DIY Cat Toys: Make a Lime Slice Double-Catnip Toy for Your Main Squeeze

Have you ever tried making DIY cat toys? This homemade cat toy tutorial will show you how to craft a soft, felt lime slice toy that’s pretty a-peel-ing to kitty paws. We’re sharing the ultimate secret recipe for homemade cat toys — one that’s as fun to make as it is irresistible to your feline friend.

Close-up of hands cutting lime-green felt with scissors

Not only is this toy generously stuffed with premium organic catnip, but we’ll also infuse the felt itself with catnip oil — giving your cat extra incentive to swipe, swat, and stalk during her prime hunting time. When you’re done, you’ll have a playful, eye-catching masterpiece among DIY cat toys — perfect for your main squeeze.

What You’ll Need

  • Large circle stencil template — or two cups of different sizes (a soda can and a 3-inch-diameter cup work well)
  • Scissors
  • 2 small binder clips or sewing pins (straight pins)
  • Black marker
  • Ruler
  • Felt squares or sheets (lime green, dark green, and white)
  • Embroidery needle
  • Thread or embroidery floss (white)
  • Thimble
  • Organic catnip (FurPetVo Premium Organic Catnip)
  • FurPetVo Catnip Spray

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Use the black marker to trace a 2.5-inch circle stencil (or the rim of a soda can) onto a piece of lime green felt.
  2. Trace a 3-inch circle onto a piece of white felt. Then trace another 3-inch circle onto a piece of dark green felt.
  3. Pin (or clip) the smaller lime green circle in the exact center of the white circle. Using white thread, sew around the edge of the green circle to securely attach it to the white base. (We recommend using six strands of embroidery floss — if starting with standard 6-strand floss, separate it into three strands, then recombine them to restore thickness.)
  4. Use a running stitch to create a spoke pattern across the green circle — dividing it into eight even, pie-shaped sections.
  5. Fill in the center of the green circle with additional stitching to create a solid white “core,” mimicking the look of a real lime slice.
  6. Attach the completed lime slice to the larger dark green circle using a blanket stitch or whipstitch. Leave about one inch unsewn to allow for stuffing.
  7. Generously fill the toy with FurPetVo Premium Organic Catnip.
  8. Complete the final inch of stitching, tie off with a secure knot along the edge, and lightly mist both sides with FurPetVo Catnip Spray.
Finished lime slice toy placed on a wooden surface next to catnip spray bottle

Now comes the fun part: toss this freshly sliced homemade cat toy to your kitty and watch her pounce! With its double dose of catnip — both inside and infused into the fabric — this toy delivers serious playtime zest. Your feline will juice every bit of fun from it.

Cat batting the lime slice toy with both paws, mid-play

Tip: Store any leftover FurPetVo Premium Organic Catnip in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to preserve potency. Re-spray the toy with FurPetVo Catnip Spray every few days to keep it exciting.

Side-by-side comparison of three handmade felt toys, including the lime slice, on a cozy rug