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8 Clever Cat Puzzle Toys to Challenge Your Savvy Feline

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Curious cat investigates slow feeder puzzle toy
insonnia via iStock

8 Clever Cat Puzzle Toys to Challenge Your Savvy Feline

For Cat People
By Elisabeth Geier
Updated by Karen Anderson, Elizabeth Holbrook

Share155Tweet0Pin It22
  • This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
  • Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Puzzle toys can keep your cat active, happy, and out of trouble. Plus, they’re great for providing clever kitties mental stimulation and helping speed eaters slow down. But finding the best puzzle toy for your cat really depends on, well…your cat. A lot of factors can come into play, considering ability, age, and preference.

Fortunately, there are tons of options on the market—from beginner to advanced and in all shapes and sizes—to fit your particular cat’s play style and needs. We’ve rounded up the best for all kinds of kitties.

  • How To Pick a Puzzle Toy for a Cat
  • Best for Beginners: KONG Puzzlements Pockets Cat Toy
  • Best Intermediate Puzzle: Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Tree
  • Best for Advanced Cats: Petstages Rainy Day Interactive Cat Treat Puzzle
  • Best Feeder-Style Puzzle: TRIXIE 5-in-1 Activity Fun Board
  • Best Catnip Puzzle Toy: Petstages Catnip Chase Track Interactive Cat Toy
  • Best for Exercise: PetSafe SlimCat Meal-Dispensing Cat Ball
  • Best Multipurpose Puzzle Toy: Petstages Grass Patch Hunting Box Cat Scratcher Toy
  • Best for Wet Food: Lickimat Casper, Fish-Shaped Cat Lick Mat

Best for Beginners: KONG Puzzlements Pockets Cat Toy

Kong Cat Puzzlements Pockets

Sometimes the best toys are also the simplest. This quilted mat has nine different play pockets to hide toys, treats, or your cat’s favorite household items—activating their hunting and foraging instincts. Adding sensory stimulation, the attached ball of yarn rattles when batted and the material crinkles when touched. There’s even a catnip mouse for extra fun.

Things to know: 

  • Measures 2.75 x 15.75 inches
  • Easy to fold for travel
  • Includes an extra supply of catnip
  • Only comes in one design
Find on Chewy

Best Intermediate Puzzle: Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Tree

Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Tree

Another puzzle that uses your kitty’s batting and swatting skills, this indoor feeder transforms meals or snack time into an intriguing hunt. Place kibble or treats at the top of the three-tiered maze and let your cat paw them down the bowl beneath to catch the food. Use this food tree alone or attach it to other puzzle toys in the Catit line to create an entire activity center.

Things to know:

  • Rotates to three different sizes
  • Base doubles as a no-spill dish
  • Made of BPA-free materials
  • Can be messy and loud
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy

Best for Advanced Cats: Petstages Rainy Day Interactive Cat Treat Puzzle

Petstages Rainy Day Interactive Cat Treat Puzzle

Once your cat has built their confidence and mastered previous puzzle toys, it’s time to level up. A great boredom buster, this cat puzzle treat toy relies on dexterous paws to bat at the pegs and swivel the raindrops. With 14 treat compartments, three different levels, and a tips and tricks sheet, this advanced puzzle provides plenty of ways to keep your kitty’s brain busy.

Things to know: 

  • Holds up to 1/4 cup of food
  • Made with food-safe materials
  • No removable parts for safe play
  • Can be adjusted to three different levels
Find on Amazon Find on Petsmart

Best Feeder-Style Puzzle: TRIXIE 5-in-1 Activity Fun Board

TRIXIE Activity 5-in-1 Activity Fun Board for Cats

Challenge your cat in five different ways with this multi-textured activity board. From licking to digging, this interactive feeder encourages your cat to use all of her senses in a variety of ways. Non-slip rubber feet keep the board in place while your cat climbs, scoops, and hunts out food.

Things to know: 

  • Dishwasher safe
  • Challenges include globes, pegs, alleys, tongues, and tunnels
  • Some reviewers have noted this toy is better for cats with smaller paws
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy

Best Catnip Puzzle Toy: Petstages Catnip Chase Track Interactive Cat Toy

Petstages Catnip Chase Track Toy

For kitties less interested in food, catnip puzzles provide a fantastic alternative. Relying on your cat’s sense of smell and movement, this catnip chase track toy features peek-a-boo openings for your kitty to pounce, stalk, and paw at the balls.

Things to know: 

  • Adjustable catnip compartment for varying scent strength
  • Comes in two colors (green and red and blue)
  • Hand washable with warm water and mild soap
Find on Amazon Find on Petco Find on Chewy

Best for Exercise: PetSafe SlimCat Meal-Dispensing Cat Ball

PetSafe meal dispensing ball

Need to get your cat moving? This puzzle ball is a smart way to add exercise to mealtime or provide an added outlet for cats who love to chase. Adjustable openings allow for a slower or faster feed, depending on your cat’s ability and energy levels.

Things to know: 

  • Top-rack dishwasher safe
  • Fits 85 grams of dry cat food
  • Distributes meals in smaller portions
  • Comes in four colors
Find on Amazon Find on Petco

Best Multipurpose Puzzle Toy: Petstages Grass Patch Hunting Box Cat Scratcher Toy

Grass Patch Hunting Box Toy

A touch of nature meets hunting fun with this multipurpose puzzle toy. The faux grass on top is perfect for scratching, lounging, or napping after your kitty has chased and batted the jingling balls inside. Sprinkle in treats, toys, or kibble for added food enrichment.

Things to know: 

  • Multiple paw-sized openings
  • Sturdy cardboard structure, easy to tuck away
  • Includes three jingle balls
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy

Best for Wet Food: Lickimat Casper, Fish-Shaped Cat Lick Mat

Lickimat Casper, Fish-Shaped Cat Lick Mat

If your cat prefers wet or raw food to kibble, a lick mat is a great interactive feeder to stimulate their mind. Designed with low-profile ribs and ridges, this adorable fish-shaped lick mat encourages your kitty to slow down and crouch—mimicking feeding styles in the wild. For even slower feeding, freeze food on top for an added challenge.

Things to know:

  • Freezer and microwave safe
  • Made from non-toxic, recyclable material
  • Not suitable for kitties who love to chew
Find on Amazon

New to Cat Puzzle Toys? Here’s Where To Start

Paying close attention to your cat’s likes, dislikes, and overall behavior is a good place to start when choosing a cat puzzle toy. Do they like to chase, swat, scratch, scavenge—or all of the above? Selecting a puzzle that matches your cat’s preferences is a surefire way to keep them happy and entertained.

You’ll also want to pick an interactive cat toy that suits your kitty’s skills and abilities. For beginners, go with a simple but interactive stationary design like a lick mat, slow feeder cat bowl, or catnip toy. Starting with easier cat puzzles can help prevent frustration and build positive associations while you introduce them to the world of enrichment toys.

As your cat levels up to the intermediate stage, give them a wide variety of cat puzzle toys that work their brain in various ways to keep them engaged—think treat-dispensing balls, feeder boards, and box puzzles. Opt for toys with multiple difficulty settings so you can increase the challenge without moving too quickly.

Once your cat reaches a more advanced level (you’ll know when the treats start disappearing quickly), choose more complex puzzle toys and mazes that work multiple skills like sliding, spinning, and digging. (Then sit back, satisfied that your kitty has achieved Einstein status in the cat world.)

Every cat is different, so it may take a few tries to find the perfect interactive cat toy for them—but we’ve found it worthwhile so far, and the science agrees.

How We Chose Our Interactive Cat Toys

The cat puzzle toys featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary and behavioral experts. We prioritized durability, versatility, and popularity. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated cats, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Further Reading

  • Do Cats Need Puzzle Toys? What the Science Says
  • The Best Kitten Toys for Active Kittens
  • The Best Cat Toys According to a Few Hyperactive, Playful Cats
  • Do Cats Need Puzzle Toys? What Science Says about Interactive Cat Toys and Feeders
Share155Tweet0Pin It22

Elisabeth Geier

Elisabeth Geier is a writer, teacher, and animal advocate with extensive animal handling experience and a soft spot for bully breeds and big orange tabbies.


Updated by Karen Anderson, Elizabeth Holbrook

11 Clever Cat Puzzle Toys to Challenge Your Savvy Feline

For Cat People
By Elisabeth Geier
Updated by Karen Anderson, Elizabeth Holbrook

Share0Tweet0Pin It0
  • This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
  • Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Puzzle toys can keep your cat active, happy, and out of trouble. Plus, they’re great for providing clever kitties mental stimulation and helping speed eaters slow down. But finding the best puzzle toy for your cat really depends on, well…your cat. A lot of factors can come into play, considering ability, age, and preference.

Fortunately, there are tons of options on the market—from beginner to advanced and in all shapes and sizes—to fit your particular cat’s play style and needs. We’ve rounded up the best for all kinds of kitties.

  • Best for Beginners: KONG Puzzlements Pockets Cat Toy
  • Best Intermediate Puzzle: Nina Ottosson Petstages Buggin’ Out Puzzle
  • Best for Advanced Cats: Petstages Rainy Day Interactive Cat Treat Puzzle
  • Best for Multiple Cats: TRIXIE Brain Mover Activity Strategy Game Cat Toy
  • Best Feeder-Style Puzzle: Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Tree
  • Best Multi-Purpose Puzzle Toy: TRIXIE 5-in-1 Activity Fun Board
  • Best Catnip Puzzle Toy: Petstages Catnip Chase Track Interactive Cat Toy
  • Best for Exercise: PetSafe SlimCat Meal-Dispensing Cat Ball
  • Best for Food-Motivated Cats: ALL FOR PAWS Interactive Puzzle Cat Feeder
  • Best for Prey-Motivated Cats: Petstages Grass Patch Hunting Box Cat Scratcher Toy
  • Best for Wet Food: Lickimat Casper, Fish-Shaped Cat Lick Mat

Best for Beginners: KONG Puzzlements Pockets Cat Toy

Kong Cat Puzzlements Pockets

Sometimes the best toys are also the simplest. This quilted mat has nine different play pockets to hide toys, treats, or your cat’s favorite household items—activating their hunting and foraging instincts. Adding sensory stimulation, the attached ball of yarn rattles when batted and the material crinkles when touched. There’s even a catnip mouse for extra fun.

Things to know: 

  • Measures 2.75 x 15.75 inches
  • Easy to fold for travel
  • Includes an extra supply of catnip
  • Only comes in one design
Find on Chewy

Best Intermediate: Nina Ottosson Petstages Buggin’ Out Puzzle

Green and red bug-themed cat puzzle.

This award-winning cat puzzle features adjustable levels, from beginner to intermediate, to help teach cats how to use it and sharpen their puzzle skills. Not only is it a fun and interactive game for your cat, but it can also be used as a slow feeder that also encourages your cat’s natural hunting instincts.

Things to know:

  • Holds up to 1/4 cup of food
  • Best for experienced puzzlers, not ideal for beginners
  • Includes 16 hidden treat compartments
  • Made with food-safe materials
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy Find on Petco

Best Advanced: Petstages Rainy Day Interactive Cat Treat Puzzle

Petstages Rainy Day Interactive Cat Treat Puzzle

A great boredom buster, this cat puzzle treat toy relies on dexterous paws to bat at the pegs and swivel the raindrops. With 14 treat compartments, three different levels, and a tips and tricks sheet, this advanced puzzle provides plenty of ways to keep your kitty’s brain busy.

Things to know: 

  • Holds up to 1/4 cup of food
  • Made with food-safe materials
  • No removable parts for safe play
  • Can be adjusted to three different levels
Find on Amazon Find on Petsmart

Best for Multiple Cats: TRIXIE Brain Mover Activity Strategy Game Cat Toy

White, red and maroon advanced cat puzzle toy

With four different and interchangeable modules, this cat puzzle toy is fantastic for multi-cat households, especially if your kitties are at different skill levels. The four modules span from intermediate to more advanced, making it great for curious cats who like a challenge but not the best for first-time puzzlers.

Things to know:

  • Dishwasher safe
  • 6.5 inches long x 7.75 inches in diameter x 3.5 inches high
  • Non-slip rubber feet on the base
  • Good for cats of all ages, though it may be challenging for beginners
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy Find on PetSmart

 

Best Feeder-Style Puzzle: Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Tree

Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Tree

Another puzzle that uses your kitty’s batting and swatting skills, this indoor feeder transforms meals or snack time into an intriguing hunt. Place kibble or treats at the top of the three-tiered maze and let your cat paw them down the bowl beneath to catch the food. Use this food tree alone or attach it to other puzzle toys in the Catit line to create an entire activity center.

Things to know:

  • Rotates to three different sizes
  • Base doubles as a no-spill dish
  • Made of BPA-free materials
  • Can be messy and loud
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy

Best Multi-Purpose: TRIXIE 5-in-1 Activity Fun Board

TRIXIE Activity 5-in-1 Activity Fun Board for Cats

Challenge your cat in five different ways with this multi-textured activity board. From licking to digging, this interactive feeder encourages your cat to use all of her senses in a variety of ways. Non-slip rubber feet keep the board in place while your cat climbs, scoops, and hunts out food.

Things to know: 

  • Dishwasher safe
  • Challenges include globes, pegs, alleys, tongues, and tunnels
  • Some reviewers have noted this toy is better for cats with smaller paws
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy

Best Catnip Puzzle Toy: Petstages Catnip Chase Track Interactive Cat Toy

Petstages Catnip Chase Track Toy

For kitties less interested in food, catnip puzzles provide a fantastic alternative. Relying on your cat’s sense of smell and movement, this catnip chase track toy features peek-a-boo openings for your kitty to pounce, stalk, and paw at the balls.

Things to know: 

  • Adjustable catnip compartment for varying scent strength
  • Comes in two colors (green and red and blue)
  • Hand washable with warm water and mild soap
Find on Amazon Find on Petco Find on Chewy

Best for Exercise: PetSafe SlimCat Meal-Dispensing Cat Ball

PetSafe meal dispensing ball

Need to get your cat moving? This puzzle ball is a smart way to add exercise to mealtime or provide an added outlet for cats who love to chase. Adjustable openings allow for a slower or faster feed, depending on your cat’s ability and energy levels.

Things to know: 

  • Top-rack dishwasher safe
  • Fits 85 grams of dry cat food
  • Distributes meals in smaller portions
  • Comes in four colors
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy Find on Petco

Best for Food-Motivated Cats: ALL FOR PAWS Interactive Puzzle Cat Feeder

White, orange and black striped cat playing with a rectangular green and white cat puzzle.

This puzzle maze is an excellent choice for food-motivated cats to get both mental and physical exercise. The clear top makes the treats in the puzzle visible so your cat can swat and paw to their heart’s delight to free the treats. It also features three interchangeable designs to keep up with your cat’s skill level, ranging from beginner to advanced.

Things to know:

  • Non-slip rubber feet to keep it from moving
  • Works as a slow feeder
  • Handwash only
Find on Amazon

Best for Prey-Motivated Cats: Petstages Grass Patch Hunting Box Cat Scratcher Toy

Grass Patch Hunting Box Toy

A touch of nature meets hunting fun with this multi-purpose scratcher puzzle toy. The faux grass on top allows for scratching, lounging, or napping after your kitty has chased and batted the jingling balls inside. Sprinkle in treats, toys, or kibble for added food enrichment.

Things to know: 

  • Multiple paw-sized openings
  • Sturdy cardboard structure, easy to tuck away
  • Includes three jingle balls
Find on Amazon Find on Chewy

Best for Wet Food: Lickimat Casper, Fish-Shaped Cat Lick Mat

Lickimat Casper, Fish-Shaped Cat Lick Mat

If your cat prefers wet or raw food to kibble, a lick mat is a great interactive feeder to stimulate their mind. Designed with low-profile ribs and ridges, this adorable fish-shaped lick mat encourages your kitty to slow down and crouch—mimicking feeding styles in the wild. For even slower feeding, freeze food on top for an added challenge.

Things to know:

  • Freezer and microwave safe
  • Made from non-toxic, recyclable material
  • Not suitable for kitties who love to chew
Find on Amazon

New to Cat Puzzle Toys? Here’s Where To Start

Paying close attention to your cat’s likes, dislikes, and overall behavior is a good place to start when choosing a cat puzzle toy. Do they like to chase, swat, scratch, scavenge—or all of the above? Selecting a puzzle that matches your cat’s preferences is a surefire way to keep them happy and entertained.

You’ll also want to pick an interactive cat toy that suits your kitty’s skills and abilities. For beginners, go with a simple but interactive stationary design like a lick mat, slow feeder cat bowl, or catnip toy. Starting with easier cat puzzles can help prevent frustration and build positive associations while you introduce them to the world of enrichment toys.

As your cat levels up to the intermediate stage, give them a wide variety of cat puzzle toys that work their brain in various ways to keep them engaged—think treat-dispensing balls, feeder boards, and box puzzles. Opt for toys with multiple difficulty settings so you can increase the challenge without moving too quickly.

Once your cat reaches a more advanced level (you’ll know when the treats start disappearing quickly), choose more complex puzzle toys and mazes that work multiple skills like sliding, spinning, and digging. (Then sit back, satisfied that your kitty has achieved Einstein status in the cat world.)

Every cat is different, so it may take a few tries to find the perfect interactive cat toy for them—but we’ve found it worthwhile so far, and the science agrees.

How We Chose

The cat puzzle toys featured here were selected based on a combination of our own hands-on testing, a comprehensive look at customer reviews across a wide variety of retail platforms, and interviews with veterinary and behavioral experts. We prioritized durability, versatility, and popularity. We’re also guided by the experience of living and playing alongside our own much-loved and strongly opinionated cats, who are never stingy with their feedback.

Further Reading

  • Do Cats Need Puzzle Toys? What the Science Says
  • The Best Kitten Toys for Active Kittens
  • The Best Cat Toys According to a Few Hyperactive, Playful Cats
  • Do Cats Need Puzzle Toys? What Science Says about Interactive Cat Toys and Feeders
Share0Tweet0Pin It0

Elisabeth Geier

Elisabeth Geier is a writer, teacher, and animal advocate with extensive animal handling experience and a soft spot for bully breeds and big orange tabbies.


Updated by Karen Anderson, Elizabeth Holbrook

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By Elisabeth Geier

Updated by Karen Anderson, Elizabeth Holbrook

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