Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This review is based on the manufacturer’s product information, not hands-on testing.
The Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play is a treat puzzle and slow feeder designed by Nina Ottosson for the Catstages range from Outward Hound. If your indoor cat empties the bowl in seconds and then goes looking for trouble, this puzzle is built to turn mealtime into a small hunting game. This review walks through how it works, its main features, honest pros and cons, and who it suits best.
- GREAT FOR CURIOUS CATS : Stimulates cat’s natural foraging instincts
- REPLACE YOUR BOWL: Treat puzzles can be used for daily feeding to encourage a healthy eating pace
- KEEPS CATS BUSY: 16 hidden treat compartments keep cats occupied
Prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change.
Table of Contents
Why Indoor Cats Need Daily Mental Stimulation
Cats are natural hunters. Outdoors, they stalk, pounce and work for small meals. Indoors, a full bowl removes that effort, and some cats fill the gap with boredom behaviours such as scratching furniture, nagging for food or restless night-time activity.
RSPCA Australia explains that keeping a cat happy at home means meeting needs that roaming might otherwise have met, which takes planning and enrichment. Their guide on keeping your cat safe and happy at home is a good starting point for any indoor cat owner.
A food puzzle is one simple way to add that enrichment. Instead of eating from a plain dish, your cat uses its paws and nose to find food, which mimics foraging. In an RSPCA Australia podcast on keeping cats safe and happy at home, a senior RSPCA scientist describes puzzle feeders as a good way to engage a cat’s mind and body, and advises introducing them slowly and rotating toys so cats don’t get bored. Veterinary specialists writing for ScienceAlert also list puzzle feeders among their tips for keeping indoor cats entertained, and the RSPCA’s Safe and Happy Cats website has more indoor enrichment guidance.
For more ideas, see our guide to interactive cat toys for indoor cats.
What Is the Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play?
The Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play is a Level 2 puzzle in the Nina Ottosson lineup. According to the manufacturer, it has 16 hidden treat compartments, covered by swivelling leaf flippers and sliding ladybug pegs. Your cat has to bat, scoot and nudge the pieces to reach the treats or kibble underneath.
Key details from the product listing:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Brand | Catstages / Nina Ottosson by Outward Hound |
| Model | Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play |
| Difficulty | Level 2 |
| Compartments | 16 hidden treat cups |
| Capacity | Up to 1/4 cup of food |
| Parts | No removable parts |
| Material | Wood plastic composite, listed as BPA, PVC and phthalate free |
| Weight | 450 g |
| Care | Hand wash with warm soapy water; not dishwasher safe |
Always check the current Amazon listing for the latest specifications, as manufacturers can update them.
5 Benefits of the Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play
1. It Encourages Natural Foraging
The leaves and ladybug pegs ask your cat to investigate, paw and problem-solve. That taps into hunting and foraging instincts, so a meal becomes an activity instead of a quick gulp.
2. It Can Replace a Standard Bowl
Because it holds up to 1/4 cup of food, the puzzle can serve as a feeder for part of a meal or for treat time. The manufacturer says it encourages a healthier eating pace when used at mealtime. If your cat’s portions are larger, you can split the meal between the puzzle and a regular bowl. If you have concerns about your cat’s eating habits or weight, speak with your vet.
3. Difficulty Is Adjustable
You can make the game easier or harder. For beginners, place treats in the cups and swivel the leaves out of the way. As your cat learns, cover the compartments with leaves and pegs for a bigger challenge. This makes it workable for curious kittens and experienced puzzle fans alike.
4. It Gives Your Cat Something to Do
The manufacturer positions the puzzle as a way to keep indoor cats busy and help redirect unwanted behaviours through mental stimulation. Every cat is different, so results will vary, but giving a bored cat a task is a sensible first step.
5. There Are No Removable Parts
Every leaf and peg stays attached to the board. That means fewer small pieces to lose and an easier clean-up. It also suits households that don’t want loose bits scattered around the home.
How to Introduce the Puzzle to Your Cat
New objects can make cats cautious, so start slowly and keep it rewarding.
- Start with an easy setup. Swivel the leaves away and place a few smelly, high-value treats in open cups so your cat connects the board with rewards.
- Add partial cover. Move the leaves so they only half-cover the cups. Your cat can still smell the food and will learn to nudge the leaf.
- Cover the cups fully. Once your cat is confident, cover the compartments and use the ladybug pegs.
- Increase the challenge gradually. Combine leaves and pegs so your cat has to work through more than one step.
Keep sessions short and positive. The manufacturer’s safety notes say to always supervise your cat, teach your cat how the game works, not leave your cat alone with the puzzle, and not let your cat chew on the game or its pieces. Keep it out of reach of young children too.
Cleaning and Care
Cats’ paws and mouths touch the puzzle, so regular cleaning matters. Shake out leftover crumbs, then hand wash with warm water and mild soap, using a soft brush for the gaps around the pegs. The listing says it is not dishwasher safe. Let it dry completely before refilling so moisture doesn’t linger in the compartments.
The manufacturer states the puzzle can be used with both wet and dry treats. If you use wet food, wash the board straight after play, because leftovers can build up around the moving parts.
Pros and Cons of the Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play
Pros
- 16 hidden compartments give plenty of variety in one board
- Adjustable difficulty suits beginners and more experienced cats
- No removable parts, which simplifies cleaning and reduces lost pieces
- Holds up to 1/4 cup, so it works for treats or part of a meal
- Heavier base (450 g) that is less likely to slide around than a very light toy
- Designed by a recognised pet puzzle designer, Nina Ottosson
Cons
- Hand wash only, so it takes a little more effort than a dishwasher-safe bowl
- Very food-motivated cats may master it quickly, so rotating other toys helps
- Capacity is modest, so large meals won’t fit in a single fill
- Larger treats or oversized kibble may not suit the compartments
- Some cats need patient introduction before they engage
For more picks, browse our latest cat product reviews.
Who Is the Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play Best For?
This puzzle is a good match if you:
- Have an indoor cat or kitten who gets bored easily
- Want to slow down a cat that eats quickly
- Prefer a puzzle with no loose pieces
- Like the idea of adjustable difficulty as your cat improves
It may be less suitable if your cat has no interest in food puzzles, needs very large meal portions, or if you want a dishwasher-safe option. If your cat has a medical condition affecting eating or weight, check with your vet before changing how it is fed.
- GREAT FOR CURIOUS CATS : Stimulates cat’s natural foraging instincts
- REPLACE YOUR BOWL: Treat puzzles can be used for daily feeding to encourage a healthy eating pace
- KEEPS CATS BUSY: 16 hidden treat compartments keep cats occupied
Prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play suitable for kittens?
The manufacturer describes it as suitable for cats and kittens. Start with the leaves open so young cats are not discouraged, and always supervise play.
Can I use wet food in the Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play?
The manufacturer says it can be used with wet or dry food and treats. Wash it promptly after wet food to keep the moving parts clean.
How much does the Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play hold?
It holds up to 1/4 cup of food across its 16 hidden compartments.
Is it dishwasher safe?
No. Hand wash it with warm, soapy water and let it dry fully.
How hard is it compared with other Nina Ottosson puzzles?
It is rated Level 2, which sits between beginner and more complex designs. You can change the difficulty by how you set the leaves and pegs.
Final Verdict
The Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play is a practical, well-designed way to add enrichment to an indoor cat’s day. With 16 compartments, adjustable difficulty and no removable parts, it offers variety without much fuss. It won’t suit every cat, and it needs hand washing, but for bored or fast-eating cats it is worth considering as part of a wider enrichment routine.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through links on this page, I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This review is based on the manufacturer’s product information, not hands-on testing.