Wet food can be smeared since cats lick up their meals

• Put food on a paper plate, and it slides around a smooth floor. The cat keeps moving to “catch” the food.
• Spread food onto a silicone potholder to provide nooks and crannies for extra licking. Place the potholder on the floor or hang it on a wall.
• Commercial feeders can be purchased online or at pet stores that enable canned food feeding. 

Dry food can be placed in puzzles that cats bat, push, and move about to get the food to fall out

• Fold toilet paper tubes stuffed with kibble for pushing, swatting, and chewing.
• Stand paper tubes upright and pack them tightly inside a box for paw scooping.
• Cut paw-sized holes and strips atop a shallow box or a clear container for batting and scooping.

• Many commercial puzzles available for small dogs work well for cats. Put lots of kibble in the puzzle to help novice cats be successful.

Photo courtesy of Sherrie Yuschak

Hide and seek because cats use the sense of smell to find food

• Filled puzzle feeders can be hidden within a room or house to encourage the cat to find them.
• Use a wand cat toy to play, then direct the cat to the hidden food.

• Scatter kibble on cat trees, shelves, behind plants, and couches. Start with easy hides in a small room and increase the search difficulty as the cat improves.

Photo Courtesy of Bec Hamilton

Interactive games build a better bond

1. Wand toys can be used to play and direct the cat during the hide and seek game.
2. Clicker training is a great way to feed meals and teach healthcare behaviors.