Foraging box for cats: how to play
A shallow box filled with scrunched paper, tubes and hidden kibble. Your cat dives in and digs for food.
- Time
- 10 min
- Energy
- Medium
- Space
- Small room
You'll need
- shallow cardboard box
- plain paper, tubes, egg-carton pieces
- kibble or treats
- optional pinch of catnip or silvervine
Set up
Remove staples and tape from the box. Fill it loosely with scrunched paper and tubes.
How to play
Drop kibble on top of the paper so your cat finds it fast.
Next time, sprinkle kibble between the layers as you fill the box.
Tuck a few treats inside tubes and egg-carton cups in the box.
Add a pinch of dried catnip or silvervine for cats that respond to it.
Refresh the paper weekly and recycle the box when it wears out.
House rules
- No staples, tape or plastic.
- Kibble from the daily allowance.
- Make it easier
- Fewer layers and lots of food on top.
- Make it harder
- Deeper box, more layers, and food tucked inside closed tubes.
Signs it's having fun
Diving in, digging, tossing paper, rolling in the box.
Stop if you see
Eating paper or getting stuck in a too-small box.
Safety
Safety- Plain paper only.
- Take it away if your cat eats paper.
Sources
- Fun feline enrichment handout (Fear Free Happy Homes)
- Safe toys and gifts (Cornell Feline Health Center)
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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