DIY pet toys you can get your claws into
Toys are great for keeping our pets entertained, but a lot of the time they can be quite expensive or quickly end up in the bin (especially if your dog is the chewy type…)
Did you know that every year we spend £264 on average just on presents for our pets?! That’s a lot of cash to splash on things that will spend most of their time covered in dog slobber!
So, check out these ideas for DIY pet toys you can make at home out of old or unwanted items, saving a bit of money and learning some crafty new skills. Don’t worry, they’re just as chewable, pullable, and throwable as any other!
Denim Rope Toy
Whether it’s a denim jacket or some old jeans, denim’s always been a great, hard-wearing material that can last a long time. And when it does get too old or beaten up, it can make a great material for dog chews!
What you’ll need:
Old jeans or denim fabric
Scissors
Instructions:
Cut the denim fabric into long strips.
Braid the strips tightly, looping one strand around another.
Tie knots at both ends to secure the braid.
Great for:
Dogs who love to chew and easily break fabric toys.
Crunchy Bottle Toy
This one's for the dogs and cats who love to *cronch*. Before chucking your plastic bottles into the recycling bin, have a go at making your own crunchy toy from only two materials!
What you’ll need:
Empty plastic bottle
Old sock
Instructions:
Place a plastic bottle inside the sock.
Tie a knot at the open end of the sock.
Great for:
Dogs or cats who love toys that make a noise.
Cardboard Puzzle Box
This puzzle toy is great for dogs and cats who love to sniff out a treat, and it’s super easy to make. All you need is a box, some scissors, tape and treats. This is a great one to keep your pets occupied while you’re busy, and something that should test their patience!
What you’ll need:
Small cardboard box
Scissors
Tape
Treats
Instructions:
Cut several small holes in the sides and top of the box.
Place treats inside the box.
Seal the box with tape or fold the flaps inside.
Great for:
Cats and dogs who love solving problems and sniffing out a reward.
Feather Wand
This toy is a homemade take on the classic feather wand toy and it’s purrfect for cats who love to pounce!
Materials Needed:
Stick or dowel
String
Feathers
Instructions:
Attach the string to one end of the stick.
Tie or tape feathers to the other end of the string.
Great for:
Cats who love to chase things
Snuffle Mat
These toys have become really popular with dogs who like to search for their food, and they look a lot harder to make than they actually are!
What you'll need :
A rubber mat – an old doormat or bathmat works well
An old fleece or jumper
Some treats
Scissors
Instructions:
Cut your fabric into strips.
Cut some holes into your mat.
Take a strip of fabric and thread it through a hole in your mat, then tie a knot to secure the fabric to the mat.
Repeat until you've covered all the holes with strips of fabric.
Great for:
Dogs who love to sniff out treats and like a challenge.
Looking for more ways to make your things last longer? Check out our tips to extend the life of your wardrobe and give your clothes a new lease of life.
