Genius House Hacks · a GopherCentral & PulseTV publication
Pets & DIY · Sep 30, 2023 edition

Ten DIY Pet Toy Ideas for Dogs and Cats

From the Genius House Hacks archive.

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Pet toys can get expensive fast, especially when a dog or cat destroys one within minutes. Making a few DIY toys at home is a fun, low-cost way to keep pets entertained.

Braided Tug Toy

Cut old T-shirts or towels into strips and braid them together for a simple tug-of-war toy.

Sock Ball

Place a tennis ball inside an old sock and knot the open end for a soft, chewable ball.

Frozen Broth Treats

Pour chicken or beef broth into an ice cube tray, add a small treat to each compartment, and freeze for a treat dogs will enjoy licking.

Empty Plastic Bottles

Remove the cap and any plastic rings, then let a dog play with the empty bottle for some satisfying crinkly noise.

Homemade Rope Toy

Knot old rope or thick twine into shapes like a ball or bone for a chew toy.

Feather Wand

Tie feathers to one end of a string and attach the other end to a wooden dowel, then wave it around for a cat to chase.

Catnip Sock

Fill an old sock with catnip and knot the open end for a toy cats will enjoy batting around.

Cardboard Boxes

An empty box with a few holes cut in it is often all a cat needs for entertainment.

Paper Ball

Crumple a piece of paper into a ball and toss it for a cat to chase.

DIY Laser-Style Chase

Attach a small piece of crumpled aluminum foil to a flashlight's beam and point it around for a cat to chase. Supervise pets during play with any DIY toy, and replace it right away if it becomes damaged or poses a choking risk, sticking to safe, non-toxic materials throughout.

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