Yes, but not very well. I am mildly irritated that one of the founding studies of experimental psychology is so little known. It takes cats quite a bit of time to figure out how to simply pull on a loop or step on a treadle in order to escape confinement and get fed.

Thorndike’s work with cats predates Skinner’s work with rats by decades. https://youtube.com/watch?v=hhNxeYYyCSQ

Enough food or treats and they can solve the fusion reactor problem.

depends on the puzzle.

If it needs thumbs? probably not.

i saw a video where a lady rolled up cat treats in a towel. she said it kept her cats occupied for hours, i thought she was exaggerating with it being an easy puzzle so i tried it with my cat. he is very stupid. after he gave up i tried again folding the towel. he watched while i did it. tried for 30s before screaming and begging me to just give him treats. figured if i left it overnight hed get it eventually. he is overweight and is on a diet, so he is extremely food desparate. wake up 8 hours later and the towel had moved/been played with but not unfolded.

tldr; my cat is far too stupid to solve basic puzzles

Before reading:

Yes, but they won’t because fuck you