Okay, here’s my blog post about making a “bitey box” for cats:
So, I saw this thing online – a “bitey box” for cats. Basically, it’s a cardboard box with holes in it, and you put toys and treats inside. The idea is that your cat sticks their paws in the holes to try and get the goodies, and it keeps them entertained. My cat, Whiskers, is easily bored, so I had to give this a try.
Gathering Supplies
First, I needed a box. I grabbed one of those that i have around the house. You know, the ones that are too good to throw away but you also have no use for? Yeah, one of those.
Next, I needed something to make the holes. I don’t own any fancy tools, but I do have kitchen knives! I grabbed one of my sharpest knives, that are perfect for cutting things.
Making the Box
I started by drawing circles on the box. I just eyeballed it, making them big enough for Whiskers’ paws but not big enough for her whole head to fit through. I figured variety was good, so I made some on the top and some on the sides.
Then came the cutting. I carefully (very carefully!) used the knife to cut along the circles. It wasn’t the prettiest, but it worked. The cardboard was tougher than I expected in a few spots, so I had to saw at it a bit.
Adding the Goodies
- I tossed in a few of Whiskers’ favorite jingly balls.
- Then, I added some of those crunchy treats she loves. The ones that smell like tuna!
- Finally, I threw in a crumpled-up piece of paper because, well, she loves playing with trash.
The Test
I put the box down and called Whiskers over. At first, she just sniffed it. Then, she batted at one of the balls through a hole. Success! She stuck her paw in, grabbed the ball, and pulled it out. She did this a few times, then got interested in the treats. She managed to hook a few out with her claws.
She played with the box for a good 20 minutes, which is a lifetime in cat attention spans. She even managed to get the paper out, which she then proceeded to shred all over the living room. (Worth it.)
Final Thoughts
This was a super easy and cheap project. It took me maybe 10 minutes to put together, and Whiskers genuinely enjoyed it. I’d call that a win! I’m definitely going to keep this box around and rotate the toys and treats inside to keep it interesting for her. If your cat gets bored easily, give this a try!
