DIY Cat Treat Ball: The Purrfect Christmas Gift

Updated at: 22/03/2025

Christmas is just around the corner, and the hunt for the purrfect gifts for your feline friends is on! Forget the mass-produced toys; this year, show your cat just how much you care with a truly special present: a homemade cat treat ball. Not only is this a fun and engaging toy that will keep your kitty entertained for hours, but it's also a surprisingly simple and affordable craft project perfect for a festive afternoon. Imagine the joy on your cat's face as they bat and roll their personalized treat dispenser, releasing delicious snacks with every playful nudge.

This DIY cat treat ball is a fantastic alternative to store-bought toys, offering a unique and personalized touch that your cat will adore. It allows you to control the ingredients and ensure only the highest quality treats are used. Ready to get started on creating this paw-some Christmas gift? Let's dive into the step-by-step guide below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Cat treats
  • Catnip
  • Ball of yarn (or string/twine)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always supervise your cat while they play with the treat ball. Ingested parts could cause choking or intestinal blockage.
  • Ensure all materials used are non-toxic and cat-safe. Avoid using anything that could be easily chewed and swallowed, such as small buttons or beads.
  • Choose a ball size appropriate for your cat. A ball that's too small might be a choking hazard; one that's too large may be difficult to manipulate.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Materials

    • Unravel a ball of yarn.
    Unravel a ball of yarn.
    Prepare Materials

  2. Create the Core

    • Place a cat treat in the center of the yarn.
    Place a cat treat in the center of the yarn.
    Create the Core

  3. Roll and Incorporate Treats and Catnip

    • Roll the yarn around the treat, incorporating catnip as you go.
    • Add more treats and catnip as you continue rolling the yarn.
    • Continue adding treats and catnip until the ball is the desired size.
    Continue adding treats and catnip until the ball is the desired size.Continue adding treats and catnip until the ball is the desired size.
    Roll and Incorporate Treats and Catnip

  4. Gift Giving

    • Give the finished cat treat ball to your cat.
    Give the finished cat treat ball to your cat.
    Gift Giving

Read more: No-Sew Sock Cat Tutorial: Adorable DIY Project

Tips

  • Use your cat's favorite treats.
  • Use fresh catnip for the best results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Holes Too Big

Reason: Treats fall out too easily, rendering the toy ineffective.
Solution: Use smaller holes or a tighter weave for the material to better contain the treats.

2. Ball Too Loosely Stuffed

Reason: The ball doesn't roll well and the treats are easily accessible.
Solution: Pack the ball more firmly with treats and consider adding a layer of stuffing before the treats for better compaction.

FAQs

What materials do I need to make a cat treat ball?
You'll need an old sock or a piece of sturdy fabric, some cat treats (small and hard enough to not easily crumble), and a rubber band or strong string. Optional additions include felt or decorative fabric for embellishment.
How do I ensure the treats don't fall out too easily?
Use smaller treats and pack them tightly into the sock/fabric. You can also double-knot the end of the sock or use multiple rubber bands to secure the treats inside. Experiment with the tightness to find the best balance for your cat's skill level.
My cat is a chewer – will this toy hold up?
While this isn't indestructible, using sturdy fabric and tightly securing the treats will help prolong its lifespan. Always supervise your cat with any toy, and replace it if it becomes damaged or if any parts are ingested.