My husband and I got “Poops” the Cat a few years ago. I made him get a cat because he had never had a pet and I wanted to make sure he was responsible for something other than himself before we have kids. So far, so good. Although the husband named her … so I think I’ll be in charge of naming the future kids. Poops is a senior cat around 12-13 years old. She pretty much prefers to take cat naps, so I wanted to make her something new and try to get her running around the house a bit more, so today I’m showing you how to make a DIY Catnip Yarn Ball. With the catnip on the inside, it will drive your cat crazy, plus it’s a super cute toy!
This is much cuter than a tied-off old sock filled with catnip. However, please be sure to use caution when allowing your cat to play with a yarn ball – make sure they don’t eat/swallow any of the yarn which could cause medical issues.
To make the DIY Catnip Yarn Ball, you’ll need a few supplies:
- catnip
- wiffle balls
- yarn
- scissors
- hot glue gun (optional)
Instructions:
1. Take the wiffle ball and tie one end of the yarn to the ball using the holes in the ball. Then start wrapping the yarn around the ball. You can optionally glue it down in places to ensure it doesn’t unravel. Your wrapping doesn’t have to be perfect, simply start wrapping in one direction and then halfway through, go in the opposite direction, and again, and again, to make it look like a real ball of yarn.
2. When you’re almost done and one of the holes is left exposed, fill the ball with catnip.
3. Then continue wrapping the ball until all the holes are completely covered.
4. When finished, tuck the last bit of string in and you’re done!
5. Let your cat go crazy! Just keep an eye on her to make sure she doesn’t eat the yarn.
Because Poops the Cat is deaf, she has started meowing very loudly when she can’t find us. She sometimes does this in the middle of the night, so I like to tire her out during the day. I once read that cats often sleep after hunting and eating, so the catnip ball is great for “hunting” and then we feed her.
Kris
Saturday 20th of June 2015
This is a very dangerous toy. Cats can die from eating yarn and it binding their intestines. Please consider taking this post down
LegalMissSunshine
Thursday 25th of June 2015
As I stated in the post, please keep an eye on your cat to make sure kitty doesn't eat the yarn, but I will say it again: Only let your cat play with this toy under your direct supervision as swallowing yarn or any string (or even dental floss) an be deadly for a cat.
Legal Miss Sunshine
Tuesday 16th of June 2015
Hi Eve, Thanks for the advice for Poops! Unfortunately Poops is an "only" cat - she will not tolerate a kitten. Plus, she was declawed (BEFORE we rescued her, so please no comments), so I don't feel comfortable introducing another animal into the house. However, the catnip balls seem to be doing the trick and she's been chasing them around the house. But I'm glad to hear that Sugar is helping out your senior cat!
Also, I feel I need to point out that this DIY craft post is a sponsored post by IAMS and Target and I was paid to create it as stated explicitly in the disclaimer at the top of the post. I'm lucky that I have sponsors who support my blog and this allows me to create content, otherwise I wouldn't have the finances and time to do so. This is NOT "link fishing," nor are there any affiliate links within this post. That link to Pinterest? It links to my own Pinterest page.
Eve
Tuesday 16th of June 2015
Despite the fact that you shamelessly are totally link fishing target, Iams, Pinterst...and whoever else will throw you a couple pennies per click.....my 10 year old cat is deaf too and I had to comment. He meows inappropriately loudly as well. Sometimes it's a bit annoying....he also is very lazy. We tried toys. He will play, but not enough to mitigate all the cat naps. So, we got him a baby kitty. It has made a huge difference in his activity level. He is so into mentoring, he gets exercise by accident. He is so much more active in general since he has taken on his new role as Sugars' dad!
Cristi Comes
Monday 15th of June 2015
I love this idea! What a cool cat toy. So easy and fun for her. My kids would love to make this for our cat Zoe. Thanks! #client
LegalMissSunshine
Tuesday 16th of June 2015
Thanks, Cristi! Hope you make one for Zoe!