Want to keep your cat busy and amused? One way is to prolong the fun of her breakfast–or the fun of cat treats–with a cat puzzle feeder. You can purchase cat puzzle feeders and treat dispensers but it’s also fun and easy to make your own diy cat food puzzle using materials you already have on hand.
What is a Puzzle Feeder?
A puzzle feeder or a cat treat dispenser is a toy that encourages your cat to “hunt” for kibble or treats, either by using his paw to fish the treat out of the toy or to roll the toy to reward your cat with a tasty morsel.
You can put your cat’s entire (dry) meal into a puzzle feeder or just a handful of treats.
Of all our cats, Lucky is the biggest game player. He absolutely loves to play interactive games with our dog Tiki, as the two of them work to get treats out of a specially-designed toy.
Lucky also loves to play with treat-dispensing toys especially designed for cats. Whether stuffed with cat kibble or cat treats, these toys are a great way to extend the fun of mealtime for your cat while providing the challenge of the hunt!
Make Your Own Cat Puzzle Feeder
If you don’t have a puzzle feeder or a treat-dispensing toy for your cat, it’s very easy to make one.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not craftsy. I love checking out all the super cute crafts on Pinterest boards but, in the back of my mind, I know that there’s zero chance that the ones I make will look anything like the festive photos.
But, you know what: our cats don’t care what that DIY cat toy looks like!
Here are just a few ways to make your own treat dispensing cat toys designed to keep your cat busy and happy:
Turn a Water Bottle Into a Treat Dispenser
Punch several holes in a clean and dry plastic water bottle. It’s important to always make several holes in any treat dispensing product so there’s no danger of your cat’s tongue getting caught by suction in the closed bottle.
Again, be sure the openings are smooth.
Drop some cat treats inside, cap the bottle, and roll it across the floor to begin the fun.
Turn a Cardbox Box into a Puzzle Feeder
Cut several holes large enough for a kitty arm in a cardboard box.
Drop the treats inside and let your cat “fish” the treat out! Shoe boxes are great for this (just tape down the lid.)
Use Toilet Paper Tubes as Cat Puzzle Feeders
Got toilet paper? (Lucky you!) Whether you have toilet paper tubes or paper towel tubes, you can turn them into a fun treat dispenser in just a few minutes!
You can use just a few tubes like the video above or, if you have a stockpile, transform them into this treat vending machine:
Cut Toilet Paper Tubes to Create a Cat Treat Ball Dispenser
Again, IF you’ve got toilet paper or paper towels on hand, this is an easy way to create a cat treat ball dispenser. All you’ll need is one cardboard tube, some scissors, tape…and cat treats!
Use Paper or Plastic Cups to Create a Treat Dispenser or Feeder
Glue plastic or paper cups to a board and drop food or treats inside for your cat to fish out. Zinnamon shows how she uses the treat dispenser in this video.
Turn a Paper Sack into a Treat Dispenser
We all know how much our cats LOVE paper sacks. Besides being used as a cat cave, you can also use a paper sack as a treat dispenser!
Cut some slits in a paper sack, drop in the treats, and close up the top of the bag. The crinkly fun of a paper sack will make the hunt extra fun.
With a little creativity, you’ll find all kinds of items around your house that make fun food- and treat-dispensing toys for your cat! It’s an inexpensive way to add activity to your cat’s day and, if your cat is watching her figure, a great way to prolong the joy of a meal without supplying extra treats or kibble.
Pin it to remember these DIY ideas for cat food puzzles!
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