DIY toy guide
Braided Fabric Catnip Ring
Old t-shirt strips braided into a catnip-scented ring for grabbing and kicking
Strips of an old t-shirt braided into a soft ring and rubbed with catnip make a grippable, washable toy perfect for wrestling, bunny-kicking and carrying about.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Cost
- Free
🧺 You will need
- An old cotton t-shirt or soft fabric scraps
- Scissors
- A pinch of dried catnip (optional)
🔧 How to make it
- Cut the t-shirt into three long strips a couple of centimetres wide.
- Knot the three strips together at one end and braid them tightly along their length.
- Bend the finished braid into a ring and knot the ends firmly together, trimming any excess.
- Rub a pinch of dried catnip into the fabric, or tuck a little into a knot, to boost the appeal.
- Offer it to your cat to grab, kick and carry, and toss it into the wash when it needs freshening up.
💡 Tips
The braided ring is just the right size and firmness for a cat to grip in its front paws and rake with its back legs — the classic 'bunny kick' that lets it act out hunting. Refreshing the catnip revives interest in an old favourite.
Safety: Braid tightly and knot securely so no long loose threads can wrap around toes or be swallowed, and supervise a cat that pulls the braid apart. Discard it if it starts to unravel into loose strings.
📝 Notes
It is machine-washable, costs nothing, and rescues a worn-out t-shirt from the bin. Make it in bright, contrasting fabric so it is easy to spot when it inevitably ends up batted under the sofa.