When the cat’s away, the mice will play. But when the human’s away, what does the cat do?

Food puzzles keep your pet occupied when you’re not home. They can be found at pet stores and online, and have several difficulty levels for various animal species. These puzzles compel pets to forage for food using their senses. According to www.bestfriends.org, food puzzles engage pets mentally and physically, improve behavioral health, and promote confidence through overcoming obstacles.

One do-it-yourself puzzle repurposes a muffin tin and tennis balls: Fill a muffin tin with tennis balls, hiding a treat under one of the balls, and challenge your pet to find the snack and remove the obstacle.

Food puzzles may be difficult. Using their favorite treats, teach your pets how the puzzle works so they can crack the dinner code when you’re away.

Visit AAA.com/PetInsurance to find out how you can save up to 90% on vet bills. 

Winter means lots of time spent indoors. Lots.

And there are only so many movies and You-Tube cat videos that one can watch. Why not liven things up with a board game or two? But instead of hauling your circa-1985 edition of Trivial Pursuit or Risk from the basement, check out a new game on your smartphone or tablet.

No missing pieces, and you can download a new one every day if you want. So long, cabin fever!

Here are some of our faves.

Scrabble

iPhone ($7.99), iPad ($9.99) and Android devices (free)
Electronic Arts
Download: iOS, Android

No more missing tiles! Plus, the digital version has a speed play function and the ability to compete against your Facebook friends. You can also play a face-to-face game with the app’s pass n’ play option. A-W-E-S-O-M-E.

Monopoly

iPhone (99 cents), iPad ($4.99) and Android ($1.99)
Electronic Arts
Download: iOS, Android 

Remember how tedious Monopoly used to be? Counting out the money, figuring out who owns what? Well, the digital version does away with all that. Plus, you can challenge up to three friends with the pass and play feature. And maybe the best part? You shake the “dice” by shaking your phone.

Scattergories

iPhone, iPad and Android (all versions free)
Magmic Inc.
Download: iOS, Android

Quick! Think of a book title, fruit and car make that all start with the letter B. If you love making lists and thinking on your feet, this game’s for you. It’s fast, it’s fun, and you can either play against a random opponent or dial up your Facebook friends for an added challenge.

Heads Up!

iPhone, iPad and Android (all versions 99 cents)
Warner Bros.
Download: iOS, Android

Remember the board game Headbands? This is a lot like that, but a little more grown-up. It’s the brainchild of Ellen DeGeneres, who often plays it with guests on her show. You put your phone on your forehead, display side out, and must guess what word is displayed with help from the other players.

Jenga

iPhone, iPad and Android (all versions free)
NaturalMotion
Download: iOS, Android

3-D simulation makes you feel like you’re actually poking and prodding little blocks in a wobbly wooden tower. Up to four people can play with the app’s pass and play feature, and there’s no clean-up involved once the tower inevitably topples over.

Gotta get more games? For more virtual suggestions visit AAA.com/WinterPartyApps.

Looking for an all-natural way to keep you and your environs sparkling? Here are five natural remedies to try – and you probably already have the ingredients in your cabinets.

Wood polish

Mix the juice of 1 lemon, 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of water. Dab onto a cloth and wipe into wood. (Mother Nature Network)

Lip moisturizer

In a pinch? A dab of coconut oil will leave lips baby soft. (Babble)

Vanilla brown sugar scrub

Rub this sweet-smelling scrub on your hands, feet and elbows for smooth, soft skin. Mix together 1 cup brown sugar, ½ cup olive or coconut oil, ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil and 1 teaspoon of real vanilla extract. Store scrub in an airtight container. (www.somewhatsimple.com)

Magic microwave cleaner

If the inside of your microwave has seen better days, try this trick. Put ½ cup vinegar and ½ cup water into a bowl and bring to a boil inside the microwave. Let it sit for a few minutes, and then just wipe down the inside. It’s magic! (www.livelovediy.com)

Good scents

Start your vacuuming by sucking up 2-3 tablespoons of cinnamon. The vacuum will warm and distribute the scent throughout your home. (LifeTricks)

With big treads and softer rubber, winter tires give your vehicle better traction on nasty roads. If you recently made the switch to winter rollers, here’s some advice from AAA’s Car Doctor John Paul on what to do with your summer set for the next few months.

DO

Clean the tires with soap and water and scrub them with a tire brush if you have one. While it’s not as effective, a wet rag will also do the trick.

DON’T

Never stash tires in a wet or damp location, which could cause corrosion. Keep them out of direct sunlight and away from electric motors, furnaces and generators, too. Heat from the sun and ozone from electric motors can damage the rubber compounds in tires.

DO

Keep the tires in a dry location like a garage or shed. Climate-controlled rooms are even better. Store the tires upright, inflated at 50 percent of their normal pressure. If storing the tires outside, place each in its own plastic leaf or trash bag and poke a couple of holes in the bags for ventilation. This keeps heavy moisture out and important oils in.

DON’T

Tires don’t last forever. Do not remount them before checking for cracks in the sidewall and excessive wear on the treads. Both are signs that it’s time for a replacement.

For driver resources and information on roadside assistance, auto repair and more, go to AAA.com/Automotive.