I had a piece of denim about 7" square, rolled it up really tight, wrapped a strip of denim from the side seam of the jeans around it, and tied it in 2 places. My smallest dog just loves it!
We have to throw it in the washer when it gets to gross, but if it comes untied, we just tie it up again.
I think this toy is going to last a long time, and didn't cost a cent!
What about using a back pocket from an old pair of jeans, putting some catnip in the bottom, and rolling it up the same way, for a cat toy? You could leave one of the ties quiet a bit longer to hold while the cat bats at it.
I'll try it, and let you know.
If you want to see the denim planters I make from recycled blue jeans, they are at www.NewConcept-planters.com.