This DIY catnip toy is an easy and fun family activity that your kitty will go nuts for. (Probably literally!)
Our cats bring so much happiness into our lives with their head butts, frisky behavior, and biscuit-making. One simple way to enhance their playfulness is with toys, and what better way to show your love and appreciation for them than with a handmade catnip toy?
For this craft, you’ll need a few baby socks (or any socks without holes), some rope, dried catnip, and filler. Your house lion will be playing with their new toy in minutes!
Supplies
- Dried catnip
- Baby socks (or any type of sock without holes)
- Twine
- Jute or sisal rope
- Cotton balls or polyfill
Catnip is an herb containing an oil called nepetalactone. When a cat rubs on it or licks it, the nepetalactone is released, putting the kitty in a euphoric state.
Some cats react to catnip by getting zoomies, while others find it calming. However your furry feline responds, this homemade catnip toy will provide hours of entertainment and enrichment.
Making the Toy
- Cut the jute or sisal rope to the length you’d like. A longer length will let you drag it across the floor for your kitty or tie it to their cat tree.
- These types of ropes tend to fray, so tie each end of the rope. As it frays over time, it will become an enhancement to the toy!
- Take a portion of the polyfill and stretch it a bit. Sprinkle a healthy teaspoon of catnip in the center. The amount of catnip you use will depend on the size of sock. (A little goes a long way!)
- Fold the polyfill together to enclose the catnip and slide it into the sock. If needed, add additional polyfill to fill out the sock.
- Cut a piece of twine and tie the ankle of the sock closed. Wrap and tie the ankle several times to ensure a tight closure.
- Once all the socks are stuffed and sealed, tie each to the rope at varying distances apart using the twine.
- Finally, snip the ends of the twine short to the rope. It’s now ready for your cat to sink their claws into!
Tip to Increase Longevity
Dried catnip loses its potency over time. However, you can refresh its appeal to your kitty with several sprays of catnip spray.
DIY Catnip Toy
Equipment/Supplies
- Scissors
Ingredients
- Catnip, dried
- Baby socks or any type of sock without holes
- Twine
- Jute or sisal rope
- Cotton balls or polyfill
Instructions
- Cut the jute or sisal rope to the length you’d like. A longer length will let you drag it across the floor for your kitty or tie it to their cat tree.
- These types of ropes tend to fray, so tie each end of the rope. As it frays over time, it will become an enhancement to the toy!
- Take a portion of the polyfill (or cotton ball) and stretch it a bit. Sprinkle a healthy teaspoon of catnip in the center. The amount of catnip you use will depend on the size of sock. (A little goes a long way!)
- Fold the polyfill together to enclose the catnip and slide it into the sock. If needed, add additional polyfill to fill out the sock.
- Cut a piece of twine and tie the ankle of the sock closed. Wrap and tie the ankle several times to ensure a tight closure.
- Once all the socks are stuffed and sealed, tie each to the rope at varying distances apart using the twine.
- Finally, snip the ends of the twine short to the rope. It’s now ready for your cat to sink their claws into!
