Celebrated on the 29th of January every year, National Puzzle Day reminds humans how puzzles can keep our brains sharp. The only way puzzles can get any better is if they were dedicated to showcasing the life and times of all things cat! We round up our favourite classic cat puzzles to share with you. What’s more? All the classic cat puzzles in this feature are purchased by local puzzle manufacturers and modern jigsaw distributors in South Africa.
A Brief History
Puzzles have been around for a long time, in fact, the very first puzzle dates back to the 18th century. An English geography professor devised a picture-perfect plan to help his students study. He attached a map to a wooden board and cut around the borders of each country, leaving it to the scholar to put it all back together. The academic’s innovation proved to be such a hit it was soon adapted and introduced to subjects like history, botany and zoology.
By the time the 1900s came around, Puzzles were an extremely popular way for many American and British citizens to pass time. Puzzles experienced massive revivals during the 1930s and after World War II, as they were inexpensive to make and could be dissembled and rebuilt many times!
How To – According To A Puzzle Pro
Perhaps you have your own tried and tested method when it comes to building puzzles but we wanted to find out how the pro’s do it. Citing a recent interview that CNN Entertainment conducted with Valerie Coit, we found out how to build any puzzle like a pro. Valerie is the president and co-founder of the USA Jigsaw Puzzle Association, a group of puzzle zealots who consult on puzzle-related standards and competitions, as well as liaise with the big dogs over at the World Jigsaw Puzzle Federation.
Before we get down to the six steps of building a puzzle to completion, Valerie says it is important to choose a well-lit location that has a big enough surface area to spread the puzzle pieces out and fit the finished product. If you are reading this in preparation for your first solo session, she went on to advise starting with a 500-piece puzzle with bright colours that are easily distinguishable.
STEP 1 – Start by opening the box and turning the content out onto your chosen puzzling surface. Make sure all of the pieces are facing the right way up before you start sorting the pieces.
STEP 2 – Locate all of the edge pieces and proceed with building the frame.
STEP 3 – Start building the body of the puzzle by focusing on the most identifiable areas.
STEP 4 – Now, move on to the trickier parts of the puzzle. Valerie suggests re-sorting the pieces by shape if you get stuck in a rut.
STEP 5 – Complete the puzzle by filling in the random holes.
STEP 6 – Finally you can marvel at the epic puzzle you have just completed.
What now? You may ask. What is one to do with a jigsaw puzzle that has been put together? You could have it framed and hung above your mantel emblazoned with the phrase; My First Puzzle. Maybe you could take it all apart, and disassemble to be revisited somewhere in the future? Better yet, gift it to someone who will enjoy putting it together as much as you did.
Our Top 10 Pussy Puzzle Wishlist
We made a list of the best cat-themed puzzles available in South Africa. This list features beautiful puzzles that range from 500 to 1000 pieces, the one thing they all have in common is the unbounded love, appreciation and absolute adoration for cats!
Sweet dreams
This beautiful 1000 piece was designed by artist Joelle McIntyre, pictured as an adorable kitten all curled up on a colourful quilted blanket. Perhaps the goldfish has managed to put its guard down and relax for a moment while the cat is away in dreamland, clearly enjoying his afternoon nap and having some supposed Sweet Dreams.
Kitten Reflection
The trio of adorable kittens seem to be daydreaming about growing big and strong, and somehow morphing into their big cat cousins. Kitten Reflection is a 500-piece puzzle that would be perfect for any new puzzler.
Kitten Play Time
Quit ironically named Kitten Play Time is a 1500 piece puzzle that is not for the faint-hearted. The art features a clowder of cats that have gathered in the garden for some afternoon playtime.
Harry Pawter
It is bedtime and mama cat is reading the kittens their favourite bedtime story by candlelight. The family is all tucked under what seems to be a delightful quilted blanket, gripping onto their respective plush toys. Harry Pawter is a 1000 piece puzzle where mice and cats live together in harmony. Crazy right? The owl seems just as surprised!
Flora
Meet Flora, a socialite obsessed with living the high life. This orange Tabby appreciates a well-carved cat figurine, staying up-to-date with the latest Cat news and taking naps in the afternoon. Flora is a 1000 piece cat puzzle designed by Geoffrey Tristram.
Crazy Cats Salvage Hunting
Think Antiques Roadshow for cats. This particular clowder of cool cats is just hanging around some of their most valuable paw sessions. Crazy Cats Salvage Hunting is a 1000 piece puzzle full of cat personalities to discover and enjoy.
Cats Got Mail
Cats Got Mail is a 300 piece puzzle of a clowder of kitties and cats of all sorts. Playful yet watchful, each of them awaits the mail person to report to their owners that they got mail.
Cat Nap
Pictured in Cat Nap is the day after a big night out, Kitty and all their mates are clearly sleeping off a big night on the town. Evident by the wall clock; it is already past three in the afternoon – I sure hope someone is making a pitcher of bloody marys! The scene is a cat lover’s paradise, there are a whole bunch of characters to meet and detail to discover along the way.
Cat Aristocracy
The fancy felines in Cat Aristocracy are posing like Da Vinci himself was painting their mural. This 500 piece puzzle is a great starting point for new puzzlers.
Remember, there is no shame in quitting a puzzle, Coit says “it’s OK to walk away” when “you’re more stressed than you are happy” and no longer having fun. “Puzzles are meant to be enjoyable to complete, after all,” insists the puzzle master.
Have you built any of these puzzles? Let us know how it went, and if you have any tips for new and upcoming puzzlers.
