Have you ever found yourself researching for a "cat-proof toilet paper holder" in order to protect your toilet paper (TP) from the wrath of kitty claws? When you welcome a cat into your home, you may not expect needing to buy something special to protect your toilet paper — but in some cases, it might be necessary. Read on to learn why cats love to unravel toilet paper and how you can go about making a protective toilet paper holder.
Why Do Cats Unravel Toilet Paper?
Cats will unravel a roll of TP for a few reasons, but mainly because it's a way to engage their hunting instincts and to alleviate boredom. As the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine emphasizes, your feline friend isn't "out to get you" when they mess around with household items like toilet paper. To them, it's playtime! In certain situations, a cat may chew on toilet paper because they aren't feeling well. If you notice your cat ingesting toilet paper, speak with your veterinarian to discuss any possible underlying health issues.
Most often, your furry friend is just goofing around with TP because it's fun: It's soft and pliable, and your kitty can "catch" it like prey. A cat-proof toilet paper holder is the easiest and most efficient way to keep your TP out of harm's way.
Making a DIY Cat Toilet Paper Holder: What You'll Need
There are plenty of cat-proof toilet paper holders on the market that can do the job, but with minimal time and a few materials, you can create a DIY cat toilet paper holder cover that protects your TP and your bank account. For this project, you can either repurpose items already found in your home or purchase a plastic container — and it'll only take about 10 to 15 minutes from start to finish.
Before you start this project, make sure that you have all of the materials you need, including:
- A large plastic tube container (disinfecting or antibacterial wipe containers are great options, as are plastic beverage bottles)
- A ruler
- A pair of scissors or a box cutter
- Stickers, markers or duct tape for decorating (optional)
Be sure to use a large container because a small one won't leave enough room for the toilet paper to unroll.
Tasty Tips
How to Make a Cat-Proof Toilet Paper Holder
Once you have your materials, follow these steps to complete your project:
- Clean and rinse the container thoroughly. If using a container for wipes, rinse well with water to remove all traces of the cleaner.
- Remove the lid and label from the container. Pro tip: Olive oil is a great non-toxic way to help remove label glue.
- Cut off the bottom and top edges of the container so that you're left with a four-inch wide tube. This four-inch tube is your TP cover. A roll of toilet paper is four inches wide, and you want the cover to align with the roll and fit onto a standard toilet paper holder.
- Cut a straight line along the length of the plastic tube.
- Trim the corners of one end of the four-inch wide strip. Bend back and crease that end along a line that's about half an inch wide.
- The plastic strip tends to curl. Coil it tightly with the trimmed corner end on the outside to help shape the roll cover.
- Decorate with stickers or markers that match your bathroom decor. Or, go all out and decorate with cat stickers!
- Slip the roll cover over the toilet paper roll. The cover will slide a bit around the roll, but this is what you want; this allows the end of the roll to be retrieved from under the creased edge of the cover.
If your cat is clever (and aren't they all?), they will probably try to push or pull the roll off the holder entirely, but this DIY cat-proof toilet paper holder cover will discourage them. A holder that is secure on both sides, coupled with this cover, reinforces your security system.
Cats of all ages can get into mischief, often when you're not at home or if you're not giving them your full attention. Having a cat-proof toilet paper holder guards your TP and also helps to redirect your feline friend to play with other fun toys, like catnip mice, jingly balls or even crumpled up pieces of paper.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Multiple Benefit Chicken Recipe cat food
Supports ideal body weight for cats with different body types
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Chicken Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system.ain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Chicken Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender chicken smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice cat food
Supports healthy immune system, digestion, lean muscle & beautiful fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Light Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Light Chicken Recipe cat food
20% lower calories vs. Hill's Science Diet Adult
null Hill's Science Diet Kitten with Salmon
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced salmon to help build immunity and a healthy digestive system
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Chicken Recipe cat food
Healthy digestion for easy litter box clean-up
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 11+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports brain health and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Related articles
Why Cats Like to Pounce
Discover the science and reason behind why cats like to pounce prey or toys, as well as peculiar behaviors to let you know when she's about to pounce.
Changing Cat Food: How to Do It Safely
Cat's nutritional needs change as they age, so it is important to know when to change their food to keep them healthy and active.
Cat-Proofing Your Fish Tank: How to Protect Your Fish from a Curious Kitty
Learn why cats are often fascinated with fish tanks, including factors like their prey drive, and tips for cat-proofing it from your curious kitty.
How to Help Your Cat's Behavioral Problems
Learn why cats exhibit behavior problems, such as scratching and spraying, and training steps you can take to help correct her bad habits.
All About Giardia in Cats
Learn important information about giardia in cats, including signs, diagnosis and treatment options for dealing with this parasitic infection.
Feline Idiopathic Cystitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn about feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), which causes lower urinary tract problems in cats, including risk factors, symptoms & treatment options.
Interactive Cat Toys
Discover fun, interactive cat toys that will entertain your kitty, including puzzles and other cat toys that dispense food!
Why Your Cat's Nose Is Running (& How to Help)
Learn possible reasons why your cat’s nose is running, when you should consider bringing them to the vet and common treatments.
Glaucoma in Cats: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment
Learn helpful information about glaucoma in cats, including types of the condition, clinical signs, other associated conditions, and treatment options.
Are Cats Good With Kids?
Are cats good with kids? Happily, the answer is yes! Use these tips to find the best cat for your family.
Cat Kidney Health: What You Need to Know
Cat obesity is a significant problem - learn more about helping your cat become trimmer and healthier through improved nutrition.
Home Dental Care Methods for Your Cat
Use these 4 steps on how to properly brush and provide the right dental care for your cat's teeth.
The Most Common Poisonous Plants to Cats
Learn about common houseplants that can be dangerous or poisonous to cats. Get tips on how to keep your cat safe around houseplants.
All About Your Cat's Sleeping Habits
Learn all about your cat's sleep schedule, why she seems to be most active during twilight hours and what it means to be a crepuscular kitty.
Cat Language: How Cats Communicate
Learn how your cat communicates with you as well as other cats in the house, and what their cat language might be telling you about them.
Cat Heart Health and Feline Heart Disease
Learn more about the causes of feline heart disease and the signs you can watch out for to promote heart health in your cat.
Getting Your Cat Into Her Carrier
Getting your cat in & out of her carrier can be a challenging task when it's time to go to the vet. Learn helpful carrier tips for keeping your cat calm.
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction & Cat Dementia and How To Help
Learn all about cat brain aging, dementia, signs of senility in senior cats to feline dementia treatment and care.
Kitten Teething: Age Timeline, Signs & How You Can Help
Kitten Teething: Age Timeline, Signs & How You Can Help
Kitten's Development Milestones: First Weeks & Months
Follow this timeline to learn the weekly & monthly progression of your kitten's development, including when to expect her to start walking & needing vaccines.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.