Cat Feeding Toys and Puzzles: Benefits and Uses

Imagine turning mealtime into a game your cat looks forward to every day. Interactive cat feeding toys and cat puzzle feeders are fun and enriching ways to keep your feline friend mentally stimulated, physically active and emotionally satisfied.

What Is a Cat Feeding Toy?

In the wild, cats are natural hunters that stalk, chase and pounce to get their meals. However, for most cats, food is provided in a routine, predictable and, unfortunately, boring way.

Feeding toys tap into your cat’s instincts and have lots of potential benefits, from slowing down fast eaters to weight management to providing mental and physical stimulation. Whether you have a curious kitten or a couch-loving senior, introducing a feeding toy can help improve their overall health and well-being.

Benefits of Cat Food Toys and Puzzles

There are many possible benefits of using a cat feeding toy.

Cat toys can aid in weight loss for overweight cats. They can slow down feeding time and stimulate activity as the cat plays with the toy.^1-3 Cat toys can’t replace dietary management, but they can be an important part of a weight loss plan for your cat.

If a cat eats too fast, it can lead to an upset stomach and vomiting. Food toys and puzzles are a great way to get these guzzlers to slow down. On the other end of the eating spectrum, food toys may encourage cats that are picky eaters by providing some intrigue with their meal and jump-starting their hunting instincts.

Other benefits include mental stimulation and enrichment for cats of all ages. We often think of kittens and playtime, but adult cats need stimulation too. A growing body of evidence also suggests that feeding toys and puzzles can help slow or prevent mental decline in senior cats.⁴

The best cat puzzle feeders can help alleviate boredom when you’re not available for play, and the opposite is true as well; some cat treat puzzles can be a fun way to bond with your furry friend!

Types of Cat Food Toys

Pet owners have many different options for food puzzles and toys. Check out Purina’s guide on how to make a cat feeder toy at home.

Some of the most common toys include:

• Treat balls  
• Mazes
• Slider puzzles
• Tower feeders
• Wobblers
• Mouse toys
• Licking mats/toys

Not all food toys need to be fancy. The leftover cardboard tube from a roll of paper towels can become a feeding puzzle if you put food in it. You can even throw a handful of dry food or treats in the air and let your kitty chase them down!

Sometimes, the food bowl itself can be a source of enrichment and entertainment. Cat interactive feeders engage your cat’s brain along with their mouth.

When it comes to choosing the best cat bowl for your feline companion, let your cat’s personality and food preferences guide you. Is your cat a speed eater? Food bowls for cats that eat too fast often contain compartments or ridges that force cats to lick up food or take a more hunt-and-peck or swipe approach rather than scooping up large mouthfuls. Does your kitty like to bat things around? A puzzle bowl for cats may require them to use their paws to get to the food.

Should You Use a Cat Feeding Toy?

The answer is a resounding yes! Play is an important part of keeping your cat active and mentally stimulated, and cat food enrichment toys are a great way to encourage your cat to play and reward them for doing so. There have been no reports that food puzzles and toys are harmful if used correctly.

Cat food puzzles can even play a role in healthy feeding plans. For example, if your cat is on a diet with a strict amount of food, a cat toy puzzle feeder can be helpful in making smaller portions last longer. Cat treat dispensers can be used with regular dry food to make a game out of feeding and encourage activity for cats that need to lose weight.

Kittens can be ideal candidates for cat feeding toys. Naturally curious and full of energy, kittens will play with just about anything, so items that promote cat enrichment feeding give them the best of both worlds. However, it’s important to maintain a consistent feeding schedule to ensure that your kitten is eating enough. If your kitten is fussy about food, there could be several reasons, but it’s best to contact your veterinarian.

A recent survey reported that only 30% of owners used food puzzles, but not consistently.⁵ Common reasons for not using food puzzle toys included “my cat is too old,” “my cat is too lazy,” and “my cat isn’t smart enough.” But there are no age limits on play, and your cat may be smarter than you think. It may take some trial and error to find a food puzzle or toy that your cat enjoys, and cats should be introduced to food puzzles gradually to minimize frustration or fear of something new.⁵

If the idea of testing several types of toys sounds expensive, remember: Cats will play with an empty box as (or more) often than the item it contained. With a little ingenuity, plastic cups, cardboard tubes and boxes, and even things like egg cartons, can be turned into free puzzle feeders for your cat. The best cat feeding toy is the one your cat plays with, be it homemade or store bought.

How to Use Cat Feeding Toys and Puzzles

If you’re ready to try food puzzles and toys with your cats, here are some tips:

• Start with an easy puzzle. A puzzle that is too difficult will discourage your kitty and might cause stress.
• Watch your cat to ensure the experience remains a positive one and is not causing stress or anxiety.
• If your cat enjoys eating out of a bowl, you can continue to feed your cat some food in their regular food bowl(s).
• Make sure your cat eats their entire food portion each day.
• Gradually increase the amount of food in the puzzle or toy once your cat consistently uses the puzzle or toy successfully.

One way to keep your cat entertained without breaking your budget is to rotate your puzzles and feeding toys. Putting a toy away for even a few weeks also helps keep your kitten or cat from getting bored.

Whether you choose a simple cat treat ball or a complex puzzle board, cat feeding toys can provide enrichment and mental stimulation no matter what age of cat shares your home. They’ll thank you for it!

For more expert tips on cat feeding, explore our other cat feeding guide articles.

References

1. Clarke DL, Wrigglesworth D, Holmes K, et al. Using environmental and feeding enrichment to facilitate feline weight loss. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr. 2005;89(11-12):427.

2. Laflamme DF. Understanding and managing obesity in dogs and cats. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2006;36(6):1283-1295, vii.

3. Delgado M, Dantas LMS. Feeding cats for optimal mental and behavioral well-being. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2020;50(5):939-953.

4. Sordo L, Gunn-Moore DA. Cognitive dysfunction in cats: update on neuropathological and behavioural changes plus clinical management. Vet Rec. 2021;188(1):e3.  

5. Delgado M, Bain MJ, Buffington CT. A survey of feeding practices and use of food puzzles in owners of domestic cats. J Feline Med Surg. 2019;22(2):193-198.