Does Your Cat Bat at Bowls or Leap Across the Kitchen?
These quirky behaviors aren’t random—they’re signals. Even though cats seem independent, many are quietly struggling with under-stimulation, especially when left alone for long hours.
Whether your workday just got longer or your travel schedule picked up, your feline companion still craves daily mental and physical engagement. Without it, they may become bored, anxious, or even depressed. That’s where cat enrichment toys come in.
A text from the client after getting home:
“I am home and they (King and Queenie) are so calm and happy!! Thank you!!” — Caitlin Brinkman
Our “Ah-Ha!” Moment: Cats Need a Purpose, Too
After we began rotating snuffle mats and food puzzles into our enrichment visits, we saw big changes: Cats became more relaxed, more confident, and more content being alone. They were less vocal, more curious, and visibly happier.
That’s when we knew—foraging wasn’t just for wild cats.
These days, cat enrichment toys are a regular part of our routine—both with our own cats and the feline friends we care for. And we’re not alone: vets and behaviorists agree that interactive cat feeders and puzzles are some of the easiest and most effective ways to reduce stress and support healthy behavior.
“Cats who get to explore, solve puzzles, and engage their senses are often more relaxed, more confident—and live longer, happier lives.”
Why Foraging Enrichment Works
Cats are natural hunters.
In the wild, they work hard for their food—tracking, stalking, and catching it throughout the day.
But our indoor cats?
They eat from a bowl.
That’s a big problem.
Without the need to forage, many cats lose their sense of purpose. They nap out of boredom, overeat, or act out through unwanted behaviors.
Cat enrichment toys—like snuffle mats and treat puzzles—restore what’s missing:
✨ A reason to engage with their environment.
Here Are Some Different Types Of Foraging Toys
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Snuffle MatsThese can be simple, shaggy bathmats, fun felt designs in cool shapes like fish or flowers, or even silicone lick mats.
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Puzzle ToysThese can range from simple balls that dispense food when rolled to more complex puzzles that have multiple moving parts.
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Food DispensersThese can be stationary or mobile, requiring cats to figure out how to get the food out.
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Hiding FoodSimply hiding pieces of kibble or treats around the house can encourage a cat to explore and hunt.
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Interactive ToysThese toys combine play with food, such as a wand toy that dispenses treats when the cat bats at it.
“Feline food puzzles not only promote cats’ natural hunting instincts by allowing them to stalk, catch, and eat their prey, but they also offer additional advantages.”
Benefits of Cat Enrichment Toys
- Mental Stimulation: Encourages problem-solving and exploration
- Physical Exercise: Supports mobility and movement indoors.
- Emotional Balance: Reduces anxiety, builds confidence
- Behavioral Improvement: Curbs clinginess, mealtime aggression, or inappropriate elimination
- Weight Control: Slows fast eaters, supports healthy digestion.
Especially in urban homes where vertical space may be limited, enrichment for indoor cats is essential. These toys offer cats a safe, engaging way to reconnect with their natural behaviors—without ever leaving home.
How to Introduce Snuffle Mats to Your Cat
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Start Simple
Gradually increase the challenge as your cat becomes better at foraging.
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Build Confidence
Use visible rewards to teach your cat how it works, then gradually tuck them deeper to build your cat’s problem-solving skills.
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Make It Social
Sit with your cat during the first introduction to offer encouragement.
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Mix It Up
Rotate mats, locations, or types of treats to prevent boredom.
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Pay Attention
If your cat loses interest, try a different mat or method.
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Boost Engagement
Sprinkle with catnip or silvervine for added fun.
A client story we’ll never forget
“When Feller lost his sight, he spent most of the day sleeping. He spent nearly 45 minutes on the snuffle mat the first time we introduced it to him. After seeing how much he enjoyed it, his mother bought the Oliumt Snuffle Mat (pictured above), and it is his favorite pastime—his confidence and curiosity continue to grow with every visit.”
Want this kind of care for your cat, too?
If your feline companion is shy, aging, or has special needs, enrichment can make a world of difference.
✨ Get started with a personalized plan that meets your cat where they are.
Favorite Snuffle Mats & Slow Feeders
Snuffle mats are excellent sensory enrichment for cats of all ages and mobility levels.
We use them regularly to support our senior kitty clients—especially those with decreased vision or blindness. They stimulate your cat’s sense of smell, encourage natural foraging behavior, and help reduce anxiety.
They’re also ideal for arthritic cats, and a great confidence booster for shy or nervous kitties.
The cat enrichment toys listed below are ones we personally use during our professional visits. We’re always cautious when introducing new products to our furry family and yours.
We evaluate each item for:
• Small parts or choking hazards
• Materials (no harmful chemicals or sharp edges)
• Durability, ease of cleaning, and affordability
• Risk of getting lost or becoming frustrating
✨ We only recommend toys we’ve tested across a wide range of cat personalities and play styles.
Caution: Use snuffle mats under supervision if your cat has a tendency to chew non-food items (pica).
Snuffle Mats We Recommend
Oliumt Snuffle Mat
Under $25
Why we love it:
- Soft felted material
- Colorful and offers multiple textures for your cat to explore
- Hand wash in cold water. Tumble dry on low heat or air dry.
Jackson Galaxy Snuffle Mat
Under $50
Why we love it:
- Eco Conscious: 50% organic cotton fibers/ 50% polyester, virgin & upcycled materials.
- Low maintenance machine wash & dry
- Easy to shake leftover crumbs out
AWOOF Pet Snuffle Mat
Under $15.00
Why we love it:
- Long grass strips are suitable for hiding treats or small toys
- Low maintenance – Machine washable
- The drawstring turns it into a multi-functional bowl that can hold other cat toys when traveling.
Coomazy Silicone Slow Feeder Set
Under $15.00
Why we love it:
- Non-Slip, Dishwasher-Safe
- Made from food-grade safe silicone, this bowl is free from BPA, PVC, phthalates, and lead.
- Ideal for both dry and wet food, with a 1.5 cup capacity.
- Good slow feeder mat set for meals, includes 1 shallow mat plus 1 deeper mat for wet food.
LUKITO Lick Mats
Under $15.00
Why we love it:
- Premium food-grade silicone material, durable, dishwasher & freezer safe
- Its small size makes it perfect for wet treats, and it sticks to glass or tile—great for grooming or anxiety relief.
- Convenient spatula & Cleaning brush included.
Looking for a simple way to make mealtime more engaging? These cat enrichment toys encourage foraging, focus, and a healthy eating pace—all in one.
Strategies for Introducing Food Puzzles
To effectively use food puzzles, plan thoughtfully and introduce them gradually:
- Start simple – Use beginner puzzles to build confidence and attract interest.
• Remove the bowl – This increases motivation and helps transition cats to working for food.
• Time it right – Offer puzzles when your cat is hungry, and vary the food types to keep it exciting.
• Level up – Gradually increase difficulty as your cat improves.
• Mix and move – Rotate puzzle types or change locations to prevent boredom.
• Go communal – In multi-cat households, offer several puzzles to reduce competition and stress.
🎯 Pro Tips:
• Use stationary puzzles at night to minimize noise.
• Prep puzzles in advance to make daily use quick and stress-free.
DIY Cat Enrichment Toy: Try This Easy Puzzle You Can Make at Home
Looking for a budget-friendly way to test your cat’s interest in foraging?
This simple DIY cat enrichment toy uses items you already have at home—no special supplies needed.
It’s one of our go-to recommendations for cats new to puzzle feeders, and a great way to add variety to your enrichment routine.
Puzzle Feeders & Treat Dispensers We Love
Puzzle feeders are a staple in our enrichment kits.
Whether you’re supporting a shy cat’s confidence or keeping a bored cat engaged, these are our go-to tools for daily stimulation and mental wellness.
Our Favorite Puzzle Feeders
Catstages Kitty Cube
Under $15
This is our Go-To when introducing puzzles to our furry clients.
Benefit: Great confidence-builder
Difficulty Level: 1 is perfect for beginners.
🎯 Pro Tip: Large compartments enable it to be used as a slow-wet food or dry food feeder for cats who need encouragement to eat.
Catstages Melon Madness
Under $15
We just added this one to our puzzle inventory. It makes a good next step for clients’ pets who are new to puzzles. Difficulty Level: 2
Benefits: No removable parts for cat parents to have to fish out from under furniture. Easy to clean.
🎯 Pro Tip: To up the challenge, hide treats in the slider sections.
Friends Forever Puzzle Toy
Under $25
This is the first puzzle we started using during enrichment visits after seeing the benefits of using it with our own cats. It has been 2 years, and the puzzle is still going strong! Difficulty Level: 2
- Non-slip bottom = enjoyment, not frustration.
- Pet parent approved: made with BPA-free material & easy to clean!
Benefit: Adjustable difficulty levels offer ongoing mental stimulation.
🎯 Pro Tip: Use sliding cups to introduce and increase challenge by using the middle area.
Mice Water Droplet Treat Balls (2pcs)
Under $25
After trying many rolling puzzle toys and treat dispensers, this one stands out as the clear winner. The egg shape with a weighted base keeps it fun and challenging without being frustrating. Your cat has to bat it to tip it over and release a treat—but the weighted bottom instantly rights it, keeping the game going.
We’ve used this with multiple cats and seen consistent success—many stay engaged for 1 to 2 hours. In our experience, it performs far better than standard rolling ball dispensers, which are often too easy. Most cats finish those within 5 minutes and walk away. Plus, the lightweight balls roll under furniture and disappear fast.
Benefit: The wobble base promotes physical activity and encourages repeated engagement. Great for cats who need extra stimulation or tend to get bored quickly.
🎯 Pro Tip: Mix high-value treats with regular kibble to keep motivation high—especially helpful for picky eaters.
Bonus: Cats we’ve introduced to this toy often show fewer signs of separation anxiety—especially when encouraged to use it during visits and left with it between visits.
We’ve tested dozens of options, and these consistently keep cats focused and engaged, helping reduce over-dependence on human attention.
Wrap-Up: Because Your Cat Deserves More Than a Food Bowl
Cat enrichment toys are more than playthings.
They’re tools for emotional balance, mental stimulation, and a deeper connection to your cat’s natural instincts.
Whether your cat is shy, bored, or stressed, introducing interactive feeders and puzzle toys is one of the simplest, most effective ways to improve their quality of life.
Not sure where to start?
We’ve got you. At Miami Cat Sitting, our Enrichment & Wellness Visits include hands-on time with real-life enrichment tools—just like the ones we’ve shared here.
✨ Because a confident, enriched cat is a happy one—and a happy cat makes for a peaceful home.
