How To Make Pet Shop Toys

Creating your own pet shop toys at home is a fun, rewarding, and cost-effective way to keep your pets entertained and mentally stimulated. Whether you have a dog, cat, or small pets like those from the Littlest Pet Shop collection, DIY toys can be customized to suit their preferences and needs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through various projects to make engaging toys using common household materials, complete with step-by-step instructions, images, and videos to help you along the way.

Table of Contents

• DIY Dog Toys

• DIY Cat Toys

• DIY Toys for Small Pets (Littlest Pet Shop Style)

• Tips for Safe Toy Making

• Frequently Asked Questions

DIY Dog Toys

Dogs love toys that they can chew, fetch, and play tug-of-war with. Here are some easy-to-make dog toys using fabric scraps, tennis balls, and household items.

1. T-Shirt Ball Dog Toy

Materials Needed:

• Old T-shirt

• Tennis ball

• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut two strips of fabric about 6 inches wide and 14 inches long.

2. Lay the strips in an “X” shape on a flat surface and place the tennis ball in the center.

3. Fold the fabric over the ball several times and tie securely, leaving tails.

4. Cut the tails into strips about 2 inches wide.

5. Braid the strips tightly and tie knots at the ends to secure.

This toy is durable and perfect for fetch or chewing.

2. Snuffle Mat for Treat Foraging

Materials Needed:

• Sturdy backing (sink mat or cardboard)

• Fleece strips (cut from old blankets)

• Sharpie, screwdriver (if using cardboard)

Steps:

1. If using cardboard, mark dots 1 inch apart and puncture holes with a screwdriver.

2. Tie fleece strips through the holes tightly to create a dense mat.

3. Hide treats within the fleece strips for your dog to forage.

This toy is mentally enriching and encourages natural foraging behavior.

3. Sewn Crinkle Dog Toy

Materials Needed:

• Scrap fabric (fleece, denim, or old t-shirts)

• Potato chip bag for crinkle sound

• Sewing machine or needle and thread

Steps:

1. Cut two rectangles of fabric (approx. 6x8 inches).

2. Cut a piece of potato chip bag slightly smaller than fabric pieces.

3. Place fabric pieces right sides together with chip bag inside.

4. Sew around edges, leaving a gap to turn inside out.

5. Turn right side out and sew the gap closed.

This toy adds auditory stimulation with crinkle sounds and is durable with machine stitching.

DIY Cat Toys

Cats love toys they can bat, chase, and pounce on. Here are some simple DIY ideas using socks, yarn, and fabric scraps.

1. Catnip Filled Sock Toy

Materials Needed:

• Old sock (without holes)

• Loose catnip

• Yarn or string

Steps:

1. Fill the sock with a handful of dried catnip.

2. Add scrap fabric or yarn to fill empty spaces.

3. Tie the open end securely with yarn, leaving a "tail."

4. Optional: Draw a silly face on the toe part with a non-toxic marker.

This toy is easy to make and cats love the scent of catnip.

2. Yarn Pompom Toy

Materials Needed:

• Yarn

• Fork

• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut a small piece of yarn (3-4 inches) and place it between the middle prongs of a fork.

2. Wrap yarn around the fork prongs about 60 times.

3. Tie the small piece of yarn tightly around the wrapped yarn.

4. Slide the yarn off the fork and cut the loops to form a pompom.

5. Optional: Attach pompom to a string for interactive play.

Cats enjoy batting these colorful, fluffy toys around.

3. Spider Cat Toy

Materials Needed:

• Hair rubber band

• Old T-shirt or fabric scraps

• Scissors

Steps:

1. Cut fabric into strips about ½ inch wide and 4 inches long.

2. Tie strips around the hair rubber band, double knotting each.

3. Continue until the rubber band is fully covered.

4. Trim excess fabric if needed.

5. Optional: Attach to a stick or door knob for solo play.

Cats will enjoy the movement and texture of this toy.

DIY Toys for Small Pets (Littlest Pet Shop Style)

For small pets or collectors of Littlest Pet Shop (LPS) toys, customizing or creating miniature toys and houses can be a creative outlet.

Customizing LPS Toys

You can transform fake LPS toys into adorable customs by repainting and accessorizing them. This involves:

• Cleaning the toy

• Sanding rough areas

• Painting with acrylics

• Adding miniature accessories

DIY LPS Houses

Building or improving DIY houses for LPS toys can be done with cardboard, glue, and paint. Advice from online communities can help refine your designs.

Tips for Safe Toy Making

• Use non-toxic materials safe for pets.

• Avoid small parts that can be swallowed.

• Supervise pets with new toys initially.

• Make toys durable to withstand chewing.

• Wash fabric toys regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I use old socks for dog toys?
A: It's better to avoid old socks for dogs that tend to steal socks, as it may confuse them. Use fabric scraps or old t-shirts instead.

Q2: How do I make a toy that lasts longer?
A: Use sturdy fabrics, double stitch seams, and avoid loose parts. Incorporating tennis balls or plastic bottles inside can add durability.

Q3: Are homemade toys safe for cats?
A: Yes, if you use non-toxic materials and avoid small parts that can be swallowed. Always supervise playtime with new toys.

Q4: What is a snuffle mat?
A: A snuffle mat is a fabric mat with fleece strips tied to a backing where treats are hidden for dogs to forage, providing mental stimulation.

Q5: Can I add sound to DIY dog toys?
A: Yes, adding crinkle material like potato chip bags inside sewn fabric toys adds auditory stimulation dogs enjoy.