5 Best Slow Feeders for Cats: Review & Buying Guide 2023

Does your feline friend eat her meals too quickly and end up with digestive issues? Having observed, studied, and reviewed numerous cat feeders, I can confidently share my expertise in picking the right slow feeder to help improve your cat’s eating habits. I’ve taken into account a multitude of factors to recommend only the best slow feeders for your cat. One of our cats lived to be 22, so you can rest assured I have years of cat-owning experience.?

TLDR: Here are my picks for the best slow feeders for cats:

1. DDMOMMY Raised Slow Feeder Ceramic Cat Bowl
2. Anipaw Silicone Slow Feeder Mat With Stainless Steel Bowl
3. Catstages Kitty Slow Feeder Cat Bowl
4. Lickimat Casper Fish-shaped Slow Feeder Lick Mat (Best For Wet Food)
5. Catit Senses 2.0

Quick Summary: For the best slow feeders for cats, I recommend the DDMOMMY Raised Slow Feeder Ceramic Cat Bowl for its height and ceramic material, the Anipaw Silicone Slow Feeder Mat With Stainless Steel Bowl for flexibility and durability, and the clever designs of the Lickimat Casper Fish-shaped Slow Feeder Lick Mat and Petstages Kitty Slow Feeder Cat Bowl for wet and dry food respectively. I also included a puzzle toy feeder, Catit Senses 2.0. But remember practicality and your cat’s comfort should ultimately guide your choice.

Why Choose A Slow Feed Bowl for Your Cat?

Slow-feed bowls are great for cats who are prone to overeating. Slow feeders make it difficult for your cat to eat too quickly, which can help reduce the risk of vomiting, bloating, or other digestive issues that come from eating too much in one sitting.

Slow feeding also keeps cats engaged and entertained as they work to get their food out of the bowl. Using slow-feed bowls can help with boredom and reduce anxiety.

Features & Product Aspects to Look For When Choosing A Slow Feeder

When selecting a slow feeder bowl for your cat, there are several key features and aspects of the product to consider:

Materials

Look for materials that are safe for your cat. Opt for BPA-free plastic or steel. Ceramic is also a safe and durable option for slow-feed bowls.

Design

The design of the feeder is what slows down your cat’s eating. Choose a design that your cat will interact with to get their food, but is also safe. Steer clear of designs with sharp edges or small parts that could be a choking hazard.

Ease of Cleaning

Your cat’s slow feeder will need regular cleaning. Consider how easy it will be to wash by hand or if it’s dishwasher safe.

Size

You’ll want to consider the size of the feeder. Your cat should be able to comfortably eat from it but it also needs to fit well in your feeding area.

Compatibility with Wet or Dry Food

Some feeders are better suited to a certain type of food. Check if the feeder you’re considering is appropriate for your preferred type of cat food.

Remember, the perfect slow feeder for your cat will be a balance of these considerations based on your and your cat’s specific needs and preferences.

Best Slow Feeders for Cats: My Reviews and Buying Guide 2023

1) DDMOMMY Raised Slow Feeder Ceramic Cat Bowl

Overview: This product leads our list of the best slow feeder cat bowl. The DDMOMMY Raised Slow Feeder Ceramic Cat Bowl is ergonomically designed with raised ridges in a floral pattern to slow down your cat’s eating pace. Crafted with high-quality ceramic, this slow feeder is non-toxic, durable, and can be easily cleaned in a dishwasher.

Pros:

• Facilitates slow eating, aiding digestion and preventing feline obesity.
• Ceramic material ensures longevity and ease of cleaning.
• The bottom rubber ring prevents the bowl from slipping.
• Raised design provides a comfortable eating posture for your cat and is helpful in relieving neck burden or mobility issues.

Cons:

• Higher price compared to other options.
• Somewhat heavy, making it less travel-friendly.

2) Anipaw Silicone Slow Feeder Mat With Stainless Steel Bowl

Overview: This Silicone Slow Feeder Mat with a Stainless Steel Bowl is another top-notch product on our list. This two-in-one feeder combines a slow feeder mat and a water bowl, crafted to enhance your cat’s feeding time through a challenging, yet exciting process.

Pros:

• A non-slip silicone mat “traps” the food, which slows down the cat’s eating pace.
• A stainless steel bowl gives you the option of providing water or wet food.
• Easy to clean; both the silicone mat and stainless steel bowl are dishwasher safe.
• More affordable in comparison to some other options.

Cons:

• The feeding mat area may be small for bigger cats.
• Tough food samples might be challenging to clean from the silicone mat.

3) Catstages Kitty Slow Feeder Cat Bowl

Overview: The Catstages Kitty Slow Feeder is a uniquely designed product, that provides an enriching feeding experience. With its multiple ridges and valleys, it is meant to mimic the presence of multiple smaller dishes, thus encouraging slow feeding.

Pros:

• The process of extracting dry kibble food from this slow feeder not only enhances your cat’s physical well-being but also provides mental stimulation.
• The rigged design ensures slower eating, resulting in fewer digestive issues.
• Easy to clean.
• Lightweight and portable.

Cons:

• Dry food may sometimes spill over while your cat is eating.
• It may not be suitable for larger breed cats due to its size.

4) Lickimat Casper Fish-shaped Slow Feeder Lick Mat (Best For Wet Food)

Overview: For those searching for the best slow feeder designed specifically for wet food, Lickimat Slow Feeder Lick Mat is an ideal choice. The fish-shaped design introduces your cat to a fun, innovative, and slow-feeding experience.

Pros:

• Perfect for serving wet, raw, or liquid cat food.
• Stimulates saliva production through continuous licking, which aids digestion.
• Can be frozen during summer for a cool treat.
• Free from harmful materials.
• Dishwasher safe. (if your dishwasher has a high-temperature drying cycle, please use the top rack so that the mat does not warp.)

Cons:

• Not suitable for dry food.
• Requires careful cleaning due to its textured surface.

5) Catit Senses 2.0 

Overview: Our final entry on the list is not just a slow feeder, but also an interactive puzzle toy for your cat. The Catit Senses 2.0 is designed to challenge and engage your cat’s natural hunting instincts while slowing down its eating pace.

Pros:

• Doubles as a toy and slow feeder, providing both physical and mental stimulation.
• Encourages your cat to work for its food, slowing down their eating pace.
• Easy to clean with removable parts that are dishwasher safe.

Cons:

• Some cats may not take an interest in the puzzle aspect of the feeder.
• Not suitable for wet food.

Buying Tips

Before you make a decision, consider these practical tips to ensure you choose the best slow feeder for your feline friend:

• Size and capacity: Depending on the size and appetite of your cat, the size and capacity of the feeder will differ. Choose a feeder that can adequately hold the amount of food your cat eats per meal.
• Materials and durability: Look for materials that are sturdy and of high quality. It should also be non-toxic since your cat will be in direct contact with it.
• Ease of cleaning: Opt for a slow feeder that’s easy to clean. Feeder bowls and mats that are dishwasher safe are always a good choice. Remember, hygiene is paramount to your cat’s health.
• Anti-slip design: A feeder that easily moves around can be a source of frustration for your cat. Consider a feeder with a non-skid base that keeps it in place while your feline friend eats.
• Feed type: If your cat is on a specific diet like wet food or dry food, choose a slow feeder that matches it. Certain slow feeders are designed specifically for either wet or dry food.

Where to Buy Slow Feeders for Cats

You can find a wide range of slow feeders online or in pet stores. Renowned online platforms like Amazon, Chewy, and PetSmart offer a variety of options from several brands. Remember to go through customer reviews and ratings before making a purchase. This will give you insights on product quality and performance based on real experiences from other cat owners.

Alternatives to Slow Feeders

If you find that a slow-feed cat bowl isn’t the right fit for your cat, don’t worry. There are numerous other feeding solutions available that might be more suitable for your feline’s unique feeding habits. Here are a few options:

• Puzzle feeders: These require your cat to complete a task, work around a maze, or “solve a puzzle” to access the food. This can be a fun and mentally stimulating way for your cat to eat and use their paws.
• Interactive feeders: Cats are natural hunters. Interactive feeders that move or make noises can help satisfy your cat’s instinct to catch their prey (in this case, their meal!)
• Automatic cat feeders: If you work long hours or are away from home frequently, automatic cat feeders can help keep your cat’s mealtime routine on track. Some of these devices allow you to control portions and portion sizes, as well as schedule feeding times. These are great for owners who need to strictly monitor their cat’s food intake.
• Food balls: A cat food ball dispenses pieces of food when your cat rolls it around. This can make mealtime more of an active game, encouraging your cat to move more. You can find cat ball feeders on Amazon.
• Portion control dishes: If the main concern is overeating, consider dishes that have separate compartments for portions. This can help you control how much food your cat eats at one time without slowing down their eating pace.

Remember, what works best for your cat depends on their personality, preferences, and dietary needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the perfect feeding solution!

Conclusion

In this comprehensive guide, we’ve thoroughly evaluated the best slow feeders for cats. Choosing the perfect slow feeder for your cat depends on your cat’s eating habits, food type, and personality. The right slow feeder will ensure that your cat’s mealtime is not just healthy and controlled, but also a fun and satisfying experience. Be sure to consider our tips and recommendations in this blog when making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a slow feeder for cats?

A slow feeder is a specially designed feeding tool that spaces out the food, making it slightly challenging for the cat to eat. This not only slows down their eating pace, but also encourages active engagement and stimulates their hunting instincts.

Why should I use a slow feeder for my cat?

Slow feeders can prevent your cat from eating too quickly, which can help lower the risk of issues like indigestion, choking, and obesity. They also provide mental stimulation, making mealtime more engaging and enjoyable for your cat.

How often should I clean the slow feeder?

How often you should clean your cat’s slow feeder depends on what type of food you’re using — dry or wet. For dry foods, it’s recommended to clean the slow feeder at least once a week. If you use wet food, clean it after every meal to prevent bacterial and fungal growth.

Will a slow feeder work for a kitten?

Yes, slow feeders are safe for kittens as well. However, you should choose ones with smaller and shallower compartments so they can access the food easily. Always supervise your kitten during meals to ensure their safety.

Can multiple cats use the same slow feeder at once?

While it is possible, it’s not advisable for multiple cats to use the same slow feeder. Competitive eating can lead your cats to eat rapidly, losing the benefit of a slow feeder. It’s better to have separate feeders for each cat to avoid any problems.