Now might be a good time for me to look you straight in the face and tell you two things: I’m a full-blown crazy cat lady and… It’s about to get weird. If you think you should go, I totally understand. If you think you should stay and read about homemade cat toys…. ohmygodILOVEYOU!
I’ve had an image of little kittens playing with yarn balls running through my head ever since my grandmother bought me on of those cat-a-month calendars when I was a little girl. I’ll pretend I don’t still have one of those calendars, for sanity’s sake.
It turns out that making homemade cat yarn ball toys is totally easy! Cat calendar here we come!!!
All we’ll need are styrofoam balls, catnip, an excessive amount of yarn, and a good wrapping sense.
Just the making of these toys felt like heaven to my cat. He was certain I’d portioned out this bowl of catnip as his afternoon snack. He was also certain that all the strands of yarn being pulled and wrapped were for his pouncing pleasure. He was mostly right.
Ps. If you’re as cat crazy as I am, you’ll definitely want to check out the homemade Crunchy Tuna Cat Treats on Design Sponge. If you’re smitten with the cat treat jars above… they’re exactly what you think they are: mason jars, cat figurines, hot glue, and spray paint.
It all start with styrofoam balls. Golf ball size is great.
I also chose some larger balls because I thought that tempting my cat with giant balls would be funny. I find that he mostly plays with the golf ball size yarn balls.
Balls are lightly painted with Mod Podge and coated in dried catnip.
It’s best to allow the catnip and glue to dry slightly, just so your hands won’t be a sticky mess when wrapping the balls.
In the meantime, heat up the glue gun and organize yarn colors.
Press a bit of hot glue onto the catnip ball, press yarn into the glue and start wrapping!
It doesn’t have to be perfect, especially for the initial yarn wrapping. Work in one direction for a few turns, then have the yarn switch directions and angles to hit another space on the catnip ball.
After glueing the initial pieces of yarn, you won’t need much hot glue. The yarn can be wrapped and tucked inside of itself for securing.
I also think it’s satisfying for my cat to slowly unravel the yarn ball. He’s a destroyer of things.
These fur legs.
Just after this picture was taken, this cat flew into a yarn ball frenzy.
Yarn a-plenty. Yarn a-everywhere. He’s cute, but I actually live with a monster. It’s sometimes scary. Is that normal? (Don’t answer that…)
Note: keep an eye on your cat when they play with these yarn balls. Cats shouldn’t swallow string. Actually, no one should swallow string.
Immeasurable help on this post from Love and Cupcakes.
How to Make Yarn Ball Catnip Toys
What You’ll Need:
– golf ball size and larger styrofoam balls
– hot glue gun (helpful but not totally necessary)
– mod podge glue
– dried catnip
– yarn in various colors and thicknesses
– a disposable paintbrush (we’ll be dipping the brush in glue, so no need for your fancy brush)
– craft paper
Place catnip in a medium shallow bowl. Place Mod Podge in a small bowl. For easy clean up, work on top of a large sheet of craft paper.
Using the paintbrush, lightly brush a styrofoam ball with Mod Podge glue. Place the glue covered ball in the bowl of catnip and toss around, coating evenly. Set aside to dry while you glue and catnip the remaining balls.
Use a bit of hot glue to adhere the initial yarn pieces to the catnip covered ball. Wrap for several turns in one direction, then wrap in an alternating direction. You can cut the yarn and start fresh in a new direction to make sure to cover all sides. The initial yarn covering doesn’t have to be perfect. the second round of yarn covering can be more directionally intentional.
When ball is completely covered and layered twice in yarn, tuck the end piece into the yarn ball (and tie into a knot if you’d like) to adhere. Toss around the house. It’s kitty playtime!
Note: keep an eye on your cat when they play with these yarn balls. Cats shouldn’t swallow string. Actually, no one should swallow string.
Alison Borgas
So cute! We have a cute cat, too! I might even consider getting crafty…! ;)
Jeff @ Cheeseburger.net
Your cat is so cute. There are too many yarn balls that he can’t decide which one to play with first.
Kelli
Frank and Leonard thank you.
Wendy
Those are magically epic cat names.
Foodloveandhappiness
How cute!
Jayne
I’m more of a dog person than a cat person, really but your cat is sooooo cute!! I want a cat now. Maybe I just want your cat.
Crazy_Athens
Hm… Monster? I don’t believe you! You should have put an “after” shot as well..
Heather
Love, love, love this! I adore your cat posts and photos. Thank you xxx
Tara
I am a total cat lady too.. I have three and would happily take on more :) can I just say that your cat is gorgeous!!
Christine
I’m always so happy to see your beautiful cat. He must be lucky to live at your house. Great idea!
Sophie
Hi Joy, I’ve been a longtime reader of your blog, and today I thought it was finally time to tell you that I am a huge fan. Your pictures are always beautiful, your writing style is honest and entertaining and today … those fluffy cat legs just melted my heart!! Thank you for always putting a smile on my face xx
Averie @ Averie Cooks
Such a clever idea and fun. And that first opening pic…I seriously think you should make greeting cards out of that. It’s just too sweet and precious. You know those fancy kind that are in boutique shops for like $5 bucks a piece with either no message and blank or something clever. Just a totally random thought :) This post makes me miss my old cat!
joythebaker
i’m totally making this a card!!! best idea EVER! big love to you Averie!
Kezia
What a brilliant idea! I’ll definitely be making some of these in the near future as our cat has just had kittens! They are now three days old and so adorable!
Jennie
What an adorable cat! My cat stayed in England with my Mum when I moved to Hong Kong – i might make up a few of these and pop them in the post for her! Is that sad??
Sini
Oh those kitty paws! The first picture looks like cat heaven. I need to make these yarn balls – and then to go get a cat.
Holiday Baker Man
That is one stoned cat? Great idea!