DIY toy guide
Oatmeal-Tub Treat Tumbler
A rolling treat dispenser made from a cardboard oats tub
An empty cardboard oats or crisp tub becomes a batting, rolling puzzle: a few holes let a handful of kibble tumble out slowly as your cat nudges and rolls it around the floor.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Cost
- Free
🧺 You will need
- A clean, dry cardboard oats tub with a plastic lid
- Scissors or a craft knife (adult use only)
- A little of your cat's dry food or treats
🔧 How to make it
- Wipe out the tub and make sure it is completely dry inside.
- Cut two or three holes around the sides, each just a little larger than a piece of kibble.
- Smooth any rough cardboard edges so they cannot scratch a nose or paw.
- Drop in a small handful of kibble, press the lid on firmly and give it a shake to show your cat it rattles.
- Set it rolling on the floor and let your cat bat it about to release the food a piece at a time.
💡 Tips
Start with larger holes and plenty of treats so early wins keep your cat interested, then make the holes smaller for a harder puzzle. Rolling for food turns a fast, boring meal into satisfying, brain-busy foraging.
Safety: Supervise cats that like to chew cardboard, and swap the tub out once it becomes soggy, chewed or soiled. Remove the plastic lid if your cat tries to bite it, and count any food used as part of the daily ration.
📝 Notes
A genuinely free, five-minute puzzle from recycling. Use a lightweight tub so it rolls easily for a beginner, and a slightly heavier one for a confident player.