DIY Cat Toys Checklist
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Use this DIY cat toys checklist to create a toy for your cat using craft felt, twine, and a wooden dowel. This version of the classic “fishing rod” toy requires the use of basic sewing skills, but overall, the project is quick and easy to complete.
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Toggle Supplies Needed status
Supplies Needed
Toggle Craft felt. status
Craft felt.
9 inches (23 cm) by 12 inches (30 cm). Any color works.
Toggle Fabric pen status
Fabric pen
Toggle Scissors status
Scissors
Toggle Poly-fill stuffing status
Poly-fill stuffing
Toggle Dried catnip. status
Dried catnip.
Loose catnip and catnip buds are both good options.
Toggle Sewing needle status
Sewing needle
Toggle All-purpose sewing thread status
All-purpose sewing thread
Toggle Thin wooden dowel. status
Thin wooden dowel.
Dowels approximately 1 foot (30 cm) long are easier to handle.
Toggle 100-grit sandpaper status
100-grit sandpaper
Toggle Hot glue gun status
Hot glue gun
Toggle Hot glue gun sticks status
Hot glue gun sticks
Toggle Twine. status
Twine.
Jute line or other heavy string could also work. You need at least 40 inches (102 cm).
Toggle Preparing the Fishing Pole status
Preparing the Fishing Pole
Toggle Cut the dowel down. status
Cut the dowel down.
If starting with a longer dowel, use a hand saw to cut the wood down to a length between 1 and 1.5 feet (30 and 46 cm).
Toggle Sand away any rough edges. status
Sand away any rough edges.
Thoroughly file the cut edges of the dowel with 100-grit sandpaper. Both ends should feel rounded and smooth when finished.
Toggle Cut a length of twine. status
Cut a length of twine.
Unroll roughly 40 inches (102 cm) of heavy twine. Cut the twine with scissors.
Toggle Coat the end of the dowel in hot glue. status
Coat the end of the dowel in hot glue.
Apply hot glue to one end of the dowel rod. Use enough glue to cover 1.5 inches (3.8 cm) of wood.
Toggle Wrap one end of the twine around the dowel. status
Wrap one end of the twine around the dowel.
Carefully press one end of the twine into the glue at the bottom of the glue patch. Wind the twine around the end of the dowel several times until it reaches the end of the rod.
Toggle Trim the excess twine. status
Trim the excess twine.
Use scissors to cut the remaining loose twine down to a length between 28 and 30 inches (71 and 76 cm).
Toggle Knot the twine. status
Knot the twine.
Tie a simple overhand knot onto the loose end of the twine. Position the knot roughly 1 inch (2.5 cm) away from the end of the twine.
Toggle Making the Toy Fish status
Making the Toy Fish
Toggle Trace the outline of a fish onto the felt. status
Trace the outline of a fish onto the felt.
Sketch a simple fish outline onto a piece of felt using fabric pen or marker. The outline should be approximately 4 inches (10 cm) long and 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.6 cm) wide.
Toggle Cut out the fish. status
Cut out the fish.
Fold the felt in half, then cut along the sketched outline using sharp scissors. Doing so should produce two identical halves.
Toggle Glue the twine to one half. status
Glue the twine to one half.
Apply a ½ inch (1 cm) dot of hot glue to the center of one fish half. Carefully press the knotted portion of twine into the hot glue, then allow the glue to dry.
Toggle Match the two halves. status
Match the two halves.
Stack one fish half on top of the other. Keep all edges evenly aligned. The “wrong sides” of the material should face inward, trapping the knotted twine in between both halves.
Toggle Sew along one side. status
Sew along one side.
Prepare a sewing needle with all-purpose thread. Stitch along the top half of the fish, from nose to fin, using a blanket stitch or other type of edging stitch. Sew over the twine during this step, as well.
Toggle Insert the stuffing. status
Insert the stuffing.
Stuff the fish with a small bundle of poly-fill. The fish should have more dimension, but the open edges must still be able to meet when brought together.
Toggle Add the catnip. status
Add the catnip.
If desired, wedge a tiny amount of dried catnip into the poly-fill. Use one catnip bud or ¼ tsp (1.2 ml) of loose catnip.
Toggle Sew the remaining side. status
Sew the remaining side.
Join the remaining open edges using a blanket stitch or similar edging stitch.
Toggle Play with your cat. status
Play with your cat.
The cat toy is now finished and ready for your cat to enjoy.
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Details
DIY Cat Toys Checklist Tips
- Create a simpler cat toy by skipping the fishing rod steps. Your cat can play with the catnip fish on its own.
- Get creative by changing the type of toy attached to the fishing rod. You can create mice, birds, balls, feathers, and many other simple shapes using felt.
Who it's for
This DIY Cat Toys Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your DIY Cat Toys essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven DIY Cat Toys structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this DIY Cat Toys Checklist
- Save DIY Cat Toys Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for DIY Cat Toys (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.
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