We share alternative ways to feed your cat and suggests that you should ditch your cat’s bowl.
Historically, cats have enjoyed the freedom to roam outdoors. However, in recent decades, an increasing number of cats are living exclusively indoors due to safety, health, and environmental concerns, limiting their chances to engage in natural hunting behaviors. Cats are instinctual predators, typically consuming several small meals throughout the day. In their natural environment, they spend much of their time searching for, stalking, pouncing on, capturing, and killing prey. Their strong instinct to hunt persists even when they are not hungry. In the wild, if cats waited until hunger struck, their energy levels would be too low, reducing their chances of a successful hunt—especially since not every attempt to catch prey succeeds. They essentially work for their food, eating around ten small meals daily.
In contrast, domestic cats often follow a monotonous routine, being fed twice a day in the same bowl, at the same time, and in the same place. This lack of effort or energy expenditure to obtain food can lead to boredom, depression, anxiety, and stress, which may result in behavioral problems.
So, why abandon the traditional food bowl? Recent research indicates that using puzzle feeders can meet a cat’s problem-solving needs, enhance their enrichment, and improve both their physical health and emotional well-being, thereby helping to prevent behavior issues. Puzzle feeders can also help prevent obesity and other health problems, such as type 2 diabetes and joint issues, commonly associated with indoor cats. Even outdoor cats can benefit from this feeding method, especially during cold weather or when they feel threatened by other cats in the neighborhood, prompting them to stay indoors. Researchers who have studied this feeding approach have observed positive outcomes such as weight loss, reduced aggression towards humans and other cats, decreased anxiety and fear, less attention-seeking behaviour, and the resolution of litter box problems.
Puzzle feeders are suitable for cats of all ages, from kittens to adults and seniors. Cats with disabilities, such as blindness or missing limbs, can also find this feeding method adds a new dimension to their lives. These feeders promote mental and physical stimulation, allowing cats to tap into their natural hunting instincts by figuring out how to obtain their food. This method encourages foraging and exploratory behavior.
Overweight cats can greatly benefit from the challenge of working for their food, transforming mealtimes from a quick task into an engaging game that slows down their eating. Even cats with little interest in food may be encouraged to eat more. All cats, especially those living indoors, will gain from puzzle feeding as an additional source of stimulation.
When choosing a puzzle feeder, there are many options available to purchase, or you can create your own. Puzzle feeders generally fall into three categories: stationary, mobile, and those requiring an object to be removed to access the food. Most are better suited for dry cat food (kibble), though some can also be used with wet food.
To teach your cat to use a puzzle feeder, start by measuring out their daily food allowance, as suggested by feeding guidelines on the food packaging or by your vet. The iCatCare’s Feeding Plan recommends dividing the daily allowance into at least five portions to mimic the cat’s natural habit of eating small amounts throughout the day. Place a portion of food in a different location each time, encouraging your cat to use its senses to search for the food. Puzzle feeders can also be pre-filled for nighttime feeding or when you are away.
For a simple introduction, use a stationary puzzle feeder that allows your cat to scoop out food with its paw. Egg boxes for kibble and ice cube or muffin trays for wet food work well. Initially, place the puzzle feeder next to their usual food bowl, dividing the food between the two. Ensure your cat can see, smell, and easily access the food in the feeder. Gradually decrease the food in the bowl and increase the food in the puzzle feeder as your cat becomes more confident, ensuring they do not become frustrated with the new feeding method. The goal is for your cat to eat exclusively from puzzle feeders.
If your cat adapts well, you can progress to mobile puzzle feeders, such as balls, eggs, or tubes with openings. Placing treats inside these objects can increase your cat’s interest. Eventually, you can introduce more complex puzzle feeders designed to slow down eating, such as food mazes or activity boards. Increasing the challenge by hiding the puzzle feeder in different locations adds further stimulation.
In addition to puzzle feeders, you can engage your cat by throwing pieces of kibble for them to chase, scattering kibble on the floor, steps, or cat trees, or hiding kibble in small boxes or paper bags. If your cat struggles with the puzzle feeder, try placing their favorite treats in familiar areas to help them adjust.
Ensure your cat has access to fresh water at all times, preferably in locations away from their food. Cat drinking fountains can also encourage hydration.
You can easily make homemade feeders using materials like cardboard tubes, plastic bottles, or yogurt pots. Instructions for creating these feeders are available in the Five-a-day Felix Plan. You may even be able to convert existing cat toys into puzzle feeders.
It is crucial to remember that each cat is unique, with its own preferences and abilities. While some puzzle feeders may not appeal to your cat, others will. Finding the right solution requires trial and error, but with patience and persistence, you will see positive results. To prevent boredom, rotate different puzzle feeders to keep your cat challenged. So, it’s time to ditch the old food bowls and teach your cat how to have fun with their food!