Treat ball roll for cats: how to play
A rolling ball that drops kibble as your cat bats it around. Chase plus dinner.
- Time
- 10 min
- Energy
- Medium
- Space
- A room
You'll need
- treat ball with adjustable holes
- kibble
Set up
Set the holes to the widest opening. Fill with a portion of kibble. Play on a hard floor or a low-pile rug.
How to play
Roll the ball gently toward your cat (not at it) so kibble pops out.
Let your cat eat the kibble that falls out. Roll again.
Wait for your cat to touch the ball. Praise when kibble falls.
Once it bats the ball on its own, walk away and let it play solo.
Make the holes smaller over a few weeks so more batting is needed per piece.
House rules
- Start wide open.
- Kibble comes out of the daily ration.
- Make it easier
- Widest holes, half full so kibble drops easily.
- Make it harder
- Smaller holes, or a ball that wobbles instead of rolling.
Signs it's having fun
Batting, chasing, rolling the ball deliberately to get kibble.
Stop if you see
Swatting at you or giving up after a few tries.
Safety
Safety- Pick the ball up when empty and check for cracks.
- Play away from stairs at first so the ball does not bounce down and startle your cat.
Sources
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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