DIY Toys for Dogs and Cats

A bored animal quickly becomes destructive; even the most pampered pet needs something to do to keep them entertained. Kongs, Snuffle Matts and Licki Mats are amazing toys to keep your dog enriched. If you wish to expand their repertoire with DIY toys for dogs and cats using household items you may already have on hand, read on!

It’s important to always supervise your pet when giving them a toy or treat, as each pet handles toys differently. Choking hazards, small parts, sharp edges, obstructions, toxins and chipped teeth can quickly turn a bit of fun into a trip to the vet. Make sure to stow away toys when your pet isn’t playing with them, especially if they have a tendency to tear them apart. Make sure your toys are chemical-free, don’t break into edges or small pieces and that your pet isn’t ingesting unsafe items, but otherwise, let your imagination run free!

Crinkle Sock

With just an empty bottle and an old sock, you can create a fun toy your dog will go bananas for! Dispose of the cap off an old water bottle or soft drink bottle - this is important as it is a choking hazard. Pop the bottle into a sock, and tie a knot to secure the bottle in the sock - pups love the crackling sound it makes as they play with it!

For a cat, a child’s sock filled with a crumpled up crinkly plastic bag and tied with a knot makes a great ball they can bat around!

Bottle Puzzle

Throw a few treats and kibble into a clean milk bottle (always make sure to throw the cap out first as it is a choking hazard) and watch your furry friend go nuts as they paw it across the floor!Your feline friend may enjoy a version of this, too! Use a small child’s drink bottle and make a few large holes in the bottom of the bottle, large enough for treats to fall through with a bit of shaking. Tie a piece of string on the neck of the bottle to hang it up (an adjustable curtain rod in a doorway is a great way to hang up toys temporarily) and shake the bottle to show them how the treats come out, then watch them learn!

Puzzle Tube

If you’ve got a trimming of PVC pipe you’re not sure what to do with, you can make a very fun rolling puzzle tube for your pup by washing it out and cutting a few holes in it, then adding caps on both ends. Dog Tipper has a fun tutorial here! Cats may enjoy an easier version made with a toilet paper roll; fold one end so the tube is closed like a cup, pop some treats in it, and place it on the floor for them. Once they have the hang of it, you can poke a few large holes into a toilet paper tube and fold both ends closed to make the puzzle a little more difficult for them!

Treat Rollup

A very easy trick to make mealtimes fun is to spread out a towel, sprinkle a few treats or kible on top, and roll up the towel. Make sure a few treats are poking out near the opening to incentivise your pup to unroll the towel for more yummy surprises! To keep your pup’s towel fresh and clean, wash it with a capful of vinegar diluted in water rather than soap - this will keep it soft as well as scent-free!Cats may also enjoy this game, but don’t despair if they aren’t as interested in digging as their canine counterparts. After all, they are ambush predators, so throwing a piece of crumpled up paper with a few treats hidden in the folds will activate their chasing instincts!

Tip: For this game, it is good to use a good scented treat, such as those from The Treatery.

Flirt Pole

A flirt pole is an amazing tool to help exercise and train active pets who love to run, but have limited space. All you need is a long stick, bungee rope and a lure (aka their favourite stuffie for a dog and a few feathers for a cat). It is best to use elastic, paracord or bungee rope as it will help absorb the shock if your pet catches and pulls on the lure.The concept is the same for both dogs and cats, however you may want to use a smaller wand and elastic rope for your feline friend to chase, and use a few clean feathers as a lure. Just make sure to stow the flirt pole away when you are not using it as many cats will try to chew the feathers.You can see a how-to quick tutorial here.

Tip: It is recommended to avoid jumping when playing with a flirt pole, especially with young puppies or kittens whose joints aren’t fully developed.If you are interested in more tips for indoor enrichment ideas, check out our article on Rainy Day Boredom Busters, give us a ring or send us a message at Happy Hounds to see how we can help!