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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).

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🐶 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:

1. Line up the socks and tie them together in a knot at one end.
2. Braid them as tightly as you can (think friendship bracelet meets tug-of-war rope).
3. Knot the other end securely.
4. 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.

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🐱 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:

1. Fold in one end of the tube to close it off.
2. Drop in a few treats or pieces of kibble.
3. Fold the other end shut.
4. 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)

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🐾 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:

1. Cut your fabric into strips (about 1 inch wide and 6–8 inches long).
2. Tie the strips through the holes in the mat, knotting them once or twice for security.
3. Continue until the whole mat is covered in a soft, shaggy surface.
4. 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.

(AKC: DIY Cognitive Dog Toys)

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🐕‍🦺 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.

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⚠️ 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.

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💡 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.

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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.