They say there's no such thing as a free lunch. Increasingly, that’s true even for house cats.
Nearly a third of cat owners use food puzzles, according to a newly-published study led by researchers at the University of California, Davis. The survey was designed to assess how cats are being fed and look for enrichment opportunities.
Food puzzles are designed to make cats “work” for their meals instead of scarfing down bowls of kibble. The devices come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from simple treat-dispensing toys to more elaborate foraging games.
“As natural hunters, puzzle toys are an excellent way to help cats return to their roots,” says Dr. Lauren Jones, a veterinarian based in the Philadelphia area. “Puzzle toys provide both mental stimulation and physical activity, and are thought to help with some mild behavioral issues.”
The survey found that 18 percent of pet parents had tried food puzzles in the past, but stopped using them. Most former users cited their cats as the problem, reporting that their pets weren’t interested or able to figure out the puzzles.
While cats may be natural predators, a food puzzle isn’t natural prey. Pet parents must properly introduce the toy for a successful experience.
“There’s a learning curve when you first begin to provide your cat with a puzzle toy,” says Jones. “Cats must be taught what a puzzle toy is by showing them the toy as you fill it with food.”
Considering a food puzzle? Jones offers the following additional tips for puzzle feeding:
When first introducing the toy, consider using treats with a strong smell, bits of canned tuna or baby food that contains meat. Higher-value foods and treats can motivate the cat to explore a puzzle toy.
Begin with simple puzzles that dispense food when simply moved. As your cat begins to grasp the concept of moving the toy and working for food, you can begin introducing more complicated puzzle toys.
Some cat owners may balk at using puzzle toys in multi-pet households, but this can be accomplished. Separate pets for ten minutes at a time in different rooms, or use baby gates to keep dogs out of the cats’ areas.
If you exclusively feed your cat using a puzzle toy, measure the portions to ensure your cat isn’t eating too much or too little.