Make your own cat toy!

The first time I saw these cat toys was at a craft show back in probably 2002. I was making a lot of my own natural bath & body products and working the craft show circuit to sell them. At every single show there was somebody selling these things. It wasn't always the same people though, I guess it's a popular item to make. 

What always caught my eye though were the ones that would bring a big wire dog crate and put a cat inside. Those cats would play all day with those catnip toys. These toys are the perfect size and shape for them to hug and do that 'bunny kick' thing. They flip  on their back and just kick away at those catnip laced kitty sticks. Oh those cats had so much fun! 

Thinking back they were probably pretty buzzed up! lol Anyway, it's a simple toy so of course I figured out how to make kitty kick toys when I got home. My cats love them, and I know yours will too.

Make a kitty kick toy

Things you'll need: 

• Medium weight cotton fabric or flannel. A fat quarter from the fabric department of a big box store is plenty for a few sticks.
• Poly fill. 
• Catnip. 
• Some people made them with bells inside, some didn't. I don't use the bells though.

You need to cut a rectangle from the fabric. For the small ones it will be 7" X 10". The larger ones will be 7" X 13". Fold fabric lengthwise so that the pattern is inside. Pin in place. 

Starting at the bottom outer corner stitch across the bottom then turn the fabric and stitch to the top, back stitching to finish. Do not stitch the top. All your going to do is turn it inside out and start stuffing it. 

Filling the toy

Stuff the fabric tube using polyester fiberfill and dried catnip. I use about a tablespoon of catnip in each stick. I put the stuffing into the tube and push it down with a ruler. Tamp it down so that the tube feels firm, not too squishy. 

After there is about an inch of fluff, sprinkle 1/3 of the catnip in. Fill about half way and again sprinkle 1/3 of the catnip in. About an inch from the top you'll add the remaining catnip and top that with more fluff. 

Keep packing the fill and catnip down as you go. You want it to be fully stuffed so that the cat can really fight against it and it wont bend much. 

If you want to add bells you can do it at any point, but try to get them in the middle of the fiberfill. This keeps them from pressing at the seam and making it so the cats can bite at them. 

When you've got the tube completely stuffed, fold the top down  turning it inside the tube and pin. Then run a row of straight stitches across the top. Easy!

I like to make 2 different sizes. The bigger the cat, the longer and wider you'll want the tube or 'stick' to be. You can even make kitten sized sticks!

Catnip

I like to grow my own catnip though you can certainly buy some from the pet store. Here is how to grow catnip. It can be grown outdoors or in so your cats can have a fresh supply year round! 

Of course fresh catnip needs dried first before using in a toy. Though my cats prefer it fresh off the plant if they can get it, fresh herbs will mold if used in toys without drying! 

There is a really quick microwave herb drying method I use when I'm in a hurry. 

These are super easy to make, and even though I used holiday fabrics, you could easily make them with whatever scraps you have on hand! Happy sewing!

Related reading: How to remove cat urine smell naturally.

~L

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