•  
Kitty faces purr-suade kids to try their paws at this challenging puzzle.
<p><strong>Toy Description</strong></p> <p>Plastic cat-shaped pieces must be placed so that they are completely within the grid shown on the puzzle card.</p> <p>Game includes 48 puzzle cards, 12 cat pieces, 1 travel case, and instructions.</p> <p>Puzzle cards increase in difficulty, starting with Beginner.</p> <p><strong>Play</strong></p> <p>Each puzzle card shows a grid and the cats assigned for that puzzle. Gather up the cats needed, then arrange them so that they all fit within the grid. This is the only time gathering cats will be so simple.</p> <p>To start, players only need to from one single layer of cats in order for them all to fit. However, as the cards progress, players will eventually need to form one layer of cats, with an additional layer on top for all remaining pieces.</p> <p><strong>Observations</strong></p> <p>According to the very positive feedback received, this game appeals to a wide range of ages and skill levels. There are a number of ways to solve each puzzle, though each puzzle has only one solution printed on the card.</p> <p>Users report children, as well as themselves, playing with the game multiple times a week. Small and easily portable, this is a good choice for using in waiting rooms and restaurants as a way to pass the time. It can be used in the car so long as some kind of flat surface is brought along. We suggest finding something with a lip around it so the pieces don&rsquo;t go sailing off at every turn of the road. &nbsp;</p> <p>Aside from trips to the vet, this is the most difficulty we&rsquo;ve had getting cats into a box. The travel case works well for storing all the pieces, but they must go in according to a very particular layout. We suggest taking a picture of how the cats are initially laying in the case before the first use. Otherwise, a ziplock bag will have to become the new storage container.</p> <p>Recommended by the manufacturer for ages 8 and up, we find this game to be adequately challenging to satisfy even adults. Children around 8 or younger may need some adult assistance, making this a nice game for some quiet family time.</p> <p>The pieces are small, requiring a bit of hand steadiness to place them. This game may prove frustrating for young children in this respect, but could also be used as a way to practice dexterity and fine motor skills.</p> <p><strong>Care</strong></p> <ul> <li>Wipe down with a damp cloth</li> <li>Wash pieces in warm, soapy water</li> </ul> <p>For more detailed information, see our blog, <a href="/Blogs1/The-Cleaning-Guide-for-Toys.htm" linktype="8" target="_self">The Cleaning Guide for Toys</a>.</p> <p><strong>Parts and Pieces</strong></p> <p>Game includes 48 puzzle cards, 12 cat pieces, 1 travel case, and instructions.</p> <p><strong>Concerns</strong></p> <p>This game contains small parts and may prove a choking hazard to very young children.&nbsp;</p>
Cat Stax
Date published: 2016-06-25
9.50 / 10 stars

Cat Stax

by Brainwright
current stage2016-06-25

It’s no surprise that a game about herding cats would sometimes result in brain fatigue. Seriously cute cat shaped pieces have to be placed together to fit within the grid on the puzzle card. Unlike real cats, these fellas stay where they’re put, and won't judge your life choices. 

With paw-sitive feedback, this game pleases both puzzle enthusiasts and cat lovers, alike. Small size makes it purr-fectly portable and nice for waiting rooms and traveling. Don’t pro-cat-stinate! Grab this claw-some game and stack those cats!

  • Cat Stax
  • Cat Stax
  • Cat Stax
  • Cat Stax
  • Cat Stax
Cat Stax
Overall9.50
This measure how often, for how long, and how many different ages will play with this toy. A great toy will be loved for years, and is still wanted as the child grows.
Replay
  • 9.00
 
This measures the quality of the materials and production processes used.
Quality
  • 8.50
 
This scores how well a toy encourages critical thinking, pattern recognition, and memory improvement.
Cognitive
  • 9.50
 
Including both gross and fine motor skills, this measure how much this toy engages and challenges physical mobility, body awareness, and coordination.
Motor
  • 6.50
 
This measures how likely a toy is to spark social play between children or how well it teaches socially healthy behavior.
Social
  • 8.00
 

Product Specs

Age 8+
Made in China
Recalls No
Batteries None
Materials Plastic
Choking Hazard Contains small pieces
Date Reviewed 06/25/2016

Where to Buy

Amazon $14.99
Pros
  • Challenges spatial and logic skills
  • Develops fine motor skills
  • Such cute kitties!
Cons
  • Storage case requires cats be placed in a particular pattern
Detailed Review

Toy Description

Plastic cat-shaped pieces must be placed so that they are completely within the grid shown on the puzzle card.

Game includes 48 puzzle cards, 12 cat pieces, 1 travel case, and instructions.

Puzzle cards increase in difficulty, starting with Beginner.

Play

Each puzzle card shows a grid and the cats assigned for that puzzle. Gather up the cats needed, then arrange them so that they all fit within the grid. This is the only time gathering cats will be so simple.

To start, players only need to from one single layer of cats in order for them all to fit. However, as the cards progress, players will eventually need to form one layer of cats, with an additional layer on top for all remaining pieces.

Observations

According to the very positive feedback received, this game appeals to a wide range of ages and skill levels. There are a number of ways to solve each puzzle, though each puzzle has only one solution printed on the card.

Users report children, as well as themselves, playing with the game multiple times a week. Small and easily portable, this is a good choice for using in waiting rooms and restaurants as a way to pass the time. It can be used in the car so long as some kind of flat surface is brought along. We suggest finding something with a lip around it so the pieces don’t go sailing off at every turn of the road.  

Aside from trips to the vet, this is the most difficulty we’ve had getting cats into a box. The travel case works well for storing all the pieces, but they must go in according to a very particular layout. We suggest taking a picture of how the cats are initially laying in the case before the first use. Otherwise, a ziplock bag will have to become the new storage container.

Recommended by the manufacturer for ages 8 and up, we find this game to be adequately challenging to satisfy even adults. Children around 8 or younger may need some adult assistance, making this a nice game for some quiet family time.

The pieces are small, requiring a bit of hand steadiness to place them. This game may prove frustrating for young children in this respect, but could also be used as a way to practice dexterity and fine motor skills.

Care

  • Wipe down with a damp cloth
  • Wash pieces in warm, soapy water

For more detailed information, see our blog, The Cleaning Guide for Toys.

Parts and Pieces

Game includes 48 puzzle cards, 12 cat pieces, 1 travel case, and instructions.

Concerns

This game contains small parts and may prove a choking hazard to very young children. 

Manufacturer's Description

Stack up the cats! Select a challenge and then arrange all of the cats on the card so that they fit perfectly within the grid. The cats come in all shapes and sizes, so you'll have to figure out how they precisely nestle together to solve each challenge. Paw your way through all 48 puzzles and consider yourself one clever cat!

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