DIY Cat Toys: 3 Easy & Fun Projects Using Toilet Paper Tubes

Updated at: 04/02/2025

Cats are endlessly curious creatures, always on the lookout for new and exciting ways to play. While store-bought toys can be expensive and often end up discarded after a short time, there's a simple and cost-effective alternative: DIY cat toys! This article will showcase three incredibly easy and fun cat toy projects, all made using readily available toilet paper tubes – a surprisingly versatile crafting material. You'll be amazed at how much entertainment you can create from something you likely already have in your recycling bin.

Forget expensive catnip mice and feather wands; with just a few simple supplies and a little creativity, you can whip up irresistible toys that will keep your feline friend entertained for hours. These projects are perfect for beginners, requiring minimal crafting skills and time commitment. Ready to unleash your inner cat toy artisan? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions for each of our three fun and engaging projects!

Safety Guidelines

  • Always supervise your cat when playing with DIY toys. Remove any toy if it becomes damaged or parts become loose to prevent choking hazards.
  • Avoid using glue, paint, or markers that are toxic to cats. Opt for non-toxic, pet-safe alternatives if decoration is desired.
  • Ensure all cardboard edges are smooth and free of sharp points to prevent injury to your cat's mouth or paws.

Methods: Crinkle Cat Toy

Tools Needed

  • Toilet paper tube
  • Scissors

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Crinkle Toy 1: Preparation

    • Create small slits all the way around the top of the toilet paper tube.
    Create small slits all the way around the top of the toilet paper tube.
    Crinkle Toy 1: Preparation

  2. Crinkle Toy 1: Shaping

    • Push the slits inwards using your hands.
    • Repeat on the other side.
    Repeat on the other side.Repeat on the other side.
    Crinkle Toy 1: Shaping

Methods: Straw Toy

Tools Needed

  • Toilet paper tube
  • Scissors
  • Straws

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tube for Straws

    • Cut diagonal slits into the toilet paper tube.
    Cut diagonal slits into the toilet paper tube.
    Prepare the Tube for Straws

  2. Adjust Slits as Needed

    • Make the holes slightly bigger if needed to accommodate the straws.
    Make the holes slightly bigger if needed to accommodate the straws.
    Adjust Slits as Needed

  3. Insert Straws

    • Insert straws through the slits.
    Insert straws through the slits.
    Insert Straws

Methods: Treat Ball

Tools Needed

  • Toilet paper tube
  • Scissors
  • Hot glue gun

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Rings

    • Cut the toilet paper tube into rings.
    Cut the toilet paper tube into rings.
    Prepare the Rings

  2. Assemble the Treat Ball

    • Glue the rings together to form a ball.
    Glue the rings together to form a ball.
    Assemble the Treat Ball

  3. Add Treats (Optional)

    • Add treats to the center of the ball.
    Optional: Add treats to the center of the ball.
    Add Treats (Optional)

Methods: Treat Dispenser Tube

Tools Needed

  • Toilet paper tube

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Treat Dispenser Tube

    • Push both ends of the toilet paper tube inwards.
    • Pinch the sides of both ends.
    Pinch the sides of both ends.Pinch the sides of both ends.
    Prepare the Treat Dispenser Tube

  2. Add Treats

    • Open one end and add treats.
    Open one end and add treats.
    Add Treats

Tips

  • Decorate the tube (optional).

Methods: Envelope Treat Puzzle

Tools Needed

  • Manila envelope or paper
  • Toilet paper tubes
  • Hot glue gun
  • Treats

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Envelope Puzzle Base

    • Cut the envelope/paper into smaller pieces.
    Cut the envelope/paper into smaller pieces.
    Prepare the Envelope Puzzle Base

  2. Assemble the Puzzle

    • Glue toilet paper tubes to the envelope/paper.
    Glue toilet paper tubes to the envelope/paper.
    Assemble the Puzzle

  3. Add Treats

    • Place treats inside the glued-on tubes.
    Place treats inside the glued-on tubes.
    Add Treats

Methods: Triangle Cat Toy

Tools Needed

  • Toilet paper tubes
  • Hot glue gun

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Create the Triangle Base

    • Glue four toilet paper tubes together to form a stable base.
    Glue four toilet paper tubes together to form a stable base.
    Create the Triangle Base

  2. Build the Triangle Sides

    • Glue three more tubes together to form a triangle.
    • Repeat with two more tubes and then one more tube to complete the triangle.
    Repeat with two more tubes and then one more tube to complete the triangle.Repeat with two more tubes and then one more tube to complete the triangle.
    Build the Triangle Sides

Tips

  • Optional: Add treats or a paper backing.

Read more: DIY Braided Tug Toys for Squirrels: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Cardboard That's Too Weak

Reason: Thin or damp cardboard tubes can easily collapse or tear during play, frustrating your cat and creating a choking hazard.
Solution: Reinforce the tube with additional layers of tape or use thicker cardboard tubes.

2. Adding Unsafe Decorations

Reason: Small, loose decorations can be easily swallowed by your cat, leading to potential health issues.
Solution: Securely attach all decorations and avoid using anything small enough to be a choking hazard.

FAQs

How long will these DIY cat toys last?
The lifespan depends on your cat's play style and how much they chew. Some cats might gently bat them around for weeks, while others might destroy them in a day or two. Always supervise playtime and replace the toy if it becomes damaged to prevent choking hazards.