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Updated: 24 April 2025 • Estimated read time: 8–10 minutes

# Indoor Enrichment for Dogs & Cats: Puzzle Toys for Bad Weather & Load Shedding

Stuck indoors thanks to Cape storms, winter rain, or an Eskom power cut? This South African guide is your go-to for indoor dog and cat enrichment during loadshedding/load shedding and bad weather. Every idea below uses no electricity and leans on puzzle toys, treat dispensers, and clever DIY games to keep pets calm, busy and happy. You’ll find shop-ready picks, frozen treat recipes, and step-by-step no-power games for both dogs and cats.

Quick jump links:

• Why mental stimulation matters
• No-electricity DIY games (How-Tos)
• Frozen food puzzles (prep ahead)
• Build a rainy-day routine
• Choosing the right puzzle toys + difficulty ladder
• Our top no-electricity picks (Dogs | Cats)
• Anxiety & senior pet tips
• FAQs

Above-the-fold CTA: Shop No-Electricity Toys (find them under Dogs > Treat Dispensers; Dogs > Toys; Cats > Interactive Toys; Essentials > Lifestyle)

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Why mental stimulation matters (dogs & cats)

Even indoors, our pets still have big natural drives: dogs love to forage and problem-solve; cats are born stalk-and-pounce hunters. When storms or blackouts limit exercise, short, focused “brain games” can reduce restlessness, barking, meowing and chewing.

• Mental work helps lower stress and build confidence. Scenting, foraging and gentle licking are especially calming.
• Regular enrichment supports healthy ageing, better sleep and a stronger bond with you.

Sources:

• International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC): enrichment benefits for stress reduction
• ISFM (cat-friendly principles) and Fear Free Pets: licking/foraging as low-arousal activities

Safety first

• Supervise the first few sessions with any new toy or DIY setup.
• Size matters: pick toys large enough not to be swallowed.
• Use pet-safe foods (xylitol-free peanut butter; plain yoghurt with no sweeteners; avoid grapes, raisins, onions, xylitol).

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No-electricity games for loadshedding (How-Tos)

Each DIY below is blackout-friendly and sized for SA homes and apartments. Marked time is for setup; engagement varies by pet.

1) Scent Scatter (Dogs & Cats)

• Supplies: Kibble or small treats; 1–2 rooms; optional snuffle mat.
• Time: 2 minutes. Difficulty: Beginner.
• Steps:

1. Show a few treats, then ask your pet to “wait” or gently hold back. 2. Scatter treats over an easy area (rug, snuffle mat, or along skirtings). 3. Release with “Find it!” and let the nose do the work. 4. Increase difficulty by hiding under doormats, behind chair legs, or in a rolled towel.

• Safety: For cats, skip small rolling treats on slick floors—use a mat or textured surface to avoid frantic chases.

2) Muffin Tin Challenge (Dogs & Cats)

• Supplies: Muffin tin; 6–12 compartments; kibble; tennis balls or crumpled paper.
• Time: 3 minutes. Difficulty: Beginner ? Intermediate.
• Steps:

1. Drop a few treats in each cup. 2. Cover some cups with balls/paper and leave others open. 3. Let your pet work out how to nudge or remove covers. 4. Level up by covering more cups or using heavier covers.

• Safety: For power chewers, supervise and swap tennis balls for rubber covers or large silicone molds.

3) Towel Twist Forage (Dogs & Cats)

• Supplies: Bath towel; kibble/treats; optional catnip for cats.
• Time: 3 minutes. Difficulty: Beginner.
• Steps:

1. Sprinkle food across the towel. 2. Roll, fold and loosely knot. 3. Release to unroll and sniff out rewards.

• Safety: Keep knots loose for seniors or beginners to avoid frustration.

4) Box Maze & Tunnel Hunt (Cats & Dogs)

• Supplies: 2–6 cardboard boxes; scissors; safe tape; a few treats or toys.
• Time: 8–10 minutes. Difficulty: Beginner ? Advanced (add layers).
• Steps:

1. Cut entry/exit holes to make tunnels. 2. Hide treats or a crinkle toy in different chambers. 3. Rearrange boxes every session to stay novel.

• Safety: Remove staples and loose tape; keep cut edges smooth.

Tip: Short and sweet beats long and frustrating. Aim for 5–10 minutes per game, two or three times a day during a blackout.

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Frozen food puzzles (prep ahead, no power needed later)

Make these during powered hours and freeze. They’re brilliant for blackout evenings and stormy weekends.

• Lick-Mat Calm Blend (Dogs): Plain yoghurt + pumpkin puree; smear on a lick mat; freeze 2–3 h. Make: 5 min. Engagement: 10–20 min.
• PB & Banana Kong (Dogs): Xylitol-free peanut butter + mashed banana in a rubber toy; freeze 3–4 h. Make: 5 min. Engagement: 20–40 min.
• Savoury Ice Cubes (Cats & Dogs): Wet food thinned with water; freeze in an ice tray. Pop a few on a lick mat or shallow tray. Make: 5 min. Engagement: 10–15 min.
• Fishy Forage (Cats): Tuna water (not brine) with a few kibbles; freeze in small portions; serve on a plate or puzzle feeder. Make: 5 min. Engagement: 8–12 min.
• Layered Slow Lick (Dogs & Cats): Alternate layers of plain yoghurt, pureed butternut and kibble crumbs on a lick mat; freeze. Make: 7 min. Engagement: 15–30 min.
• Summer Ice Block Treasure (Dogs): Kibble + carrot coins + water in a plastic container; freeze; offer on a tray/towel. Make: 7 min. Engagement: 20–45 min.

Always check ingredients are pet-safe and unsweetened. For cats, keep portions small and fish treats occasional.

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Build a rainy-day or loadshedding routine

Predictability lowers anxiety during storms or blackouts.

• Morning: Meal-based puzzles

Replace the bowl with a slow feeder or treat ball. 10–15 minutes.

• Midday: Active indoor play

Tug, gentle fetch down a hallway, wand toy for cats, or a short box maze. 15–20 minutes.

• Evening: Calm down

Snuffle mat, lick mat or a frozen puzzle. Dim the lights; soft voice. 10–20 minutes.

Weekly reset: Rotate toys so they stay exciting. A three-toy rotation works well for most homes.

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Choosing the right puzzle toys (skill, safety, solo vs interactive)

• Start easy

Beginner: Snuffle mats, simple treat balls, shallow slow-feeders. Intermediate: Sliding puzzle boards, 2-step treat dispensers. Advanced: Multi-compartment puzzles, nested tasks, scent-pairing games.

• Solo vs interactive

Solo toys are great during conference calls and power cuts. Interactive toys (you + your pet) add bonding and guidance, especially for beginners and anxious pets.

• Materials & fit

Choose non-toxic, durable materials. Size up for gulpers and power chewers. Supervise first uses, then gradually increase independence.

Difficulty ladder (at a glance)

• Beginner: Snuffle mat, lick mat, basic treat ball.
• Intermediate: Slow feeder maze bowl, slider puzzle board, 2-chamber dispenser.
• Advanced: Multi-step puzzle with drawers/sliders, box maze with levels.

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Our top no-electricity picks

Dog picks

• Snuffle Mat

Best for: Nose-work and mealtime boredom. Skill: Beginner. Why we love it: Quiet, low-mess, great for anxious dogs. Cleanup: Shake out crumbs; machine-washable options available. Shop: Dogs > Lifestyle or Essentials > Lifestyle (Snuffle Mats)

• Lick Mat

Best for: Calm licking during thunderstorms or blackouts. Skill: Beginner. Why we love it: Slows eating, lowers arousal; freezer-friendly. Cleanup: Quick rinse; dishwasher-safe on many models. Shop: Essentials > Lifestyle

• Treat Ball / Dispenser

Best for: Mealtime on the move; small apartments. Skill: Beginner ? Intermediate (adjustable difficulty). Why we love it: Durable, keeps bodies moving quietly indoors. Shop: Dogs > Treat Dispensers

• Puzzle Board (sliders & flaps)

Best for: Mental “aha!” moments between walks. Skill: Intermediate. Why we love it: Short, focused sessions; easy to level up. Shop: Dogs > Toys

• KONG-style Rubber Toy

Best for: Frozen fillings and soothing licks. Skill: Beginner. Why we love it: Versatile; stands up to most chewers. Shop: Dogs > Toys

• Slow Feeder Bowl

Best for: Gulpers; weight management. Skill: Beginner. Why we love it: Turns every meal into a puzzle. Shop: Dogs > Auto Feeders

Cat picks

• Treat Ball (Cat)

Best for: Bringing out the stalk-and-chase instinct. Skill: Beginner. Why we love it: Encourages movement in small spaces. Shop: Cats > Interactive Toys

• Puzzle Feeder / Foraging Board

Best for: Bowl-replacers that stretch mealtime. Skill: Beginner ? Intermediate. Why we love it: Multiple textures and paths. Shop: Cats > Interactive Toys

• Play Tunnel

Best for: Hide-and-seek, confidence boosts for shy cats. Skill: Beginner. Why we love it: Pairs perfectly with treat scatters. Shop: Cats > Toys

• Catnip Kicker

Best for: Bunny-kicks and stress relief. Skill: Beginner. Why we love it: Simple, satisfying, washable covers available. Shop: Cats > Toys

• Slow Feeder Tray (Cat)

Best for: Fast eaters; hairball-prone cats. Skill: Beginner. Why we love it: Spreads wet food; easy to clean. Shop: Cats > Interactive Toys

• Foraging Tray Set

Best for: Quiet, no-mess indoor hunting. Skill: Intermediate. Why we love it: Swap cups and textures to rotate difficulty. Shop: Cats > Interactive Toys

Note: Choose “durable” options for power chewers and curious kittens. Always supervise early sessions.

CTA: Browse Lick Mats and Snuffle Mats (Essentials > Lifestyle)

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Anxiety tie-ins (storms, fireworks, blackouts)

If your pet struggles with thunder or sudden darkness:

• Offer slow licking (lick mat, frozen toy) to lower arousal.
• Keep lights low but predictable; use a calm cue like “settle.”
• Pair gentle foraging with soft background sound (battery-free options like a manual white-noise toy or wrap).
• Create a safe den: a blanket-covered crate for dogs or a box + blanket nook for cats.

For severe anxiety, chat to your vet or a qualified behaviourist.

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Senior pets and sensitive tummies

• Lower impact: Choose snuffle mats, shallow slow feeders and simple foraging rather than high-energy chasing.
• Bigger pieces: Use larger treats so they’re easy to pick up and chew.
• Short bursts: 5–7 minute sessions with longer rest.
• Gentle recipes: Plain yoghurt, pumpkin, soaked kibble; avoid rich fillings.

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FAQs

Q: What can I do with my dog during load shedding? A: Rotate a snuffle mat, a treat ball and a short scent scatter. Add one frozen lick session in the evening. Keep sessions short and upbeat.

Q: How do I mentally stimulate my cat indoors without electricity? A: Try a foraging board or treat ball for meals, a tunnel + paper bag hunt, and 5 minutes with a wand toy before a puzzle feeder wind-down.

Q: Are lick mats safe? What can I put on them? A: Yes—choose food-grade silicone and supervise early uses. Use plain yoghurt, pumpkin/butternut puree, xylitol-free peanut butter, or thinned wet food.

Q: How long should indoor enrichment sessions be? A: 5–10 minutes for most games; 10–20 minutes for licking/frozen treats. Stop while your pet is still keen to keep confidence high.

Q: What are good puzzle toys for power chewers? A: Thick rubber KONG-style toys, sturdy treat balls and heavy-duty slow feeders. Avoid thin plastic that can be shredded.

Q: Is peanut butter safe for dogs in South Africa? A: Yes if it’s xylitol-free and unsalted. Always check the label—xylitol is dangerous even in small amounts.

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Related reading

• Best Toys for Distracting a Barky Dog
• Enrichment for Senior Pets: Keeping Older Dogs and Cats Engaged
• How Do I… Reduce Barking with Enrichment? (see Dogs > Lifestyle)

Lead magnet: Download our free PDF checklist—“15 No-Electricity Indoor Pet Games”—for your fridge during winter and blackout season.

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Author: Gavin Levenstein Editorial review: TailMe content team with input from a qualified behaviour advisor