DIY toy guide

Fleece-Strip Snuffle Ball

A shaggy knotted ball that hides kibble for nose-led foraging

Strips of fleece knotted into a scruffy 3-D ball create dozens of pockets that trap dry food, turning a handful of kibble into a rewarding scent-and-paw hunt.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
15 minutes
Cost
Under £2

🧺 You will need

  • An old fleece blanket or fleece garment
  • Scissors
  • A few pieces of dry kibble or small treats

🔧 How to make it

  1. Cut the fleece into roughly 15 strips, about 2 cm wide and 20 cm long.
  2. Gather all the strips and tie them together tightly at the centre with one spare strip.
  3. Scrunch the bundle and add two or three more knots so the strips bunch up into a rough ball.
  4. Fluff out all the loose ends so there are plenty of gaps and pockets.
  5. Push kibble or treats deep among the strips and let your cat nose and paw them out.

💡 Tips

For a first go, tuck treats near the surface so your cat quickly learns the game, then hide them deeper as they get the idea. Shake out crumbs after each session.

Safety: Supervise play and retire the ball if it starts shedding strips — a chewed-off length of fleece can be swallowed.

📝 Notes

Machine-washable inside a laundry bag; air-dry and re-fluff.