How to Puzzle with Pets (or Kids!)

Puzzling can be peaceful, relaxing, and rewarding... unless you’re puzzling with a curious cat or a helpful toddler nearby. Whether they’re furry or not, our little “assistants” love to be involved—and sometimes that leads to a bit of chaos. As someone who puzzles with two cats constantly underfoot, I can confirm: it's not always easy, but it’s definitely entertaining.

Oliver Helping with I Love Donuts

Let me introduce you to my puzzle partners. Oliver is my little Observer. He usually sits quietly in an empty puzzle box nearby and watches me puzzle like he’s judging my sorting strategy. But don’t let his calm demeanor fool you—he’s a stealthy piece thief. I’ve found pieces in his food dish and under the couch more times than I can count.

Then there’s Loki, affectionately nicknamed the Destroyer. His favorite puzzle strategy? Charge in, roll around, and knock things over. More than once, I’ve come out in the morning to find an in-progress puzzle on the floor because Loki decided to hold midnight auditions for a cat rodeo.

Loki ontop of Springtime by Pomegranate

Tips for Puzzling with Pets

• Use a puzzle board or mat: These can be a lifesaver. Puzzle boards give you a flat, movable surface, and puzzle mats let you roll up your work if you need to protect it. It also gives your puzzle some elevation—which can deter some (not all) animals from climbing up. Also most boards and mats come with a cover which is very handy when you are leaving your puzzle unattended.
• Have a decoy box: This has been key for me. Cats love boxes, so give them one that’s not your puzzle box. If Oliver has a box of his own, he’s much less likely to take over mine. I'll even put in a couple decoy pieces that aren't from my current puzzle, so he thinks he's being stealthy.
• Secure loose pieces: Whether it's a curious paw or a wagging tail, loose pieces are vulnerable. I recommend keeping unsorted pieces in a lidded container, within stackable sorting trays or in a spare puzzle box when you’re not working on the puzzle.
• Try a cover: If you take a break, lay a clean towel or a large sheet of cardboard over your puzzle. I love using foam board and put something heavy ontop to make sure that if a cat jumps onto it, the whole contraption doesn't fall off. It’s not foolproof, but it can slow down mischievous paws and keep fur off your progress.

Picture Shared from Alyssa @PuzzlesAtoZ

And What About Puzzling with Kids?

While I don’t have kids of my own, I’ve heard from many puzzlers that involving children in the puzzle process can be a blast—with a few extra considerations.

• Choose age-appropriate puzzles: Start with puzzles that match your child’s skill level. Chunky pieces for toddlers, colorful images for young kids, and slightly higher counts as they grow more confident. I love family style puzzles which gives a few different piece sizes which are perfect for getting kids involved.

Thanksgiving Togetherness by Cobble Hill

• Make it a team effort: Assign easy sections—like the border or a colorful object—so they feel a sense of ownership. Even little wins help build their attention span and puzzle confidence.
• Expect imperfection: Puzzles with kids can be messy and a little chaotic—and that’s okay! The goal is to have fun together, not speed solve. (Though if you want to train the next generation of speed puzzlers, who am I to stop you?)

In the End...

Puzzling with pets or kids isn’t always smooth, but it definitely creates memories. From stolen pieces to scattered puzzles, your little sidekicks may not always be helpful—but they sure know how to make things interesting. And hey, if you’ve never puzzled with a cat in your lap or a toddler giggling at the “funny shaped” pieces, you’re missing out on some prime puzzle moments.

Just remember: puzzle mats, lidded containers, and a sense of humor go a long way. And if a piece goes missing? Check the food bowl first. Trust me.