The Best Puzzle Feeders For Cats
A cat puzzle feeder is a great way to give your cat a fun time while managing their digestive health. These bowls have special cutouts that make their meal trickier to get to, which helps them eat slower and stimulates their problem-solving abilities as well. But not every cat puzzle feeder is snacktime-approved, which is why we've made this list of the ones we liked the most.
What to Look For
We needed a few questions answered before we felt confident adding any of these cat puzzle feeders to our list: Does it provide the right balance of challenge and reward for your cat? Does it give your cat an easier time digesting its food? Finally, is it easy to set up, clean up, and put away? Each cat puzzle feeder on our list excelled above all others when it came to these three qualities. For example, the Digger from Catit Senses ended up as our favorite, thanks to its clever design and incredible ease of cleaning. We also loved the Puzzle Bowl from Upsky for its non-slip padding and highly reliable method of pacing out food portions. Keep reading to see which cat puzzle feeder will be helping out your cat’s stomach and brain alike today.
Catit Senses Digger Cat Puzzle Feeder
You won’t have to dig around for long to find all the great things about this cat puzzle feeder. The tubes that hide each portion of food are made to stimulate the ways cats naturally use their paws, and they do a great job of keeping food contained. They also easily slide out when mealtime is done, making both them and the bowl simple to clean. The Digger wound up as our favorite cat puzzle feeder, and we’re pretty sure you’ll dig it too.
Pros
- It’s made of BPA-free materials, making it an environmentally friendly choice as well as an effective one.
- The tubes have different “difficulty” levels, meaning this cat puzzle feeder can be used by cats of all kinds.
Cons
- Smaller cats can get their faces stuck in the tubes, so supervise them as they eat.
AFP Interactive Cat Puzzle Feeder Toy
No cut corners
Spatial awareness is the name of the game when it comes to this cat puzzle feeder. Your cat will have to work through a tricky maze to get their treats, which will stimulate both their mind and motor skills. And the non-slip rubber feet will make sure it doesn’t spill over no matter how excited your cat gets. Problem-solving yields great rewards when you put them at the end of this cat puzzle feeder.
Pros
- Because it needs to be worked at from multiple angles, it causes your cat to move around, which provides additional exercise.
- It’s challenging and stimulating enough to keep your cat from learning its tricks and growing bored after just a few days.
Cons
- Make sure the lid is on tight, as it can crack if struck with enough force.
Upsky Slow Feeder
Easy does it
Some cats love mealtimes a little too much, and that’s where this cat puzzle feeder comes into play. Its cutouts divide the bowl into narrow segments, making sure your cat can only wolf down their food in manageable chunks. The PP resin design has the added benefit of being nontoxic while also being durable and environmentally friendly. Your cat can easily stop and smell — or eat — from this cat puzzle feeder.
Pros
- It comes in a wide variety of vibrant colors.
- These bowls are also available in a two-pack for households with more than one overeager cat to feed.
- It’s dishwasher safe, making it easy to keep clean.
Cons
- Clever cats might realize they can flip the bowl over to pour the food out and eat it faster.
Lukito Feeding Mat Cat Puzzle Feeder
Keeping it cool
If you own an excitable kitty, this puzzle feeder will be right up their alley. This mat is designed to have liquid treats or wet food spread across it, letting your cat eat in small doses by using a licking motion that calms them down. It also sticks to a variety of surfaces, meaning your cat can enjoy it almost anywhere they want. Anxious cats have a friend in the form of this calming cat puzzle feeder.
Pros
- It comes in sets of two, making this cat puzzle feeder an excellent value.
- Its freezer-safe nature means liquid food can be stored on it without going to waste if your cat isn’t in the mood to eat.
Cons
- It has a tendency to slide around on hardwood floors.
Y YHY Elevated Slow Cat Puzzle Feeder
Relax those shoulders: this cat puzzle feeder is perfect for kitties who need help with their posture. Its raised platform makes it easier for cats to get their face into the bowl, but its curved cutouts will keep them from scarfing their meal down too fast. Keeping your cat upright as it eats helps improve its digestion as well. If you’re a health-conscious cat owner, you shouldn’t hesitate to give this cat puzzle feeder a try.
Pros
- Its tilted position helps reduce the amount of food that dribbles out during mealtime.
- The platform that the cat puzzle feeder sits on is surprisingly hefty, meaning it will stay in place as your kitty chows down.
Cons
- The bowl itself is somewhat fragile, so make sure your cat doesn’t knock it over.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a cat puzzle feeder even if my cat doesn’t eat too fast?
Even if your cat doesn’t scarf their food down very quickly, digestive problems have a tendency to develop in old age. A cat puzzle feeder might do a world of good for keeping their digestion in check and preventing future issues.
How do I get my cat to use their new cat puzzle feeder?
The brilliant thing about most of these feeders is that your cat will generally work out how to use it on their own. Even a relatively complex cat puzzle feeder can compel a cat to get to its dinner by any means necessary.
About the Author
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Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.