DIY pet toys
Giving your pet a toy does not have to cost the earth – there's plenty you can make at home.
Toys are a great way to keep your pet mentally and physically stimulated. For playful pups, they're useful for curbing energy – you can also use toys to train them. Cats and small animals will also appreciate some tasty treats as well as a fun puzzle.
Here are some ideas for homemade pet toys.
DIY dog toys
Destruction box
A do-it-yourself destruction box provides a calm activity for your dog on a hot summer's day. Using just some scrap materials, watch your dog rummage for their favourite treats.
Snuffle mat
Snuffle mats are a great way to keep your dog mentally stimulated. Using their impressive sense of smell, they'll need to find their way to the rewards.
Flirt pole
Get your dog moving with this easy to make flirt pole! It's especially popular with dogs with a higher chase drive than others, like sighthounds.
DIY cat toys
Cat wand
Helping to curb a cat’s natural hunting instinct, the cat wand provides an outlet for excess energy. Get creative with different coloured materials and create a toy your cat cannot resist!
Puzzle feeder
If your cat is motivated by treats, then this puzzle feeder ball will keep them occupied. Best of all, you'll only need some toilet roll tubes to make it!
How to make a puzzle feeder ball
Sock cat toy
Ever seen your cat wrestle? Learn how to make a cheap sock toy that your cat will love playfighting with.
Vending machine
Looking for a calm, brain training game to challenge your cat? Try a cat treat vending machine! Using just an empty shoe box and some toilet roll inner tubes, this is a great game for a hot summer's day.
How to make a treat vending machine
DIY small pet toys
Tunnel for small pets
Small pets need lots of enrichment. For a cheap and easy toy, this small pet tunnel will keep smallies – such as hamsters and gerbils – occupied. Stuff it with some of their favourite treats to really keep them busy!
