Some cats are bold, some are shy. Most need a reason to move. A reason to stalk, swat, and stretch. At Dogtown in Gloucester, we see it every day during day care and boarding. When a cat gets the right kind of play, the whole mood changes. The room feels lighter. Your home can feel that way too, even with simple DIY toys that cost almost nothing.
I started with a paper ball years ago. My cat ignored it, then at midnight, I heard the soft tap-tap on the floor. Quiet joy. That is the spark we want. Small, honest fun that fits your cat’s style.
Keep it simple, keep it safe.
Why enrichment matters
Indoor cats need chances to hunt, climb, chew a little, and solve tiny puzzles. It is not about fancy gear. It is about giving your cat short wins during the day. A few bursts of play lower stress and help with weight, boredom, and even fussiness at night. At Dogtown, we pair play with gentle structure. The same idea works at home. Short sessions. A calm finish. Then a cozy nap.
Quick safety notes
- Use sturdy items. Skip string that can fray, loose bells, hair ties, and anything small enough to swallow.
- Watch the first few sessions. If your cat chews, upgrade to thicker fabric or remove weak parts.
- Retire toys that are torn. Freshen with new shapes instead.
Simple toys you can make today
1. paper comet ball
This is the five-minute classic. It crinkles and flies in a sweet arc.
- Crumple a sheet of plain paper into a tight ball.
- Wrap with another thin layer so it rustles.
- For a tail, tape a thin strip of paper to it, about 6 inches long.
Toss it down a hallway. Let the ball bounce off a wall. Pause between throws so your cat can pounce, grab, and reset.
2. toilet roll puzzle feeder
Good for curious cats and slow feeding. It is a tiny hunt.
- Take a clean cardboard roll.
- Fold one end shut.
- Drop 5 to 8 pieces of dry food inside.
- Punch two small holes around the middle with a pen.
- Fold the other end so kibble falls out only with a good bat.
Start easy. If food is not coming out, open the holes more. Confidence first. Challenge later.
3. ribbon wand from a dowel
Cats love to chase a moving target that feels alive.
- Tie a 2-foot ribbon to a smooth wooden dowel.
- Add a second ribbon in a different color for flutter.
- Wave it low, then jerk it under a chair or around a corner.
End each session by dropping the ribbon so your cat can “catch” it. A clean finish prevents frustration.
4. sock kicker with catnip
Great for full body kicks. Good energy outlet.
- Fill a long sock with a handful of cotton fabric scraps.
- Add a pinch of dried catnip or silvervine, if your cat enjoys it.
- Tie a tight knot. Wrap with a second sock if needed for strength.
Offer it after a short chase game. Many cats like to hug, bunny-kick, then flop with a deep sigh.
5. paper bag rustle tunnel
A bag with the bottom snipped open makes a satisfying tunnel.
- Use a clean paper grocery bag. Remove handles.
- Cut the closed end open so there are two entrances.
- Place a towel inside for grip and sound.
Hide a paper ball in there and let your cat hunt by sound. Simple, almost silly, but it works.
6. muffin tin treat maze
Engages nose and paws, with a gentle learning curve.
- Place a few treats in a muffin tin.
- Cover each cup with a lightweight ball or crumpled foil.
- Show your cat how to nudge one aside.
If your cat gets stuck, leave some cups uncovered so there is an easy win.
Make a weekly play plan
I like a loose rhythm. It keeps things fresh without turning fun into homework.
- Two short chase games per day, 3 to 5 minutes each.
- One puzzle feeder in the afternoon.
- One calm grooming moment, even 60 seconds, so touch feels safe.
Some cats want more. Some want less. Adjust to your cat’s body language. A slow blink is a yes. A twitching tail tip can be a no.
Rotate and refresh
Put most toys in a bin and keep only two or three out. Swap every three days. You can also refresh scent. Rub a toy on a cat-safe herb or store it in a bag with catnip for a day. Not all cats respond to catnip, so do not push it.
Pair play with care
Grooming can be a form of enrichment. A soft brush after play feels like social bonding. If mats or tangles are a worry, the cat grooming team at Dogtown can help keep coats smooth, which makes at-home brushing more fun and less of a battle.
Travel coming up? Keep the toy routine going so your cat feels steady. Our comfortable boarding suites in Gloucester include calm play and daily feedback. It is a nice bridge between home and away. If you want extra support with play skills, our personalized training sessions can show you how to time the chase and the catch, which matters more than we think.
If your cat enjoys social time, our day camp offers structured enrichment with watchful staff, small groups, and quiet breaks. You can plan visits and manage notes through the Dogtown app. Simple to use, and it keeps everything in one place.
Tiny troubleshooting
- Cat ignores the toy? Change the speed or the surface. Try carpet instead of tile, or lower light in the evening.
- Gets wild fast? Shorten the chase, add a soft catch, then feed a small snack. Hunt to eat is a natural reset.
- Chews ribbons? Switch to a fleece strip or a thicker fabric tail.
Not every idea lands on day one. I think that is fine. Curiosity can be slow. Then, all at once, something clicks.
Closing thoughts
DIY toys are not about perfection. They are about spark. A crumpled ball. A soft tunnel. A wand that darts around a chair leg. Your cat gets a win, and your home feels kinder. If you want a hand building a plan for your cat’s day, meet the team at Dogtown in Gloucester. Stop by for an assessment, book a visit, or set up a service through the Dogtown app, and let us help your cat play, rest, and thrive.
Frequently asked questions
What is cat enrichment?
Cat enrichment is any activity or setup that lets a cat use natural skills like stalking, chasing, climbing, and problem solving. It keeps indoor life interesting, supports healthy weight, and can reduce stress. Short, daily play sessions and simple puzzles are enough to make a real difference.
How to make DIY cat toys?
Start with safe, clean materials you already have, like paper, cardboard rolls, a wooden dowel, or a sock. Build simple shapes, then test them with brief sessions. For example, crumple a paper ball, make a toilet roll puzzle feeder, or tie a ribbon to a dowel for a wand. Aim for variety and keep it easy to win at first.
What are the best homemade cat toys?
Top picks are ones that move or make sound. A paper ball, a ribbon wand, a sock kicker with catnip, a paper bag tunnel, and a muffin tin treat maze work well for many cats. Mix chase toys with puzzle toys so your cat uses both body and brain during the week.
Are DIY cat toys safe?
Yes, if you choose sturdy materials and supervise early play. Avoid loose string, small parts, and sharp edges. Retire damaged toys. If your cat tries to eat fabric or ribbon, switch to thicker fleece or solid items like paper balls and boxes.
How often should I change cat toys?
Rotate toys every three days to keep interest high. Keep two or three toys out and store the rest. Refresh by changing location, scent, or the way you move the toy. A small change can make an old toy feel new again.
