Handmade toys created by you that bring joy to your feline companion? Definitely a fulfilling experience for those who love crochet!
Not having that much patience myself, I always loved my grandmother’s skills and what she could produce. There is no question that crochet is the perfect base for unique creations of DIY cat toys.
I have gathered top crochet cat toy ideas and listed them here to make it easy for you to get started. Being a beginner myself, I think the best, most honest way to present the list is by featuring beginner-friendly project ideas. Luckily, there are amazing creators out there!
Let’s get right into it!
#1- Beginners Crochet Cat Toy – By Maddy Marie
Let’s start the list with a beginner-friendly proposition: A simple yet very enriching cat toy that consists of a lightweight yarn ball with a small yarn tail. As you can appreciate in the video, the lightness makes it easy for the cat to bat the toy and in consequence, it will make unpredictable moves, which almost all cats go crazy about.
This tutorial is very easy for beginners to follow all along, as many have stated in the YouTube comments. don’t miss it! You can find two more tutorials at the end of this post
#2- Bouncing Rainbow Jellyfish – By Maz Kwok
Here’s another crochet creator that offers a free cat toy crochet pattern of a rainbow Jellyfish.
This toy has everything to become your cat’s favorite. In the picture you can appreciate how hanging it from a door knob is a great way to make your cat play on autopilot!
Source & Pattern: Maz Kwok
Having trouble organizing your cat’s toys? Don’t miss our cat toy storage ideas!
#3- DIY Snuffle Toy – By Adrynlsn
Does your cat usually make the “funny face” after smelling the carpet or their favorite blanket? Then this IS the toy for your feline friend. This snuffle cat toy can be filled with treats for them to stay entertained for a while. Perfect if you are looking for an interactive crochet cat toy.
Source & Pattern: Adrynlsn
#4- Easy Yarn Ball With a Tail – By saraalashqar030
A quick & simple cat toy, consisting of a ball and a tail you can attach to a stick to make a wand and make it comfortable to be held by yourself while playing, and allowing more movement variety.
Source & Pattern: saraalashqar030
#5- Yarn Pompom – By Yappypets
And if instead of a ball we made a pompom? Pompoms are cute and loved by cats! Here’s an easy method to create one yourself by using cardboard as a guide.
Source & Pattern: Yappypets
#6- Crochet Mouse – By kbrickxx
The classic, with a twist: Not only made by you, but stuffed with that good, green catnip! an ideal cat boredom buster for indoor felines that only get to hunt flies.
Source & Pattern: kbrickxx
What Makes a Good Crochet Cat Toy?
- Make it Lightweight: Cats prefer toys they can toss and carry around. A heavy toy may look cute, but it will end up not being engaging enough and left in the cat toy basket.
- Texture Matters: Different yarn textures create different sensory experiences for cats. Some cats will enjoy soft materials to cuddle or bite, while others may prefer rough textures they can grip with their claws. Cotton yarn can be great for stuffed animal like toys, but if your cat is a softie, a velvet yarn plushie or pompon will be their favorites.
- Movement makes them more exciting: Attaching your crochet toy to a wand, or leaving a yarn tail they can track and hunt will grab your cat’s attention every time. Bouncy Pompons and balls are also a great toy option.
- Catnip Pockets: Catnip will make any crochet toy more enticing to use! Note that not all cats react to catnip, and that’s okay! But if yours enjoys it, don’t skip the catnip stuffing part!
#7- Simple Crochet Jelly Fish – By Hollyauna
Here’s another jelly fish like toy you can create. Very beginner-friendly, as Hollyauna shows each step on her video.
You can attach the toy to a stick to make a wand or hang it from a door knob for easy access.
Source & Pattern: Hollyauna
#8- Kicker Toy Crochet Pattern – By DapperCatDesigns
Here’s a premium pattern if you are looking for a kicker toy you can make yourself with crochet. Some cats love to grab a hold of things and give them bunny kicks. This toy serves exactly that purpose.
Source & Pattern: DapperCatDesigns
#9- Mini Donuts – By Melissa’s Crochet Patterns
A cute mini toy (or a batch of them) you can easily make for your furry friend that will will be a visually pleasing addition to the toy basket as well. Your cat will probably see it as a premium hair tie, which is amazing by the way, no cat neglects them!
The creator offers the pattern for free! see source below
Source & Pattern: Melissa’s Crochet Patterns
#10- Sushi Crochet Pattern – By Ami Amour
Following with the food topic, I can’t think of a more fitting food crochet item to make than sushi. Cats love fish, so it’s only natural to think of sushi! Look how gorgeous and aesthetic that plate looks.
She has a linked tutorial on her post as well. If you loved this idea, don’t miss it!
Source & Pattern: Ami Amour
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#11- Tutorial: Easy Crochet Cat Toy – By Desert Blossom Crafts
A new, crochet toy for your cat in just 2 minutes? Yes, it’s possible! Check this crochet tutorial by Desert Blossom Crafts on YouTube, and have a cute little toy for your feline friend in no time! If you like it, check out her other tutorials as well!
#12- Tutorial: Crochet Cat Toy – By Katia Creates
I chose to add this tutorial as well, not only since the final product is great, but because of the perfectly clear and easy to understand instructions!
If you are a beginner and want to make an engaging, cool kicker ball for your cat, this is THE video for you.
BONUS: Food Can Crochet Pattern
A visually pleasing addition to any cat corner or cat room decor efforts. Apart from fish, what else could you store inside this cute can?
Are you looking for more patterns? There are Crochet Patterns for Cats that you can get for free as a kindle book if you are a kindle user. Check the link for more details!
My Favorite Picks
- Most aesthetic: Sushi Crochet Pattern – By Ami Amour
- Easiest beginner project: Tutorial: Easy Crochet Cat Toy – By Desert Blossom Crafts
- Most likely to survive rough play: Kicker Toy Crochet Pattern – By DapperCatDesigns
- Best catnip toy: Crochet Mouse – By kbrickxx
If you enjoyed these ideas, please consider sharing this post on Pinterest! Thank you for your support 🙂
There’s a crochet cat toy project for every cat parent. From beginner to advanced, there are a lot of toys we can craft for our furballs to enjoy.
Over time, you can also begin working on bigger projects like a crochet cat bed.
Which idea did you enjoy the most? Are you starting any of them right know? Let other cat parents & crochet enthusiasts know your pick!
