5 Easy DIY Cat Enrichment Ideas That’ll Keep Your Kitty Busy

ByMuntaseer Rahman

If your cat is starting to treat your furniture like a jungle gym, it might be time for some enrichment. Bored cats get into trouble—but with a few easy DIY ideas, you can turn your home into a feline fun zone.

These five projects don’t take much time or money, but they’ll give your kitty something to climb, chase, swat, and explore.

5 DIY Cat Enrichment Ideas

1. Muffin Tin Puzzle Feeder

Turns mealtime into a brain game.

You’ll need:

  • A muffin tin
  • Ping pong balls or small toys
  • Dry cat food or treats

Steps:

  1. Take a standard muffin tin (6 or 12 cups).
  2. Drop a few pieces of kibble or treats into each cup.
  3. Cover each one with a ping pong ball or small lightweight toy.
  4. Let your cat paw through the balls to reach the treats.

This encourages foraging behavior and slows down fast eaters.

By the way, if you're into DIY Hacks stuff, you’ll wanna check this one out: 5 Cat Litter Box Cabinet Ideas You’ll Wish You Tried Sooner

2. DIY Cardboard Cat Castle

A hideout, lookout, and jungle gym all in one.

You’ll need:

  • Several cardboard boxes
  • Scissors or a box cutter
  • Tape (duct tape or packing tape)
  • Optional: fabric scraps, string, or felt

Steps:

  1. Cut entry holes in the sides of the boxes. Make sure your cat can fit through.
  2. Stack the boxes in different levels. Tape them together securely.
  3. Cut windows for peeking and swatting.
  4. Decorate with fabric or felt if you like.
  5. Place toys or catnip inside and watch the fun begin.

Your cat gets exercise and a cozy place to chill.

Oh, and speaking of DIY Hacks, here’s another one you might like: 5 Cat Play Area Ideas That’ll Keep Your Kitty Busy for Hours

3. Hanging Wall Scratcher

Save your furniture and give them a vertical challenge.

You’ll need:

  • A small piece of carpet or sisal mat
  • A wooden board
  • Staple gun or glue
  • Screws and wall anchors

Steps:

  1. Cut the carpet to match the board’s size.
  2. Attach it using a staple gun or strong glue.
  3. Screw the board into a wall at your cat’s shoulder height.
  4. Sprinkle some catnip to spark interest.

Great for stretching and scratching in a spot that isn’t your couch.

Also, just throwing this in—this DIY Hacks post is a fun read too: 5 Cat Feeding Area Ideas That’ll Finally End the Mealtime Mess

4. Sensory Box for Curious Paws

A dig box packed with textures and surprises.

You’ll need:

  • A shallow plastic bin or tray
  • Fabric scraps, crumpled paper, feathers, or pom-poms
  • Catnip or a few treats

Steps:

  1. Fill the bin with soft and safe materials that rustle or move when touched.
  2. Hide a few treats or sprinkle in some catnip.
  3. Place it on the floor and let your cat dig and explore.

This taps into their natural hunting instincts and keeps them engaged.

5. Window Watch Hammock

Prime real estate for birdwatching and sunbathing.

You’ll need:

  • A piece of sturdy fabric
  • Strong suction cups with hooks
  • PVC pipe or wooden dowels
  • Rope or zip ties

Steps:

  1. Cut the fabric to form a sling or hammock. Reinforce the edges if needed.
  2. Use dowels or pipe to give structure to the edges.
  3. Attach ropes or zip ties to each corner.
  4. Hook these onto suction cups and press them firmly onto a clean window.
  5. Test with a bit of weight before letting your cat try it.

Cats love the view and the warmth. Just make sure it’s secure.

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