If you’re a cat owner, you know that cats love to play! Not only is it fun for them, but it’s also important for their mental and physical health. While you can always buy cat toys from the store, making your own at home can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, especially when using cardboard, a material that cats absolutely adore.
Cats can spend hours hiding in and jumping out of cardboard boxes, and they can’t resist giving corrugated cardboard a good scratch. In this article, we’ll explore 15 DIY cardboard cat toys that you can easily make at home. Whether you’re upcycling old delivery boxes or using new materials, these projects are sure to bring joy to your feline friend. Let’s get started!
The 15 DIY Cardboard Cat Toys
1. DIY Whack-A-Mole by Fishki Show
| Material: | Cardboard, Pencil/Pen, Tongue Depressors, Small Metal Dowels, Balls, Bolts/Small Weights, Bottle Caps |
| Tools: | Ruler, Box Cutter, Compass, Glue Gun, Drill |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
This charming whack-a-mole project is a great way to create an interactive toy for you and your cat. Using cardboard, tongue depressors, and dowels, you can build a fun game that will entertain your feline friend. While it may require some tools like a glue gun and drill, it’s a rewarding project that will keep your cat engaged.
For this project, you may need to purchase some materials if you don’t already have them at home. It’s important to supervise your cat while playing with this toy to ensure their safety and enjoyment!
2. DIY Egg Carton Scratcher by Sunflower
| Material: | Cardboard Box, Egg Cartons |
| Tools: | Scissors |
| Difficulty Level: | Super Easy |
If your cat loves to scratch, this egg carton cat scratcher is a simple and creative way to repurpose cardboard boxes and egg cartons. With just a few easy steps, you can provide your cat with a new scratching surface that they will love.
Follow the instructions in the video to create this fun DIY project using materials you already have at home. Your cat will enjoy using this scratcher, and you’ll feel good about upcycling materials to create a new toy!
3. DIY Cardboard Box Cat Scratcher by More than Thursdays
| Material: | Old Cardboard Boxes, Shelf Liner Paper |
| Tools: | Utility Knife, Ruler, Utility Knife, Glue, Foam Brush, Catnip |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This creative cat scratcher project is a great way to use old cardboard boxes to make a new toy for your cat. By cutting strips of cardboard and adding catnip, you can create a personalized scratcher that your cat will enjoy.
Follow the simple instructions to assemble this DIY project using non-toxic glue and materials you have on hand. Your cat will love scratching and playing with their new toy, and you’ll love knowing that you made it yourself!
4. DIY Cardboard Cat Enrichment Toy by Massiel Dominguez
| Material: | Shoe Box, Tape, Toilet Paper Rolls, Rope |
| Tools: | Glue Gun |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
For cats, interactive toys and activities are essential for their well-being. This enrichment toy is a great way to engage your cat’s curiosity and keep them entertained. By creating a toy with rope, toilet paper rolls, and a shoe box, you can provide your cat with hours of fun.
Follow the instructions to assemble this DIY project and watch as your cat explores and plays with their new toy. Remember to vary the treats and toys you hide in the toy to keep your cat engaged and mentally stimulated!
5. DIY Recycled Cardboard Mouse from Feline Living
| Material: | Old Cardboard Boxes, Rope |
| Tools: | Box Cutter, Compass |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
If your cat is in need of a new toy, this adorable cardboard mouse is a quick and easy project that you can make in no time. Using an old cardboard box and rope, you can create a fun toy that will entertain your cat.
Follow the instructions to cut out the cardboard pieces and string them together to form a mouse shape. Add some finishing touches like ears to make the toy more realistic. Your cat will love playing with their new mouse toy, and you’ll love how simple and fun it was to make!
6. Adorable DIY Cardboard Cut-Out Mouse from Instructables
| Material: | Cardboard Box, Glue |
| Tools: | Box Cutter, Template, Tape, Cutting Mat |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
This simple project is a fun way to repurpose old cardboard boxes into a cute cat toy. By cutting out cardboard pieces and assembling them together, you can create a fun toy that your cat will enjoy playing with.
Follow the instructions to create your own cardboard mouse toy and get creative with different designs and shapes. This project is a great way to engage your cat’s playfulness and provide them with a new and exciting toy!
7. DIY Cardboard Playhouse by Kittycat Chronicles
| Material: | Cardboard Boxes, Templates, |
| Tools: | Pencil, Bone Folder, Ruler, Box Cutter, Cutting Mat, Glue Gun |
| Difficulty Level: | Intermediate |
If you’re looking for a fun and creative project, this cardboard playhouse is the perfect choice. By using cardboard boxes and templates, you can build a unique playhouse for your cat to enjoy.
Follow the instructions to cut and assemble the cardboard pieces into a playhouse structure. Add fun details like windows and doors to make the playhouse more interactive for your cat. This project is a great way to exercise your creativity and provide your cat with a fun and cozy space to play in!
8. Simple DIY Cardboard Food Puzzle by Kittycat Chronicles
| Material: | Toilet Paper Roll Core, Cat Treats |
| Tools: | Scissors |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
For a simple and engaging toy, try making this cardboard food puzzle using a toilet paper roll core and some cat treats. By creating a puzzle that dispenses treats, you can stimulate your cat’s mind and provide them with a fun and rewarding activity.
Follow the instructions to create the food puzzle and watch as your cat tries to unlock the treats. This project is easy to make and will keep your cat entertained and mentally engaged!
9. DIY Toilet Paper Pompoms or Straws by Kittycat Chronicles
| Material: | Toilet Paper or Kitchen Rolls, Pompoms or Straws, Rope |
| Tools: | Glue Gun, Hole Making Tool |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
For a quick and fun project, consider making these toilet paper pompoms or straws using materials you already have at home. By repurposing toilet paper rolls and adding embellishments like pompoms or straws, you can create engaging toys for your cat to play with.
Follow the instructions to assemble these simple toys and watch as your cat enjoys batting and playing with them. Remember to supervise your cat while they play to ensure their safety!
10. DIY Cardboard Box Cat Fort by Kittycat Chronicles
| Material: | Boxes, Packing Tape |
| Tools: | Scissors, Box Cutter |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
If you’re feeling creative, try making this cardboard box cat fort for your feline friend. By connecting and arranging cardboard boxes, you can create a fun and cozy fort that your cat will love exploring.
Follow the instructions to build the fort structure and add fun elements like windows and doors. Your cat will have a blast playing and hiding in their new cardboard fort, and you’ll enjoy watching them have fun in their new space!
11. DIY Toilet Paper Ball by Cats Herd You
| Material: | Old Toilet Paper Roll |
| Tools: | Pencil, Scissors. Glue |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
For a simple and fun toy, try making these toilet paper balls using old toilet paper rolls. By cutting and assembling the rolls into balls, you can provide your cat with a new and entertaining toy.
Follow the instructions to create the balls and watch as your cat plays and interacts with them. This project is easy to make and will keep your cat engaged and active!
12. DIY Cardboard Bus by eHow
| Material: | Cardboard Box, Tape, Paint |
| Tools: | Ruler, Box Cutter, Pencil, Scissors, Paint Brush, Glue Gun |
| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
For a creative and imaginative project, try making this Cardboard Cat DIY pictures Today Toys