Whether you're a cat owner or want to treat a friend or family member’s feline companion, this easy DIY cat toy is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to spread some Christmas cheer. And, most importantly, it’s cat-approved, thanks to the irresistible scent of catnip and the crinkly texture they love.
Here’s how to make your very own Christmas cat toy at home using just a few simple household items.
What you’ll need
- An old Christmas-themed sock
- 5-6 sheets of scrap paper (e.g. pages from an old newspaper, magazine, or notebook)
- A sprinkle of catnip (available to buy from most pet shops or online).
Instructions
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Scrunch the paper
Take your scrap paper and scrunch each sheet into a loose ball. These will help give the toy its shape and make it fun for cats to hold on to and kick.
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Stuff the sock
Pop the paper balls into your Christmas sock until it’s nicely filled but still soft and flexible.
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Add the magic ingredient
Sprinkle a generous pinch of catnip inside the sock. This will make the toy irresistible to most cats!
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Secure the end
Tie a knot at the open end of the sock to keep everything safely inside.
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Gift and enjoy!
If you have a cat of your own, watch them pounce, kick, and wrestle with their new homemade cat toy. Or, if you’re making this as a gift, pop it into a festive gift bag and surprise a friend or family member who has a cat. It’s a great way to keep them entertained during the festive season!
Want to treat them even more?
If you’d like to go the extra mile and treat your cat (or a loved one’s pet) to a vet-approved toy this Christmas, why not explore the range available on our PDSA Pet Store? Every purchase helps support our vital work caring for poorly pets in need, making it a gift that gives back.