Egg-carton puzzle for cats: how to play
Kibble tucked into the cups of a paper egg carton. A gentle first puzzle for any cat.
- Time
- 8 min
- Energy
- Low
- Space
- Small room
You'll need
- clean paper egg carton (not foam)
- kibble or treats
Set up
Cut the lid off the carton. Put two or three pieces of kibble in each cup.
How to play
Offer the open carton with kibble visible in every cup.
Once easy, put a scrunched paper ball over some cups.
Next, close the lid with kibble inside and poke a few paw-sized holes in the lid.
Hardest: close the lid with no holes and let your cat nose and paw it open.
Throw the carton away after use.
House rules
- Paper cartons only.
- One-time use.
- Make it easier
- Cut the carton into a strip of 4 cups and leave it open.
- Make it harder
- Close the lid and add paper balls in every cup.
Signs it's having fun
Nosing into cups, tipping the carton, tearing the lid open.
Stop if you see
Swallowing paper or losing interest.
Safety
Safety- Never use foam or plastic cartons; pieces can be swallowed.
- Wash or use cartons from clean eggs only; raw egg residue can carry germs.
- Take the carton away if your cat eats the paper.
Sources
- Playing with your cat (Battersea)
- Study finds nearly a third of cat owners use food puzzles (UC Davis)
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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