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Puzzle Toy: Brain Work and Sniffing Fun for Your Clever Cat

Puzzle, sniff, win the treat: a puzzle toy challenges your cat's mind and chases away boredom, especially for indoor cats.

Puzzle Toy: Brain Training for Velvet Paws

Cats are clever animals. In the wild they spend a lot of time tracking down and outwitting prey. Indoors that task disappears and the food simply sits in the bowl. A puzzle toy brings the challenge back. Your cat has to sniff, fish or push to get to her treats. That leaves her tired and content, especially if she is one of the many indoor cats with little else to do during the day.

Working for food instead of being served

A treat ball from Kerbl releases dry food little by little as it rolls. It comes in 5 and 7.5 cm sizes. With the Turnley activity board you hide treats in hollows and compartments that your cat fishes out with her paw. The sunflower snuffle mat appeals to her fine nose, as small snacks disappear between the fabric petals. A lick mat keeps your cat busy with pastes or wet food and can be a good distraction while you trim her claws or brush her.

Learning, hunting and figuring things out

With a clicker you can teach your cat little tricks. This strengthens your bond and is an exciting activity for many cats. The Jokey scratching board with ball combines claw care with play. The PetSafe FroliCat Multi-Laser projects changing dots of light around the room for your cat to chase. Always let her catch something real at the end, such as a treat, so the game has a satisfying ending.

Frequently asked questions

Is playing with a laser pointer bad for cats?
Many cats love chasing the dot of light. But because they can never catch it, it can be frustrating. So end the game on a toy or a treat and never point the beam at the eyes.

My cat doesn't understand the activity board. What can I do?
Start with the easiest level and place the treats clearly visible on top. Stay with her and praise every attempt. Only move on to trickier hiding places once she has grasped the idea.

Can you really teach a cat tricks?
Yes, many cats learn quickly with a clicker and treats, for example to come on a signal, give a paw or go into the carrier. Keep the sessions short, a few minutes are enough. That way it stays a game for your cat.

Puzzle Toys Against Boredom

Outdoors, a cat is constantly challenged: she listens, watches, searches and plans. Indoors she often lacks this variety. A puzzle toy helps to keep her mind busy and make everyday life more exciting. With the treat ball your cat rolls out her dry food piece by piece, and with the activity board she fishes treats out of compartments with her paw. The snuffle mat challenges her nose, while the lick mat makes for calm moments. With the clicker your cat learns little tricks, and a laser toy gets her moving around the room. Start with easy tasks so your cat quickly enjoys a sense of success. After that you can slowly increase the difficulty. This way she can work for part of her daily food along the way, and afterwards she'll be pleasantly tired and content.