What’s a Lick Mat & Does It Assist Cats? Execs, Cons & FAQ

Final Up to date on: July 5, 2023 by Crystal Uys

A lick mat is a flat silicone or rubber mat with ridges and bobbles designed to gradual your cat’s consuming and supply psychological stimulation throughout mealtimes, as pets need to work to free their meals. They’re extremely straightforward to make use of; simply put meals on the mat, smear it, and let your cat go to city. You should use moist meals, kibble, or treats! Lick mats might also assist calm careworn and anxious pets by encouraging them to lick, which regularly encourages a way of calm. Maintain studying for extra details about lick mats for cats!

Execs & Cons of Lick Mats for Cats:

What Are the Execs of Lick Mats?

Lick mats decelerate super-fast eaters. Cats that take pleasure in dry meals typically gobble meals at unhealthy speeds, generally leading to gastrointestinal issues reminiscent of vomiting. Lick mats encourage cats to spend extra time consuming meals by requiring them to “work” for his or her meals as an alternative of merely scarfing down what’s of their bowl. They make mealtimes more difficult and supply psychological stimulation.

Lick mats additionally enable your cat to make use of its senses in ways in which draw on its pure strengths. Indoor cats depend on their people for psychological and bodily stimulation. Lick mats match proper into feline enrichment applications!

What Are the Cons of Lick Mats?

Some folks counsel that lick mats made from exhausting supplies have the potential to harm your cat’s tooth and gums. Be certain that whichever product you buy is made of fabric agency sufficient to problem your pet however delicate sufficient to not trigger ache. Lick mats is probably not the best choice for older pets with dental circumstances that make consuming uncomfortable.

Be certain that to incorporate any meals or treats you give your cat utilizing a lick mat when calculating your pet’s day by day caloric consumption. Being chubby is a contributing issue relating to growing continual circumstances reminiscent of coronary heart illness, osteoarthritis, and diabetes. Making certain your pet maintains a wholesome weight is vital for his or her general well-being. Measuring your cat’s meals is a straightforward, straightforward technique to stop over and underfeeding.

Learn how to Choose a Lick Mat for Your Cat

Lick mats typically are available in rubber or silicone, so make sure that no matter product you choose is BPA-free and food-grade. Choices can be found in a number of sizes, though smaller choices are often simply wonderful for many cats. There are tons of designs to select from, even enjoyable Star Wars and Disney designs.

Search for non-skid merchandise with suction cups on the underside to make it straightforward to your cat to take pleasure in their meal with out having to chase the lick mat. And at all times supervise your pet when utilizing one among these merchandise to make sure they don’t find yourself biting off a bit and consuming it.

FAQ

What Ought to Be Served on a Lick Mat?

Whereas lick mats might be nice for cats, they’re solely helpful should you feed your cat wholesome, high-quality cat meals. The best approach to make sure cats acquire all the mandatory vitamins is to serve your buddy business cat meals that meets American Affiliation of Feed Management Officers (AAFCO) dietary tips. Merchandise that achieve this might be marketed as full and balanced, as they comprise all of the nutritional vitamins, minerals, and different vitamins cats require for optimum well being.

Your veterinarian can let you understand in case your cat’s weight is wholesome or wants a little bit of adjustment. Virtually all business cat meals comes with feeding directions you should utilize to find out how a lot to feed your buddy. Spend a couple of minutes calculating what your pet wants, and take the time to measure issues out to make sure you’re not giving your cat an excessive amount of or too little to eat.

Is Moist Meals or Dry Meals Higher?

Each moist and dry meals are fantastic choices that collectively supply tons of advantages. Dry meals is mostly larger in energy and carbohydrates. Pets require much less to satisfy their dietary wants, so it’s typically cheaper. However an excessive amount of dry meals can result in weight problems. Most cats love moist meals and are more than pleased to gobble down something from fish-based pâté to hen chunks.

As a result of moist meals has a variety of water, it’s an effective way to make sure cats keep sufficiently hydrated. Nonetheless, moist meals tends to be dearer as cats require extra of it to satisfy their caloric wants. And it’s not fairly as handy since leaving moist meals out for lengthy durations permits micro organism to develop, which may make your cat sick and might entice pests.

Can I Put Treats on a Lick Mat?

Sure, you’ll be able to put treats in your lick mats! Treats additionally play a crucial position in holding cats blissful and engaged. There are various treats to select from, together with manufacturers that assist dental well being. Attempt to restrict treats to about 10 % of your pet’s eating regimen to make sure they’re getting their vitamins from wholesome, full meals sources.

Can Cats Eat Human Meals on a Lick Mat?

Whereas giving your cat a style of your meals could also be tempting, it’s often greatest to keep away from permitting cats to snack on dishes and merchandise made to satisfy human preferences and dietary wants. Human meals is commonly too excessive in fats and energy for cats, which may contribute to weight achieve.

Many dishes comprise merchandise like salt and sugar that aren’t nice for pets. Others embody gadgets which are poisonous to cats. Restaurant meals typically characteristic a number of elements, making it troublesome to find out in the event that they comprise something problematic.

Conclusion

Lick mats are rubber or silicone textured mats with ridges that maintain cat meals or treats. They’ve a number of advantages, together with slowing down quick eaters and offering psychological stimulation and enjoyable throughout mealtimes. I’ve discovered that my cat completely adores his lick mats. They’re extremely straightforward to make use of and cheap. Be certain that to incorporate all of the meals and treats your cat liberates from their lick mat when figuring out your buddy’s general day by day caloric consumption to forestall overfeeding.

Featured Picture Credit score: Amanda | Aware Cat

Concerning the writer

Cat mother to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten that’s her one and solely little one. For now! All through her life, she has been launched to the particular love that may be discovered within the bond with a cat. Having owned a number of felines, she is greater than sure that their love is unmatched, unconditional and in contrast to another. With a ardour to teach the general public about every thing, there’s to learn about felines, their habits, and their distinctive personalities, Crystal is devoted to creating certain that every one cats and their house owners know the significance of acutely aware residing – and loving!