![]() Most models can be washed with soapy water, and those with shallow wells and compartments can often accommodate wet food as well. Interactive cat feeders made from plastic are generally quite sturdy and easy to clean. It's also worth noting that cardboard feeders can only be used with dry food. However, replacement costs can quickly add up when clever kitties or chronic cardboard chewers figure out that tearing the feeder grants them easy access to food. These interactive cat feeders tend to be relatively inexpensive, making them a great starter option. While it might seem like an unlikely choice for a feeder, many cats are crazy for cardboard, and models made from this material may hold extra appeal for fussy felines. Interactive cat feeders are generally made from cardboard, plastic, or wood. If you're interested in an interactive cat feeder with a vertical design, a sturdy weighted base will help prevent clever kitties from simply knocking the structure over to score an easy meal. While there's nothing wrong with cats pushing a box or board-style feeder around on the floor (some actually enjoy it), taller structures are likely to come crashing down if they aren't well anchored. Weight is only a concern if you're considering an interactive feeding tree or tower. If sibling rivalry is a problem, you can avoid squabbles by purchasing more than one interactive feeder (or a multipack of mobile feeders) and placing them in different parts of your home. ![]() If you have more than one cat, it's a good idea to choose a larger model so your feline family can "hunt" together. Interactive cat feeders come in a variety of sizes. If your cat simply can't be motivated by anything other than wet food, try interactive cat feeders with shallower compartments or wells that don't require cats to fish out food with their paws. The vast majority of interactive cat feeders are designed to be used with dry cat food and treats, but some may work with wet food as well. Introducing more complex food puzzles once the basics have been mastered or choosing a model that offers varying levels of difficulty is a great way to keep cats interested. Starting out with a relatively easy option is a great way to help indoor cats gain a bit of "hunting" confidence, but that doesn't mean you should limit your feline friend to simple feeders only. Too complex, and your cat might just decide to give up all together. Too simple, and your kitty could miss out on key benefits like mental and physical stimulation. Difficulty levelįor an interactive cat feeder to catch and hold your cat's attention, it needs to present an appropriate challenge. Slow feed cat bowls, feeding trees or towers, and puzzle boxes all qualify as stationary interactive cat feeders. Stationary feeders remain in one place while your cat navigates nooks and crannies, pulls or pushes panels, or tips treat-filled tubes. If you're looking for a way to get your cat up and moving, a mobile interactive feeder is an excellent choice. Mobile feeders are usually balls or tubes that need to be swatted at, rolled, or pushed around to release food. Regardless of shape, size, or complexity, most can be sorted into two categories: mobile feeders and stationary feeders. Interactive cat feeders are available in a mind-boggling array of configurations. Key considerations Types of interactive cat feeders Research shows that providing cats with an outlet for their natural hunting and foraging instincts can help reduce negative behaviors such as aggression, attention seeking, house-soiling, and over-grooming. ![]() If you need help finding the best option for your feline friend, our guide will clue you in on everything from food compatibility to choosing an appropriate difficulty level. However, not every interactive cat feeder is a good fit for every cat. This can be as simple as pushing a ball around until it releases kibble or as complex as moving panels on a box to gain access to food. Interactive cat feeders, also known as puzzle feeders, come in a host of shapes and sizes, but they all share a common goal: to enrich the lives of indoor cats by giving them an opportunity to "work" for their food. By combining mealtime with play, interactive cat feeders can help bring some much-needed mental and physical stimulation to the dinner table. ![]() Buying guide for Best interactive cat feedersįeeding your cat a healthy, nutritious diet is important, but are you serving up that kibble correctly? Studies show that cats are healthier and happier when they have to work for their food (and unfortunately, meowing for a top-up doesn't count). ![]()
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