If you want to keep cats off your puzzle, you are not alone. Plenty of puzzlers have stepped away for a cup of coffee and come back to a cat sitting right in the middle of the sky section. Dogs can be just as curious. The good news is that a few simple habits, and the right setup, make a big difference.
Why Pets and Puzzles Do Not Always Mix
Loose pieces are tempting to curious paws
Puzzle pieces are small, light and easy to bat around. To a curious cat, a table full of them can look like a box of toys. A dog may simply want to sniff whatever you have been focused on all afternoon.
Lost or chewed pieces are no fun for anyone
One missing piece can spoil the moment you finish a puzzle. Pieces that end up under the sofa or in a pet's mouth are also not good for your pet. Keeping pieces out of reach protects your puzzle and your furry friend.
Pick the Right Spot for Your Puzzle
Choose a room you can close off
The simplest fix is a door. If you can puzzle in a spare room, office or dining room that closes, your pet cannot get to the puzzle while you are away.
Keep your puzzle off the floor and low tables
A puzzle on the floor or a coffee table is easy for a dog to reach and easy for a cat to walk across. A sturdy table is a better home. A puzzle board also helps, because you can cover it or move it out of the way when you are done.
Cover Your Puzzle Whenever You Step Away
The best way to keep cats off your puzzle is to cover it every time you leave the table, even for a few minutes. Here are a few puzzle boards that make that easy. You can see them all in our puzzle board collection.
Puzzle boards with covers: ColorStack, TiltSort and SnapFrame
The ColorStack Puzzle Board comes with a dust cover and 6 collapsible sorting trays. The TiltSort Puzzle Board has a clear cover, so you can still see your progress, plus 4 magnetic sorting drawers. The SnapFrame Puzzle Board has a protective cover and a raised border around its felt surface.
The ErgoStack stand folds over as a cover
The ErgoStack Puzzle Board has a tilting stand for puzzling at an angle. When you are done, the stand folds over the board as a cover. It also has 6 collapsible sorting trays.
Roll it up with the RollSafe Puzzle Mat
The RollSafe Puzzle Mat is a felt mat that rolls up around an inflatable roll tube. It comes with 4 sorting trays, straps and a travel bag. Roll it up, strap it, and put it somewhere your pet cannot reach.
Keep Loose Pieces Contained
Unsorted pieces lying in piles are the biggest temptation. Giving every piece a home makes cleanup quick. Our post on sorting pieces faster with puzzle sorting trays has more ideas.
Sorting drawers and trays that store inside the board: TiltSort and TiltFold
The TiltSort has 4 magnetic sorting drawers. The TiltFold Puzzle Board has 6 sorting trays that store inside the board, a raised felt border and a carry bag. When you put the trays away, there are fewer loose pieces left out for a pet to find.
Pick up dropped pieces right away
A piece on the floor is an open invitation. Make a quick habit of scanning the floor and chair before you leave the table.
Give Your Pet Something Else to Do
A cozy spot of their own nearby
Many pets just want to be near you. A soft bed or blanket close to your puzzle table gives them a place to keep you company without climbing on the puzzle.
Puzzle while your pet is busy or resting
Try puzzling when your pet usually naps, or after a walk or play session. A tired pet is often happy to curl up and watch.
Frequently Asked Questions About Puzzles and Pets
What is the easiest way to protect a puzzle from pets?
Cover it whenever you step away. A board with a cover, like the ColorStack or ErgoStack, or a roll-up mat like the RollSafe, makes this a quick habit.
Can I leave a puzzle out overnight with pets in the house?
Only if it is covered or in a room your pet cannot get into. Otherwise, roll it up or cover it before bed.
How do I store a puzzle in progress when I have pets?
Use a covered board or a roll-up mat, put loose pieces in trays or drawers, and keep everything up high or behind a closed door. For more tips, read How to Store a Jigsaw Puzzle in Progress.
