Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

10 DIY Toilet Paper Roll Toys for Cats (With Pictures)

Share

Cute cat sitting on toilet bowl with rolls of paper

As a cat owner, you know that providing engaging and stimulating toys for your pet is essential for their physical and mental well-being. However, this doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to do so. Welcome to the eco-friendly and imaginative realm of DIY toilet paper roll cat toys!

Keep reading for a list of amazing plans that transform simple cardboard into various playful and safe toys for your beloved cat.

divider 2 cats

The Top 10 DIY Toilet Paper Roll Toys

1. Toilet Paper Roll Toy

Materials: Toilet paper roll
Tools: None
Difficulty: Easy

The Toilet Paper Roll Toy is as simple as it gets and only requires you to have a toilet paper roll to finish the project. While it might not seem like much of a toy, we think that you’ll be surprised at how much fun your cat thinks it is. The long cylindrical shape causes it to roll in unpredictable ways, which can be exciting to your pet.


2. Mega Cat Puzzle Toy

Materials: Toilet paper rolls, basket, glue
Tools: Clothespins, glue
Difficulty: Easy

The Mega Cat Puzzle Toy is the perfect project for anyone with more toilet paper rolls than they know what to do with. Using only a few tools that include glue, clothespins, and a stable base, you create a flexible toy that your cat can play with. It’s easy to build, and you can likely complete it in only a few hours.


3. Two Minute Cat Toy

Two Minute Cat Toy
Photo Credit: ThriftyJinxy
Materials: Toilet paper roll
Tools: Scissors
Difficulty: Easy

The Two Minute Cat Toy is great fun to make, and as the name suggests, you can have it ready to go in only 2 minutes. The finished result is a two-in-one toy that starts as a fun ball that they can chase until their hunting instincts kick in and they tear it apart. You can usually put them back together a few times, and your cat will love playing with them.


4. DIY Treat Toy Puzzle

DIY Treat Toy Puzzle
Image Credit: Hachette Book Group
Materials: Toilet paper roll, cat treats
Tools: Clothespins, scissors
Difficulty: Easy

The DIY Treat Toy Puzzle is a wonderful project that will help you produce what will likely be one of your cat’s favorite toys, a treat puzzle. It’s easy enough to complete in a few minutes, and if you have children, they can help by drawing and coloring the toilet paper rolls so it is more attractive. These puzzles are also extremely durable, and you’ll get many uses out of them before they need replacing.


5. Tower Dispenser

DIY Tower Dispenser
Image Credit: fourwhitepaws
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, tissue box, string
Tools: Glue gun
Difficulty: Easy

The Tower Dispenser is one of those projects that will have you asking, “Why didn’t I think of that?”, especially if you have expensive commercial puzzle toys that your cats beat quickly or don’t use. Simply glue several toilet paper rolls into a tissue or shoe box to create the tower. Then tie it to a secure surface, place treats in a few of the tubes, and watch your cat have great fun getting them out.


6. Cat Puzzle Box

Materials: Toilet paper rolls, cardboard box, treats
Tools: None
Difficulty: Easy

This DIY Cat Puzzle Toy is an interactive feeder that your cat can have fun with. It’s incredibly easy to put together yet should provide enough of a challenge for your cat to get mental exercise as they work to get the treats. The bigger the box is and the more rolls you use, the more challenging it will be! Although it’s not mentioned in the video, you can customize the box to make it more attractive, which can be fun for children to do.


7. DIY Feline Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle Feeder

DIY Feline Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle Feeder
Image Credit: Pets Plus Us
Materials: Toilet paper rolls, treats, pipe cleaners
Tools: Scissors
Difficulty: Easy

The DIY Feline Toilet Paper Roll Puzzle Feeder is similar to the DIY Treat Toy Puzzle on this list but has customizations that you and your pet might appreciate while remaining easy to build. We like the idea of substituting catnip for the treats, as this can help cut the number of calories that your pet consumes, and some cats also tend to be more playful around it.


8. Toilet Paper Cat Balls

DIY Toilet Paper Cat Balls
Image Credit: Red Ted Srt
Materials: Toilet paper rolls
Tools: Staples or glue
Difficulty: Easy

The Toilet Paper Cat Balls project is easy to build, and you likely have everything that you need already in your home. The author shows you how to cut the toilet paper roll into strips, similar to how it’s done for the Two Minute Cat Toy on this list. However, the author uses a stapler or glue to prevent the ball from falling apart, so it can make a durable toy that can be great fun for your pet—as long as they use it with adequate supervision so they don’t accidentally eat the staple.


9. Toilet Paper Tube Toy

DIY Toilet Paper Tube Toy
Image Credit: Pet Helpful
Materials: Toilet paper rolls
Tools: Scissors
Difficulty: Easy

The Toilet Paper Tube Toy is the ultimate in simplicity and is perfect for someone who wants something a step up from the Toilet Paper Roll Toy without needing to purchase any additional supplies. This project uses small cuts on each side of the roll to create something that looks similar to a wire wheel. It is light and fast when knocked around, and most cats enjoy playing with them until there’s nothing left.


10. Toilet Paper Roll Cat

Materials: Toilet paper rolls, construction paper, colored pencils
Tools: Scissors, glue
Difficulty: Easy

The Toilet Paper Roll Cat is likely better suited to the cat parent than the cat, but your cat will probably still enjoy it. Colorful construction paper is used to create a black cat with green eyes and a little pink nose. It’s endlessly customizable and will work just as great as a knick-knack as it will a toy.

divider 2 cats

Conclusion

There are plenty of ways that you can use the toilet paper rolls in your home to create usable cat toys that will help stimulate your pet’s mind and keep them fit. These can also help prevent boredom for the cat parents, cut costs, and be more environmentally friendly. Our favorites include the Toilet Paper Roll Cat and the DIY Treat Toy Puzzle, but each one is easy to complete and sure to keep your pet entertained.


Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

The Original Space Invaders – Why Zero Respect for Personal Boundaries Is a Good Thing

Cats have a reputation for being independent, and in many ways they are. But anyone who has tried to work at a laptop...

How Cats Are Helping to Cure Cancer

When most people think about medical breakthroughs, they picture scientists in laboratories and clinical trials involving human patients. Few would imagine that the...

Ask Dr. Paola – My Cat Loves Eating Grass, But It Makes Her Vomit! (June 29, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

Learning to Speak Cat with Anthony Smith

Many cat lovers know me through Learn to Speak Cat and Cattitude – Doggonit, cartoons that explore the often mysterious, occasionally mischievous, and...

More related

My Cat Is Panting After Playing, Should I Worry? 4 Vet Approved Reasons & FAQ

Ask anyone in your closest circle whether they’ve ever seen a cat panting. The most probable answer would be a “no.” That’s because...

Ragdoll Munchkin Cat Mix: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

Once you get a good look at a Ragdoll Munchkin cat mix, you’re sure to fall in love. These striking cats feature the...

Scottish Fold Ragdoll Mix: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

This interesting mix is not a true breed of cat but is rather a crossbreed: a mix between the loveable Ragdoll and the...

Is Your Cat’s Shampoo Poisonous? Dangerous Ingredients Explained

The majority of healthy cats don’t need to be bathed because they’re perfectly capable of keeping themselves clean, thank you very much. That...

Keep reading

10 Best Cat Carriers in Canada: 2026 Reviews & Top Picks

There are several items that all pet owners should have that are essential for taking care of a pet. While carriers aren’t necessarily at the top of the list, they are still important when you need to transport your cat,...

cat in a green cat carrier

Can Cats Eat Bugs & Insects? Vet-Approved Health & Safety Facts

Your kitten locks eyes on an unassuming fly. They wiggle their tail and slightly raise their hind legs in anticipation. Then suddenly, when the fly least expects it, they pounce and pin it down between their paws—snack time! At least,...

Catster_Can Cats Eat Bugs & Insects_v1_Dec 3 2024

When Will My Kitten Start to Purr? The Origin Story

The sound of a cat purring is one of the most relaxing and soothing noises you’ll ever hear. If you’re about to bring a new kitten home, you might wonder when they will start to purr so you can enjoy...

grey scottish fold kitten

My Cat Killed a Bat, What Do I Do Now? Vet-Approved Safety Info

Cats are nocturnal creatures, and so are bats. It’s no surprise that your cat brought you a midnight snack. However, killing a bat can quickly go from a minor to a more serious problem. Bats are notorious for carrying rabies,...

Scottish Wildcat on a large tree trunk

8 Common Litter Box Issues & How to Fix Them

It’s a common myth that cats always use their litter boxes without issue. For the most part, cats indeed learn to use a litter box rather quickly, but this doesn’t mean that you’ll never encounter problems with your cat going...

orange cat beside litter box

Can Cats Eat Pastrami? Health Advice & Alternatives

We come back to our plate to find that our precious kitty has helped themselves to our pastrami sandwich, and we have no idea whether it’s toxic to them. Unfortunately, this happens often to cat parents. It feels nearly impossible...

Can Cats Eat Pastrami

Why Does My Cat Keep Meowing and Rubbing Against Everything? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

If you have ever noticed a cat’s affectionate side, you may have seen their tendency to rub their faces on their owners or against their favorite objects. Or you notice a cat who raises their backside when they pass by...

grey cat rubbing againts its owners leg

How to Satisfy Cat Hunting Instincts: 7 Vet-Verified Tips

Though the pampered felines we know and love today no longer need to hunt for prey to survive, those instincts are still hard-wired into them. While some are more skilled at hunting than others and energy levels can vary greatly,...

grey cat playing with its toy indoor

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.