Why Your Cat Needs a Food Puzzle or Feeder Tree
Make mealtimes more natural, stimulating, and rewarding for your cat.
In the wild, cats spend a large part of their day hunting for food. For our indoor cats, simply placing a bowl down doesn’t offer the same mental or physical challenge – and can lead to boredom, overeating, and behavioural issues.
That’s where food puzzles and feeder trees come in. Here’s why they’re a game changer for your cat’s wellbeing.
What is a food puzzle or feeder tree?
Food puzzles and feeder trees are interactive feeding systems that:
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Require your cat to use their paws and brain to access food
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Slow down fast eaters
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Mimic natural hunting and foraging behaviour
The Catit Senses Food Tree, for example, encourages your cat to paw kibble through multiple levels, turning mealtime into a fun and stimulating activity.
Benefits of food puzzles and feeder trees
✅ Slower eating for better digestion
Eating too quickly can cause vomiting and discomfort. Food puzzles naturally slow eating down, aiding digestion and nutrient absorption.
✅ Weight management
By slowing feeding and adding activity, food puzzles can help prevent obesity, a common issue in indoor cats.
✅ Mental stimulation
Puzzle feeders keep your cat’s brain active, reducing boredom and associated behavioural problems like excessive meowing or scratching.
✅ Encourages natural hunting instincts
Foraging for food mimics how cats eat in the wild, satisfying their instinctual needs and boosting wellbeing.
✅ Reduces stress and anxiety
Enrichment activities like food puzzles help relieve stress by giving cats a positive focus.
How to introduce a food puzzle to your cat
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Start simple – choose an easy puzzle to build confidence.
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Use high-value treats or their favourite kibble to motivate them.
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Supervise at first to ensure they understand how it works.
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Gradually increase difficulty to keep them challenged and engaged.
Make mealtime fun and fulfilling
Adding a food puzzle or feeder tree to your cat’s routine is a simple way to enrich their life, support their health, and keep them happy.
Explore our range of interactive feeders and food puzzles to find the perfect option for your cat.