14 Brilliant DIY Pet Toys That Save You Money (Apartment Edition)
Toys don’t need to cost a fortune. With a little creativity, you can make diy pet toys that save you money while keeping dogs and cats mentally sharp and physically active. This guide highlights 14 fun projects built from everyday items—perfect for small apartments where space and budget are limited.
Each toy idea includes build instructions, safety notes, and storage tips. Rotate them weekly to keep pets engaged, avoid clutter, and stretch your savings even further.
1. Muffin-Tin Snuffle Puzzle (Dogs & Cats)
You’ll need: A muffin tin, 6–12 tennis balls or paper balls, dry treats or kibble.
Build: Hide treats under a few balls, fill the rest, and let your pet forage. Start simple, then increase the challenge.
Why it saves: Works like a $25 puzzle feeder, but it’s free with stuff you already own.
Cat variation: swap tennis balls for lighter crumpled paper infused with catnip for extra sensory appeal.
2. T-Shirt Tug & Braided Fetch Rope (Dogs)
You’ll need: 2–3 old cotton T-shirts, scissors.
Build: Cut into strips, braid tightly, knot ends. Make shorter versions for small breeds.
Why it saves: Replaces $15 rope toys, washable, and totally free to redo when worn.
Safety: discard if strands fray. Store in a small bin near the door for quick apartment hallway play.
3. Cardboard Foraging Box (Cats & Small Dogs)
You’ll need: A shoebox, TP rolls or egg carton, crunchy treats.
Build: Stand rolls upright in the box, drop treats inside, and cut paw holes for extra challenge.
Why it saves: Functions like a $30 foraging board but stores flat and is recyclable.
Upgrade: add rattling kibble or catnip to keep pets curious and engaged longer.
4. Crinkle Bottle-in-a-Sock (Dogs & Cats)
You’ll need: 1 empty plastic water bottle (cap & ring removed), 1 clean sock, optional small handful of kibble.
Build: Slide bottle into the sock and knot the open end. For extra intrigue, drop 2–3 kibbles inside the bottle before inserting.
Why it saves: Delivers satisfying crinkle feedback like store toys without the $8–$15 price tag.
Safety: use thicker socks for strong chewers; replace the bottle at first sign of sharp edges. Supervise cats that like to shred fabric.
5. Slimline Wand Toy from a Chopstick (Cats)
You’ll need: 1 chopstick or thin dowel, 24–30" of cotton string/elastic, scrap ribbon or fleece strip, tape or a drop of hot glue.
Build: Tie (and tape) string to one end of the stick; knot a short ribbon/fleece “lure” at the other end of the string. Optional: add a bell inside the knot.
Why it saves: Replaces $12–$18 wand toys; ultra-slim design stores in a drawer—perfect for apartments.
Safety: supervise play; put away after sessions so string isn’t chewed. Vary movement (floor skitters, quick hops, slow drags) to mimic real prey.
6. Mini Snuffle Braid (Dogs & Cats)
You’ll need: 3 long fleece strips (1"–1.5" wide), a few dry treats.
Build: Tie strips together at one end, braid tightly, and knot the tail. Tuck 6–8 treats between braid folds for scent foraging.
Why it saves: Acts like a compact snuffle mat without the footprint—ideal for tiny living rooms.
Apartment tip: stash two braids and rotate daily to keep the novelty high. Machine-wash weekly; replace if holes appear.
7. Toilet Paper Roll Treat Poppers (Dogs & Cats)
You’ll need: 1 empty TP roll, a few treats, paper to fold ends.
Build: Fold one end inward, drop in treats, fold the other end, and let your pet bat/chew until they pop it open.
Why it saves: Recycles cardboard tubes into 2–3 minutes of enrichment—ideal for bored pets in apartments.
Safety: supervise dogs that might swallow cardboard. For cats, cut a few small paw holes before sealing ends for extra fun.
8. Sock-and-Catnip Kicker (Cats)
You’ll need: 1 long sock, cotton stuffing or scrap fabric, 1–2 tablespoons dried catnip.
Build: Stuff sock with fabric/cotton, sprinkle catnip inside, and knot end tightly. Make 2–3 for rotation.
Why it saves: Commercial kickers cost $8–$12 each; DIY versions cost pennies and last just as long.
Apartment tip: store extras in a zip bag with extra catnip so the scent stays strong between play sessions.
9. Paper Bag Hideout Tunnel (Cats & Small Dogs)
You’ll need: 1 sturdy paper grocery bag (handles removed), optional tissue paper or small toy.
Build: Open bag, crinkle tissue inside, drop in a toy or two. For tunnels, tape two bags together end-to-end.
Why it saves: Cats especially love the rustle. A free, collapsible hideaway compared to $20 tunnels.
Apartment tip: fold flat after use and store behind a couch or bookshelf—no clutter left behind.
10. Frozen Broth Cubes with Toys Inside (Dogs)
You’ll need: Ice cube tray or silicone mold, low-sodium broth, and a small toy or treat.
Build: Fill tray with broth, drop a toy/treat in each cube, freeze. Serve one at a time.
Why it saves: Provides cooling enrichment that doubles as hydration, compared to $12 cooling chews.
Apartment tip: serve on a towel or shallow dish to avoid puddles. Perfect summer boredom buster.
11. Crumpled Paper Ball Chase (Cats)
You’ll need: Scrap printer paper or brown packing paper.
Build: Crumple into a tight ball, toss across the floor, or drop into a cardboard box.
Why it saves: Free, recyclable, and cats often prefer them to $5 store-bought toys.
Apartment tip: collect used paper balls in a small basket; rotate weekly to keep cats interested.
12. Treat-Filled Egg Carton Puzzle (Dogs & Cats)
You’ll need: Empty cardboard egg carton, treats or kibble.
Build: Place treats in each cup, close the lid, and let your pet paw or chew to open. For cats, cut small holes in the top for them to fish treats out.
Why it saves: Functions like a $20 slow feeder toy, but costs nothing.
Apartment tip: recycle after 2–3 uses for hygiene, then replace easily at no cost.
13. DIY Feather Teaser from Bottle Caps (Cats)
You’ll need: 1 plastic bottle cap, 2–3 feathers or ribbons, string, and tape or glue.
Build: Punch a small hole in the cap, thread string through, secure feathers inside with tape/glue, and dangle for your cat.
Why it saves: Mimics $10 teaser toys with free recycled parts.
Apartment tip: keep play sessions short and rotate toys to avoid clutter. Store in a resealable bag for freshness.
14. Homemade Treat Popsicles (Dogs & Cats)
You’ll need: Silicone mold or ice cube tray, water or diluted broth, and pet-safe add-ins (small treats, kibble, or shredded chicken).
Build: Fill tray with liquid, drop in treats, and freeze overnight. Pop out a cube for a fun summer activity.
Why it saves: Replaces $12 frozen pet pops and keeps pets occupied longer indoors.
Apartment tip: serve in a shallow dish to catch drips. Make a batch weekly and rotate flavors to keep pets interested.
Apartment living doesn’t have to limit your pet’s fun—or your wallet. These diy pet toys that save you money offer safe, stimulating ways to beat boredom without filling your home with pricey store-bought gadgets. By recycling and rotating, you’ll give pets variety while keeping your budget intact.
Start simple with a cardboard box or sock toy, then experiment with puzzles and frozen treats. You’ll be surprised how much enrichment you can create for free, all while strengthening the bond with your pet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are DIY pet toys safe?
Yes, as long as you supervise play and avoid small parts pets could swallow. Replace toys when they wear down and always use pet-safe materials.
Do DIY toys really save money?
Absolutely. Store-bought toys can cost $5–$30 each. Repurposing household items means you can rotate enrichment for free or pennies.
Which pets benefit most from DIY toys?
Both dogs and cats thrive on variety and mental stimulation. Small apartment pets especially benefit from compact DIY puzzles and interactive toys.
How do I keep DIY toys from cluttering my apartment?
Use a single basket or fabric bin to store toys. Rotate only a few at a time to keep pets engaged while minimizing mess.
What are the easiest DIY toys to start with?
Begin with simple options like crumpled paper balls, a sock kicker, or a cardboard treat puzzle. They’re safe, quick, and almost free.
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