DIY Cardboard Cat Toy: Make a Whack-a-Mole Game

One shoebox, five holes and a fluffy cat wand: that's all you need to turn a cardboard box into a little whack-a-mole game. Your cat watches for the toy, takes aim and gets a chance to catch it.

This DIY cardboard cat toy is an easy indoor enrichment project you can make in about 20–30 minutes. The idea works best as a short, supervised game you play together.

Step 1 — Gather your materials

• A sturdy shoebox or similar cardboard box with a removable lid (about 11–14 in / 28–35 cm long)
• A cat wand with a securely attached, generously sized soft toy head
• A cup or round lid, pencil and ruler
• Scissors or a craft knife and a cutting mat (for adult use only)
• Plain kraft paper or cardboard strips to cover rough edges; pet-safe adhesive if needed

Choose a box that keeps its shape when pressed gently. Avoid toys with loose feathers, bells, strings or other pieces your cat could swallow.

Step 2 — Mark five holes

Remove the lid and draw five circles in a staggered 2–1–2 pattern. Around 2–2¾ in (5–7 cm) across is a starting point, but size the openings for your cat and the toy so neither a paw nor the toy can get stuck.

Leave a solid strip of cardboard between each circle and along the lid's edges.

Step 3 — Cut the openings

Set the lid on a cutting mat. An adult should cut along the outlines, then remove every cardboard disc and loose scrap. Keep blades away from pets throughout the process.

Step 4 — Smooth the edges

Cover any rough edges with neatly folded kraft paper or smooth cardboard strips. If using glue, let it dry completely before play.

Run a finger around every opening. Nothing should feel sharp, splintery or sticky; there should be no loose paper or tape for your cat to pull off.

Step 5 — Make an opening for the wand

Cut a smooth rectangular access opening in one side of the box, large enough to move the wand comfortably. For a typical shoebox, about 4¾–6 in wide and 2–2½ in tall (12–15 × 5–6 cm) may work.

Keep the wand handle and your hand outside the box. Only the plush end should pop through the holes. Never use your fingers as the target.

Step 6 — Check the finished box

Replace the lid and secure it so it cannot lift during play. Place the box on a stable, non-slip surface.

Before inviting your cat over, check that the toy slides through each hole without snagging, the lid stays in place and there are no sharp edges, loose stuffing or exposed fasteners. Fix any weak spot first.

Step 7 — Let your cat get curious

Put the box down and let your cat approach at their own pace. If they're hesitant, show the wand toy beside the box first. Then let the plush tip peek through one hole and disappear.

Avoid sudden noises or pushing the box toward a nervous cat. Watching and sniffing are a perfectly good start.

Step 8 — Play whack-a-mole

Make the toy appear briefly in one hole, hide it, then try a different opening. Mix quick peeks with quiet pauses so your cat can watch, stalk and pounce.

Let your cat catch the toy regularly. Start with a short two-to-five-minute session, and stop sooner if your cat loses interest or seems frustrated.

Step 9 — End with a catch

For the final round, leave the plush head within reach long enough for your cat to grab it. Then remove the wand and put both the toy and the box away. Do not leave the wand inside for unsupervised play.

Two ways to change the game

The mystery hole: Pause at one opening, then surprise your cat by making the toy appear at another. Keep the movements gentle for shy cats.

The fish hunt: Swap in a securely attached fish-shaped plush wand tip. Let it dart between two holes, then pause so your cat can catch it.

Safety tips for homemade cat toys

• Supervise every play session; put the wand away afterward.
• Check for loose toy parts, sharp cardboard, exposed adhesive and detached scraps before each use.
• Replace any box that gets wet, crushed or heavily chewed.
• Skip this DIY if your cat tends to eat cardboard, paper or fabric.
• Stop if a paw snags, the lid shifts, or your cat shows signs of stress.

With a little patience, an ordinary box can become a fun homemade interactive cat toy—and the game is easy to change whenever your cat wants a new challenge.

More interactive cat toys

• Browse available interactive cat toys — check sizes, construction and current availability before ordering.

Further reading and safety guidance

• Cats Protection — play and enrichment for cats

These references describe general play and safety principles; they do not certify this specific DIY build.