Avoid any socks that could fall apart while your cat is playing with it. For instance, don’t use yarn socks or any with loose strings your cat might accidentally swallow. You could cut larger socks down to size if you wish to turn them into smaller toys. The extra length you trim off can typically be used to make a second toy as well.
Polyester stuffing is available online and at craft supply stores. If you are unable to find any, you could use an alternative, such as yarn, felt, tissue paper, or cut-up T-shirts.
If you have fresh catnip available, you could chop it up and add it to the toy. Another option is powdered catnip, which is easier to rub over a toy but works the same way as shredded catnip. Adding the catnip is easiest before stuffing the sock. You could do it after inserting the stuffing, but you won’t be able to distribute the catnip throughout the toy as evenly. Be careful to avoid using too much catnip. Although it isn’t harmful, it can make your cat feel a little sick.
If you wish to, you could also put in a piece of string to give the toy a mouse tail for your cat to chase around.
You could also tie the sock shut with a piece of yarn. Sewing the sock shut is possible but will prevent you from being able to open and refill the toy with fresh catnip. Once you’re done making the toy, you can decorate it. Try coloring it with a marker or gluing parts, like plastic eyes or fabric ears, onto it.
Purchase fabric and other supplies online or at a local craft supply store. If you’re unsure how to make the design, look online for examples. The size and shape can be changed according to your preference, so let your creativity loose.
To ensure the halves come out to be the same size, cut one first, then use it to trace an outline on the second set of fabric. You don’t have to do this, but it can be helpful if you’re having a hard time getting the halves to look even.
The patterned side will end up on the outside once you finish sewing the toy together. You can turn it inside-out so the stitches stay well-hidden on the inside. [8] X Research source
Using a longer length of yarn is fine and can help ensure you have enough material for the tail. Any excess can be trimmed or tucked inside the fabric later. Make sure the fabric is arranged properly, leaving the pattern-side up. When you turn the fabric inside-out later, the pattern will be on top with the stitches hidden. If you’re using double-sided fabric, it doesn’t matter which side is on top. Hot glue can also be used to secure the tail to the fabric. If you’re using hot glue, you could wait to add the tail until you have turned the fabric inside-out, then permanently glue or sew it inside with the stuffing.
When you sew the nose shut, tuck in the yarn if it extends past the edge of the fabric. Leave the back end open so you are able to finish stuffing the toy afterward. You could also knit or crochet your own mouse out of yarn. It takes a little more skill but can be simplified by following a pattern. Search online for “catnip mouse knitting patterns” to find one you like. [11] X Research source
If you sew the fabric the wrong way, there is nothing to worry about. The finished mouse may not look quite the way you want, but it’s still useable and your cat surely won’t mind if you make some more.
If you don’t have polyester stuffing, use cotton, yarn, or cut-up fabric instead to fill the mouse.
If you’re able to find powdered catnip, it sticks to the stuffing very well. Powdered catnip is just catnip leaves that have been ground up instead of shredded. Stuffing the mouse this way spreads the scent of the catnip throughout the toy. Adding the catnip after stuffing it could Be aware of the tail so it doesn’t fall out while you’re stuffing the mouse. If you’re having a hard time keeping it in place, secure it to the fabric with a hot glue gun.
You could sew the final seam by hand if you’re familiar with using a needle and thread. Doing it by hand can be easier if you’re having a hard time keeping the stuffing and tail inside the mouse. Add eyes, ears, and other decorations to the toy if you wish. You could cut and sew on ears, glue on plastic eyes, or draw on a face with a marker, for instance.
Cardboard tubes come in a variety of sizes, so you can use them to make different toys. The tubes inside rolls of toilet paper are really good for small toys. You may wish to trim paper towel tubes in half and make multiple toys out of them.
To prevent the tube from opening back up, you could glue or staple the cardboard flaps together. Keep one end of the tube open until you have added the catnip
Shredded catnip is easier to use than powdered catnip for this kind of toy, especially if you’re planning on refilling it when the scent wears out. Powdered catnip will be harder to clean out of the tube. To spread the catnip scent around, you could rub some of it around the inside of the tube. Since the catnip is loose, it will still attract your cat’s attention even if you don’t do this.
Choose a cat-safe glue like a fast-drying, scentless wood glue. Use staples only if you’re sure your cat won’t swallow them. If you close the tube up permanently, your cat won’t be able to access the catnip. It also prevents you from replacing the catnip once its scent wears out.
Another option is to use a hot glue gun to add decorations to the tube. For example, add fabric whiskers or plastic eyes, but avoid using anything your cat might be tempted to swallow.
