top of page

Cat Enrichment - Lick Mats

Updated: Feb 22, 2023

*Disclosure: We only recommend products we use ourselves and all opinions expressed here are our own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, may earn Ruff Patches a small commission.


If you're a pet owner, you know that keeping your furry friend healthy and entertained is important. Unfortunately, our dogs and cats can't ask us for what they need, so it's up to us to figure it out and provide it! You wouldn't give up your daily artisan coffee or listening to your favorite music while shredding at the gym. Those things enrich your life and it wouldn't be quite the same without them, would it? Pets need enrichment as much as humans do.

A brown tabby eats treats off of a blue fish-shaped lick mat

Why is enrichment important?


An easy way to think about enrichment is that it is anything that makes a pet's life more enjoyable. The goal of enrichment is to encourage natural behaviors, provide physical and mental stimulation for your pet, help them stay active, and prevent boredom and the destructive behaviors that come with it. These activities can be tailored to your pet's individual needs and preferences.


Enrichment can take many different forms. Some common examples include providing toys, going for a walk, and playing fetch. Enrichment is important because it helps to keep pets mentally and physically active preventing boredom. One way we can make life a bit more interesting for our pets is by using food puzzles.


What are food puzzles?

Food puzzles are designed to make your pet work for their food, stimulating their mind and providing them with a sense of accomplishment. There are a variety of food puzzles on the market, from simple ball-shaped feeders to complex multi-level mazes. You can even find puzzle feeders that dispense treats as your pet plays. So why not put your pet's brain power to the test with a food puzzle? They'll love the challenge, and you'll get endless entertainment watching them.

An orange cat and a tortiseshell/tabby cat eat treats off a green fish-shaped lick mat.

What is a Lick Mat?


We are going to discuss one specific type of food puzzle today - the lick mat. While your pet might enjoy a bowl of kibble or wet food just fine, mealtime can also be an opportunity for enrichment. Lick mats can also help to slow down the eating process, which can be helpful for pets who eat too fast. With our cats, we use lick mats daily. They are a great way to keep your pet stimulated and help ward off boredom. And they are super easy to make!


Lick mats are usually made of silicone or rubber, and they have a textured surface that pets can lick and chew on. The licking motion helps to release endorphins in the brain, which can help to calm and relax the pet. In addition, lick mats provide a healthy outlet for chewing and licking behavior, which can help to prevent destructive habits.


Choosing a Lick Mat

An orange and white cat eats treats off a green fish-shaped lick mat.

If you're interested in introducing a lick mat to your pet, there are a few things you'll need to consider. First, choose a mat that is sized appropriately for your pet. You'll also want to make sure that the mat is made from durable, food-grade materials. Note whether or not it is dishwasher safe because it can melt and warp easily. Typically, our cats dive in the first time they see one, but your pet may be more nervous. Take it slow and don't force them to use it. It should be something they look forward to!


Make sure you have one lick mat per cat or you will end up with a situation like the next photo! You will create competition which can translate into anxiety and aggression. We want them to have fun, not worry about sharing their spoils with other cats.


Four cats try to eat treats off the same blue lick mat.
Don't create a tense situation by expecting cats to share. Give them one each!

What can I put on a lick mat?


Two cats share a green fish-shaped lick mat.

You can place a huge variety of food items on a lick mat. The only limit is your imagination and your pet's preferences. Some common options include canned food, cottage cheese, peanut butter, plain Greek yogurt, vegetable puree, pumpkin puree, commercial treats, bone broth, banana, freeze-dried treats, etc. Double check that what you are using is pet safe if you aren't sure! For our cats, we use Temptations Purrrrees and a variety of commercial treats.


Lick mats can be a valuable tool for promoting oral health, reducing stress, and preventing obesity in pets. They are a great way to provide mental stimulation for your pet, and they can also help to reduce stress and anxiety. If you're looking for an inexpensive, fun, and enriching activity for your furry friend, a lick mat is definitely worth considering!


We use these lick mats for our kitties. They are dishwasher safe, have a variety of textures, and are easy to store.



Subscribe today! 

Tax ID #45-1034488

  • Facebook

Mailing Address:  2010 West Ave K #424

                             Lancaster, CA 93536

Please note, this is ONLY our mailing address. We are an all foster home organization and do not have a kennel. 

white glyph-logo_May2016.png
  • Twitter Clean
PetSmartCharities_US_Logo_White.png

Ruff Patches animal rescue is a proud recipient of funding from Maddie's Fund®, helping to achieve a no-kill nation #ThanksToMaddie.

bottom of page