Give your cat a Christmas pudding it can actually enjoy. A free crochet catnip toy pattern with custard topping and holly, designed to be safe for cats, plus tips on festive cat gifts.
Real Christmas pudding is off the menu for cats. It's packed with raisins, sultanas and often brandy, all of which can make cats seriously ill. But a crochet Christmas pudding stuffed with catnip? That's a festive treat your cat can enjoy all season.
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This little pudding toy is round, squishy and just the right size for batting across the floor or wrestling on the rug. It's topped with crochet "custard" and holly leaves, all sewn down flat so there's nothing loose for your cat to chew off.
Below you'll find the free pattern, the safety features built into the design, ideas for wrapping and giving cat gifts, and why the real pudding should stay well out of paw's reach.
Pattern at a glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Skill level | Beginner to advanced beginner |
| Time | About 1 to 1.5 hours |
| Finished size | About 7 to 8 cm across |
| Yarn | 100% cotton, worsted or aran weight (8 or 10 ply) |
| Hook | 3.5 mm (US E-4), smaller than usual for tight stitches |
| Terms | US, with UK and Australian equivalents |
Materials
- Brown cotton yarn for the pudding, about 15 g
- Cream or white cotton yarn for the custard, about 5 g
- Green cotton yarn for the holly leaves
- Red cotton yarn for the berries
- 3.5 mm crochet hook
- Polyester fibrefill
- Dried catnip or silver vine
- Yarn needle and stitch marker
Why cotton?
Cotton is the best yarn for cat toys. It's sturdy, washable and doesn't shed fluffy fibres the way some acrylic and novelty yarns can. Using a hook a size smaller than the label suggests gives tight stitches, so claws can't easily pull them apart and stuffing can't escape.
Crochet terms: US vs UK and Australian
| US abbreviation | US term | UK and Australian term |
|---|---|---|
| MR | Magic ring | Magic ring |
| ch | Chain | Chain |
| sl st | Slip stitch | Slip stitch |
| sc | Single crochet | Double crochet (dc) |
| hdc | Half double crochet | Half treble (htr) |
| dc | Double crochet | Treble (tr) |
| inc | 2 sc in the same stitch | 2 dc in the same stitch |
| dec | sc 2 stitches together | dc 2 stitches together |
The pattern
Pudding (brown)
Work in continuous rounds, using a stitch marker at the start of each round.
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc in the ring, pull tight. (6)
- Round 2: inc in each stitch around. (12)
- Round 3: (sc 1, inc) x6. (18)
- Round 4: (sc 2, inc) x6. (24)
- Round 5: (sc 3, inc) x6. (30)
- Rounds 6 to 10: sc in each stitch around. (30)
- Round 11: (sc 3, dec) x6. (24)
- Round 12: (sc 2, dec) x6. (18)
- Round 13: (sc 1, dec) x6. (12)
Stuff firmly. Add a generous pinch of catnip or silver vine to the centre of the stuffing, so it's surrounded by fibrefill and can't fall out.
- Round 14: dec x6. (6)
Fasten off. Thread the tail through the front loops of the last 6 stitches, pull tight to close, then weave it back and forth through the pudding in several directions and trim it close.
Custard topping (cream)
The custard is a flat circle with a scalloped, "dripping" edge.
- Round 1: MR, 6 sc in the ring, pull tight. (6)
- Round 2: inc in each stitch around. (12)
- Round 3: (sc 1, inc) x6. (18)
- Round 4: (sc 2, inc) x6. (24)
- Round 5 (drips): (sc 2, [hdc, dc, hdc] in the next stitch) x8. Sl st into the first stitch.
Fasten off, leaving a 40 cm tail for sewing.
Place the custard on top of the pudding, centred over the magic ring of Round 1. Sew it down all the way around the edge, including every drip, with small, tight stitches. There should be no gaps where a claw or tooth could catch.
Holly leaves (green, make 2)
- ch 6. Starting in the 2nd ch from the hook: sl st, sc, hdc, sc, sl st. (5)
Fasten off, leaving a 20 cm tail. Sew each leaf flat onto the custard, stitching all the way around its edge, so it can't be lifted or chewed off.
Berries (red)
Instead of crocheted or bead berries, which could be pulled off, embroider three red French knots between the holly leaves. Wrap the yarn around the needle three times for a plump knot, and pull it tight. Weave the red yarn end deep into the pudding.
Final safety check
Squeeze the toy and tug gently on every part: custard, leaves and berries. Nothing should lift, move or loosen. If anything does, add more stitches.
Safety features in this design
Most crochet "pudding" patterns are made as decorations for people. This version has been adapted for cats:
| Common decoration feature | Cat-safe version in this pattern |
|---|---|
| Loose 3D holly leaves | Flat leaves sewn down all around |
| Bead or bobble berries | Tight embroidered French knots |
| Hanging loop | No loop |
| Safety eyes or face | No face |
| Loosely sewn topping | Custard sewn down at every drip |
Why loose parts matter
VCA Animal Hospitals explains that when cats swallow string or yarn, it can lodge in the digestive tract and drag through the intestines, which may bunch up and tear. Signs include vomiting, refusing to eat and lethargy, and surgery is usually needed. Vet Help Direct warns never to pull on string hanging from a cat's mouth or bottom, because it can damage the intestines.
Always supervise play with yarn toys, check them often, and throw away any toy that starts to come apart.
Catnip or silver vine?
Catnip doesn't work on every cat. A study by Bol and colleagues, published in BMC Veterinary Research in 2017, found that about one in three of the 100 cats tested didn't respond to catnip. Silver vine got a response from 79% of cats, making it a great alternative.
If your cat ignores catnip, stuff your pudding with dried silver vine instead. To refresh the scent later, store the toy in a sealed jar with a little extra catnip or silver vine for a day or two.
Why real Christmas pudding is dangerous for cats
It's worth repeating: the real thing is not for cats.
- Raisins and sultanas. Ontario SPCA warns that grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in cats. RSPCA Tasmania says even small amounts can be fatal in some cases.
- Alcohol. Many puddings are soaked in brandy or rum. RSPCA Tasmania warns that alcohol can cause severe poisoning in pets.
- Fat and sugar. Rich, fatty foods can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and pancreatitis, according to RSPCA Tasmania.
- Custard and cream. Ontario SPCA explains that cats become more lactose intolerant after weaning, so dairy can upset their stomachs.
If your cat eats any Christmas pudding or fruit cake, contact your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 straight away. Our full guide to Christmas food that's dangerous for cats goes through the whole Australian Christmas menu.
Giving your cat a Christmas gift
How to wrap a cat's present
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Many families love watching their cat "open" a present. Do it safely:
- Use plain paper or a cardboard box, not ribbon or curling ribbon.
- Skip the tape if you can. Fold the paper or use a box with a lid.
- Supervise unwrapping, and clear away paper straight away.
- Never use tinsel or string to decorate a cat's gift. RSPCA Tasmania warns that tinsel and string-like items can cause serious intestinal damage.
A plain cardboard box is often your cat's favourite part of the gift anyway.
Gift ideas to pair with the pudding
- A set of crochet cat toys, such as a catnip mouse and fish kicker
- A sturdy sisal scratching post. See our guide to the best cat scratching posts
- A cosy bed or blanket
- A small jar of dried silver vine
- A crochet Christmas stocking to hold it all
Gifts for cat-loving friends
The pudding toy makes a lovely handmade gift for friends with cats. Pop it in a small cardboard box or a paper bag with a note on how to refresh the catnip, and a reminder to supervise play.
Why cats love small round toys
A pudding-sized ball is the perfect shape for a cat's natural hunting play. Cats stalk, pounce, bat and carry small objects, much as they would with prey. Agriculture Victoria explains that indoor cats need opportunities to express natural behaviours through play and enrichment, and toys that roll and bounce are an easy way to provide that.
To get the most out of the pudding toy:
- Roll it across the floor and let your cat chase it.
- Hide it under a blanket or behind a box for your cat to find.
- Toss it gently onto a cat tree platform so your cat has to climb for it.
- Rotate toys so the pudding stays special, bringing it out every few days rather than leaving it out all the time.
Short, regular play sessions help indoor cats burn energy and can reduce boredom-related behaviours like scratching furniture.
More festive designs from the same pattern
The pudding body is a simple ball, so you can change the colours and toppings to make a whole set of festive toys:
- Christmas bauble: Work the body in red, gold or green, with a white stripe around the middle. Skip the custard.
- Gingerbread ball: Use a light brown body and embroider a white zigzag "icing" line around it.
- Snowball: Use white cotton and skip the toppings for a plain, soft ball.
- Candy cane stripes: Alternate red and white every two rounds.
Keep the same safety rules for every version: tight stitches, flat-sewn details, no beads, bells or loose strings.
Make a batch for your local shelter
Handmade toys are a lovely way to give back at Christmas. Many shelters and rescue groups welcome donations of new, safe cat toys. Ask your local shelter first about what they accept, since some have rules about handmade items or catnip.
Caring for the pudding toy
- Wash by hand in warm water with mild soap, squeeze out gently and let it dry completely.
- Refresh the catnip after washing.
- Inspect it weekly for loose stitches, lifting leaves or holes.
- Throw it out if it's damaged. Don't let your cat play with a toy that's coming apart.
- Store it away with your other toys when you're not around to supervise.
Pudding toy checklist
- [ ] I've used 100% cotton yarn and a small hook for tight stitches.
- [ ] Catnip or silver vine is wrapped in the centre of the stuffing.
- [ ] The custard is sewn down all around, including every drip.
- [ ] Holly leaves are sewn flat all around their edges.
- [ ] Berries are tight French knots, not beads or bobbles.
- [ ] There's no hanging loop and no safety eyes.
- [ ] All ends are woven in deeply and trimmed close.
- [ ] I'll supervise play and check the toy every week.
- [ ] Real Christmas pudding is kept well away from my cat.
Frequently asked questions
Is a crochet Christmas pudding safe for cats?
It can be, when made carefully. Use cotton yarn and tight stitches, sew all toppings down flat, embroider berries instead of adding beads, and weave in every end. Always supervise play and throw the toy away if it becomes damaged.
Can cats eat Christmas pudding?
No. Christmas pudding contains raisins and sultanas, which Ontario SPCA warns can cause kidney failure in cats, and often alcohol. Contact your vet or the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 if your cat eats any.
What if my cat doesn't like catnip?
About one in three cats don't respond to catnip, according to a 2017 study in BMC Veterinary Research. The same study found 79% of cats responded to silver vine, so try that instead.
How big is the finished pudding toy?
About 7 to 8 cm across, depending on your yarn and tension. That's a good size for most adult cats to bat, carry and wrestle.
Is this pattern in US or UK terms?
US terms. In UK and Australian terms, single crochet (sc) is double crochet (dc), half double crochet (hdc) is half treble (htr), and double crochet (dc) is treble (tr).
Can I make the pudding as a decoration instead?
Yes. Use any yarn, add a hanging loop and 3D berries if you like, and hang it on the tree. Just remember that a decoration version isn't safe as a cat toy, so hang it high, out of reach.
Related guides
- Christmas food that's dangerous for cats
- Easy crochet cat toys: 3 free patterns
- Crochet cat Christmas stocking pattern
Sources
- RSPCA Tasmania, Make sure your pet has a pawsome Christmas
- Ontario SPCA, 8 foods that are harmful to cats
- VCA Animal Hospitals, Foreign body in cats
- Vet Help Direct, My cat's swallowed some string, should I pull it out?
- Bol S et al., Responsiveness of cats to silver vine, Tatarian honeysuckle, valerian root and catnip, BMC Veterinary Research, 2017
- Agriculture Victoria, Creating the perfect indoor haven
- Animal Poisons Helpline, About us
This pattern is an original InfoDogCats design, free for personal use. Safety information is general only and not a substitute for advice from your vet.
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