Published via Ecency

My previous cat toothbrush was well-used by my kitties and has now worn out, so I decided to spend a little time creating a new one. I went with a centipede-like design and developed my own technique for the legs, which makes them sturdier and longer lasting.

I used jute as the main material because it is naturally abrasive but not sharp. When my cat chews on it, the fibres create gentle friction that cleans their teeth, scraping away plaque and tartar buildup, much like a toothbrush.

So here's how I made it...

Materials

Natural Jute twine

Crochet hook 4.5 and 4/3.5 for the legs ( I found the smaller size for the leg easier to insert in spaces)

Fiberfill stuffing

Small jingle bell

Scissors

😺 Make the Body

This creates a flat, dense strip.

Row 1

Chain 25 ( or your desired length)

Sc in 2nd chain from hook

Sc in each chain across

Rows 2 to 16(or desired width)

Ch 1, Sc across, Turn, You now have a flat rectangle. Fasten off.

Fold lengthwise

Stitch the edges together, keeping one short side open.

Turn inside out to hide the stitched edges

🐾Twisted Centipede Legs

Sl st into a side space of the body.

Pull up a loop and measure the leg length you want.

Pull out double that length.

Rotate your crochet hook repeatedly in one direction to twist the jute tightly.

Let the twisted strand coil and fold in half naturally.

Sl st back into the same base space to secure the leg.

Sl st into the next space to move forward.

Repeat, pull the length you want.

That’s it. Repeat for every leg.

🐾 Add Stuffing

I kept it simple this time: a load of catnip in a breathable organza pouch, plus some fiberfill.

After filling, close the open edge.

Add the anther and tail bit on the bottom using the same technique as the legs.

Now, the eyes make it realistic. I used two small buttons.

Best to use a curved needle for easy manoeuvring.

This was fun to make, although jute was pretty hard work on as it is a little rough and stiff.

But I finished it! Eeeek, a leggy bug!

For some reason, my kitties are scared of long snake-like toys, so I kept it shorter than I would prefer it to be. But this size is just right for them.