DIY toy guide
Wire Hanger Dangle Teaser
A hands-free bouncing teaser bent from a wire coat hanger
Bent into a tall arch and hung with a dangling lure, a wire hanger becomes a springy, hands-free teaser your cat can bat at solo — the bounce mimics live prey that keeps moving.
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Time
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Under £1
🧺 You will need
- 1 wire coat hanger
- Pliers
- A short length of cord or elastic
- A lightweight lure (felt, feather or a fabric scrap)
- Tape to cap any sharp ends
🔧 How to make it
- Using pliers, unwind the hanger's neck and straighten the wire as much as you can.
- Bend the wire into a tall arch or question-mark shape with a stable base that stands or tucks under furniture.
- Cap or fold over any sharp cut ends and cover them with tape.
- Tie the cord or elastic to the top of the arch so a lure will dangle at your cat's height.
- Attach the felt, feather or fabric lure to the free end of the cord.
- Stand it on the floor and let your cat bat the bouncing lure — the springy wire keeps it moving.
💡 Tips
Elastic cord gives the liveliest bounce. Weight the base — tuck it under a heavy book or a table leg — so the teaser does not tip over during vigorous play. Swap the lure regularly to renew interest.
Safety: Ensure every cut wire end is fully capped; exposed ends are sharp. Keep the dangling cord short enough that it cannot loop around a cat, supervise play, and put the toy away between sessions.
📝 Notes
Repurposes a single wire hanger. Re-tape the ends periodically and replace the lure as it wears.
