Christmas Cardboard Waste | The Perfect Pet Gift!

Holly Keeley
27 Nov 2025

Did you know, the card material used at Christmas would stretch between London and Lapland over 100 times? While recycling your cardboard is great, why not try reusing some of it this year? It can make the perfect gift for a furry friend!

Dog sat with pile of cardboard boxes.

We love to spoil our pets at Christmas – around 28% of pet owners have purchased a Christmas stocking for their pet, with the figure rising to 39% among dog owners. Keep reading for ideas on how to use old cardboard to make pet friendly toys!

 

Cardboard Box

Sometimes simple is best, and in the eyes of a cat you just can’t beat a nap in a cardboard box. All cat owners will know the feeling of a cosy cardboard box being picked over an expensive new bed!



Toilet Paper Tube Toys

Bunnies love this one, and you can make it as simple or complex as you like! For an easy version, just stuff some old toilet paper rolls with some hay and treats and watch your bunnies nibble away. For an extra challenge, try stuffing the rolls inside a box after filling them up. They will have to pull the tubes out to get the treats!

 

Dig Box

This one is ideal for dogs. Fill a cardboard box up with old newspaper or packaging paper. Sprinkle in some treats and toys and watch your dog sniff and dig away! (Photo credit: Dog’s Trust)



Egg Carton Forage Box

Old egg cartons make a great treat forage box or slow feeder for any pets! Just sprinkle treats or food in each compartment and close the lid. You could even cover the treats with extra bits of cardboard for cats and dogs, or hay for rabbits, before closing the box.

 

 

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