DIY toy guide
Crisp-Tube Treat Rattle
An empty crisp tube becomes a rolling, rattling treat dispenser
A clean cardboard crisp tube with a few holes punched in the side turns into a batting toy that rattles and drops kibble as your cat rolls it around the floor — a rewarding forage toy made from packaging that would otherwise go in the recycling.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 10 minutes
- Cost
- Low
🧺 You will need
- A clean, empty cardboard crisp tube with its plastic lid
- Scissors or a craft knife
- A handful of your cat's dry kibble or treats
- Tape
🔧 How to make it
- Wash and thoroughly dry the tube, then remove any foil from the rim.
- Cut or punch three or four holes around the sides, each a little larger than a piece of kibble so treats can tumble out as it rolls.
- Smooth any rough edges and cover the metal rim with a strip of tape.
- Drop a small handful of kibble inside and press the plastic lid on firmly.
- Set it on the floor and let your cat nudge and roll it so treats rattle and drop out through the holes.
💡 Tips
- Start with larger holes so early successes keep your cat interested, then make them smaller as they get the idea.
- Use part of your cat's daily food allowance so the treats do not add extra calories.
Safety: Tape over the sharp metal rim completely and supervise cats that chew cardboard, replacing the tube once it is gnawed, dented or damp. Remove the plastic lid from play if your cat tries to chew it.
📝 Notes
Rolling a tube to release food turns an ordinary meal into a hunt-and-forage puzzle, giving indoor cats the mental work and slow, active eating that keeps them engaged and helps prevent bolting food.