If you love crocheting for your pets, you’ll love this collection of free crochet cat toy patterns! From little crochet mice and fish to a fun octopus and carrot, these handmade cat toys are a great way to use up small amounts of yarn while making something special for your cat.
I’ve brought together six of my free crochet cat toy patterns in one place, so you can easily choose your favourite—or make the whole collection.
These projects are great for using leftover yarn, and several are quick enough to make in an afternoon. They can also be fun handmade gifts for cat-loving friends and family.
Below you’ll find crochet patterns for a fish, mouse, bigger mouse, ball, octopus and carrot, plus a bonus crochet cat bed pattern at the end.
Safety note: Always supervise pets when they’re playing with handmade toys. Avoid buttons, beads, safety eyes or other small pieces that could become detached and swallowed. Check crochet toys regularly and remove them if they become damaged.
1. Easy Crochet Fish Cat Toy
This little crochet fish is a fun and simple cat toy that doesn’t require lots of yarn.
Its small size makes it perfect for batting, chasing and carrying around. You could make several in different colours and use up some of those small amounts of yarn sitting in your stash.
You can leave the fish as it is or, if suitable for your cat, add a little catnip inside with the stuffing before closing it.
→ [Get the Free Crochet Fish Cat Toy Pattern]
→ [Watch the Crochet Fish Video Tutorial]
2. Small Crochet Mouse Cat Toy
A crochet mouse is a classic handmade cat toy, and this little mouse is an easy project to add to your collection.
The small size makes it great for cats that enjoy chasing and batting toys around the floor.
Try making several crochet mice in different colours, or use leftover yarn from your other crochet projects.
For pet toys, I recommend embroidering features rather than attaching small plastic pieces that could potentially come loose.
→ [Get the Free Crochet Mouse Cat Toy Pattern]
→ [Watch the Crochet Mouse Video Tutorial]
3. Bigger Crochet Mouse Cat Toy
If you want something a little bigger than the small mouse, try this bigger crochet mouse pattern.
A larger toy can be easier for some cats to grab, kick and carry around.
You can customize your mouse by changing the yarn colour or making several different versions.
This is also another great project for using yarn already sitting in your stash.
→ [Get the Free Bigger Crochet Mouse Pattern]
→ [Watch the Bigger Crochet Mouse Video Tutorial]
4. Easy Crochet Cat Toy Ball
Sometimes the simplest cat toys are the best!
This crochet cat toy ball is an easy little project and a great choice if you’re looking for something quick to crochet.
Make one in your cat’s favourite colour or crochet several using different leftover yarns.
Because cats can be rough with their toys, make sure your stitches are secure and check the ball regularly for damage.
→ [Get the Free Crochet Cat Toy Ball Pattern]
→ [Watch the Crochet Cat Ball Video Tutorial]
5. Crochet Octopus Cat Toy
Looking for something a little different? Try this cute crochet octopus cat toy.
The octopus shape makes a fun addition to a handmade cat toy collection and gives you something different from the traditional mouse, fish or ball.
Choose bright colours, neutral shades or simply use whatever yarn you already have available.
It’s also a cute little project to make for a cat-loving friend.
→ [Get the Free Crochet Octopus Cat Toy Pattern]
→ [Watch the Crochet Octopus Video Tutorial]
6. Crochet Carrot Cat Toy
Cats probably aren’t particularly interested in eating carrots—but they might enjoy playing with a crochet one!
This fun crochet carrot cat toy is another easy project for your yarn scraps.
Make the carrot in traditional orange and green or forget about realism completely and make it in whatever colours you like.
If your cat enjoys catnip toys, you can also add catnip inside along with the stuffing, provided it is appropriate for your pet.
→ [Get the Free Crochet Carrot Cat Toy Pattern]
→ [Watch the Crochet Carrot Video Tutorial]
Which Crochet Cat Toy Should You Make First?
If you’re new to making crochet cat toys, start with whichever pattern appeals to you most.
The crochet ball, fish and small mouse are good choices if you’re looking for smaller projects, while the bigger mouse and octopus give you something a little different.
Or make all six!
A handmade collection containing a mouse, fish, ball, octopus and carrot could also make a cute gift for someone bringing home a new cat or kitten.
What Yarn Is Best for Crochet Cat Toys?
For handmade pet toys, choose a yarn that is durable and suitable for the project.
Cotton can be a useful option because it creates defined stitches and is available in many colours. Other yarns may also work depending on the pattern.
Avoid decorative yarns that shed easily or have loose fibres that your cat may pull out.
Whatever yarn you choose, periodically check the finished toy for loose yarn, holes or damage.
Can I Put Catnip in Crochet Cat Toys?
If your cat enjoys catnip, you may be able to add some dried catnip inside certain stuffed crochet toys.
One option is to add a small amount amongst the stuffing before you close the toy.
Not every cat responds to catnip, though, and it isn’t necessary for your cat to enjoy a handmade toy.
Always choose products that are suitable for your particular pet.
How Can I Make Crochet Cat Toys Safer?
Handmade cat toys should be designed with pet safety in mind.
I recommend keeping them simple and avoiding small decorations that could become detached.
Pay particular attention to:
- secure stitching and firmly fastened yarn ends;
- avoiding buttons, beads and other small detachable pieces;
- embroidering details rather than using removable decorations;
- checking toys regularly for holes, loose yarn or exposed stuffing;
- removing damaged toys; and
- supervising your cat while they play.
No handmade toy is indestructible, particularly with a determined cat!
Bonus: Crochet a Cat Bed
Once you’ve made some toys, why not make your cat somewhere cosy to sleep too?
My crochet cat bed pattern is a larger project designed especially for your feline friend.
Pair it with a few of the cat toys above and you’ve got a whole handmade crochet collection for your cat.
→ [Get the Crochet Cat Bed Pattern]
→ [Watch the Crochet Cat Bed Video Tutorial]
More Free Crochet Patterns
I hope you’ve found a new project to make in this collection of free crochet cat toy patterns.
Whether you choose the fish, mouse, ball, octopus or carrot—or decide to crochet the whole set—these little projects are a fun way to make something for your cat while using yarn from your stash.
Don’t forget to check out my other free crochet patterns and video tutorials for even more ideas for your next crochet project.
→ [Browse All My Free Crochet Patterns]
