DIY Pet Toys: 15+ Easy Projects for Dogs, Cats & Small Pets (Step-by-Step Guide)

DIY Pet Toys & Paws & Crafts: Simple DIY Projects for a Happier Pet

When you watch your pet chase a ball, stalk a feather, or burrow into a cozy hideout, you’re not just seeing “play.” You’re watching their instincts light up, their stress drop, and their trust in you grow.

Store‑bought toys can help with that, but they’re not the only option, and they’re rarely the most personal or affordable one. With a few simple supplies and a bit of creativity, you can make DIY pet toys and cozy crafts that fit your animal’s personality, your budget, and even your values if you care about reusing and recycling.

This guide walks you through safe, practical projects you can start today. You’ll see how to choose pet‑friendly materials, build toys for different species, and tailor each project so your pet actually uses it.

1. Why DIY Pet Toys & Crafts Make Your Pet Happier

Before you pick up the scissors or drag out the stash of old T‑shirts, it helps to understand why DIY pet toys and crafts are worth your time.

Mental Stimulation & Enrichment

Your pet’s brain needs exercise just as much as their body. Well‑chosen DIY pet toys can:

• Encourage natural behaviors like chasing, chewing, digging, foraging, and shredding.

• Reduce boredom that often leads to:

• Chewed shoes and furniture
• Excessive barking or meowing
• Over‑grooming or feather plucking
• Provide an outlet for energy, especially if you work long hours or live in a smaller space.

Animal behaviorists and welfare organizations consistently point out that mental enrichment lowers stress levels and supports overall well‑being in dogs, cats, small pets, and birds.

Physical Exercise & Health

Simple homemade toys can keep your pet moving:

• Tug toys and fetch toys help dogs burn off energy and maintain healthy joints.
• Chase wands and climbing structures keep cats agile and slim.
• Foraging toys encourage small mammals and birds to move, stretch, and explore.

Active pets are less likely to struggle with weight gain, stiffness, or destructive habits that come from pent‑up energy.

Emotional Bonding

When you sit on the floor and play with a toy you made yourself, you’re doing more than entertaining your pet:

• You’re building trust through positive, playful interactions.
• You’re learning what your pet likes and dislikes.
• You’re creating shared routines that your pet can look forward to.

Many owners find that simply knowing “I made that, and my pet loves it” makes playtime feel more meaningful.

Budget‑Friendly & Eco‑Friendly

DIY pet projects let you:

• Reuse old T‑shirts, towels, cardboard boxes, and fabric scraps.
• Spend a fraction of what you’d pay for premium store‑bought toys.
• Reduce waste by upcycling items that would otherwise be thrown away.

You end up with enrichment that’s good for your pet, your wallet, and the planet.

2. Getting Started with Paws & Crafts: Safe Materials & Smart Precautions

Before you start cutting and tying, you’ll want to put safety first. A toy is only a good idea if it’s safe for your pet to use.

Essential Pet‑Safe Materials for DIY Pet Toys

You probably have many safe materials at home already. 

Common options include:

Material	Best For	Notes
Cotton T‑shirts or fleece	Tug toys, braids, soft beds	Fleece doesn’t fray easily.
Sturdy rope (untreated, natural)	Larger tug toys	Must be thick enough to prevent chewing off chunks.
Cardboard boxes & tubes	Hideouts, tunnels, shreddable toys	Use plain, clean cardboard without heavy coatings.
Clean socks, towels, fabric scraps	Stuffing soft toys, simple pouches	Ensure no loose threads are easily pulled.
Non‑toxic glue & markers	Exterior decoration only	Avoid any area your pet could chew or ingest.

When you’re unsure about a material, ask your vet or check reputable pet welfare sites for guidance.

Materials You Should AVOID in DIY Pet Toys

Some items can easily turn a fun craft into a vet visit. Skip or limit:

• Small detachable pieces: Buttons, beads, sequins, loose bells that can be swallowed.
• String, yarn, and thread: Especially risky for cats, who may swallow long pieces and develop dangerous intestinal blockages.
• Thin or brittle plastic: Can splinter into sharp edges when chewed.
• Treated wood, mystery metals, or chemical‑soaked fabrics: Avoid pallets, pressure‑treated wood, or unknown metal chains.
• Toxic foods used inside toys: Chocolate, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, alcohol, and more are unsafe (ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center). Check toxin lists from organizations like the ASPCA if you’re ever in doubt.

General Safety Rules for Every DIY Pet Toy

1. Supervise New Toys: Watch your pet closely the first few times they play. Remove the toy if they start tearing off pieces or eating the material.
2. Match Size & Strength: Make toys large enough that they cannot be swallowed whole. For powerful chewers, choose thicker fabrics and avoid delicate parts.
3. Clean & Replace Regularly: Wash fabric toys and replace any item when it becomes frayed, soggy, or broken. Your pet’s safety is worth more than a quick repair.

3. DIY Dog Toys: Paws & Crafts Projects for Happy, Active Pups

Dogs tend to be enthusiastic testers for any DIY pet toys you make. Here are a few simple, proven favorites.

Project 1: No‑Sew T‑Shirt Tug Toy

• Perfect for: Most dogs that enjoy tug‑of‑war or carrying toys.
• You’ll need: 2–3 old cotton T‑shirts or fleece pieces, scissors.

• How to make it:

1. Cut each shirt into long strips (about 2–3 cm wide).
2. Group several strips together and tie a tight knot at one end.
3. Divide the length into three parts and braid tightly.
4. Tie another tight knot at the other end and trim any overly long bits.

• Safety tip: Use this toy only under supervision, especially with strong chewers. Take it away if the fabric begins to shred.

Project 2: DIY Tennis Ball Treat Dispenser

• Perfect for: Dogs who enjoy puzzles and food rewards.
• You’ll need: One sturdy tennis ball, a sharp utility knife, kibble, or small dry treats.

• How to make it:

1. Wash and dry the tennis ball.
2. Carefully cut a small X or slit into one side of the ball.
3. Squeeze the ball to widen the opening and drop in a few pieces of kibble.
4. Show your dog how rolling or squeezing the ball releases treats.

• Safety tip: If your dog tends to peel off the fuzz or tear tennis balls apart, choose a tougher rubber ball or skip this project. Always supervise.

Project 3: Snuffle Mat (DIY Foraging Toy)

• Perfect for: Dogs that eat too fast or enjoy sniffing and searching.
• You’ll need: Rubber sink mat, fleece strips (2–3 cm wide, 15–20 cm long), scissors.

• How to make it:

1. Cut multiple fleece strips.
2. Tie one strip through each hole in the mat, creating a dense “grass” surface.
3. Sprinkle kibble or treats throughout the fleece and let your dog forage.

• Why it helps: Sniffing and foraging are natural calming activities that can slow down mealtimes and reduce anxiety.

4. DIY Cat Toys: Crafty Projects for Playful, Curious Felines 

Cats often have strong opinions about their toys, but a few styles almost always get interest.

Project 1: Feather Wand Toy

• Perfect for: Cats that love to chase, pounce, and stalk.
• You’ll need: a wooden dowel, strong cord, feathers or lightweight fabric strips, and non‑toxic glue (optional).

• How to make it:

1. Tie one end of the cord securely to the dowel.
2. On the other end, attach feathers/fabric with tight knots (add glue for security and let dry).

• How to use: Drag or flick the feathers to mimic prey. Let your cat “catch” the toy regularly.
• Safety tip: Put this toy away when not in use to prevent tangling or chewing on the cord.

Project 2: Cardboard Scratcher & PlayStation

• Perfect for: Cats that scratch furniture or love cardboard boxes.
• You’ll need: Clean corrugated cardboard boxes, non‑toxic glue/tape, and, optionally, dried catnip.

• How to make a scratcher:

1. Cut the cardboard into strips of the same width.
2. Roll or stack the strips in a tight spiral, corrugation side up, gluing as you go.
3. Sprinkle catnip between layers if desired.

• How to expand: Cut doors/windows in larger boxes, stack and tape them to create a multi-level play station with the scratcher at the base.

Project 3: DIY Catnip Sock Toy

• Perfect for: Cats that enjoy wrestling and kicking toys.
• You’ll need: Clean sock, dried catnip, cotton stuffing or fabric scraps, and string.

• How to make it:

1. Fill the toe of the sock with a handful of catnip.
2. Add stuffing to give it bulk.
3. Tie a tight knot in the sock or secure it with a sturdy string.

• Remember: Replace the toy when it becomes worn or if filling starts to leak.

5. DIY Enrichment for Small Pets & Birds

Rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, ferrets, and birds all need mental and physical challenges.

Foraging Tubes for Rabbits & Rodents

• You’ll need: Plain cardboard toilet/paper towel rolls, hay, and a few pellets or small treats.
• How to make it: Stuff the tube loosely with hay, add treats in the middle, and fold the ends in slightly. Your pet will roll, tear, and dig to reach the goodies.

Shreddable Toys for Birds

• You’ll need: Untreated wood blocks, plain paper/cardboard, natural fiber rope (hemp, sisal), stainless steel skewers/safe clips.
• How to make it: Punch holes in cardboard/paper pieces and thread them onto the rope with wood blocks in between. Hang inside the cage at head height.
• Safety: Use only bird‑safe materials. Shredding helps prevent boredom and feather-destructive behaviors.

6. DIY Pet Beds, Hideouts & Comfort Crafts 

Toys are great, but your pet also needs places to rest and feel safe.

No‑Sew Fleece Pet Bed

• You’ll need: Two same-size fleece rectangles, scissors, pillow stuffing, or an old pillow.

• How to make it:

1. Lay fleece pieces together and cut a fringe (3–5 cm long) all around the edges through both layers.
2. Tie the matching top and bottom fringe pieces together around three sides.
3. Insert stuffing, then tie the remaining side closed.

Cardboard Cat Condo or Hideout

• You’ll need: Sturdy boxes, tape, scissors/box cutter, and optional fabric for bedding.
• How to make it: Cut doorways and windows in boxes. Stack and tape boxes securely for multiple levels. Add a soft blanket inside for a secure, stress-reducing retreat.

7. DIY vs. Store-Bought: Cost, Time & Value 

To help you compare, here’s a quick look at common projects:

Toy Type	DIY Approx. Cost	Store‑Bought Cost	Time to Make	Skill Level	Durability Notes
T‑Shirt Tug Toy	$0–$5	$8–$15	15–20 min	Beginner	Good with supervision; replace if frayed
Snuffle Mat	$10–$20	$25–$50	1–2 hours	Intermediate	High if made densely & cleaned regularly
Cardboard Cat Scratcher	$0–$5	$10–$25	30–60 min	Beginner	Moderate; designed to be replaced
Foraging Tube	$0	$5–$10	5–10 min	Beginner	Short‑term, meant to be shredded

Most of the time, DIY lets you stretch your budget further while tailoring each project to your pet’s needs.

8. Troubleshooting & Customizing DIY Pet Toys for Your Pet 

Not every toy will be a hit on the first try. That’s normal.

If your pet ignores a new toy, try:

• Adding a scent/flavor: A light smear of xylitol-free peanut butter for dogs, or catnip for cats.
• Making it “come alive”: Move it like prey, toss it, or play along with them.
• Rotating toys: Put some away and bring them back later to renew interest.

Customize for your pet's style:

• Heavy chewers (many dogs): Choose tougher fabrics, thicker braids. Avoid cardboard or thin plastics.
• Gentle pets or seniors: Use softer materials, lighter toys, and simple puzzles. Avoid strain on joints or fragile teeth.
• Puppies/kittens: Smaller, softer toys; avoid choking hazards.
• Small pets/birds: Lightweight, easy‑to‑manipulate items; no heavy hanging toys.

The more you watch your pet play, the easier it becomes to tailor each toy.

9. Eco-Friendly & Upcycled DIY Pet Toys

If you care about reducing waste, DIY crafts give you plenty of options to reuse what you already have.

Everyday Items You Can Upcycle:

• Old jeans: Cut into strips for extra‑tough tug toys.
• Single socks: Turn into catnip toys or small crinkle toys.
• Cardboard packaging: Build forts, tunnels, and puzzle boxes.
• Old blankets/sheets: Make bedding, crate liners, or cage liners.

Why it makes sense: You reduce household waste, cut down on manufacturing demand, and spend less, all while creating meaningful enrichment.

10. FAQ: DIY Pet Toys & Paws & Crafts

Q: Are DIY pet toys safe for my dog or cat?
A: They can be safe when you use pet‑friendly, non‑toxic materials, avoid small parts and loose strings, supervise your pet, and replace damaged toys promptly.

Q: What materials should I absolutely avoid?
A: Avoid small detachable pieces, long strings/yarn, toxic glues/paints, and any human foods harmful to pets (chocolate, xylitol, grapes, onions). When in doubt, check with your vet.

Q: How often should I replace or rotate DIY toys?
A: Rotate toys weekly to keep them interesting. Replace a toy immediately if it becomes frayed, cracked, or starts losing stuffing.

Q: Can DIY toys help with separation anxiety?
A: They can help manage boredom and mild anxiety by providing activity. For moderate or severe separation anxiety, they should be part of a broader plan with professional guidance.

Q: Are DIY pet toys really cheaper?
A: In most cases, yes. You can make engaging toys from materials you already have, leading to significant savings over time.

Conclusion: Crafting Joy, One DIY Pet Toy at a Time

Every time you braid a tug rope or fold a cardboard tunnel, you’re creating moments of play, comfort, and connection your pet wouldn’t have otherwise.

By choosing DIY, you give your pet tailored enrichment, save money, and reduce waste in a practical, feel‑good way.

You don’t have to be “crafty” to start. Pick one project from this guide and try it this week. Watch how your pet responds, and build from there.

Found this helpful? Take the next step:

1. Try one project today and note what your pet loves most.
2. Share your DIY ideas or photos with other pet parents.
3. Bookmark this guide for future Paws & Crafts inspiration.

Your creativity can turn everyday scraps into real joy for your pet, one simple DIY at a time.