Quick answer: A DIY treat ball takes about five minutes and costs nothing. Fold the ends of a toilet roll inward to make a closed tube, cut a few small holes and drop in kibble or treats. Use no string, ribbon or tape. Supervise the first sessions and throw the toy away once it is torn or soggy.
Treat balls turn a handful of food into a game. The cat rolls the toy and food falls out, so it moves, sniffs and thinks instead of eating from a bowl in seconds. Shop-bought versions are cheap, but you can make one from items already in the recycling.
This guide shows two zero-cost builds and sets out simple string rules, because homemade toys are where loose thread and ribbon tend to creep in. For more ideas, see our DIY cat toys and puzzle feeders hub.
Why Treat Toys Help Indoor Cats
International Cat Care notes that puzzle feeders can help meals last longer and provide mental and physical stimulation at mealtimes. A treat ball is the simplest version: one moving object, a little food and a cat that has to work out how to get it.
International Cat Care points out that cardboard boxes and paper bags can be good for play, which is why toilet rolls and paper cups make good starting materials.
DIY Treat Ball From a Toilet Roll
- Take an empty toilet roll tube.
- Fold one end inward in four overlapping flaps to close it.
- Cut two or three holes in the side, a little larger than one piece of kibble.
- Drop in a few pieces of kibble or small treats.
- Close the second end with the same overlapping folds.
- Roll it gently on the floor to show the cat food falling out.
The whole build takes about five minutes and uses nothing but the tube and scissors.
Paper Cup Version
If you have two plain paper cups, place a few treats in one, push the second cup over it rim to rim and fold the rims together. Poke two or three holes with a pencil. This version rolls in a less predictable pattern, which some cats enjoy more.
Avoid cups with plastic linings or wax coatings, since cats may chew the edges. Plain paper cups are best.
Supervise String Rules for Homemade Toys
Homemade toys often get dressed up with string, yarn or ribbon to make them more interesting. That is where the risk lies. VCA Animal Hospitals warns about thread, string and similar items, which can cause serious problems if swallowed.
- No string, yarn, ribbon or elastic attached to a treat ball.
- No sticky tape or plastic tape on the toy.
- Supervise the first few sessions to see how the cat plays.
- Pick up the toy after play rather than leaving it out all day.
- Throw it away as soon as it is torn, soggy or chewed.
Our guide on egg carton puzzles and supervise string rules applies the same rules to another quick build.
Difficulty Ladder
| Level | Holes | Food | When to move up |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Three large holes | Small treats | Cat empties it quickly |
| 2 | Two medium holes | Kibble | Cat empties it within a few minutes |
| 3 | One small hole | Kibble | Cat stays interested |
| 4 | Two rolls nested together | Kibble | For confident players |
Start easy. A cat that gets food out quickly learns the game; a cat that gets nothing gives up. Our comparison of DIY vs store-bought puzzle feeders and challenge levels gives more options.
Portioning Food for the Ball
Treat balls should use part of the cat's daily food, not extra. Take a small portion of the daily kibble for the toy, or count a few treats as part of the day's total. This keeps play from adding weight.
If your cat is on a special diet, check with your vet before using treats in toys.
When to Retire a Homemade Toy
Cardboard softens quickly with saliva and play. Our guide on when to retire a DIY toy and safety signals lists signs such as torn edges, damp patches and small loose pieces. Make a fresh roll each time if needed; the materials cost nothing.
For more zero-cost ideas, see zero-waste DIY cat toys from packaging and the guide to rotating DIY toys to stop boredom behaviours.
Picking the Right Treats
Small, dry pieces work best because they roll out through the holes. Soft or sticky treats get stuck in the cardboard and make the toy soggy. Kibble from the cat's normal food is the easiest choice and avoids extra calories.
- Dry kibble from the daily portion.
- Small, crunchy treats broken into pieces.
- Freeze-dried treats crumbled to kibble size.
Avoid wet food, sticky treats and anything that leaves grease on the cardboard.
Teaching a Cat to Use a Treat Ball
Some cats work out a treat ball straight away. Others need a demonstration. Start by letting the cat sniff the toy, then roll it a short distance so a treat falls out in front of them. Praise or reward any interaction with the toy, even a sniff or a paw tap.
- Show the cat the treats going in.
- Roll the toy slowly so one treat falls out.
- Let the cat eat it and repeat.
- Stop while the cat is still interested, after a few minutes.
- Next time, let the cat push the toy first.
If your cat loses interest, make the holes larger so food comes out more easily, then make it harder again once the cat is confident.
Ideas for Variety Without Spending
Once the basic treat ball works, you can build variations from the same materials. Put several toilet rolls upright in a shoebox and drop treats inside each; the cat has to fish them out with a paw. Our toilet paper roll puzzle feeder for indoor cats covers that build in detail.
Rotating between two or three free toys keeps them interesting. Put one away for a few days while another is in use, then swap.
Who Should Not Use Homemade Treat Toys
Cats that chew and swallow cardboard are not good candidates for homemade toys. If you see your cat eating pieces of the roll, stop using it and choose a sturdy shop-bought treat ball instead. Kittens and cats on strict diets also need extra care; supervise closely and ask your vet if you are unsure.
Fitting Treat Play Into the Day
Short, regular sessions work better than one long one. Many owners use a treat ball at times when the cat is most active, such as early morning or evening, or before leaving the house so the cat has something to do. Five minutes is often enough.
| Time | Idea | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Part of breakfast in the treat ball | Uses natural hunting energy |
| Before work | Treat ball while you get ready | Keeps the cat busy at a busy time |
| Evening | Short play then the treat ball | Ends play with a reward |
Pick the toy up after each session and store it out of reach. A toy that is always on the floor loses its novelty quickly, and a cardboard toy left out is more likely to be chewed or soaked.
Treat Balls With More Than One Cat
If you have more than one cat, give each its own treat ball in a separate space so they do not compete. Watch for one cat taking food from another and separate them during play if needed. Count the treats used in each toy as part of each cat's own daily food.
Homemade Treat Ball FAQ
How do I make a cat treat ball for free?
Fold one end of an empty toilet roll inward to close it, cut two or three small holes in the side, add a few pieces of kibble and fold the other end closed. Roll it on the floor so the cat sees food falling out. It takes about five minutes and costs nothing.
Is it safe to add string to a cat toy?
String, yarn, ribbon and thread can be dangerous if swallowed, so leave them off homemade treat balls. Supervise the first sessions, pick the toy up after play and throw it away once it is torn or chewed, rather than leaving it out for the cat unattended.
How long does a cardboard treat ball last?
Usually only a few sessions. Saliva and play soften cardboard quickly, and torn edges can come away. Check it after each use and replace it once it is damp, ripped or chewed. Because it costs nothing to make, it is easy to start fresh.
Should treats in toys count toward daily food?
Yes. Use part of the cat's daily kibble or count treats in the daily total so play does not add weight. If your cat is on a prescription or weight-loss diet, check with your vet before using food in toys.
