Crochet cat toys are some of the fastest amigurumi you can make. They are small, use up scraps, and your cat will not care if your stitches are a little uneven. Add a pinch of catnip and you have a gift any cat lover will be thrilled to get.
Here are 12 free patterns: mice, fish, catnip balls, a fuzzy pickle kicker, a taco, a mini hot dog, a star and a bouncing jellyfish that hangs from a door. There is something for every skill level.
Crochet Cat Toys Free Patterns
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What You’ll Need
- Worsted weight cotton or acrylic yarn scraps
- Crochet hook set (2.75 mm to 8 mm)
- Dried catnip
- Polyester fiberfill stuffing
- Small jingle bells
- Tapestry needles
- Locking stitch markers
1. Pickle Cat Toy
A fuzzy green pickle about 7 inches long, made in Bernat Forever Fleece. It is a kicker toy, so cats can grab it and bunny-kick it. Bobble stitches give it the bumpy pickle look. Fill it with catnip for extra fun. It is a quick way to practice bobbles and working in the round.
- Designer: Bernat / Yarnspirations
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern (Bernat Forever Fleece)
- Hook: 8 mm (L)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
2. Toy Mouse for Cats
Photo: Heather / Daisy and Storm
A classic little mouse about 2.75 inches long, worked in a single crochet spiral from the head down, with sewn-on ears, a chain tail and embroidered eyes. It takes only about 20 yards of yarn. Make it striped to use up leftovers.
- Designer: Heather / Daisy and Storm
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK / light worsted
- Hook: 2.75 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
3. Fish Cat Toy
Photo: Emily Ann
A quick, seamless little fish that doubles as play food for kids. It uses only 20 to 30 yards of yarn, and there is no sewing at all. The designer shares her patterns free with an optional tip.
- Designer: Emily Ann
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Aran
- Hook: 3.75 mm (F)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
4. Taco Cat Toy
Photo: Kristen Stevenson / Smushed Squirrel
Yes, a taco for your taco cat. This playful pattern is very popular on Ravelry, and the designer notes it can also be made as a key chain, so it doubles as the mini option on this list. Make one for your cat and one for your keys.
- Designer: Kristen Stevenson / Smushed Squirrel
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
5. Mini Hot Dog Cat Toy
Photo: Melissa’s Crochet Patterns
A tiny hot dog about 3 inches long and 1.5 inches tall, with a bun, a sausage and optional ketchup or mustard yarn. Add catnip inside for a toy cats will carry around the house. A cute gift for a foodie friend’s cat.
- Designer: Melissa’s Crochet Patterns
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern (Red Heart Super Saver suggested)
- Hook: 3.25 mm (D)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
6. Amigurumi Sardines Cat Toy
Photo: Lion Brand Yarn
A little set of sardines, about 3.5 by 5 inches, from Lion Brand. It is rated Easy and made in worsted yarn. One reviewer says cats go nuts for it. The free pattern is a download from the product page.
- Designer: Lion Brand Yarn
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: see pattern
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
7. Cat Toys Set (Ball, Mouse and Fish)
Photo: Yemi & Co.
Three toys in one free pattern: a ball with ribbons, a mouse with ears and a tail, and a fish with a little fin. They are mostly single crochet, with a bit of double crochet for the fin. Great if you want to make a gift bundle.
- Designer: Yemi & Co.
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 3 mm (D)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
8. Sparkly Catnip Ball Toy
Photo: Jenni Catavu / By Jenni Designs
A small, shiny ball made with Red Heart Scrubby Sparkle and stuffed with fiberfill and catnip. It is worked in half double crochet, so it grows fast. There is a video tutorial too, which helps if you are new to working in the round.
- Designer: Jenni Catavu / By Jenni Designs
- Skill level: Easy
- Yarn: see pattern (Red Heart Scrubby Sparkle)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
9. Star Cat Toy
Photo: Pine Tree Crochet
A five-point star about 4 inches across, made from two pieces joined together. Stuff it with catnip for your cat, or add a loop and hang it on the tree as an ornament. It uses about 15 yards of worsted yarn.
- Designer: Pine Tree Crochet
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free written pattern + paid PDF
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
10. Flower Ball Cat Toy
Photo: Alexandra Halsey / With Alex
A round ball about 3 inches tall with a five-petal flower on top. For the cat version, a jingle bell goes inside a small plastic egg in the middle, so it rattles when it rolls. It also makes a pretty spring decoration.
- Designer: Alexandra Halsey / With Alex
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: Worsted (#4)
- Hook: 4 mm (G)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
11. Bouncing Rainbow Jellyfish
Photo: Maz Kwok / Be A Crafter
A rainbow jellyfish with seven tentacles and a chain “spring” on top so it bounces when hung from a door knob. Cats love batting at the tentacles. It is a good leftover yarn project. Use a smaller hook if you want a smaller toy.
- Designer: Maz Kwok / Be A Crafter
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: see pattern (leftover yarn)
- Hook: 5 mm
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
12. Bunny Cat Toy
Photo: Lake Elemzy
A long two-color bunny, about 11 inches by 2.5 inches, worked in the round. That long shape makes it a great kicker toy. The pattern also has an optional elastic cord and dowel, so you can turn it into a wand toy.
- Designer: Lake Elemzy
- Skill level: see pattern
- Yarn: DK
- Hook: 3.5 mm (E)
- Price: Free
- Get the pattern: Get the free pattern →
Which One Should You Make?
- First amigurumi ever? Start with #8. It is a simple ball in half double crochet.
- Your cat loves to bunny-kick? Make #1 or #12.
- Want a gift bundle for a new kitten? #7 gives you three toys in one pattern.
- Want a mini you can also hang on keys? Try #4.
- Want something that moves on its own? #11 bounces from a door knob.
FAQ
What is the safest yarn for crochet cat toys?
Use a sturdy cotton or acrylic yarn that does not shed. Avoid very fuzzy yarns and loose strands that a cat could pull out and swallow. Crochet tightly with a smaller hook so the stuffing stays inside, and weave in every end very securely.
How do I add catnip to a crochet cat toy?
Stuff the toy most of the way with fiberfill, then add a pinch of dried catnip in the middle before you close it. Some makers put the catnip in a small cloth pouch first, so it does not leak. You can also rub a little catnip on the outside to refresh old toys.
Are crochet cat toys safe to leave out?
Check the toys often for loose parts, holes or long strands. Skip safety eyes, beads and bells for cats that chew a lot, and embroider faces instead. Toys with strings or long tails, like wand toys, are best for play time with you, then put them away.
Pick one, grab a bit of catnip, and get ready for some very happy zoomies.
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