Cardboard tube treat roller for cats: how to play
Turn an empty toilet paper roll into a treat puzzle: cut a few holes in the side that are large enough for kibble or treats to pass through, fold or tape both ends shut, and let your cat bat and roll the tube until the food drops out.
- Time
- 10 min
- Energy
- Medium
- Space
- Small room
You'll need
- empty toilet paper roll
- dry treats or kibble
- sharp knife or scissors
- tape (optional)
Set up
Save an empty cardboard toilet paper roll and let it dry out. Get out the dry treats or kibble you will use, then set up on a stable surface in good light with your cat out of the room while you cut.
How to play
Lay the empty roll on a stable surface. With a sharp knife or scissors, cut two or three small holes along the side of the tube.
Check each hole against a single piece of kibble or a treat: it should be large enough for the food to pass through. Too big and the tube empties at once; too small and nothing comes out.
Drop a small handful of kibble or treats inside the tube. Then fold both ends shut, or tape them closed if the cardboard will not stay folded.
Give the tube to your cat on the floor. Stay in the room and watch the whole time while your cat works out that batting and rolling the tube releases the food.
Top the tube up once or twice if your cat stays interested. Very short games of a minute or two are plenty, and your cat can come back for more later.
When the tube is empty or your cat has had enough, put it away. Make a fresh one for another day and swap it with other toys so it feels new again.
House rules
- Cut the holes large enough for the kibble or treats to pass through, and no bigger than that.
- A person stays in the room for the whole game. This is not a toy to leave down when you go out.
- Very short games of one to two minutes are fine.
- Swap toys around regularly to keep them interesting.
- Check the tube for signs of wear and replace it when needed.
- Make it easier
- Cut the holes a little wider so the food drops out sooner and your cat works out the tube quickly. Sit on the floor beside your cat for the first go.
- Make it harder
- Keep the holes just large enough for the food so your cat has to work the tube against the floor. Make a second tube with different hole sizes and rotate the two.
Signs it's having fun
A paw out to bat the tube, following it as it rolls, a pounce on top of it: the stalking, pouncing, chasing and paw batting that good games are meant to encourage.
Stop if you see
Your cat starts chewing off and swallowing pieces of cardboard or tape. Take the tube away immediately. If your cat walks off and ignores it, the session is over for now.
Safety
Safety- Only cut cardboard when your cat is out of the room, and keep the knife and offcuts out of reach.
- Always supervise closely while the tube is out. If your cat tries to ingest an item, remove it immediately from their mouth.
- Do not leave your cat alone with the tube: it is cardboard that could be shredded and eaten.
- Throw the tube away once it is chewed or falling apart, and make a fresh one.
Sources
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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