Why throw $15 down the drain on a plastic cat puzzle when the perfect toy is already waiting to be pulled out from your recycling bin? Six empty toilet paper rolls, a bit of tape, and a handful of treats are all it takes to turn hours of feline fun into a viral TikTok from Murgel the cat’s account (@cat.murgel) educating cat parents about enrichment toys in general. The clip shows Murgel eagerly pawing through a pyramid of cardboard tubes, which are each hiding a small snack, showing that enrichment does not necessarily have to be costly or wasteful.
The steps taken are quite straightforward. Collect a few cardboard toilet paper or paper towel tubes, join them with tape folding the tape over so that it is double-sided for a bouncier, more interactive feel and arrange them in any shape that would intrigue your cat. The pyramid figure in the TikTok tutorial is just one example; other shapes like a straight tunnel or clustered bundle also work. Fill the tubes with treats and watch your cat’s hunting instincts come alive. Dr. Liz Bales points out, “Cats normally spend around 80% of their waking hours hunting for food,” so toys that simulate this loop hunt, catch, play, eat are very satisfying for them.
Besides being adorable, this crafty do-it-yourself method hits the main positive points of enrichment. The activities that challenge cats mentally and physically can diminish the stress of the feline, eliminate boredom-driven behaviors like over-grooming or furniture scratching and control the cat’s weight, too. Boredom in indoor cats, according to the Atlanta Humane Society, can result in overeating and obesity, while interactive play keeps their muscles strong and their minds sharp. Puzzle feeders, cardboard mazes, and treat-hiding games are among the cat’s favorite activities and, really, this toilet roll trick is more or less a free version of them.
It is also a win for the planet. The majority of store-bought toys are made from plastic, nylon, or polyester, which are materials that need centuries to break down, and may release microplastics into the house. By reusing cardboard tubes, you are lowering the amount of garbage destined for landfills and cutting down on the pollution connected to the production and transportation of new goods. Pet-care decisions like the use of recycled materials which build the eco-friendly curve of a household’s carbon footprint while keeping the pet amused are what make you the cool cat. Whether homemade or purchased, sustainable toys in general are non-toxic and biodegradable, thus safer for both pets and the environment.
And there is no need to stop being creative at toilet paper rolls. Other do-it-yourself enrichment concepts might be made from recycled paper scrap and crumpled into balls, cardboard box forts, repurposed t-shirt bows, or even upgraded cardboard castles. Cats get bored very fast, so if you have more than one, the best thing you can do is rotate these homemade toys to make sure playtime is always new. Along these lines, scent-based enrichment can also be added by dusting catnip or silvervine in the tubes, or combining the toy with vertical spaces like shelves or window perches to facilitate climbing and discovering.
The beauty of this hack is that it is so versatile. Non-toxic glue can be used instead of tape for a cleaner-looking project, adding more tubes will increase the challenge without you having to even lift a paw, or it can be the first stop in a larger obstacle course. Another option is to link it with other enrichment staples such as feather wands, tunnels, or DIY puzzle feeders to generate a play routine that satisfies your cat’s instinctual needs and at the same time does not strain your budget. Being put in a nutshell by a TikTok commenter: “Such a cute idea! Love it.” And for cats, it’s more than cute it’s a chance to stalk, pounce, and problem-solve, all while staying healthy and happy.
