The Best Puzzle Toys and Games for Cats

Anyone who lives with cats will tell you that their cat is smart. If a cat knows where you hide her food, she will figure out how to get into the cabinet. Cats also come up with their own games, and it is enjoyable to watch a game of tag between two or three kittens. Cat cognition is harder to test than dog intelligence, but that doesn't mean that scientists haven't been able to get a glimpse into the way our cats think. Curiosity, for example, has been linked to intelligence. Researchers have also been able to tap into the social intelligence of cats. And you can certainly train your cats to do different things; the key is motivating them to do it.

And like all thinkers, our feline companions need mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Puzzles and games can keep your cat entertained for hours. It gives them something to do that also keeps their brains sharp. Your cat will be happier and healthier if she has games to play. These games also give your little felines an opportunity to practice their innate hunting skills. Hide treats inside of the puzzle and watch them figure out how to get their favorite goodies out of it.

Alternate their games to give your cats different challenges and keep them from becoming bored with it. Your kitties will appreciate the opportunity to flex their feline smarts, especially since there are treats involved. And you'll love watching them solve these puzzles.

Simulated prey pops out from openings around the toy. Let your cat hone his hunting skills, day or night. The toy comes equipped with an LED light for nighttime play.

Shop Now: PetFusion Ambush Interactive Cat Toy with Electronic Rotating Feather, $26, pet-fusion.com.

Watch your kitty bat around this ball to get to the treats inside. He swipes left and gives chase! This toy could provide hours of fun for your smart feline.

Shop Now: Catit Hagen Treat Ball, $5.99, chewy.com.

Cats go wild for laser toys: Just aim the laser around the room and watch your kitty chase it. Maybe one of these days she will finally catch that red dot.

Shop Now: Furry Fido Cat Laser Pointer, $20, furryfido.com.

Your cat can level up her puzzle-solving skills with this game's four modules. The first game is moving balls out of the way, and the second game is using her paws to move the sliders. Your cat can learn to open drawers to get to her hidden treats using either the lever or a loop.

Shop Now: Trixie Brain Mover Interactive Cat Toy, $12, chewy.com.

Your cat will need to use a combination of all her senses to figure out each module. Here's how it works: Place her favorite treats in different locations each time to increase difficulty and give her plenty of challenge.

Shop Now: Trixie 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center, $37, bedbathandbeyond.com.

Your cat will not get bored with this toy. Give your feisty feline plenty of mental stimulation and physical exercise with a choice of the Balls Spin and Roll game, Bat and Chase game with the levels of sturdy track.

Shop Now: Petstages Tower Tracks Cat Toy, $19.99, petco.com.

Your cat will love the twirling feather. Turn on the toy and watch your cat chase this spinning teaser toy to their joy. A little jingle at the base of the ball also provides excitement.

Shop Now: Ethical Pet Spin Around Cat Track Cat Toys, $12, chewy.com.

Motivate your cat's innate hunting instincts with a little feeder that can be tucked into toy mice. Just put in a few of Kitty's favorite treats and hide the toys around the house where your cat likes to search for prey.

Shop Now: Doc & Phoebe's Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder, $20, docandphoebe.com.

This interactive ball is soft and textured to appeal to your cat's sense of touch. When she bats it around, it responds to her with a little shake or a jump. Insert a treat into the hole for extra motivation.

Shop Now: Wicked Ball for Cats, $49, store.cheerble.com.