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When your cat knocks stuff off shelves or leaps out of hiding places, it may be exasperating to you—but it’s pure entertainment for them. Clever cats need fun and games to keep them active, happy, and out of trouble. So before they clear off your desk or open your kitchen cabinets, set out some cat puzzle toys to divert them.
Puzzle toys encourage independent play so your curious kitty can keep themselves busy when you don’t have time to wave a wand or point a laser toy. For older cats, puzzle toys are a great way to engage their brains when they’re not as physically spry as they used to be.
Best Cat Puzzle Toys
Not every puzzle toy will appeal to every cat. Some encourage hunting for food rewards, others involve moving objects the cat just can’t resist. Your cat’s personality will determine their favorites. We’ve picked out a wide variety of styles for our seven best cat puzzle toys.
Classic ball-in-track games, such as this one from renowned toymaker Kong, are great for cats who like to play by themselves and enjoy a challenge. Inquisitive kitties will find stimulation batting two inset balls that each contain a jingling bell.
If your cat is skilled at extracting the balls from these kinds of games (such as Ramona, seen here in action), you may have to get involved in the action so you can retrieve the ball and keep the game going.
Verified review:
This clever cat puzzle toy, a recyclable cardboard box with inner chambers and holes, encourages your kitty’s natural instincts to explore, scratch, sniff, and hunt. Just fill it with your cat’s favorite treats and toys, and watch them spend hours exploring it. Bonus: the puzzle has three difficulty levels to challenge your cat as their skills improve.
What we like:
- Easy-to-store cardboard structure
- Variety of challenges for a curious cat
Just think about your cat chasing your feet under the blanket and you’ll understand why this cat puzzle toy is so captivating. A concealed wand whips about beneath the cover, trailing a furry creature for your cat to chase along the perimeter.
What we like:
- Easy-t0-clean polyester cover and plastic mechanism
- Electronic motor for the wand, with a choice of two speeds
Equipped with a premium catnip toy and tempting ball with a bell, this puzzle toy is designed to keep your kitty busy chasing and batting. The plastic stand includes dishes for treats (and water, if your cat likes to splash).
What we like:
- Durable and easy to clean
- Ideal for anytime independent play
It’s off to the races with this intriguing toy. 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.
Engage your cat’s hunting instinct with this multi-purpose puzzle toy. The faux grass on top is perfect for scratching and lounging, and your kitty will chase and bat the jingling balls on the inside. Add other cat toys or even some kibble or treats to let your kitty work for their food!
What we like:
- Sturdy cardboard structure is easy to tuck away when playtime ends
- Add other toys or treats for variety
This indoor feeder transforms your kitty’s snack time into an intriguing hunt. Place treats at the top of the feeder and let your cat paw them down to the bowl beneath to “catch” the food. No cheating—the device has a secure lid.
What we like:
- Removable, easy-to-clean plastic components
- Slows down cats who eat too quickly
Cat 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. With so many cat puzzle toys available, you’re sure to find one that keeps your kitty busy.