
Why I use slow feeders
You may have already seen it on my Instagram account, but for the boys I do not use traditional food bowls but slowfeeders (or anti-gobble trays) to give them chunks, but why do I actually do that?
A cat in the wild has to hunt for its food. He does this several times a day. This natural instinct is still present in our domestic cats and I think it is important that we stimulate these instincts as much as possible. Although a cat does not have to hunt for a slow feeder (or anti-gobbler), it does have to work for its food by "fishing" with its paw to get to the food. A slow feeder offers mental stimulation, which is important for the health of our domestic cats.
What is a Slowfeeder?
A slow feeder is specially designed for cats that tend to eat quickly and then slow them down. This is often achieved by using raised patterns or obstacles within the food bowl that the cat must go around or over to reach the food. For cats, these obstacles can help stimulate their hunting instincts, as they have to 'fish' for food with their paws. Slow feeders stimulate mental and physical activity by challenging cats with puzzles during mealtime.
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What is an anti-gobble Tray?
An anti-gobble tray is also intended to regulate the pace of eating, but the design may be simpler than that of a slow feeder. It usually contains raised areas in the bowl that force the cat to navigate their food around these obstacles, which automatically makes them eat more slowly. An anti-gobbling bowl efficiently prevents gobbling by quickly and effectively slowing down food intake. These bowls are especially useful for cats that face health risks from gobbling, such as frequent vomiting.
What are the advantages of a slow feeder (or anti-gobble feeder)?
Mental stimulation: Using slow feeders encourages cats to work for their food through play. This offers a healthy mental challenge.
Promote natural instincts: Slow feeders mimic the hunting experience found in cats' natural environments, making mealtimes more satisfying.
Improved digestion: Eating more slowly gives your cat's stomach a chance to process the food, which reduces the chance of digestive problems such as vomiting.
Weight management: Eating more slowly helps cats feel fuller, making them less likely to overeat, which helps in the fight against obesity.
Preventing boredom: The interactive nature of slow feeders can reduce boredom and destructive behavior, especially in environments where cats are less active.
What is the difference between an anti-gobble feeder and a slow feeder?
The concept of both a slow feeder and an anti-gobbler is to make cats eat more slowly to prevent digestive problems, overfeeding and gobbling, but there are some differences:
Design Complexity: Slow feeders often have a more complex design that requires solving food puzzles, while anti-gobble feeders usually have simpler designs with some elevations or obstacles.
Interactivity: Slow feeders encourage more interaction and provide mental stimulation, while anti-gobblers are more focused on immediately slowing the eating pace.
Instinctive Challenge: Slow feeders can tap into an animal's natural instincts to hunt and forage, while anti-gobble feeders can be more utilitarian.
(Tekst gaat verder onder de afbeelding.)

Which food bowl should I choose for my cat?
Whether you choose a slow feeder or an anti-gobble tray depends on the cat itself. Personally, I would always try an anti-gobble bowl first until the cat knows how it works. You can then look further into a slow feeder. I first set up a simple anti-shock box for my boys to see if they understood. At first they put their whole heads in the bowl, but they soon learned how an anti-gobble bowl works. By fishing with their paws they could reach the kibble more easily.
Intelligence toys
In addition to slow feeders and anti-gobble trays, you also have intelligence toys (also called feeding puzzles). Intelligence toys for cats are also designed to promote mental stimulation and cats' natural hunting instincts. But these food puzzles are even more difficult for the cat to work with. The cat has to really think to solve the problems in order to get to the food. Please note that some food puzzles may be too difficult for your cat.
I sometimes use food puzzles myself. I usually only set up a food puzzle when I know I will be away from home for a longer period of time, such as a day out or if I have to go to the office. These feeding puzzles are a bit more difficult than the slow feeders, so hopefully they can enjoy them for a little longer.
Conclusion
A slow feeder can contribute significantly to the health and well-being of your cat. They help slow down the pace of eating, reducing the risk of indigestion and vomiting. This leads to better digestion and can prevent obesity by giving you a feeling of fullness and avoiding overeating. It also provides mental stimulation by imitating natural hunting behavior, which is important for an indoor cat to combat boredom and destructive behavior. These benefits make slow feeders an excellent choice for cat owners who want to promote the physical and mental health of their pets.
And that is also the reason why I use (several) slow feeders (or anti-gobble trays) for my boys. My cats are indoor cats and to prevent boredom I have to keep stimulating them. By using slow feeders, I positively support the natural behavior of my cats, which keeps them healthy and happy and who wouldn't want that?
Are you also interested in a slow feeder?
There are various types of slow feeders for sale on the market. Personally, I am a big fan of handmade slow feeders from, for example, Nathalie Hendrix. You can also look at the Sue Eetkommen or IggyEnrichment Bowl from Happy Cats.
Instagram post
I have been using slow feeders to give my cats kibble for several years. In my latest blog article I would like to share why I chose this option and what its benefits are. Visit my website to read the latest article and discover more about using slow feeders for cats.
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