Trixie 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center Review

We purchased the Trixie 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center so our writer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

In the wild, cats aren’t served kibble in a bowl. Instead, they’re out hunting, running after and catching their meals. Encouraging this natural instinct at home can actually make your cat happier. Enrichment cat toys and activities, like this Trixie 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center, is one way to do that. We let our 4-year-old cat, Mila, test out the fun board to find out whether other cats might enjoy it.

Design: Lots of fun in one

The “5-in-1” in the name refers to the five sections of the board, which each have a different concept. The tunnel and clear globes provoke a digging instinct, and the pegs, alleyways, and indents inspire your pet to seek out treats. We think this combination of activities is useful in keeping cats’ attention and giving them five different experiences within the same space. 

We like that the bottom has rubber, non-slip feet to keep it in place, so it won’t budge even if our cat starts playing too rough. We found that the board held its place on hard floors, but not as much on carpet.

As far as looks go, the simple white design isn’t as eye-catching as some cat toys can be, so the activity center should blend into most homes. Just be prepared for someone to ask what it is, since the unique design isn’t something people see often.

Entertainment Value: For food-motivated cats only

Enrichment activities like the Trixie 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center can be useful for keeping animals engaged and mentally stimulated. In the case of this product, each section requires a different skill, like digging or pawing. Add treats, cat food, or toys within the pegs, in the bowls, under the tunnel, and amongst the modules and watch them work to figure out how to retrieve their prize. We like that you can set it and forget it—add treats when your cat isn’t paying attention, and let him or her discover it later on her own.

But unfortunately for us, our cat wanted nothing to do with this. On multiple occasions, we tried tempting her with catnip, toys, and treats, but we could never get her to engage with any of the activities. Though she is normally up for playing with anything, this just couldn’t keep her attention. If your cat is especially food-motivated, your experience might be different. Our cat is not usually very motivated by food, and we think this was a big reason why she had little interest in playing with the Trixie 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center.

Safety: No choking hazards

We found this toy to be extremely safe for cats since there are no choking hazards or parts that could injure our cat. You can leave this out for your cat to play with as she pleases without any safety fears.

Durability: Made for intense play

The Trixie 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center is made entirely of plastic, making it an extremely durable product. The majority of the toy consists of thick, hard plastic that will retain its shape for as long as you have the product. However, one area of the activity center, the clear globes, may be prone to cracks or breaks, as they are made of thinner, weaker plastic. They detach from the board for cleaning and to make it easier to remove treats from inside them. When we received the package, we found that one of them was actually already slightly broken. The top and bottom portions of one globe were broken at the seam, but this didn’t affect play in any way.

Ease of Cleaning: Put it in the dishwasher

The Trixie 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center has a lot of spaces that would be time-consuming to clean, but thankfully, you can just stick this toy in the dishwasher. As we established, it’s made entirely of plastic, so you can really scrub it down when you need to and then simply spot clean all the other times.

Price: Higher than average, but worth it

The Trixie 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center sells for around $35 to $40. There are cheaper enrichment activities out there, but they are often made of cardboard and are overall less durable. They also rarely feature more than one concept. By spending a little more on this activity center, you’re paying for a toy that lasts longer and is easier to clean. 

Trixie 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center vs. Trixie Cat Activity Poker Box

Your cat may prefer a different experience, and in that case, there’s another product from Trixie, the Poker Box, that your cat might enjoy. It also includes five different modules, but in this product, the treats are hidden under lids and flaps. The Poker Box is slightly cheaper at around $25, compared to the $35 5-in-1 Cat Activity Center. Even at this cheaper price, it has many of the positives of the 5-in-1 product, like being designed with strong, durable plastic that’s easy to clean in the dishwasher.