There’s a very specific kind of joy in making something with your hands, especially when it’s technically for your cat, but also very clearly for you.

Because let’s be honest: most cat toys are either slightly ugly, overpriced, or mysteriously destroyed within 48 hours. So the idea of making something yourself, something that actually fits your home and your cat’s personality—feels a little more intentional.

That’s exactly the energy behind Crafting for Your Cat: 25 Playful Projects for You and Your Feline Friends by Annika Hinds. And surprisingly, it’s not just a cute concept—it’s a genuinely usable guide.

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Not Just Cute—Actually Usable

What makes this book work isn’t just the concept—it’s the execution.

Inside, you’ll find 25 projects designed specifically for cats, ranging from simple toys you can make in an afternoon to more structured builds like scratchers, beds, and small climbing setups. The instructions are clear without being overly technical, and each project is rated by difficulty using a “paw system,” which makes it easy to choose something that matches your energy level.

Some projects feel like instant wins—quick, low-commitment, and surprisingly satisfying. Others are more involved, the kind you’d save for a slow weekend when you actually feel like making something with your hands.

But the common thread is this: nothing feels throwaway.

It’s Really About How You Live With Your Cat

The deeper appeal of this book isn’t just the crafting—it’s the perspective.

Instead of treating cat products as something you buy out of necessity, it invites you to think about them as part of your space. Something you can shape, customize, and make your own.

That might mean:

• a scratcher that actually works with your decor
• a toy your cat is genuinely interested in
• a small setup that encourages movement and play without taking over the room

It’s less about replacing everything you own—and more about being intentional with what you add.

Where It All Started

The story behind the book feels just as personal as the projects themselves.

In this TikTok, Annika Hinds shares how the idea first came together, and it’s exactly the kind of origin story you’d expect: part creativity, part necessity, and very much shaped by living with a cat who had opinions.

@blondesigns

Who knew my calling would be crafting for my cat 💁🏼‍♀️🐈‍⬛

♬ Little Things – Adrián Berenguer

It’s not about building something perfect. It’s about making something that works—and feels like yours.

The Projects You’ll Actually Want to Try

Some designs immediately stand out—not just because they’re functional, but because they feel… thoughtful.

There’s a strawberry-shaped scratcher that manages to be both practical and genuinely cute. A series of small toys that don’t look like plastic clutter. And a few furniture-style pieces that feel more like part of your home than something you’re trying to hide.

You’ll also find ideas for:

• enrichment toys
• feeding setups
• cozy resting spots
• simple climbing solutions

All designed with the understanding that your cat is going to interact with everything anyway—so it might as well be something you actually like having around.