pinterest parent who actually finished a craft project without supergluing themselves to the table.
Let’s dive into some easy, enrichment-approved DIY toys your pets will actually enjoy (and you can make without a trip to the ER).
🐶 Toy 1: Sock Braid Tug Toy (For Dogs)
What You’ll Need:
- 3 old socks (clean, please—your dog loves you, but they don’t need to sniff your gym foot funk)
- Optional treat or squeaker
How To Make It:
- Line up the socks and tie them together in a knot at one end.
- Braid them as tightly as you can (think friendship bracelet meets tug-of-war rope).
- Knot the other end securely.
- Optional pro tip: Tuck a treat or squeaker into the middle of the braid before tying the last knot for extra excitement.
Why It Works:
It’s soft, durable, and made from your stuff—so it already smells like you, aka your dog’s favorite person. Plus, it’s great for tug-of-war, fetch, or just aggressive chewing sessions on the couch.
🐱 Toy 2: Toilet Paper Tube Puzzle (For Cats or Small Pets)
What You’ll Need:
- 1 empty toilet paper roll (you definitely have this)
- A few treats or bits of dry kibble
How To Make It:
- Fold in one end of the tube to close it off.
- Drop in a few treats or pieces of kibble.
- Fold the other end shut.
- Toss it on the floor and watch your pet try to solve the puzzle.
Optional upgrades:
- Cut small holes in the sides so treats fall out when rolled.
- Decorate with pet-safe markers if you’re feeling fancy.
Why It Works:
This toy turns mealtime into a game. It satisfies natural foraging instincts and keeps curious minds busy—especially for indoor cats or small pets like rabbits and ferrets.
(ASPCA: Canine DIY Enrichment)
🐾 Toy 3: Snuffle Mat (For All Pets)
What You’ll Need:
- A rubber sink mat (with holes)
- Old fleece blankets, t-shirts, or fabric scraps
- Scissors
How To Make It:
- Cut your fabric into strips (about 1 inch wide and 6–8 inches long).
- Tie the strips through the holes in the mat, knotting them once or twice for security.
- Continue until the whole mat is covered in a soft, shaggy surface.
- Sprinkle treats or dry food between the fabric pieces and let your pet snuffle around.
Why It Works:
Snuffle mats are enrichment powerhouses. They slow down fast eaters, reduce stress, and keep pets entertained through natural scavenging behavior. Great for dogs, cats, rabbits—even guinea pigs.
🐕🦺 Bonus Toy Ideas (Because We Know You’re On a Roll Now)
Plastic Bottle Crinkle Toy (Dogs):
Take an empty plastic water bottle, remove the cap and label, and pop it inside a sock. Tie the sock shut. Now you’ve got a satisfying crinkle toy that’s safe and fun to chomp.
Catnip Sock Rocket (Cats):
Fill a clean sock with a tablespoon of dried catnip and a bit of cotton stuffing or crumpled paper. Knot the end, toss it on the floor, and watch the zoomies unfold.
Paper Bag Playground (Cats):
Take a plain paper grocery bag, cut a few peekaboo holes, and crumple some paper balls inside. Boom: instant hide-and-seek cave. (Bonus points if your cat hides in there and ambushes you.)
Tennis Ball Treat Dispenser (Dogs):
Cut a small slit in a tennis ball, stuff in some treats, and give it to your dog. They’ll nudge, bite, and roll it to figure out how to free the goodies.
⚠️ Safety First: What NOT to Do
DIY is fun, but your pet’s safety comes first. Here are a few important reminders:
- Avoid toxic glues, paints, or markers—especially if your pet is a chewer.
- Don’t use anything with small parts that could break off and become a choking hazard.
- Skip string or ribbon for unsupervised play—they’re a swallowing risk, especially for cats.
- Regularly check your homemade toys for wear and tear. If it’s falling apart, toss it or remake it.
💡 Why It Matters
Toys aren’t just for fun—they serve a real purpose in your pet’s life. Playtime:
- Prevents boredom (a bored pet is a furniture-destroying pet)
- Reduces anxiety and stress
- Encourages natural instincts like chewing, hunting, sniffing, and problem-solving
- Strengthens your bond when you play together
And best of all? DIY toys give you a way to engage your pet without draining your wallet or stepping into a pet store every weekend.
So go ahead—raid your sock drawer, grab some scissors, and let the crafting (and tail-wagging) begin. Just maybe keep the superglue out of reach. Your fingers—and your pet—will thank you.
Or… you could just buy some pet toys, check out our range – PetPrinces.