Hey Lynn the monkeys fist is not hard to tie, it is really quick to wrap up. Mine are small so I only use 3 loops but you can use as many loops as you like, it just takes longer to tighten when you use more.
Basically you take your cord, and make three side by side loops around three fingers. Make another three loops around those loops horizontally. Then you make three loops going around the horizontal ones inside the first ones. It sounds confusing but you can wrap it in 5 minutes.
Since mine are at the end of a cord I put the starting end in the center and proceed to tighten up the loops one at a time starting from the first loop, tightening the second, then the third and so on till you are pulling on the the trailing cord as you tighten the last loop. This is 9 loops you have to work tight and try to keep straight in the process. Each of those cat toys takes me a good 30-45 minutes to make.
They make jigs for monkey fists that make life a whole lot easier, these can be bought or made in a wood shop as they are quite simple.
This site here shows it better than I can explain and also has instructions on how to make the jig.
How to tie a paracord monkey fist knot - Paracord guild
Once you have tied your first one, you can do them in your sleep.
Be sure to post a picture when you make one!
Thanks again Cheech!! 
