DIY Cat Toys & Treat: Autumn-Inspired Projects Your Feline Will Love

In the season when autumn leaves dance across our windows and the air smells of pumpkin spice, it's high time to have some alone time with your kitties. Humans shouldn't have all the seasonal fun, so we created this list of DIY cat toys and treats, plus pawsome activities you can craft and enjoy with your furbabies.

Part 1: DIY Toys Your Cats Will Fall For

A few reminders before we start:

• Always supervise your cats with new toys.
• Remove loose or damaged parts that can cause choking.
• Check with your vet about the ingredients you'll add to the treats.
• Use only pet-safe materials.

Fabric Pom-Pom Toy

Materials:

• Orange, yellow, and red fabric (felt or fleece)
• Scissors
• String or yarn (optional)

Instructions:

• Cut 1/2" x 3-4" fabric strips.
• Layer strips in alternating colors.
• Tie a string around the center.
• Separate strips to create a fluffy ball.
• Trim ends for a uniform shape.
• Tie a longer string if you want to hang the toy.

Feather Wand Toy

Materials:

• Wooden dowel or stick (12-18 inches)
• Colorful feathers
• Strong thread or yarn
• Hot glue

Instructions:

• Prepare the stick by sanding any rough edges.
• Bundle a few feathers together.
• Secure feathers and wrap them with thread and glue.
• Glue the feather bundle to the stick.
• Wait for the glue to dry completely.
• Wave the wand to entice your cat.

Fall Leaf Cat Toy

Materials:

• Orange, yellow, and red felt
• Scissors
• Needle and thread
• Catnip (optional)
• A small bell (optional)

Instructions:

• Cut out various sizes of leaf shapes from the felt.
• Sew the leaves together, leaving a small opening.
• Fill the leaves with catnip or a small bell for added fun.
• Sew the opening closed.
• Toss the leaves around for your cat to bat at and chase.
• Tip: You can also attach a string to one of the leaves to create a dangling toy.

Part 2: Treats to Beat Store-Bought Sweets

Autumn is one of the best seasons for feasting with your beloved cattos! Here are a few recipes from iHeartCats you can follow:

Pumpkin Tuna Cat Treats

Ingredients:

• 7 oz (200 grams) fresh tuna
• 1 egg
• 7 oz (20 grams) carrot
• 7 oz (20 grams) pumpkin
• 5 tablespoons (20 grams) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon catnip herb (optional)
• 8 cups (200 grams) oat flour

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 350 °F (180 °C).
• Roast tuna and pumpkin. Let cool and crush.
• Peel and grate the carrot.
• Beat the egg in a large bowl. Add the grated carrot, catnip, olive oil, tuna, and pumpkin.
• Mix in the oat flour until dough forms. Let it rest for five minutes.
• Spread the dough into 1/2-inch thickness. Cut with the cookie cutter of your choice.
• Place cookie dough on a greased paper tray and bake at 350 °F (180 °C) for 10-15 minutes.
• Let it cool and serve. 

Carrot & Catnip Treats

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coconut or olive oil 
• 1 1/4 cups flour – plus additional flour for rolling dough (you can also use oat flour)
• 1 tablespoon dried catnip (optional)
• 3/4 cup finely shredded carrot
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• cold water as needed

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a medium bowl, mix in oil and 1 cup of flour until it looks sandy.
• Blend in catnip, carrots, and egg. If the mixture looks dry, add a bit of water. If it seems wet and sticky, add a little flour.
• Sprinkle your surface with flour, roll or pat the dough to 1/4-inch thickness, and sprinkle with flour as needed.
• Prick dough with a fork. Cut into 1/2-inch squares using a pizza cutter.
• Place dough on the baking sheet and bake for about 12 minutes or until brown.
• Let cool.

Catnip Soup

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon dried or fresh catnip
• 1 cup warm water
• 1/4 teaspoon chicken broth, no salt

Instructions:

• In a container with a tight-fitting lid, place warm water and chicken broth. 
• Add catnip to the mixture.
• Place the lid in place and shake until well-mixed. The catnip will give the soup a green tint.
• Serve 1/4 cup or less to your cat in a shallow bowl.

Part 3: Autumn Activities for Your Feline Adventurer

Here are a few indoor autumn activities for you and your kitties:

Fall Sensory Box

• Get a shallow cardboard box and layer the bottom with brown kraft paper.
• Add cat-safe items such as empty toilet paper rolls, plastic pit balls in fall colors, dried corn husks, or clean pinecones.
• Sprinkle catnip to encourage them to explore.
• Hide a few extra toys for added excitement.

Autumn Window Birb Watch Station

• Set up a sturdy cat perch or window seat.
• Hang a bird feeder about 6 to 8 feet from the window.
• Use fall-specific bird seeds to attract seasonal birds.
• Add your catto's fave blanket.
• Place a few toys they can play with while waiting for the birbs.

Harvest Moon Games

• Get around 3 or 4 glow-in-the-dark balls.
• Charge them under bright light for about 30 minutes.
• Wait for dusk or dim the lights.
• Create an obstacle course using cardboard boxes and paper bags.
• Roll the glowing balls through the course.
• Let your kitty stalk and pounce to their heart's delight.

Bonus Section: Keeping Your Kitty Protected

General DIY Safety

• Only use pet-safe glues and adhesives.
• Inspect DIY cat toys regularly to check for wear and tear. 
• Replace them when you see damage or when they start falling apart.

Kitchen Safety

• Never use xylitol, chocolates, or artificial sweeteners.
• Take note of your cat's dietary restrictions, if any.
• Keep the treats small to prevent choking.
• Store DIY cat treats in airtight containers to prevent spoilage.

Materials to Avoid

• Strings that are longer than 6 inches can be a choking hazard.
• Ribbons and yarn
• Small plastic parts or beads
• Artificial fragrances
• Anything with sharp edges

Emergency Preparedness

• Keep your vet's contact details handy
• Know the location of the nearest 24-hour emergency vet
• Have a pet first aid kit ready
• Save the ASPCA Animal Poison Control number: (888) 426-4435