Companion Animals

Companion Cat Puzzle Feeder Benefits Welfare

Puzzle feeders provide cognitive enrichment and replicate natural foraging behaviour improving welfare for indoor cats.

Key Facts

Cats evolved to work for food through hunting rather than eating from static bowls
Puzzle feeders increase mental engagement and physical activity around mealtimes
Commercial and homemade puzzle feeders vary in difficulty suitable for different cats
Transitioning to puzzle feeders should be gradual for cats unfamiliar with working for food

Welfare Considerations

Indoor cats fed from bowls complete their daily food intake in minutes, leaving hours without cognitive engagement. Puzzle feeders extend feeding time, increase activity, and provide the mental stimulation of problem-solving that hunting provides. Even modest puzzle feeding enrichment improves welfare in understimulated indoor cats.

What You Can Do

Introduce a puzzle feeder for at least some meals daily for indoor cats
Start with easy feeders and increase difficulty as the cat builds confidence
Make DIY puzzle feeders from cardboard boxes and muffin tins at low cost