If you’re a cat parent searching for a simple, vet-approved way to keep your feline friend happy, healthy, and mentally stimulated, lick mats might be the answer you’ve been looking for. These innovative feeding tools are gaining popularity among veterinarians and cat behaviorists as an effective solution for reducing stress, curbing boredom, and even improving your cat’s eating habits. Let’s dive into what lick mats are, their benefits, and why you should consider picking one up at Sam’s Cats and Dogs.

What is a Lick Mat?

A lick mat is a flat, textured mat typically made from food-grade silicone or rubber. Its surface is covered in ridges, grooves, or bobbles designed to hold soft foods, encouraging cats to lick rather than gulp their meals.Unlike traditional slow feeders, which focus on foraging or food-seeking, lick mats specifically promote the natural, soothing behavior of licking.

Indoor cats, in particular, rely on their humans for both mental and physical stimulation. Lick mats turn mealtime or treat time into a fun, interactive puzzle, giving your cat a task to solve and keeping their mind engaged. This enrichment is crucial for preventing boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors or anxiety.

Licking is a self-soothing activity for cats. The repetitive motion releases endorphins, which help calm your pet during stressful situations such as vet visits, grooming, thunderstorms, or when you’re away from home. By providing a positive distraction, lick mats can help reduce negative behaviors associated with anxiety, like excessive grooming or scratching.

Many cats eat too quickly, leading to digestive issues such as vomiting or regurgitation. Lick mats force your cat to slow down, as they must work to extract every bit of food from the textured surface. This slower pace can improve digestion, reduce the risk of gastrointestinal upset, and help prevent obesity by making small portions last longer.

The act of licking helps scrape bacteria from your cat’s tongue and stimulates saliva production, which can protect teeth and gums and promote fresher breath. Some mats are specifically designed to massage the tongue and gums, providing an added oral health boost.

Some cats dislike the sensation of their whiskers touching the sides of a food bowl-a phenomenon known as whisker fatigue. Lick mats allow your cat to eat in a more natural, stress-free way, as the food is spread out on a flat surface.

Veterinarians and certified cat behaviorists recommend lick mats as part of feline enrichment and anxiety-reduction programs. However, it’s important to supervise your cat when first introducing a lick mat, especially if they are prone to chewing non-food items. Always choose a mat made from non-toxic, pet-safe materials, and inspect it regularly for signs of wear or damage. Remove the mat if your cat attempts to chew or ingest pieces of it.

  • : Spread a thin layer of your cat’s favorite soft food-such as wet cat food, pureed pumpkin, plain yogurt (lactose-free), or a vet-approved treat-over the mat’s surface. Avoid anything that’s toxic to cats, like onions, garlic, or certain dairy products.

  • : Watch your cat to ensure they’re licking, not chewing, the mat.

  • : Most lick mats are dishwasher safe. Wash thoroughly after each use to prevent bacteria buildup.

When to use a lick-mat

  • During stressful events (vet visits, grooming, thunderstorms)

  • As a slow-feeding tool for meals or treats

  • To distract your cat during nail trims or medication administration

  • As part of daily enrichment to reduce boredom and destructive behaviors

  • Wet cat food or pate

  • Pureed pumpkin (plain, unsweetened)

  • Tuna or salmon puree (in moderation)

  • Plain, unsweetened yogurt (lactose-free)

  • Cat-safe baby food (no onion or garlic)

  • Prescription diets or supplements (as directed by your vet)

Sam’s Cats and Dogs offers a curated selection of lick mats for cats. Their knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right size, texture, and material for your feline friend, and guide you on the best foods and treats to use. Shopping locally at Sam’s Cats and Dogs means you get personalized advice and support, ensuring your cat’s enrichment and well-being are always the top priority.

Lick mats are a simple, affordable, and highly effective way to improve your cat’s quality of life. By promoting natural licking behavior, they help reduce stress, curb boredom, slow down eating, and even boost oral health-all while providing hours of entertainment. With options available at Sam’s Cats and Dogs, you can easily add this vet-approved enrichment tool to your cat’s daily routine.

Give your cat the gift of calm, enrichment, and better health-visit Sam’s Cats and Dogs today to explore their range of lick mats and see the difference for yourself!