C'è un modo migliore per nutrire il tuo gatto?

Per gli esseri umani, il momento del pasto è incentrato esclusivamente sul cibo, ma per i nostri gatti mangiare è anche un'occasione per assecondare il loro istinto di caccia. Secondo alcuni ricercatori, quindi, mangiare da una ciotola potrebbe non essere l'opzione migliore per il vostro animale domestico. Ecco che entra in gioco la mangiatoia a puzzle.
 
A puzzle feeder is an alternative to free-feeding your cat by presenting him with a food-dispensing game. Ranging from simple designs to more complex challenges, puzzle feeders engage your cat’s brain while he eats, turning mealtime into a challenge with a tasty reward at the end. While cats certainly don’t require a puzzle feeder to take their meals, these contraptions have been shown to add mental stimulation into your pet’s daily routine and, in some cases, can help with behavioral problems.
 
Your cat will need to learn the ropes for his unique new food “dish,” so start with an easy design. You may want to make a homemade puzzle feeder to ensure this feeding style works for your pet before investing in a commercial model. To do this, take an empty bottle and cut holes in it that are slightly larger than the size of your cat’s kibble. Make plenty of holes so the game is easy at first and then place some kibble in the bottle, close the lid, and place the bottle on its side on the floor. If your pet seems to enjoy this game, you can make a more challenging design with fewer holes or move on to other contraptions using materials from toilet paper tubes to egg cartons. There are DYI designs online or you can use your imagination to design a puzzle feeder, but remember, the game should be fun—not frustrating—for your pet.
 
Each puzzle feeder is different, so it’s important to consider your pet’s age, personality and health when finding the right fit. Before purchasing or designing a feeder, ask yourself whether your cat is an inquisitive, fast learner that would enjoy a challenge, or if he would be content with a simpler model. Once your cat figures out the movement required to get a tasty treat, eating becomes a game with a reward similar to hunting for his food. Not only does this encourage your pet to eat slower, but can also ease boredom, redirect destructive behavior and add exercise to your cat’s routine. Solo playtime can also aid overweight pets’ weight loss and help in cases of cats prone to shredding furniture, walls or carpets.
 
Utilizzare una ciotola interattiva per il cibo è solo uno dei modi per migliorare la routine quotidiana del tuo gatto. Assicurati di dedicare al tuo animale domestico molto tempo al gioco, sia interattivo che con giocattoli che possa apprezzare da solo, per mantenere la sua mente e il suo corpo in forma.