Making Your Own Interactive Cat Feeder

Just a couple of years ago few of us had heard of interactive cat feeders, but now pet stores seems to be awash with an amazing array of innovative feeders, usually marketing them as ‘interactive cat toys’.

As a Cat Behaviourist I’m a huge fan of these – not only do they provide natural stimulation for cats by encouraging them to forage for their food, but they can also slow down the food intake of cats who are prone to obesity. Here are some examples of shop-bought feeders:

IMG_2708Small
My cats Billy & Jimmy using their first shop-bought feeder…
P1050652Small
Jimmy really gets to grips with this flashy feeder!

However, you don’t have to spend a fortune on an expensive state-of-the-art feeder. With a little bit of imagination you can make your own as the following examples show!

Els Scholten's Cat Al Pacino #1
Cardboard rolls…
Suki Green 1
More cardboard rolls…
Billy Toilet Roll Pyramid
Toilet rolls and…
Yoghurt Cups
Yoghurt pots!
Not What We Mean By Puzzle Feeding!
This cat’s  clearly still learning!

About The Author

Clare Hemington is a Cat Behaviourist helping owners of cats that are displaying problem behaviours. For hint, tips and advice please visit Clare’s web site: Clare’s Cat Care

Clare is also author of the recently published ‘The Hairy Tails of a Cat Sitter‘.

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34 thoughts on “Making Your Own Interactive Cat Feeder

  1. grannyK says:

    One of our cats, Salem, plays with her food before eating. She scoops some food out with her paw and then bats it all over the kitchen for a while before eating. Maybe she would like one of these!

  2. emilyfowlerwrites says:

    Great ideas, I use one cardboard tube with one of the ends folded over, but I’m definitely going to try attaching a few together to make a bigger one 🙂

  3. Laura (PA Pict) says:

    Great ideas. My kids and I will have fun constructing these for our cats. I’m actually looking for an automatic/timed feeder and water fountain for my cats so I can leave them at home for a much longer day than I have so far. While your suggestions won’t fulfill that function, they might add to it. Thanks.

  4. jarichan says:

    I got the feeder in the first picture for our girls. It took a couple of days until they understood how to gwt the food out – I had to show them how it works 😀
    The last picture is hilarious!

  5. The Island Cats says:

    Another way to make an inexpensive feeder is to use an empty plastic water bottle. Using an exacto knife, cut several holes in the bottle, large enough for kibble or treats to come out. Fill the bottle with treats or kibble, put the lid back on, and let your cats roll it around to get the food or treats out. Easy peasy. ~Island Cat Mom

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