Cat parents are well aware that although their feline companions thrive on a routine, they also can get bored pretty quickly, which can lead to all sorts of mischief. Food puzzles for cats may be the perfect solution! These puzzles engage your cat's brain and get them moving.
What Is a Cat Food Puzzle?
Puzzles for cat food are typically plastic containers in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. They're designed to make a pet "work for their food," explained the Cummings Veterinary Medical Center at Tufts University. Food puzzles for cats offer an environmental enrichment activity, and can be created out of any material or object that can safely hold edible items.
Cats can be very choosy about which type of food puzzle they like (no surprise there), so if your fur baby doesn't take to one right away, try others until you find one that pleases your picky pal. The key is to choose one that enhances their senses and instincts.
Types of Cat Food Puzzles
Most commercially bought cat food puzzles are intended for dry cat food but you can try wet food in them, too. When choosing which cat food to use in your puzzle, consider what the cleanup process will entail.
There are puzzles that require cats to lift up clear plastic cups, open drawers with their paws, or fish kibble out of a maze. Others necessitate the use of their mouth to lift out food. Some cat food puzzles sit on a sturdy base, while others lay flat on the ground.
Food puzzles for cats don't have to cost a lot of money. There are many commercially available options but you can make your own cat food puzzle using common household items like:
- Cardboard tubes
- Empty plastic water bottles
- Cardboard egg cartons
- Plastic cups
- Plastic ice cube trays
Mobile food puzzles are especially fun because your cat can roll them around the floor, adding an extra element of chase to the game. But make sure they can actually get the food out. The idea of these puzzles isn't to frustrate your cat but, rather, to engage them in a task for which they'll be rewarded.
And as always, prioritize your cat's safety, ensuring there are no sharp edges, small pieces that can be swallowed or pointy parts on the puzzle that can harm your kitty.
Tasty Tips
Benefits of Cat Food Puzzles
Food puzzles are beneficial for a cat's instinctive behavior in the following ways:
Curing Boredom
While it's true that cats sleep a lot, they need stimulation during their awake hours, or they could wind up wreaking havoc on your home. Cats retain a strong instinct for stalking and hunting, and supplying 
a cat with a food puzzle offers an outlet for that instinct, said Mikel Delgado, a cat behavior expert, in an interview for Scientific American.
Foraging for their food provides a truly enriching experience for domesticated cats. "Of course, it is not quite the same as hunting, but when combined with other forms of enrichment, such as interactive play, puzzles can really provide cats with the exercise and challenges they need to be happier," said Delgado.
Regulating Food and Managing Weight
Similar to treat-dispensing cat toys, food puzzles can be used to supply your kitty with their entire meal portion. International Cat Care points out that because puzzle feeders encourage mental and physical stimulation, using them to distribute meals is a great option for cats who aren't otherwise active.
Reducing Nighttime Feedings
Sleeping through the night without waking up to feed the cat is the stuff of daydreams for some pet parents. With a food puzzle, that hope could become a reality, as it provides your kitty with full access to their nocturnal meals. Also, cat puzzles make it so a cat can't scarf their whole meal down in minutes.
Consider using either stationary puzzles at night or confining mobile cat food puzzles to spaces far away from your bedroom so your slumber won't be disturbed by the racket.
The perfect cat food puzzle for your furry friend will engage them in the complete process of stalking, hunting and capturing prey. They may take a little while to warm up to the new toy, but once they do, you're sure to have one happy hunter on your hands.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Liver & Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Vegetable & Rice Stew Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Senior Vitality Adult 7+ Tuna & Vegetables Stew
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Hairball Control cat food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Tender Chicken Dinner
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Indoor Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports energy level and beautiful fur in mature indoor cats
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Ocean Fish & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports the developmental needs of kittens to help start life with healthy growth and a strong immune system
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome for cats age 7+
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Stew Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Duck & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Digestion Chicken, Barley & Whole Oats Recipe Cat Food
Science Diet's breakthrough nutrition supports ultimate digestive well-being & healthy microbiome
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Oral Care Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Clinically proven kibble technology to reduce plaque & tartar build-up
Related articles
Does My Cat Have Dry Skin?
Learn how to spot signs of excessive dry skin in cats, what could be causing your kitty's skin irritation, and how you can help treat it.
Techniques for Obedience Training Your Kitten
Get some quick tips on how to shape your kitten's behaviour with early training. Learn what to do and what not to do.
Do's and Don'ts for Disciplining a Cat
Having trouble with your cat's bad behavior? Learn how to effectively discipline your cat with this helpful list of do's and don'ts.
Feline Cognitive Dysfunction & Cat Dementia and How To Help
Learn all about cat brain aging, dementia, signs of senility in senior cats to feline dementia treatment and care.
Your Cat is Always Hungry: What Should You Do?
Learn why your cat might show signs of being overly hungry, if there could be an underlying medical concern, and options to help them control their hunger.
Understanding Your Overweight Cat
If you have an overweight cat, learn how this condition can affect your cat's health and tips for choosing the best cat food for weight loss.
Cat Kidney Health: What You Need to Know
Cat obesity is a significant problem - learn more about helping your cat become trimmer and healthier through improved nutrition.
Subtle Signs that Your Cat is Aging
Health-related issues in cat become more common as they age. Here are 6 senior feline health concerns you need to know about.
Recognizing Cat Obesity, Causes and Signs
Feline obesity puts cats at higher risk of several health concerns. Here's how to tell if you have an overweight cat so you can intervene early.
How to Put On a Cat Harness
Discover which harness style is best for your feline friend and learn how to put on a cat harness. Take your kitty for a stroll knowing they're secure.
Smart Litter Boxes: What You Need to Know
Learn helpful information about self-cleaning litter boxes, including how they actually work, overall benefits, typical costs and transitioning tips.
Tips for Socializing Your Kitten with People & Other Pets
It's important to introduce your new kitten to kids, strangers and family pets early in their development to help raise a well-adjusted, socializing cat.
Do Cats Like Music?
Have you ever wondered if cat's like music? And if so, what kind? Check out this article that digs into the science behind your cat's taste in music.
When Are Cats Full-Grown?
Learn key signs to tell if your kitten is reaching cat adulthood, including life stage specifics and special considerations for gender, breed & more
Why Is My Cat Peeing Blood?
Learn causes & symptoms associated with blood in cat urine, including underlying urinary tract problems or issues like FLUTD, as well as treatment options.
How Wellness Checks Help Senior Cats
If you have a senior-aged cat, learn why its so important to take her to regular vet visits & blood work, especially if she has a health condition.
Can Cats See TV?
Do cats actually watch TV when they're chilling out on the couch with you? Learn more about how cats engage with and react to electronic screens.
Suggestions for Grooming & Bathing Your Cat
Grooming is an important part of your aging cat's well-being. Learn tips to keep her looking good with these grooming tips for older, mature adult cats.
Understanding Ailurophobia: The Fear of Cats
Learn the history and symptoms of ailurophobia, or the fear of cats, and how to help people who suffer from this condition.
All About Cat Fleas
Discover how your indoor cat can get fleas, how to spot signs that she has them, and tips for getting rid of them & preventing them in the future.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.