DIY toy guide
Crinkle Paper Play Mat
A rustling under-blanket surprise cats cannot resist
Slip a sheet of clean packing paper or a paper bag under a thin blanket to create a crackly, crinkly surface that captivates cats with its unpredictable rustle when they pounce and burrow.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 5 minutes
- Cost
- Free
🧺 You will need
- A large sheet of clean, unprinted packing paper or an opened-out paper bag
- A thin blanket, towel or sheet to lay over it
🔧 How to make it
- Spread the paper flat on the floor in a spot your cat likes to play.
- Lay a thin blanket loosely over the top so the paper is hidden but still crackles.
- Wiggle your fingers or a wand toy under the edge to start the rustling.
- Let your cat pounce, dig and burrow, chasing the sound and movement.
- Swap in a fresh sheet of paper once the old one is flattened or torn.
💡 Tips
The mystery of a sound with no visible source is what hooks cats — pair it with a wand toy darting under the blanket for an irresistible ambush game. Keep sessions short and end while your cat is still keen.
Safety: Use only plain, unprinted paper with no staples, tape or glossy ink, and supervise chewers so no large pieces are swallowed. Remove and recycle the paper once it is shredded.
📝 Notes
Proof that the cheapest enrichment is often the best — the humble rustle of paper taps straight into a cat's ambush-hunting instincts.
