How to Make Catnip Filled Sock Toys

Last Updated: July 5, 2021

Catnip filled sock toys are a fun way to use up all those socks that got lost along the way. The cat gets a treat, the human gets to have some fun crafting.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Catnip fish sock

1
Find an old unwanted sock. Check that it is free of holes, or the catnip will fall out.
2
Slide a toilet roll inside the sock. Push it down to the toe section; it should reach back to around the heel area.

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3
Stuff some dried catnip into the sock.
4
Tie the loose end of the sock in knot. This forms the tail, while the toilet roll end forms the body of the catnip sock.
5
Cut out two eye shapes from felt. Glue to the front of the fish for its eyes. Be sure to use non-toxic glue.
- If wished, you can also add a felt smile.
6
Done. Toss it kitty and see if the fish is attacked. If your cat likes this, it will bring hours of play.
- The catnip fish sock can also be attached to a string and dangled over the cat, for some "fishing" fun.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Catnip mouse sock

1
Find a suitable sock. The ideal sock is either a child's sock or a small adult's ankle sock.
2
Push a handful of dried catnip into the toe zone of the sock. When you're satisfied that there is enough in there, also stuff in a filling, such as scrap fabric, toy stuffing, etc. Be sure to choose infill that is safe for the cat.
3
Tie the end of the sock together. Use yarn and tie with a strong knot. There should be a little tuft of sock left hanging out for the mouse's "tail".
- If you wish, make the yarn long enough so that this can be a dangling toy. If you leave the toy lying around, keep the yarn short and clipped close to the mouse.
4
Add a face to the catnip mouse sock. Use a fabric pen to draw a face on the toe end of the sock. Draw on whiskers and ears as well. Alternatively, glue on felt pieces, using non-toxic glue.
5
See if your cat likes this new mouse in the house.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Lazy catnip sock

1
Find an unwanted sock. Any size will do but consider what would be a good size for your cat; if your cat likes mice, use a smaller sock, if your cat likes rats, use a larger sock.
2
Stuff it with catnip and old rags or fabric scraps.
3
Tie the sock off tightly.
4
Give to the cat. It's very simple, but it will still do the job. Your cat only cares about the fun to be had!

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Long catnip sock

Maybe you'd call this one a snake or a door-stopper; whatever it is, you'll like being able to use up stray knee length socks by turning them into catnip kitty heaven.

1
Find an unwanted knee-length sock. If it's a boring sock, or slight worse for wear, consider tie-dyeing it for a bit of added fun. At the very least, ensure it's washed and clean.
2
Sprinkle a decent amount of dried catnip into the toe section of the knee-high sock.
3
Add stuffing to the sock. Since this sock is so long, you could even stuff it with all those other mate-less socks that have been amassing in the laundry basket. Or, use standard toy stuffing, scrap fabric or felt offcuts, etc.
4
Add some more catnip as you stuff. Every few inches or centimeters, sprinkle in some additional dried catnip. This sock is long, so it is a good idea to encourage your cat to find several spots of catnip scent throughout the sock.
5
Continue alternating between stuffing and sprinkling. Then tie the end of the sock off with yarn. Make sure to use a tight knot. Cut off any long loose ends of the yarn; this one isn't so ideal for "dangling", as it's big.
6
Place on the floor. Encourage kitty to sniff it. Enjoy the pouncing, the hugging, the back leg raking and the general enjoyment the cat will now produce.

Community Q&A

Question

When I give my cat catnip, he just eats it. Why is that?

Community Answer

Different cats react differently to catnip. Some just want to eat it. It's perfectly fine, as long as he doesn't get sick from eating it. If he does, don't let him have it anymore.
Question

I've never given my cat catnip. Where do I find it? And I'm scared she'll get sick.

Community Answer

Catnip is 100% safe for cats. If you're in the US, you can easily find it at Wal-Mart, CVS, or Wal-greens.
Question

What is catnip, and why do cats like it?

Community Answer

Catnip is a plant called Nepeta cataria. It's usually dried and shredded, then sold to use for cats. Cats like it because it has an ingredient called nepetalactone in it. Eating or smelling this ingredient makes cats feel really good.

Warnings

Refreshing the catnip every few weeks is a good idea, as it loses its potency over time.

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Your cat may drool excessively over the catnip sock, completely drenching it. If this happens, give the sock a good wash, hang it outside to dry (including its stuffing if this comes out) and add fresh catnip when dry.

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