How to Make a Christmas Cat Spinner Wand

In all of the gifting during the holidays, don't forget about your furry friends. This holly-themed cat toy is easy to make and will encourage hours of playful interaction.

Black Cat Playing With Holly-Themed Cat Toy

Christmas Cat Spinner Wand

When planning your holiday gift list, don't forget your favorite kitty. Turn basic craft materials into a Christmas-themed spinner wand that will encourage hours of playtime. Get crafting with our step-by-step instructions.

Follow Marian on:

Related To:

Materials Needed:

  • 1/2" diameter 12" long wooden dowel
  • green acrylic craft paint
  • 1/2" artist's brush
  • light green felt quarter
  • dark green felt quarter
  • red jingle bells
  • green thread
  • all-purpose sewing needle
  • scissors
  • black permanent marker
  • green hemp twine
  • drill with drill bit

Prepare and Paint Dowel

Using a drill equipped with a bit, drill a hole through one end of the 12" dowel (Image 1). Paint dowel with one to two coats of green acrylic craft paint (Image 2) and allow to dry. Tip: Hang dowel by a paperclip threaded through the drilled hole to paint and allow paint to dry.

Draw and Cut Out Leaves

Using a permanent marker, draw holly leaf shapes onto both green felt colors in varying sizes. Cut out drawn leaves just inside the marked lines. Make 5-7 leaves per spinner wand.

Drawing Leaves On Felt

Drawing Holly Leaves Onto Green Felt

Using a permanent marker, draw holly leaf shapes onto both green felt colors in varying sizes. Cut out drawn leaves just inside the marked lines. Make 5-7 leaves per cat toy spinner wand.

Sew Holly Leaves Together

Pinch together 2-3 holly leaves of varying colors and shapes. Use green thread on an all-purpose sewing needle to secure leaves together at the top (Image 1). Make sure stitch is strong, so leaves aren't easily pulled away during kitty's playtime. Once leaves are secure, use same thread to tack on two red bells, again, making sure they are secure (Image 2). Tie off thread and trim excess. Repeat process to make a second bunch of holly.

Attach Holly to Dowel

Cut a length of hemp twine about 24" long. String end of twine through both bells and tie a knot to secure (Image 1). String on second set of holly and tie knot to secure, leaving 4-5 inches between holly bunches. Thread loose end of hemp twine through hole in dowel then knot securely and cut excess twine (Image 2). Entice your cat to play with the spinner wand by dragging the holly across the ground or spinning it through the air (Images 3 and 4).

Next Up

Make a Mobile Dog Bed From Shipping Pallets

Give your four-footed family member a stylish place to sit with a one-of-a-kind shipping pallet pet bed mobilized with casters.

Mincemeat Thumbprint Cookies Recipe

These flavorful cookies combine the wonderful tastes of fruit and spice. The robust mincemeat center is perfect with the sweetness of the cookie. Be sure to refrigerate before baking to prevent unwanted spreading of the dough in the oven

Peppermint Bark Chocolate Cookies Recipe

Combining two popular holiday flavors – peppermint and chocolate – these tasty cookies are perfect for gift giving.

How to Make a Hand-Painted Burlap Table Runner

Rustic burlap is given new life as a sophisticated holiday table runner with the addition of pleated trim and hand-painted details.

Citrus Marmalade Recipe

Tangy citrus marmalade is simple to make and, canned in jars, it is a thoughtful holiday gift. Pair your homemade marmalade with freshly baked croissants or scones for a treat they'll never forget.

Cranberry Bliss Dacquoise Recipe

This rich and decadent dessert has all the best flavors of the holiday season. Make the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving to really wow your guests.

Cranberry Orange Linzer Cookies Recipe

Sweet and tart, these sandwich cookies combine two favorite seasonal flavors and are as pretty as they are tasty.

Gooey Chocolate Crinkle Cookies Recipe

Delight chocoholics on your gift list with these soft-centered cookies that are a snap to bake.

Chocolate-Covered Peppermint Crispies Recipe

A year-round favorite treat gets a delicious update for the holidays. Add the flavors of chocolate and peppermint to crisp rice treats before packaging them as homemade gifts for family and friends.

Tuxedo Cookie Recipe

Friends and family will flip for these crunchy, chocolatey cookies filled with rich mascarpone cream and then rolled in mini chocolate chips.

Go Shopping

Get product recommendations from HGTV editors, plus can’t-miss sales and deals.

About HGTV

HGTV’s expert editors and writers share home decorating, garden and home improvement ideas, inspiration and advice based on our brand’s 30+ years of expertise and experience. We also give you the latest updates on HGTV shows and stars, cleaning tips and shopping recommendations. Learn more about us and our editorial standards.