The Nina Ottosson Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play is one of the most popular interactive treat puzzles for cats in the UK, combining durability, clever design, and genuine enrichment value. Created by renowned pet puzzle designer Nina Ottosson, this model is intended to engage a cat’s natural hunting instincts while providing mental stimulation and a slower, healthier eating pace. For indoor cats, and particularly for cats that often seem bored or under-stimulated, this type of puzzle can make a noticeable difference in their behaviour and wellbeing.
Made from safe, BPA-, PVC-, and phthalate-free materials, the puzzle uses a series of green “leaf” sliders and orange “ladybird” elements to cover various treat compartments. Unlike many cheaper alternatives, the Buggin’ Out puzzle has no removable parts, making it far safer for supervised play and much less likely to disappear under the sofa.
Design & Build Quality
The design is both playful and practical. The garden-themed layout with bugs and leaves is visually appealing, but more importantly, it gives cats several different movement types to figure out. They need to nudge, paw, and slide the pieces to reveal the food underneath, which keeps the experience engaging rather than repetitive.
Safe, Durable Materials
The puzzle is made from a composite material that feels solid, weighty, and built to last. It’s not flimsy, and cats can confidently paw, push, and nudge without breaking any components. Being free from common harmful chemicals gives peace of mind for cat owners who worry about their pets chewing or licking their toys.
Non-Removable Components
A major advantage is that everything is attached. Cheaper puzzle toys often include small moving parts that can detach, causing a choking hazard or becoming lost. With the Buggin’ Out puzzle, you won’t need to hunt for pieces or worry about safety in normal use.
Attractive Yet Functional Design
Shaped like a fun garden-themed puzzle, the combination of colours and textures helps keep cats interested. The sliders move smoothly but still provide enough resistance to challenge cats, encouraging them to work things out rather than simply batting at the toy and walking away.
Ease of Use
Despite being a puzzle, the Nina Ottosson Buggin Out is relatively straightforward to introduce. It is classed around an intermediate level, but you can make it much easier at the start simply by leaving some compartments uncovered or only partially covered.
Beginner-Friendly Introduction
New to puzzle toys? This model is an excellent starting point, especially for cats who haven’t used enrichment games before. The introductory approach is simple: leave treat compartments uncovered, then gradually increase difficulty. Most cats understand the puzzle within a few sessions.
Medium Difficulty for Skill Development
While easy to introduce, the puzzle also has enough depth to keep more intelligent or persistent cats entertained. The ability to adjust difficulty gives the toy longevity, making it a cost-effective enrichment investment that your cat doesn’t “outgrow” in a week.
Great for Picky or Anxious Cats
Many cats who tend to be anxious or hesitant around new objects feel more comfortable with puzzles that incorporate familiar elements, such as food smells. The Buggin’ Out puzzle encourages these cats to interact gently until they gain confidence, and the reward-based nature makes the association positive.
Feeding & Treat Capacity
One of the main reasons people choose this puzzle is to combine feeding with mental stimulation. You can use it for treats, as a slow feeder, or as an occasional enrichment game.
Ideal for Slow Feeding
If your cat tends to inhale meals, this puzzle can help naturally slow down eating. This reduces the common issues associated with fast feeding, such as vomiting, bloating, and discomfort. By spreading food across multiple compartments, it encourages small, frequent mouthfuls.
Suitable for Dry and Wet Food
One of the standout features is compatibility with both dry kibble and wet food. Many puzzle toys struggle to handle moist food without creating a mess, but the design here keeps wet food neatly contained in the lower compartments. Just be sure to wash it thoroughly after use.
Encourages Healthy Eating Habits
Puzzle feeding taps into your cat’s natural foraging instincts. By working for their food, cats burn mental and physical energy, which leads to more predictable behaviour and often a calmer demeanour throughout the day. It can also make mealtimes more interesting for cats who get bored with a standard bowl.
Daily Practicality
When choosing a puzzle toy for everyday use, cleaning and storage are just as important as difficulty level.
Easy to Clean
The toy washes quickly with warm water and mild soap. Since the pieces are attached, it’s easy to rinse under a tap without dismantling. Allow it to dry fully before refilling, especially if you use wet food.
Compact & Portable
At around 33 cm long and only 450g, the puzzle is portable and easy to store. It’s large enough to keep a cat engaged without taking over the living room, and it can be easily moved between rooms or put away when not in use.
Durability Over Time
Over time, many plastic-based toys tend to show wear, but this puzzle is known for its durability. Even when exposed to repeated pawing, clawing, and nudging, it maintains its functionality and appearance. For households with multiple cats, it’s tough enough to cope with shared use.
Behavioural Benefits
Interactive toys like the Nina Ottosson Buggin Out can offer benefits beyond simple entertainment.
Reduces Boredom
Indoor cats often lack stimulation, particularly if they don’t have access to the outdoors. This puzzle encourages them to think, explore, and work things out — offering a satisfying challenge that boosts confidence and mental wellbeing.
Discourages Unwanted Behaviours
By keeping cats busy, puzzle toys can help reduce unwanted behaviours, such as:
- Overgrooming
- Knocking items off tables or shelves
- Attention-seeking meowing
- Night-time restlessness
Supports Weight Management
Puzzle toys naturally slow down food intake and encourage physical activity, making them helpful for overweight cats or breeds prone to weight gain. While they are not a complete solution on their own, they can complement a controlled diet and vet guidance.
Overall Performance
The Nina Ottosson Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play delivers excellent value in terms of enrichment, build quality, and usability. Whether you want to slow down eating, provide mental stimulation, or enrich an indoor cat’s life, this puzzle performs reliably and avoids many of the common flaws found in cheaper models.
It’s engaging without being overly frustrating, and the adjustable difficulty ensures it remains enjoyable long after your cat learns the basics. For UK cat owners looking to invest in a long-lasting puzzle toy, it’s a very strong contender.
