DIY Cat Toys: Wine Cork Feather Toys & Fascinator Toys for Cats

Updated at: 25/03/2025

Cats, with their innate hunting instincts, are endlessly entertained by the simplest of things. A fluttering feather, a scurrying mouse – even a humble wine cork can ignite hours of playful pouncing. This inherent love for chasing and batting makes DIY cat toys not only a budget-friendly option but also a deeply satisfying way to create personalized enrichment for your feline friend. We’ll explore two incredibly easy-to-make projects: whimsical feather wands crafted from repurposed wine corks and engaging fascinator toys that offer a unique sensory experience.

These delightful creations require minimal materials and crafting skill, transforming everyday items into captivating playthings. Ready to unleash your inner artisan and create the purrfect playtime experience for your cat? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions for making your own wine cork feather toys and fascinating cat fascinators.

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Wine corks
  • Drill or cork opener
  • Feathers
  • Non-toxic glue
  • Hemp cord (for fascinator)
  • Stick (for fascinator)
  • Tape
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise your cat when playing with any DIY toy. Ingested materials can be dangerous.
  • Ensure all materials are non-toxic and durable. Avoid using anything that could easily break into small, swallowable pieces.
  • Regularly inspect toys for wear and tear. Replace any damaged toys immediately to prevent injury.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Wine Corks for Feather Toys

    • Drill holes in the wine corks. A larger drill bit might be needed.
    • Apply a small amount of non-toxic glue to the inside of the holes.
    • Insert feathers into the holes, ensuring glue isn't visible on the outside.
    Insert feathers into the holes, ensuring glue isn't visible on the outside.Insert feathers into the holes, ensuring glue isn't visible on the outside.Insert feathers into the holes, ensuring glue isn't visible on the outside.
    Prepare Wine Corks for Feather Toys

  2. Create Fascinator Toy

    • Braid hemp cord and attach it to a stick using tape.
    For the fascinator toy: Braid hemp cord and attach it to a stick using tape.
    Create Fascinator Toy

  3. Assemble Fascinator Cat Toy

    • Attach the fascinator to a wine cork with feathers.
    Attach the fascinator to a wine cork with feathers.Attach the fascinator to a wine cork with feathers.
    Assemble Fascinator Cat Toy

Read more: No-Sew Sock Cat Tutorial: Adorable DIY Project

Tips

  • Use non-toxic glue that is safe for cats. Research glues before using.
  • Apply minimal glue to the outside of the cork to prevent cats from ingesting it.
  • Experiment with different feather colors and arrangements.
  • Two feathers on each end of the wine cork seem to be most effective.
  • Feathers can be easily replaced once destroyed by the cat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using unsafe glue

Reason: Some glues are toxic to cats if ingested. If your cat chews on the toy and ingests glue, it could become very ill.
Solution: Always use a non-toxic, pet-safe glue specifically designed for crafting projects.

2. Making toys too small

Reason: Small toys pose a choking hazard. Cats can easily swallow small pieces, leading to serious health issues.
Solution: Ensure all toy components are too large for your cat to swallow.

3. Using feathers that are too loosely attached

Reason: Loose feathers can easily detach and be ingested by your cat, potentially causing an intestinal blockage.
Solution: Securely glue or sew the feathers to prevent them from coming loose.

FAQs

What kind of feathers are best to use for the wine cork toys?
Natural feathers are generally preferred as they're lightweight and have a more natural feel. Avoid using dyed feathers, as the dyes can be toxic to cats if ingested. If using store-bought feathers, ensure they are specifically labeled as safe for pets.