You’ve probably heard that cats are natural-born hunters. But what does that mean when it comes to feeding your pet cat? Experts say that felines enjoy and benefit from having to work for their meals. So it’s a great idea to invest in an interactive cat feeder for your feline friend.
Cat feeders like Doc & Phoebe’s Interactive Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder are a perfect example of an ideal interactive feeder. It incorporates puzzles and play into mealtime, providing housecats with some valuable mental and physical stimulation.
What to know before you buy an interactive cat feeder
Design
Interactive cat feeders come in a wide range of configurations, varying in size, shape and mobility. You’ll want to pick a feeder that caters to how much space you have in your home for feline activities.
Some feeders are stationary and stay in one place as your cat tries to retrieve treats from them. Others are mobile, which usually include balls or tubes for cats to push around and play with to release the food. Both will be a challenge for your pet, but the mobile variations are best for providing additional exercise and physical stimulation.
Level of difficulty
If you’re buying your cat their first interactive feeder, it’s best to seek out a simple challenge to start and slowly increase the difficulty over time. You’ll be surprised at how quickly cats take to interactive feeding! After all, most cats love a good hunt.
There are a growing variety of interactive feeders on the market, so finding new and engaging designs for your kitty shouldn’t be an issue. Some models even offer varying levels of difficulty that you can adjust as needed, which makes them a great choice for a longer-lasting feeder.
Materials
Most manufacturers use plastic to make their interactive cat feeders. Others use cardboard, wood or other materials.
Plastic feeders are most common because they’re durable, easy to clean and long-lasting. Your cat probably already has some bowls or toys made out of plastic, so this will be familiar material for them. Just be sure to buy a BPA-free plastic feeder to keep your pet safe.
Every cat loves a good cardboard box. So why not buy an interactive feeder made of cardboard? This material makes for a great introduction to interactive feeding, and your cat may be more tempted to play with cardboard than another material. The downside is that you’ll need to replace these somewhat frequently. And they can be messy since your cat will claw and chew through the material to get the food out.
Lastly, wooden feeders are another good option. They are durable and heavier than cardboard or plastic, which is ideal for stationary models. However, there aren’t as many of these models available and they often cost more.
Interactive cat feeder features
Various difficulty levels
Some feeders come with different levels of difficulty to keep your cat challenged and engaged. If you have multiple cats, this is a great choice. Also, if you believe your cat will work to improve their prowess over time, this type works well for long-term feeding. It’s also budget-friendly since you won’t have to upgrade to a new model after your cat masters the first level.
Easy to move
As previously mentioned, mobile interactive cat feeders are ideal for providing your cat with exercise. One of the best features about mobile feeders is you can hide them around the home, making your cat hunt down their food. This provides endless possibilities, and it makes the feeding experience a unique challenge.
Dishwasher-safe
Some interactive cat feeders are dishwasher-safe. Most plastic feeders can go in the dishwasher, which makes for easy clean-up. Cat treats and food can sometimes get stuck or scattered about during a meal, so a dishwasher-friendly feeder is an excellent choice if you’re concerned about them leaving a mess.
Interactive cat feeder cost
Most interactive cat feeders are fairly low-priced, often ranging between $10-$20. Some of the more complex and high-quality models cost upwards of $30.
Interactive cat feeder FAQ
Can I put wet food in an interactive cat feeder?
A. Most interactive cat feeders work best with dry cat treats and kibble, but some are compatible with wet food as well. If your cat is more into canned food, there are some models with shallower compartments that would suit their needs. If you’re planning on using wet food or treats, seek out plastic models rather than cardboard or wood.
How can I encourage my cat to use an interactive cat feeder?
A. Although many cats take to interactive feeders surprisingly fast, some will require a little encouragement to engage with their new gadget. You can try sprinkling some of their regular food on or around the feeder to draw their attention to it as an introduction. If this doesn’t get them interested, try using their favorite treats. Once they’ve eaten the food around it, you can start hiding the food in compartments, making it more of a challenge. Remember, different cats favor different feeders and challenges. Don’t be afraid to try out a few different models if the first one doesn’t work for your feline friend.
Which interactive cat feeder should I get?
Best of the best interactive cat feeder
Doc & Phoebe’s Interactive Indoor Hunting Cat Feeder: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: Literally designed by veterinarians to support improved cat eating habits, this mobile feeder is a great choice for cats who eat too fast or need help losing weight.
What we like: These mice-shaped feeders are easy to fill and clean. The plastic is dishwasher-safe and BPA-free, and the fabric is machine washable. The possibilities are endless with this interactive feeder since you can hide the mice in different areas around the home with each feeding.
What we dislike: The holes are on the larger side, making it a bit easy for small treats and kibble to fall out.
Best bang for your buck interactive cat feeder
Cat Amazing Interactive Treat Maze & Puzzle Feeder for Cats: available at Amazon and Chewy
Our take: Ideal for the cardboard box-loving cat, this interactive feeder is affordable and has multiple levels of difficulty to keep your cat engaged.
What we like: This puzzle feeder has three levels of difficulty, with a secret fourth level for expert hunters. It’s great for hiding both food and toys inside.
What we dislike: Although it’s sturdy, it’s designed to be disposable, so it won’t last for too long. This is especially true among cats with an appetite for cardboard.
Honorable mention interactive cat feeder
Catit Senses 2.0 Digger Interactive Cat Toy: available at Amazon, Chewy and PetSmart
Our take: This Catit interactive cat feeder is a great investment for a long-lasting slow feeder that’s safe and easy to assemble and clean.
What we like: It features multiple tubes with varying difficulty levels and has a rubber mat base to keep the feeder in place while cats play and eat.
What we dislike: This feeder isn’t the most challenging model available. So, while it’s beginner-friendly, you should look for a more complicated model if your cat is an advanced or experienced hunger.
Charity Lindsey is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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