The Best Puzzle Toys For Cats
Puzzle toys for cats help slow your kitty's eating while providing mental stimulation, which can help cut down on tummy issues and destructive behaviors. We also love that they make it easier to help your chunky pet lose weight. And since they come in different levels, you can make things increasingly challenging, preventing the usual boredom that comes with average toys.
What to Look For
We recommend keeping the following things in mind when shopping for a puzzle toy for your cat: Is the toy suitable for your kitty’s skills and abilities? Does it allow your cat to engage in a type of behavior they enjoy, i.e., scavenging, chasing, or swatting? Is it made of durable materials? Our favorite was the puzzle toy from Petstages, which plays to your cat’s natural hunting instincts as they search for the jingle balls hidden inside the box. We were also impressed by the puzzle toy from Triie, which keeps cats active and provides mental stimulation. Keep reading to learn more about our favorites and discover the best one for your feline friend.
Petstages Hunting Box Cat Puzzle Toy
Fabulous variety
Encourage your cats hunting instincts with this puzzle toy from Petstages. The multipurpose toy incorporates a bit of nature into this fun toy that’ll keep your cat entertained as they try to chase and swat the jingling balls between the box’s slots. You can sprinkle treats on the box to further entice your kitty to play with it. When they need a break, they can rest on the soft faux grass covering the top of the toy.
Pros:
- Paw-sized openings on top of the box let cats play with jingling balls inside
- Grass covering gives cats a comfortable spot to rest when tired
- The toy is lightweight, making it easy to take with you on the go
- Stimulates cats hunting instincts
Cons:
- Doesn’t have suction cups or an anti-slip bottom to hold it in place
Trixie Brain Mover Cat Puzzle Toy
This puzzle toy from Trixie will ensure your kitty gets a mental workout every time they play with it. The toy features four puzzling tasks that’ll keep your cat occupied as they do their best to figure them out. Your cat will use batting and pawing actions to get the balls and levers to move out of the way as they try to solve the puzzle. Once your cat knows what to do, they’ll be able to access the goodies hidden in the toy’s round compartments.
Pros:
- Provides a great challenge for cats skilled at solving puzzles
- Four different tasks allow cats to access treats inside the toy
- Enough space to hide enough food for a meal
- Non-slip rubber feet keep the base stable
Cons:
- Not the best choice for cats with large paws
Catit Food Tree Cat Puzzle Toy
Level up
Make mealtime fun for your feline friend with this puzzle toy from Catit. The food tree game is designed to slow your cat’s eating by making them scoop their meal out of the toy’s various levels. All you have to do is scatter kibble or treats throughout the maze and watch your cat go to work trying to access the goodies. The toy will test your kitty’s batting and swatting skills as they engage in the hunt.
Pros:
- Makes mealtime entertaining by encouraging cats to work for their food
- Keeps cats occupied for long periods
- Three difficulty levels to challenge cats
- Easy to take apart for cleaning
Cons:
- Not dishwasher safe
Cat Amazing Interactive Maze Cat Puzzle Toy
Hunter's dream
From scratching and batting to sniffing and swatting, this puzzle toy from Cat Amazing will keep your feline friend engaged and happy. The mentally stimulating toy is a cardboard box with several holes where you can hide dry food. Your cat will have a ball as they try to figure out the puzzle to access the treats awaiting them. You can make it more challenging for your kitty by hiding snacks in hard-to-reach places, so they’ll have to really use their brainpower to get to them.
Pros:
- Box features 27-sections to keep cats busy for hours
- Engages cats’ natural foraging instincts
- Helps fight boredom and keep cats entertained
- Various difficulty levels
Cons:
- May be too challenging for young kittens
Hopet Exercise Ball Teaser Cat Puzzle Toy
Food-free fun
Once you introduce your cat to this puzzle toy from Hopet, you’ll probably have a hard time getting them to stop playing. This puzzler is designed to engage your cats hunting instincts by stimulating all of their senses. Your cat will jump, pounce, swat, and more as they play with the toy and try to get it to release treats. Since it dispenses food slowly, it’s an excellent way to get your kitty to slow down while eating.
Pros:
- Comes with plush balls, a catnip ball, plastic balls, and feathers
- Cats have to manipulate the toys to get treats
- Helps indoor cats stay active during the day
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- It can be challenging to put together
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of puzzle toys?
Toy puzzles play to your cat’s natural hunting instincts, allowing them to search for and capture prey. These interactive toys provide mental stimulation, and many allow your kitty to get in some physical exercise too. They provide stimulating challenges, and many of these toys reward your cat for their hard work with treats. Moreover, they help alleviate boredom and encourage your cat to stay active.
How do I get my cat to play with puzzle toys?
If your cat is new to puzzle toys, you’ll have to start simple to ensure they understand what they need to do. You can place dry food near the toy to encourage your kitty to play with it. If it’s a puzzle toy feeder, you can show your cat that it has food inside. If that’s not enough, move the puzzle pieces around to show them how to use it.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.