Mental exercise is crucial to our dogs’ overall wellness. The same thing applies to cats, but there seem to be fewer products designed to get them thinking. (At least that I’ve found! If you know of any, do share!)
So, I decided to whip one up: a DIY cat puzzle!
This is the easiest DIY project you will ever do.
Supplies: a small box and a collection of either toilet paper rolls or paper towel rolls cut down to size.
Steps: Fill the box with the rolls. Then, sprinkle some yummy cat treats or dry kibble in the slots, and let your cat go to town.
I decided to film Newt’s first attempt:
Newt’s puzzle from Maggie Marton on Vimeo.
Have you tried a cat-friendly project like this DIY cat puzzle before? Does your cat like puzzles? Cat folks: Tips or tricks for getting your cats thinking?
Very cool! Think I’ll give it a try. I’ll have to keep Hershey away since she only has one solution to puzzles, chewing.
HA! That’s how Emmett is, too. I have to keep all of Newt’s things away from him, actually… 🙂
It was fascinating to see Newt’s approach. Honey (and many dogs) are probably far more active. But Newt used a lot of finesse to grasp those treats with her paws.
Clever toy.
YES! That is such an excellent point. It’s interesting to watch her solve the same types of problems that I give the boys because they tackle the solution totally differently. She’s become a master at sticking her arm down a jar, cupping her paw, and scooping out a treat! The dogs just bash their way through! 🙂
This is such a cool idea! Pamela sent me over because it looks like the perfect toy for my pet rat. I am always trying to think of new toys to make at home for her. Thanks!
So fun, Ann!! If you give it a try, please let me know how your rat does with the puzzle!
I think Newt showed how smart she was by reaching down in there to get it!
I’m thinking Luke would like this too….he loves paper towel and t.p. rolls! Of course, I can’t let him at it until the cats have had their try, because I know what the end result will be….destruction! LOL
Hah! Yeah, the dogs here are the same way… Newt is definitely a smarty-pants, but her approach is SO different from the dogs. I love watching her think things through. She’s way more thoughtful and gentle in her approach to puzzles, that’s for sure!
This looks like a great idea. I think I will have to try it, and I hope my cats are as cool and gentle about the hunt as Newt is. I kind of pictured one of mine just dumping it upside down. It is definitely worth a try, though.
That would be a way faster method of solving the puzzle!! 🙂 Let us know if you decide to give it a whirl!
Will try this. Constantly looking for anything to keep my very active new kitty busy. His enegy level is off the charts !! Thanks for the idea.
Let me know how it goes, Phyllis!