A snuffle mat is a fun, DIY way to keep your dog or cat busy and content indoors. No sewing, no shopping – just a few things you’ve already got at home and a pet who’s keen to sniff out some snacks.
What’s a snuffle mat, anyway?
Picture this: your dog’s pacing, the cat’s giving you the slow blink of disappointment and the weather outside is doing you no favours. You’ve played tug, thrown the ball down the hallway and tried to distract them with a cardboard box – but nothing’s cutting through the restlessness.
Enter the snuffle mat – your new secret weapon.
Snuffle mats are a kind of enrichment toy that encourages pets to forage for food by sniffing it out among a mess of fabric strips. It mimics how animals naturally search for food in the wild, turning a handful of kibble into a fun, nose-led treasure hunt.
They’re often used with dogs, but cats love them too – especially when you add a bit of catnip or some crunchy biscuits into the mix. They’re brilliant for slowing down fast eaters, adding interest to mealtimes and giving your pet something constructive to do indoors (especially when you’re juggling work calls and wet washing).
Why pets are obsessed
There’s a reason behaviourists, trainers and rescue centres all recommend enrichment activities like this. Snuffle mats aren’t just fun – they’re mentally stimulating, stress-reducing and deeply satisfying for pets who love using their noses (which is basically all of them).
Whether you’ve got a high-energy border collie, a playful moggie or a senior pet who needs a slower pace, snuffle mats can be tailored to suit. They help pets feel calm and focused, tire them out in a healthy way and reduce behaviours linked to boredom – like digging, barking or tearing through the recycling bin.
Some owners even use them to serve breakfast – turning a five-second chow-down into a 10-minute brain game.
When to use a snuffle mat?
Snuffle mats are perfect for:
- Rainy days or chilly evenings when outdoor time is limited
- Winter weekends when your pet needs a little more stimulation
- Feeding time – especially for pets who eat too quickly
- Cats who need more scent-driven play indoors
- Helping settle a pet before bed or after a stressful event (like storms or visitors)
They’re also a lifesaver when you just need a moment of peace – because a snuffling pet is a focused, content pet.
What you’ll need
Instructions
1 Cut up your fabric
Cut your fabric into strips about 2–3cm wide and 20–25cm long. Roughly 40–60 strips is a good amount.
2 Prep your base
Cut the flat side off your reusable bag. Snip small slits in a grid across the fabric, spaced a few centimetres apart. No bag? Use cardboard and poke holes, using a metal skewer.
3 Thread and knot
Thread a strip through two slits and tie a simple knot. Keep going until your mat looks shaggy and full.
4 Add treats
Hide kibble or dry treats between the fabric strips. Keep it easy for beginners, or tuck them deep for a bigger challenge.
Pop the mat on the floor and let your pet get to work. Sniffing, foraging and tail-wagging guaranteed.
Safety first
Safety firstShake out crumbs after each use and wash regularly. Always supervise play – especially if your pet is under 18 months old or prone to chewing.
Instructions
1 Cut up your fabric
Cut your fabric into strips about 2–3cm wide and 20–25cm long. Roughly 40–60 strips is a good amount.
2 Prep your base
Cut the flat side off your reusable bag. Snip small slits in a grid across the fabric, spaced a few centimetres apart. No bag? Use cardboard and poke holes, using a metal skewer.
3 Thread and knot
Thread a strip through two slits and tie a simple knot. Keep going until your mat looks shaggy and full.
4 Add treats
Hide kibble or dry treats between the fabric strips. Keep it easy for beginners, or tuck them deep for a bigger challenge.
Pop the mat on the floor and let your pet get to work. Sniffing, foraging and tail-wagging guaranteed.
Make it your own
The beauty of the snuffle mat is how customisable it is. You can tailor it to your pet’s size, preferences and energy levels. Try these ideas:
- For cats: Add dried catnip or silvervine, or sprinkle a few high-reward biscuits in the mix.
- For small dogs: Use softer fabrics and larger treats for easier searching.
- For brainy pets: Add layers of fabric strips, hide treats more deeply or alternate where you place them each time.
- For the eco-conscious: Repurpose old flannelette PJs, op-shop t-shirts or that tea towel you’ve been meaning to throw out.
You can even change up the base – some people use muffin tins, cardboard egg cartons or empty toilet rolls for fast DIY variations.
Safety tips
As with any toy, keep an eye on your pet while they use the mat – especially if they’re prone to chewing or still in the “everything is food” phase. This is particularly important for pups under 18 months as they are most prone to chewing and swallowing things they shouldn’t.
Shake the mat out between uses to remove crumbs and wash it regularly to keep things fresh and hygienic. A quick cold wash in a laundry bag every couple of weeks does the trick – just make sure it’s fully dry before using again. If you’ve used a cardboard base, you’ll need to remove and wash the fabric strips and then reassemble.
Bonus enrichment idea
Want to level it up? Hide a frozen Kong, a favourite toy or even a treat-dispensing ball in the centre of the mat. You can also use the snuffle mat as part of a broader enrichment circuit – think: a slow-feeder bowl, a tug session and five minutes of scent games around the house.
