Have you heard of puzzle feeding for cats?

Are you puzzle feeding your cat? If not perhaps you may have heard the phrases ‘slow feeding’ or ‘enriched play feeding’ because these are also of the same theme. It’s all about challenging your cat and getting them to use those amazing skills they have. Let me explain.

Feline behaviour when eating

We all know cats are hunters, but fitting in with our domesticated lives can make them bored and underwhelmed. Giving the same food day after day in the same dish doesn’t fit in with the complex hunting instincts cats have and can’t express these when simply eating what is served up. Puzzle feeders are made to exercise those feline abilities by challenging them to obtain the food in a more stimulating way. By giving the food within a puzzle the cat must manipulate the areas in order to release or gain the food. This can be from scooping or pawing, with a paw, nose or tongue to obtain its meal.

Challenge excepted

Some of my great clients and followers on my Facebook page sent me these videos which show puzzle feeders in use. You can see how the cats scoop and paw at the spaces to obtain the biscuits.

 

Evidence shows, it’s great to puzzle feed

A study shows that using a puzzle feeder:

  • Reduces attention-seeking behaviour
  • Helps combat stress
  • Can help weight loss
  • Can aid to decrease aggression toward other cats and owners
  • Lessens anxiety

By using a puzzle feeder your cat has to use its body and brain to gain the food meaning more of a workout. This includes any type of cat, from kitten to elderly cats and those with disabilities in addition to any type of food from wet to dry and biscuits.

Join in with ‘Think Outside the Bowl’

You don’t need expensive feeders to get started, homemade creations can be just as rewarding. Take time to introduce them gradually, with food easier to access, to begin with. Over time all the cat’s food can be given via the puzzle feeder. By introducing this type of feeder you are enabling your cat to use their abilities better and giving them much more stimulation using their natural behaviours, making happier healthier cats.

If you’d like to find out more visit my campaign Think Outside the Bowl and post your videos to me via email or on my Facebook page, I’d love to see them.

DIY feline puzzle feeders

Here are a few links to show how to make inexpensive and home-made puzzle feeders: