- This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.
Have you noticed your cat knocking stuff off the shelves or getting themselves into increasingly tricky hiding places? These may be signs of boredom. Clever cats need engagement to keep them active, happy, and out of trouble.
Puzzle toys are a perfect solution: they allow for independent play, so your curious kitty can keep themselves busy. And for older cats, puzzle toys are a great way to engage their brains even if they’re not as physically spry as they used to be. These are our picks for the five best cat puzzle toys that really work.
1. Cat Amazing Interactive Treat Maze & Puzzle Feeder
This clever cat puzzle toy encourages your kitty’s natural instincts to explore, scratch, sniff, and hunt. It’s a recyclable cardboard box with inner chambers and holes for your cat to explore. Just fill it with your cat’s favorite treats and toys, and watch them spend hours playing! It even has three difficulty levels to challenge your cat as their skills improve.
Helpful review: “My cat has become an addict! When I first gave him the box, he spent an hour straight playing with it. He was EXHAUSTED! But he never gets bored with it, he keeps coming back and waits for food to be dropped in there. This toy is now his preferred method of eating.”
Buy Now on Amazon2. Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder
Is your indoor cat a natural-born hunter? This puzzle feeder toy lets them live out their wildcat fantasies from the safety of their home. It’s a set of durable mouse feeders. Simply scoop your cat’s kibble into the BPA free plastic insert, add the tactile fabric skin, and let your cat get to hunting. These vet-recommended feeders encourage slow feeding and exercise, putting an end to boredom and destructive behavior.
Helpful review: “Took a bit for my indoor cats to understand what they were supposed to do with these. But, after a week or so post removing the food bowl, they figured it out. They are already much happier, more spry and energetic, interested and curious. My 10yr kitty is acting like his 1yr old former self!”
Buy Now on Amazon3. Catit Design Senses Super Roller Circuit Toy
Think of this toy as a race car track for cats. The large, eight-piece circuit has alternating high and low sections with a motion-activated light-up ball that zips around inside. Your cat can swipe, chase, and even touch the ball, but they’ll never get it out of the track.
Helpful review: “We have 6 cats. When this arrived, we easily assembled it and put it down on the floor. All 6 immediately ran in to check it out. After having had it about a month, it still gets regular play from 3-4 of our cats. What’s nice is that it isn’t something you have to start – they tend to self-play.”
Buy Now on Amazon4. Petstages Grass Patch Hunting Cat Puzzle Toy
Engage your cat’s hunting instinct with this multi-purpose puzzle toy. The faux grass on top is perfect for scratching and lounging, and the jingle bells on the inside are fun for your kitty to chase and bat. Add some kibble or treats and let your kitty work for their food!
Helpful review: “My 4-year-old cats LOVE this toy. They play as if they are kittens. Finn likes to get a ball out, chase it around, swatting at it for a bit then picks it up in his mouth and brings it back to the box. Its so entertaining to watch. My cat that loves it most is 22 pounds. This toy has gotten him to be so active lately. Great purchase!”
Buy Now on Chewy5. Catit Senses 2.0 Digger
Here’s as puzzle feeder with a modern design. The Catit Senses 2.0 Digger encourages cats to work for their food. Just distribute food or treats among the five differently-shaped tubes, and watch your cat sniff and paw out small portions. It stimulates activity, reduces binge eating, and looks nice in your home.
Helpful review: “Even though it is a simple concept, it is great enrichment for my kitty. I can see how much he enjoys the stimulation of ‘digging out’ and ‘catching’ his treats like prey, and it’s rather entertaining to watch.”
Buy Now on AmazonCat puzzle toys are a great way to encourage your pet’s natural instincts, engage their brains, and exercise their bodies. Every cat is different, so it may take a few tries to find the perfect interactive toy for them, but don’t give up! With so many cat puzzle toys available, you’re sure to find one that keeps your kitty busy.
