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When cats eat too quickly, they can end up regurgitating their meal; eating too fast may also cause cats to overeat, which could lead to weight gain. As such, cat owners need to consider looking into the best slow feeders for cats to ensure that their stomachs can keep up with how much food they eat. In this article, we share the best slow feeders for cats and where you can get them for a good price!
What are Slow Feeders?
Slow-feed bowls help to slow down the eating process compared to regular bowls, allowing cats to chew their food properly before they swallow. Whether you serve dry cat food or wet food to your pets, chewing food thoroughly is important for both cats and humans alike. Slow feeders such as puzzle feeders allow for proper portion control while ensuring that your cat gets enough calories as it eats.
While feeding your feline friend small meals can help curb fast eating, limiting the chance that it will choke on food or vomit but this also means that they may still be hungry and ask for more food. A great alternative is to use a food puzzle while maintaining the cup of food you usually feed your cat.
Why Use a Slow Feeder for Your Cats?
When dogs and cats eat too fast and swallow too much food, they end up swallowing a lot of air as they eat. This air can cause them to become too gassy and the extra air in their stomach can potentially cause bloat, which can become fatal. Using a slow feeder, whether a lick mat, puzzle bowl, or maze bowl, will help your cat eat slower and prevent them from swallowing too much air as they eat.
Moreover, many cats often feel bored while their humans are away at work or school all day; another reason why slow feeders are a great idea is that they provide mental stimulation. Below, are some of the best cat slow feeders that you can get today!
Best Slow Feeder for Cats
When you have indoor cats that need slow feeders, here are our top picks.
1. Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Digger Slow Feeder
Highlights:
- A slow feeder that’s outfitted with 5 tubes of different widths and heights, which also serves as a toy
- With a smart design that encourages your cat’s natural instincts to get food for itself
- Can be used during mealtimes or a treat during training sessions
- Made using safe materials that can be easy to clean too
- Works well as a stand-alone system or can be integrated into other Catit Senses products
When it comes to Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Digger Slow Feeder, you’ll get a slow-feeder bowl and a fun toy all in one, allowing your cat to discover the joys of mealtime. This cat fun feeder is outfitted with 5 tubes that will encourage your cat to look for its food while preventing bouts of binge eating. Its sloped design prevents spilling and collects stray kibbles so your cat always has something to eat; simply add some kibble to the front of the tray for more fun!
2. IRIS USA Non-Slip Rubber Slow Feeder
Highlights:
- Slows down eating which can help protect cats from indigestion and reduces the chance of nausea and bloating
- Designed to have raised areas at the center to help slow down cats from hasty eating
- Features a non slip base that helps to keep their bowl in place while your cat looks for food
- Available in a wide range of styles, so you can get the right fit for your feline friend
- Made from BPA, phthalate, and PVC-free plastic to give you peace of mind as your cat feeds
If your cat is an aggressive eater that devours its meals, then be sure to use the IRIS USA Non-Slip Rubber Slow Feeder. This slow feeder cat bowl helps to improve digestion while reducing bloating and nausea; the meal-lengthening ridges in the middle of the bowl can help to slow down your pup’s bad eating habits. Luckily, this bowl is made of BPA-free and durable plastic that’s easy to clean and its rubber base allows it to stay in play while your cat goes through its meal.
3. TRIXIE Tunnel Non-Skid Plastic Slow Feeder
Highlights:
- This challenging feeder helps to stimulate your cat and slows its eating at the same time
- Simply fill the center with treats or food to let it automatically disperse into the different tunnels
- With a slip-resistant base that keeps your feeder in place as your cat gets a nice meal
- A great way to reward your kitty for opening the different compartments they can explore
- This slow-feed cat bowl is dishwasher safe which makes it easy to clean
This great Activity Strategy Game Tunnel Feeder by Trixie Cat offers a challenge for cats during their mealtimes to slow their eating, which can encourage better nutrient absorption and digestion. All you need to do is fill the middle with some treats and food, then wait for it to disperse into various tunnels where it can be teased out. It comes with a non-slip rubber rim that keeps it stable while your cat rummages through their meal — it’s also dishwasher safe so you can clean it easily.
4. Frisco Fish Shaped Ridges Slow Feed Bowl
Highlights:
- These slow feed bowls are designed specifically to help felines eat slower than usual
- With fun, fish-shaped ridge designs inside the bowl to help promote proper digestion with cats
- This plastic bowl is BPA-free, which means no harsh chemicals
- Safe for the top rack dishwasher so it can be cleaned easily in between each meal
- This 1.3-inch deep bowl is designed and tested to meet the highest standards
Designed specifically for cats, the Frisco Fish Shaped Ridges Slow Feed Bowl slows down speedy eaters to help support their overall health and digestive system. This slow eating cat bowl features ridges that get them to take their time eating — it’s also made in China with high-quality materials and can be used for both wet or dry cat food. To keep it clean, simply place it on the top rack of your dishwasher or you can handwash it using water and mild detergent.
5. Disney Mickey Mouse Slow Feeder
Highlights:
- This gorgeous ceramic cat bowl is a fan-approved Disney product only available at Chewy
- Comes with a nonskid bottom that helps to prevent spills and slips
- A slow feeder bowl that comes with raised columns to help fast chewers slow down
- With a design that features various Disney character silhouettes outside for a fun touch
- While this heavy ceramic bowl isn’t microwave-safe, it can be cleaned easily inside the dishwasher
With the Disney Mickey Mouse Slow Feeder, pet owners can add an elegant ceramic bowl to their homes to improve their cat’s dinnerware. If you have a fast eater who needs to slow down, this high quality bowl won’t just serve as fancy dinnerware, but it will also regulate the amount of food your kitty eats without compromising the nutritional value it gets. When it’s time to clean the bowl, just place it inside the dishwasher for minimal effort.
Conclusion
Slow-feeder pet bowls are a great way for pet parents to encourage healthy eating among their pets during chow time, whether your cat loves wet food or dry food. But even if your cat has learned the right way of eating, never forget to give it a water bowl to keep it hydrated. Finally, ensure that your slow feed cat bowls have easy cleaning features to keep them fresh every time they’re used.
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