DIY Cat Toy: Leaf Dangler

Get easy instructions on making your own fishing-pole type toy for cats.

By Kristina Lotz | Posted: September 5, 2012, 4 p.m. EST

Leaf Dangler
This fun kitty toy is perfect for cats that like to pounce and chase. Also, unlike some commercial cat toys, it's easy to replace one of the leaves if the line gets broken or the leaf gets damaged – simply make a new leaf, and tie the fishing line on to the pole.

Supplies
•   10 4-by-4-inch cotton squares – oranges, reds and browns for fall; reds, greens, blues and white for winter
•   1 24-inch long dowel
•   Brown paint
•   15 pound fishing line roll
•   Leaf Pattern
•   Scissors
•   Paintbrush
•   Sewing machine or needle and thread
•   Pins
•   Fillers for leaves – catnip, stuffing, plastic, fabric, etc.

Directions 1. Stack two 4-by-4-inch cotton squares together. Using the leaf pattern, cut out one set for each leaf. We made five leaves (10 cutouts/squares), but you can make as many or as few as you wish. 2. Pair up the leaves, pin them together and sew around the edges, leaving the flat bottom side open. You can hand sew or use a sewing machine.
3. Stuff leaf with something to make it full. If your cat loves catnip, stuff it with dried catnip. Otherwise, stuffing, plastic (if you cat likes a “crinkle” sound) or even paper will work.
4. Take the fishing line and cut a strand. You can make the lines as long as you want, but they should be at least 24” long. 5. At one end of the fishing line, tie a knot several time, to make one large knot.
6. Insert knot into the opening in the leaf, and sew up. The knot will keep it from coming out. 7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 for each leaf. 8. Paint dowel brown. When dry, drill a hole through one end of the dowel. 9. Tie the leaves at varying lengths to the dowel by running the fishing line through the hole. Play time!