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Is Your Cat Bored? Here Are Some Simple and Affordable Cat Toys | We Love Catz

Is Your Cat Bored? Here Are Some Simple and Affordable Cat Toys

Published: 2026. 03. 08. 07:30 -

- Photos: Getty Images Hungary • 4 minutes reading

You don’t need to spend money on expensive toys to make your cat happy; often a simple cardboard box or a plastic bottle will do the trick, and the long-awaited adventure can begin. In our article, we present creative, easy-to-make cat toys that you can prepare at home.

Cats are curious, intelligent predators. If you feel your pet needs more stimulation in everyday life, there’s no need to buy costly toys. Social media videos are full of creative, simple ideas you can make at home, and most of them require only a few everyday items. These toys not only tire your cat out physically but also provide valuable mental stimulation.

cat playing with a piece of paper Often, the simplest toys bring the greatest joy

Here Are 5 Exciting and Easy-to-Make Cat Toys

1.) The Magic of a Plastic Bottle

All you need is a plastic bottle, some string, a chair, and a few treats to capture your cat’s attention.

How to make it:

Cut a hole in the bottle large enough for your cat’s paw to fit comfortably inside, and make another small hole at the bottom to thread a piece of string through. Then tie it to the legs of a chair as shown in the video and fill it with treats.

One important thing: the cut edges may injure your cat’s paw. We recommend covering the edges with tape.

2.) Cardboard Box Fun

Take a cardboard box, some balls, and of course a few irresistible treats.

How to make it:

Cut three circular holes in the box, place colorful balls and treats inside. You can be sure your pet won’t want to take their little head out—you’ll be refilling it constantly.

As before, make sure there are no sharp edges on the cardboard, and ensure the balls cannot be easily chewed apart. This will help prevent your cat from biting off and swallowing small pieces during play.

3.) Hanging Cardboard Tubes

To make this toy, you’ll need a few paper towel rolls, some twine, and a hole-punching tool.

How to make it:

Punch holes around the middle of the rolls and thread them onto the string as shown in the video. Finally, hang them somewhere suitable.

The main thing to keep in mind here is to make sure the toy is securely fastened, especially if your cat decides to climb on it.

4.) Hanging Treat Balls

Making this toy may take a little more time than the previous ones, depending on how many balls you use.

How to make it:

Take a long piece of string and cut it into equal lengths. Glue plastic balls to both ends of each string and hang them under a chair. To make it even more exciting for your velvet-pawed friend, you can coat the balls with a creamy treat.

Again, ensure that the balls are not easily chewable, so your cat doesn’t bite off and swallow small pieces in the heat of play.

5.) The Paper Cup Experience

The following video offers two great ideas that can be made using paper cups, balls, and dry treats.

How to make it:

In the first version, staple the cups together, put treats in each one, and place a ball on top of the entire structure. You can also create this exciting game by placing the cups inside a box and following the same remaining steps. Your tabby is sure to get completely absorbed in this activity.

Be aware that paper cups can easily become damp. As your cat chews on them, saliva may soften the material, increasing the risk that small pieces could be swallowed. Always supervise your cat while using these toys.

Why Play Is Important for Cats

Regular play helps prevent boredom and the behavioral problems and anxiety that can result from it. A good game not only provides physical exercise but also offers mental enrichment. Daily active play is especially essential for indoor cats, as outdoor cats can more easily find stimulation on their own.

Observe what your own cat responds to best: fast movement, rustling sounds, or perhaps hiding and stalking games? Every cat is different, but one thing is certain—with a little creativity, you can turn your home into a true adventure park.

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Beáta Berek-Halász
Beáta Berek-Halász

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