Crinkle paper sensory bin for cats: how to play
A low cardboard box filled with crumpled plain paper balls and a few hidden treats, so your cat can bat, dig and search for food with its paws.
- Time
- 10 min
- Energy
- Low
- Space
- Small room
You'll need
- low cardboard box or tray
- plain unprinted brown kraft paper or packing paper
- a few dry treats or kibbles
- kitchen roll or fabric scraps (for the harder version)
Set up
Crumple plain paper into loose balls and place them inside a low cardboard box or on a clean floor area. Keep a few dry treats or kibbles ready to hide among them. Clear the space around the box before you start.
How to play
Drop a few pieces of dry kibble or favourite treats into the bottom of the box beneath the paper balls.
Roll one paper ball gently past your cat on the floor to catch its attention, then let your cat tell you if it looks interested.
Let your cat step in and investigate. The best games let a cat stalk, pounce, chase and bat objects with a paw, and the paper balls give it something to do all three with.
Once your cat has found the treats, let it keep exploring the box for a few quiet minutes, then put the box away.
House rules
- Only safe things go in the box. Avoid small pieces and strand-like parts such as string and feathers that may separate and be swallowed.
- Paper balls are for batting and digging, so take out any piece your cat tries to chew or eat.
- Let your cat set the pace. Swap the game for a toy it already loves if the box does not interest it.
- Make it easier
- Use fewer paper balls and put the treats right on top, so your cat finds them straight away. Sit quietly beside the box and let your cat approach in its own time.
- Make it harder
- Scrunch a treat loosely inside a piece of kitchen roll or fabric and nestle it among the paper balls, so your cat has to work out where the food is hiding.
Signs it's having fun
Stalking, pouncing, chasing and batting the paper balls with a paw, and coming back to the box after each dig.
Stop if you see
Your cat startles and moves away from the box, or starts chewing and trying to swallow paper scraps. Stop the game.
Safety
Safety- Clear the area around the box first. Check there are no heavy objects that may fall onto your cat during play, and no place your cat could fall from while distracted.
- Never use paper with plastic tape, staples or string attached.
- Anything with an electrical cord that your cat can chew on should be kept away from the play area.
- Supervise the session and take out any paper your cat tries to chew or swallow.
- Store the box in a cupboard when not in use.
Sources
- Toys (Ohio State Indoor Pet Initiative)
- Safe toys and gifts (Cornell Feline Health Center)
- Cats and Play (Cats Protection)
- Homemade toys for cats (PDSA)
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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