Easy Crochet Cat Toy Pattern (Free Amigurumi Mouse)

There is nothing quite like watching your cat go wild over a toy you made with your own two hands. This easy crochet cat toy pattern is designed to be quick, durable, and completely irresistible to your feline friend. Shaped like a classic little mouse, it features a hidden pocket of catnip that will keep your kitty entertained for hours.

Perfect for confident beginners, this amigurumi mouse works up in less than an hour using basic single crochet stitches. Because our pets play hard, we’ve designed this pattern with safety and durability in mind—meaning no plastic parts and a tight, sturdy fabric.

What You’ll Need

• Yarn: Worsted weight (Category 4) cotton yarn. You’ll need about 30 yards of a main color (like grey or brown) and a small 5-yard scrap of pink for the ears.
• Hook: US G/6 (4.0 mm) crochet hook.
• Notions: Yarn needle, scissors, and a stitch marker.
• Stuffing: Polyester fiberfill and 1 tablespoon of dried organic catnip.
• Details: A scrap of black yarn or embroidery floss for the face.

Important Safety Tips for Pet Toys

Before you start hooking, let’s talk about pet safety. Cats have sharp teeth and strong claws, so how you construct this toy matters.

1. Ditch the plastic: Never use plastic safety eyes or noses on pet toys. They are a choking hazard if chewed off. Always embroider facial features.
2. Choose the right yarn: Cotton yarn is highly recommended over acrylic for cat toys. It doesn’t pill as easily, holds up better to biting, and won’t shed synthetic fibers into your cat’s mouth.
3. Tighten your gauge: Make sure your stitches are tight enough that the stuffing (and catnip!) won’t easily pull through the fabric.

Pattern Instructions

Special Stitches

Invisible Decrease (dec): Insert hook through front loops only of next 2 stitches, yarn over, pull through both front loops, yarn over, pull through remaining 2 loops. This creates a smoother, gap-free decrease for amigurumi.

Mouse Body

Note: Work in continuous spiral rounds. Do not join or chain at the start of rounds.

With the main color, make a magic ring.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: Inc in each st around. (12 sts)
Rnd 3: [Sc in next st, inc] 6 times. (18 sts)
Rnd 4: [Sc in next 2 sts, inc] 6 times. (24 sts)
Rnds 5-12: Sc in each st around. (24 sts)
Rnd 13: [Sc in next 2 sts, dec] 6 times. (18 sts)
Rnd 14: Sc in each st around. (18 sts)

Stuff the body firmly with polyester fiberfill. If using catnip, nestle it right in the center of the stuffing so it doesn’t spill through the stitches.

Rnd 15: [Sc in next st, dec] 6 times. (12 sts)
Rnd 16: Sc in each st around. (12 sts)
Rnd 17: Dec 6 times. (6 sts)

Do not fasten off. Continue directly to the tail.

The Tail

Row 1: Ch 16. (16 sts)
Row 2: Sl st in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch across. (15 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a 6-inch tail. Use the yarn tail to sew the remaining hole of the last round closed, then weave the end securely into the body.

Ears (Make 2)

With Contrast Color, make a magic ring.

Rnd 1: 6 sc in MR. (6 sts)
Rnd 2: [Sc in next st, inc] 3 times. (9 sts)

Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing. Do not stuff.

Assembly & Finishing

1. Pinch the base of each ear slightly to give it a natural curve, then sew them to the top of the head (around Rnds 4-5 of the body).
2. Using black yarn or embroidery floss, embroider a simple “X” or triangle for the nose at the very tip of the body (Rnd 1).
3. Embroider two small lines for sleeping eyes just below the ears.
4. Weave in all remaining ends securely, burying them deep inside the stuffed body so they can’t be pulled out during play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this cat toy without catnip?

Absolutely! If your cat doesn’t react to catnip, or if you just don’t have any on hand, you can simply stuff the mouse entirely with polyester fiberfill. You could also add a small, pet-safe rattle insert into the center of the stuffing for extra auditory stimulation.

Is acrylic yarn safe for cat toys?

While you can use acrylic yarn, cotton is highly recommended. Acrylic is a synthetic fiber that can fray and pill easily when chewed, meaning your cat might swallow small plastic fibers. Cotton is natural, much stronger, and holds up beautifully to sharp teeth and claws.

How do I wash a crochet cat toy?

If you used cotton yarn, this toy is machine washable! However, washing will dilute the smell of the catnip. I recommend placing the toy in a mesh laundry bag, washing on a gentle cold cycle, and letting it air dry. You can “recharge” the toy afterward by storing it in a sealed container with fresh catnip for a few days.

Keep reading

• 24 Cat Toy Crochet Patterns to Make for Playful Cats and Cat Lovers
• Easy Crochet Sunburst Coaster Pattern (Free & Quick)
• Mickey Mouse Crochet Patterns: Unleash Your Creativity in Disney Style!