Should You Get a Slow Feeder for Your Cat?

Does Your Cat Eat Too Quickly?

Some cats scarf down their food, grabbing big chunks of wet food or many pieces of dry food at once and eating everything in their bowl in no time at all. But when cats eat too quickly, they sometimes end up throwing up the food they ate—known as “scarf and barf.” This is a problem, and a simple solution might be a slow feeder.

Basically, a slow feeder is designed to make it a bit harder to grab the pieces of meat or kibble, so your kitty has to take their time rather than stuff their mouth full of food with each bite. The right slow feeder design will cause your cat to take smaller bites, and that will cause them to spend more time finishing their meal, thereby helping to prevent regurgitation.  

There are slow feeders that are made for dry food, wet food, or both. A lick mat, for example, is a good choice for wet food because you can spread it onto the mat and your kitty can lick it up. A good example is the LickiMat Casper and Felix, which is a set of two lick mats for various wet foods and treats. Made from food-grade rubber, these are flat and whisker friendly, and they’re made for kittens and adult cats. Each mat features a different design, with varying textures to keep mealtime interesting. Plus, they don’t contain any silicone, phthalates, PVC, or BPA.

Does Your Cat Need to Lose Weight?

If your cat is overweight or obese, helping them lose weight gradually and safely is important. Work with your veterinarian to determine the ideal weight for your kitty and to learn about the appropriate ways to help them shed extra pounds. One strategy you can try is using a slow feeder.

When a cat eats too quickly, they may not realize they’re getting full. A feeder that forces them to slow down could help their brain realize that they’re satisfied, and this might make them eat less at mealtime, and also might stop them from asking for more food right away.

Even if you don’t use a slow feeder at every meal, it might help your kitty consume less food and fewer calories daily. So, it may help get your cat within the right weight range, especially when combined with more playtime and environmental enrichment,

Another good option to check out is the Catstages Cat Slow Feeder Bowl, which can hold up to ½ cup of dry food, but you can also use it to give your cat wet food. It’s divided into 30 sections that hold food in a way that slows cats down as they work on emptying each compartment. It has a non-slip base, it’s dishwasher safe, and it doesn’t contain lead, phthalate, BPA, or PVC.  

Does Your Cat Like a Challenge?

Puzzle feeders that hold kibble and treats are a great form of enrichment and a good way to mentally stimulate your cat. These also slow cats down because they have to “work” for their food—and they experience a sense of accomplishment when they figure it out.  

There are a variety of cat food puzzles on the market, from those that are basic for kitties who are beginners, to those that are made for advanced kitties who are accustomed to solving puzzles. Some products can even be adjusted to move from beginner to advanced.   

Do You Want to Provide More Variety at Mealtime?

Yet another reason to add slow feeders into your cat’s routine is to simply provide variety. While some kitties might hate the idea of eating out of a new bowl, others thrive on experiencing new things. So, you might find that your feline likes the challenge of a food puzzle toy or the textures of a lick mat in between eating from a regular bowl.

Things to Consider When Buying a Slow Feeder for Cats

Here are some of the features to look for when shopping for a slow feeder for your cat:

Materials: Check that the materials are safe and non-toxic. If you want to avoid certain materials, such as plastic, read product descriptions carefully.  

Ease of cleaning: Depending on their design, slow feeders might be harder to clean. However, many products are dishwasher safe to keep it simple.

Design and size: Some slow feeders are designed to prevent whisker fatigue, and some are made for kittens or adult cats. Also, there are raised slow feeders for kitties who prefer eating out of elevated bowls.

Level of difficulty: Slow feeders that double as food puzzles are designed to be challenging, but don’t give your beginner cat something that’s too complicated. Instead, choose a puzzle that has the right level of difficulty for your kitty.

Overall, there are plenty of good reasons to use slow feeders for cats, so weigh their pros and cons to decide if they’re worth trying.

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