10 Best Cat Puzzle Feeders: Interactive Brain Games For Cats

Though it may be hard for us to understand at times, cats are natural predators, hardwired with an instinctual need to hunt.

And even though our pet cats no longer need to hunt for their food, that deep desire to stalk and catch prey is still very much a part of their DNA.

So it’s essential to give them an outlet to express this natural behavior, especially for indoor cats.

Without it, cats can become bored, frustrated, and even depressed, which is when behavior problems can start to arise.

Obviously, it’s best to prevent that from happening in the first place.

But how? Enter the mighty puzzle feeder!

Puzzle feeders come in all shapes and sizes, but their goal is the same:

• To challenge your cat’s problem-solving skills.
• To provide mental stimulation.
• To trigger the “seeking” system of their brain (which releases feel-good dopamine).
• To provide an outlet for those inherent predatory urges.

In this article, I’ll identify 10 of the best puzzle feeders suitable for cats of all ages, so you can keep your cat mentally sharp, satisfy their predatory needs, and provide a healthy, more pleasurable way for them to consume their meals.

#1. Classic Cat Puzzle Feeder

The Cat Amazing Classic Cat Puzzle Feeder is an interactive toy designed to stimulate and occupy cats, encouraging their natural foraging instincts to explore.

Keep In Mind:

• May be too small for larger cats.
• Assembly may be tricky.
• Some cats may lose interest quickly.

#2. Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play – Interactive Cat Treat Puzzle

The Catstages Nina Ottosson Buggin’ Out Puzzle & Play is a great way to keep your feline friend entertained and engaged while also encouraging them to eat slowly and forage for their food.

Keep In Mind:

• Some cats may find it difficult to get treats out of the compartments, especially if they are larger treats.
• Puzzle may not hold enough food for larger cats or for cats who eat more than 1/4 cup of food at a time.
• Not suitable for wet food.

#3. Tunnel Feeder For Cats

The Trixie Tunnel Feeder for Cats is an interactive feeder that makes cats work for their food, providing an outlet for those innate hunting behaviors.

Keep In Mind:

• Some cats may take time to figure out how to use it.
• May not be suitable for wet food.
• Can be difficult to clean.

#4. MEGA Puzzle Feeder

The Cat Amazing MEGA Puzzle Feeder is a stimulating and challenging treat-powered puzzle that will keep your cat busy and entertained.

Keep In Mind:

• Assembly is required, which may be a bit of a hassle for some people.
• Some cats may get discouraged if they can’t retrieve the treats easily, so you may need to help them out at first.
• May be a bit pricey compared to other cat toys, but the quality and durability should make it worth the investment.

#5. Rainy Day Puzzle & Play

The Catstages Nina Ottosson Rainy Day Puzzle & Play is a great way to keep curious cats entertained while stimulating their natural instinct to forage.

Keep In Mind:

• Some cats may find it difficult to swivel the raindrops.
• May not be challenging enough for super savvy cats.
• May not hold enough food for larger cats.

#6. Cat Activity Fun Board

The Trixie Cat Activity Fun Board is an interactive puzzle that is entertaining and also provides mental stimulation.

Keep In Mind:

• May not be suitable for larger cats.
• May be too easy for some cats.
• May not hold enough food for some cats.
• Puzzle pieces may come apart.

#7. Cat Slow Feeder

Slow feeders are a great option for cat owners who want to slow down their cat’s eating pace, and the Dlder Cat Slow Feeder is a good choice here.

Keep In Mind:

• May not be as effective for cats who are extremely determined to eat quickly.
• May be difficult to clean.

#8. LickiMat Fish-Shaped Cat Slow Feeder

If you’re looking for a fun and effective way to reduce your cat’s anxiety, boredom, or frustration, the LickiMat is another good option.

Keep In Mind:

• May be too low-profile for some cats, which could make it difficult for them to reach the food (you can always place it on a pile of books or magazines to make it higher).
• Not a chew toy, so you’ll need to supervise your pet during use.

#9. Catit Senses 2.0 Digger Interactive Cat Toy

The Catit Senses 2.0 Slow Feeder for Cats is another good way to slow down your cat’s eating pace and encourage natural pawing behavior.

Keep In Mind:

• May not be suitable for wet food.
• Some cats may find the puzzle too easy to solve.
• Rubber mat may not always be effective to prevent tipping.

#10. Turn Around Strategy Game Treat Toy

The Trixie Cat Activity Turn Around Strategy Game is an interactive treat puzzle designed to provide endless entertainment and mental stimulation for your cat.

Keep In Mind:

• May not be suitable for larger cats.
• May be too easy for some cats.
• May not hold enough food for some cats.

Buying Guide: Choosing The Best Puzzle Feeder For Your Cat

When shopping for the best cat puzzle feeder, there are a few key features to consider to ensure you choose the best product for your furry friend.

Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Material And Durability

First and foremost, you want to make sure that the puzzle feeder you choose is made with durable and non-toxic materials.

Look for products that are made with high-quality plastics or metals that can withstand your cat’s scratching and biting.

It’s also important to choose a feeder that is easy to clean and maintain.

Level Of Difficulty

The challenge level of the puzzle feeder is another important factor to consider.

You want to choose a feeder that is challenging enough for your cat’s skill level and to keep them entertained and engaged, but not so difficult that they become frustrated and give up.

Some puzzle feeders come with adjustable difficulty levels, which can be a great option for cats who are new to puzzle feeders.

Size And Capacity

The size and capacity of the puzzle feeder are also important considerations.

Make sure to choose a feeder that is the appropriate size for your cat and has a capacity that meets their dietary needs.

In the wild, cats would ideally eat upto

For example, if you have a larger cat, you may want to choose a feeder with a larger capacity to ensure they are getting enough food.

Additional Features

Finally, you may want to consider any additional features that the puzzle feeder may have.

For example, some feeders come with multiple compartments or adjustable feeding options, which can be helpful for cats who need to eat smaller meals throughout the day.

Other feeders may have non-slip bottoms or be designed to reduce mess and spills.

By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose a puzzle feeder that will keep your cat entertained, engaged, and well-fed.

Note: You can also create your own DIY cat puzzles by hiding treats, novel food, or a little bit of dry or wet cat food in an egg carton, muffin tin, cardboard box, toilet paper roll, or cat tunnel. Ice trays and paper towel rolls can work too. Then just sit back and watch your curious kitty get to work!

Why Cats Need To Hunt Even When They’re Not Hungry

While hunting is partly related to hunger, it’s not solely driven by the need for food.

“Cats are hunters,” says veterinarian and feline behavior expert Dr. Liz Bales.

“Seeking out food, catching it, and playing with it is their mental engagement and their physical exercise.

“It is their reason to be awake.

“We know their stomach is only the size of a ping-pong ball and that they hunt and eat at least 8-12 times in a 24-hour period, mostly at dawn and dusk.

“We know that they are solitary survivors that hunt and eat alone.

“So, why are we feeding them from a bowl and taking away the most important activity in their life?

“Removing this natural behavior risks making our cats bored, overweight and/or sick.”

Hunting provides cats with mental and physical stimulation, exercise, hours of entertainment, and the rewarding sense of completing the predatory sequence.

The Predatory Sequence

• Staring: Cats lock their gaze onto the target, focusing intently on their prey.
• Stalking: Cats begin by stalking their prey, employing stealth and patience to get as close as possible without being detected.
• Chasing: If the prey sees, smells, or hears the cat, they may try to escape, causing the cat to chase after them.
• Pouncing: With a burst of energy, cats pounce on their prey, using their powerful hind legs for propulsion.
• Grabbing: Cats swiftly grab their prey using their sharp claws and strong jaws, aiming to immobilize it.
• Biting: A quick bite to the neck or spinal area helps disable the prey’s ability to escape or fight back.
• Carrying and Consuming: Once successful, the cat may carry the prey to a safe place before consuming it, often starting with the most nutritious parts, like organs.

The “Seeking” System

When cats engage in foraging and exploratory behavior, it engages the “seeking” system in their brain.

The “seeking” system helps cats understand and navigate their environment, guiding them towards valuable resources and away from potential dangers.

When the “seeking” system is active (although it’s never fully turned off) and a cat is actively hunting, they experience a rush of endorphins and a release of dopamine, making it a pleasant emotional state to be in.

And research shows that the anticipation of a reward is almost as great, if not greater, than the reward itself.

Rational Thinking vs. Emotional Thinking

When a cat’s brain is engaged to think rationally and solve challenges, their emotional brain becomes inhibited.

This helps contribute to an overall calm and relaxed mood state, which is an excellent starting point when trying to eliminate behavior problems before they start.

All this plays into providing your kitty with sufficient mental challenges, such as cat food puzzles, to ensure they are getting the enrichment they need.

The Benefits Of Puzzle Feeders For Cats

A puzzle feeder or puzzle game is an easy, affordable way to challenge your cat’s natural hunting instincts and provide them with a stimulating environment where they can safely explore and practice their skills without actually catching any real prey.

Interactive cat feeders also help encourage cats to engage in physical activity and slow down eating, reducing the chances of obesity and obesity-related health issues.

Let’s end by summarizing the benefits:

• Natural Instinct: Hunting is an intrinsic behavior for cats. Even domesticated cats have retained their ancestors’ instincts to stalk, pounce, and capture prey. This behavior is hardwired into their genetic makeup.
• Play And Exercise: Hunting-like activities with interactive cat toys serve as a form of play and exercise. It’s a way for cats to stretch their limbs, burn off excess energy, maintain their agility, and stay physically active. Cats often engage in “play hunting” even when they’re not hungry.
• Mental Stimulation: Hunting activities provide mental stimulation for cats. Figuring out how to approach “prey” and execute a successful “capture” engages their minds and prevents boredom, so is perfect for their mental health and well-being.
• Sensory Stimulation: Hunting involves using a cat’s keen senses—sight, sound, smell, and touch. Engaging these senses through hunting-like behavior helps cats stay connected to their environment.
• Territorial Behavior: Cats may hunt to defend their territory, even if they’re not hungry. This behavior can be a way of establishing their presence and marking their territory.
• Stress Release: Hunting-like behavior can serve as a stress reliever for cats. Engaging in activities that mimic hunting can help them cope with stressors in their environment.
• Feels Good: The release of endorphins, both in anticipation of and during hunting behavior, is hugely rewarding for cats, and can help alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, fear, boredom, and frustration.
• Social Interaction: In multi-cat households, hunting-like play can serve as a social interaction. Cats may “hunt” each other, engaging in mock-chases and pounces, strengthening their social bonds.

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Resources

• Cats: In Crisis – Dr. Liz Bales
• SEEKING – Animal Emotions/Module 6 [Educational Course] – Dr. Karolina Westlund/Illis Animal Behaviour Courses