Okay, so today I decided to tackle a project I’ve been meaning to get to for ages – making some DIY toys for my rescued fur babies! I’ve got two dogs and a cat, and they all love to play, but toys can get expensive. Plus, I like the idea of upcycling stuff I already have.
Getting Started
First, I gathered my materials. This was mostly just rummaging through old clothes and things I was going to donate anyway. I found:
- An old, ripped pair of jeans
- A few t-shirts that were past their prime
- Some sturdy rope that was leftover from a camping trip
- A couple of tennis balls that had seen better days
Making the Dog Toys
For the dogs, I decided to make a couple of tug toys. Super simple!
First, I cut the jeans into long strips. I made sure they were pretty thick, about 2-3 inches wide. Then, I braided three strips together really tightly. I knotted the ends securely, and bam! One tough tug toy, ready to go. My dogs are strong chewers, so I reinforced the knots with some extra fabric scraps tied around them.
Next, I used the t-shirts. Same process – cut them into strips, braided them, and knotted the ends. These were a little softer, so I figured they’d be good for my older dog who’s a bit gentler on toys.
I also took one of the tennis balls and carefully cut a small slit in it. I pushed some of the rope through the slit, knotted it inside the ball, and then knotted the other end. Instant fetch and tug toy!
The Cat Toy
For my cat, I wanted something a little different. I took some of the smaller t-shirt scraps and tied them together in a big, messy knot. I left some long, dangling pieces for her to bat at. I also added a little catnip inside the knot – I just sprinkled some dried catnip onto the fabric before I tied it all up. She went crazy for it!
The Results!
Honestly, the whole thing took me maybe an hour, and it was so worth it. The dogs were immediately obsessed with their new tug toys, and the cat has been playing with her catnip knot all afternoon. Best of all, I didn’t spend any money, and I repurposed stuff that would have otherwise ended up in the trash. I highly recommend giving this a try if you have pets – it’s easy, fun, and they’ll love you for it!
