How to Use Lick Mats and Slow Feeders for Cats: Easy Enrichment Ideas for Indoor Cats

Indoor cats live comfortable lives. They are safe, warm, and well-fed. But comfort is not the same as stimulation, and for a cat that would naturally spend several hours a day hunting, stalking, and problem-solving, a quiet apartment can become a very dull place very quickly.

Lick mats and slow feeders are two of the simplest and most effective tools for adding mental enrichment to an indoor cat's day. They require no extra space, no complicated setup, and no training. You spread something on a mat, put it down, and let your cat do what cats do.

This guide explains what they are, why they work, and how to use them well — with practical ideas suited to South African apartment cats and the treats available locally.

What is a lick mat?

Slow feeders encourage cats to eat more slowly and engage with their food.

A lick mat is a textured silicone or rubber surface designed to hold soft food, purees, or spreadable treats. The texture — ridges, grooves, nubs, or patterns — traps food in small pockets that require repeated licking to access.

The result is a feeding experience that is slower, more focused, and more engaging than eating from a bowl. Cats have to work the surface of the food with their tongues to get to it, which extends the time spent eating and activates a different kind of attention than simply swallowing from a dish.

Licking itself has a calming effect on cats. It activates the same repetitive, rhythmic motion as grooming, which is associated with reduced stress and lower heart rate. A lick mat is not just a feeding tool — it is a low-effort way to settle an anxious or overstimulated cat.

Benefits of lick mats for cats include:

• Slowing eating and reducing gulping
• Providing mental stimulation through texture and problem-solving
• Reducing boredom and restlessness in indoor cats
• Calming anxious or stressed cats through repetitive licking
• Extending treat time without increasing treat quantity

What is a slow feeder?

Slow feeders encourage cats to eat more slowly and engage with their food.

A slow feeder is a bowl, mat, or puzzle designed to make eating take longer. Instead of accessing food in one open space, the cat has to navigate ridges, channels, raised sections, or compartments to reach each mouthful.

For cats that eat too quickly — which can lead to vomiting, bloating, or digestive discomfort — a slow feeder addresses the problem at its source. But slow feeders are not only for fast eaters. They also encourage problem-solving, extend feeding time, and give indoor cats something to do that mimics the effort required to find and catch prey.

Some slow feeders double as lick mats. Others are more puzzle-like, with deeper channels or moving parts. The right choice depends on your cat’s temperament, patience level, and how much challenge they enjoy.

Why indoor cats need enrichment

A cat living in an apartment has no territory to patrol, no prey to hunt, and no environmental variety to navigate. Their world is fixed, predictable, and largely unstimulating from a feline perspective.

This matters because cats are not domesticated in the same way dogs are. Their instincts — to stalk, pounce, problem-solve, and explore — have not been bred out of them. An indoor cat that has no outlet for those instincts will find one, usually in the form of destructive behaviour, excessive vocalisation, overgrooming, or aggression.

Enrichment does not need to be elaborate. It needs to be consistent. A lick mat used daily provides a small but reliable dose of mental engagement that, over time, makes a measurable difference to a cat’s mood and behaviour. In a small apartment where space for climbing structures or play areas is limited, a lick mat is one of the most practical enrichment tools available.

What can you put on a cat lick mat?

Almost any soft, cat-safe food works on a lick mat. The key is to use something with enough texture or stickiness to stay in the grooves rather than sliding off.

Good options include:

• Inaba Churu — the most popular lick mat treat we carry. The creamy puree texture is ideal for spreading into grooves and holds well on the mat surface.
• Kit Cat Purr Puree Plus+ — a thicker puree that works well on textured mats and adds variety to the rotation.
• Inaba Dashi Delights — a broth-based topper that works best on mats with deeper channels or when frozen.
• Plain wet food — pate-style wet food spreads easily and is a good everyday option.
• Plain cooked chicken — shredded or blended, with no seasoning or additives.
• Small amounts of plain cooked pumpkin — a cat-safe option that some cats enjoy and that supports digestion.
• Plain, unsweetened yoghurt — only if your cat tolerates dairy. Many cats are lactose intolerant, so introduce this cautiously and in very small amounts.

Treats should always be given in moderation. A lick mat is a supplement to your cat’s diet, not a replacement for it. Keep portions small and account for treat calories within your cat’s daily food intake.

Frozen lick mat ideas for hot weather

Frozen lick mats can keep indoor cats occupied for significantly longer than standard treats.

South African summers are warm, and a frozen lick mat is one of the easiest ways to keep a cat cool while keeping them occupied.

Freezing extends the licking session significantly. What might take two minutes at room temperature can take 10 to 15 minutes frozen, making it one of the most time-efficient enrichment tools available for busy owners.

Ideas to try:

• Frozen Churu: Squeeze Churu onto the mat, spread it into the grooves, and freeze for two to three hours before serving.
• Frozen Dashi Delights: Pour Dashi Delights broth into the mat channels and freeze. The broth sets into a light ice that cats lick through slowly.
• Frozen Kit Cat Puree: Spread Kit Cat Purr Puree Plus+ across the mat and freeze for a thicker, longer-lasting session.
• Layered combination: Spread Churu as a base layer, add a thin pour of Dashi Delights over the top, and freeze. The layers thaw at slightly different rates, extending the session further.

Always introduce frozen mats gradually. Some cats are initially uncertain about cold food. Start with a lightly chilled mat, then move to a fully frozen one.

Treat combinations to try

Variety keeps lick mat sessions interesting. Rotating combinations helps prevent your cat from losing interest and makes each session feel like something new.

Beginner combination

Churu spread thinly across the mat. Simple, familiar, and immediately appealing to most cats. A good starting point for cats new to lick mats.

Long-lasting combination

Kit Cat Purr Puree Plus+ spread across the mat, with a small amount of crushed freeze-dried treats pressed into the surface. The puree holds the crumbles in place and adds texture variation, making the cat work harder to clean the mat.

Summer combination

Frozen Churu as the base layer, with frozen Dashi Delights poured over the top and refrozen. Best served on a warm afternoon when your cat needs something to do and somewhere cool to focus.

Crunch and lick combination

Kit Cat Purr Puree Plus+ spread across the mat, with a few crunchy treats scattered around it on the floor. The cat alternates between licking the mat and hunting for scattered treats, combining two types of enrichment in a single session.

Best times to use a lick mat

A lick mat is most useful when your cat needs to be occupied, settled, or redirected. Some situations where it works particularly well:

• During grooming: A lick mat stuck to the wall or held in place while you brush your cat gives them something to focus on and makes grooming sessions significantly easier.
• After play sessions: A lick mat after an active play session helps a cat wind down and transition from high energy to rest.
• When guests visit: Cats that are anxious around strangers benefit from having a familiar, calming activity to focus on. A lick mat in a quiet corner gives them somewhere to be that is not the middle of the room.
• During stressful events: Fireworks, thunderstorms, moving furniture, or any disruption to routine can unsettle indoor cats. A lick mat provides a grounding, repetitive activity during these periods.
• While working from home: If your cat demands attention while you are trying to work, a lick mat buys you focused time without ignoring them entirely.
• During quiet time: Used as part of a daily routine, a lick mat in the late afternoon or evening helps establish a calm period before the household settles for the night.

Best lick mats and slow feeders at The Apartment Cat

We carry a range of lick mats and slow feeders suited to different cats and different uses. Here is what we stock and which cats each product suits best.

LickiMat™ Felix | Catch of the Day

A classic LickiMat design with a square textured surface and a fish-shaped pattern. The moderate texture level makes it accessible for most cats, including those new to lick mats. Works well with Churu, purees, and wet food. A reliable everyday option.

LickiMat® Slomo™ – Cat Slow Feeder & Feeding Mat

A dual-purpose mat that functions as both a lick mat and a slow feeder for dry or wet food. The Slomo has a more complex surface pattern that helps slow down cats who eat too quickly at mealtimes. It can be used with soft treats or as a daily feeding mat to slow down fast eaters.

LickiMat® Classic Kitty™ | The Milk Run

Designed specifically for kittens, with a gentler texture and smaller surface area. Ideal for introducing young cats to lick mat enrichment without overwhelming them. Works well with kitten-appropriate purees and small amounts of wet food.

LickiMat® Classic Catster™ | The Milk Bar

A larger format mat with a classic grid texture. The increased surface area extends licking time and suits cats that are enthusiastic lickers or that finish smaller mats too quickly. Good for frozen combinations where you want a longer session.

LickiMat™ Casper | The Tuna Ledger

A slightly more textured surface than the Felix, with a design that holds food in more defined pockets. Good for cats that have already used a lick mat and are ready for a slightly longer session. Works well with thicker purees and frozen combinations.

The Elephant in the Room – Elephant Slow Feeder Mat

A silicone slow feeder shaped like an elephant, with a raised textured surface that slows eating and works well as a lick mat. The base has suction cups that grip the floor and keep the mat in place during use — useful for cats that push their bowls around. The elephant shape makes it one of the more visually appealing options in the range, and it suits cats of all ages. A good choice for owners who want a slow feeder that doubles as enrichment without buying two separate products.

Hunt ‘N Swat Treat Tumbler | The Informant

A treat-dispensing tumbler that requires cats to bat, swat, and roll the toy to release treats. Unlike a lick mat, this engages active hunting behaviour — the cat has to work out how to tip and spin the tumbler to get the reward. It is a good next step for cats that have mastered lick mats and need more physical and cognitive challenge. Works well as part of a varied enrichment routine alongside a mat.

Frequently asked questions

Are lick mats good for cats?

Yes. Lick mats provide mental stimulation, slow eating, and a calming effect through the repetitive licking action. For indoor and apartment cats with limited environmental variety, they are among the most practical and low-effort enrichment tools available.

They are particularly useful for cats that eat too quickly, are anxious or easily stressed, or become bored or destructive when under-stimulated. Used consistently, they help a cat feel calmer and more settled.

Can kittens use lick mats?

Yes, with appropriate supervision and kitten-safe food. The LickiMat Classic Kitty is designed specifically for younger cats, with a gentler texture suited to smaller tongues and shorter attention spans. Use kitten-appropriate purees or wet food, keep portions small, and supervise the first few sessions to ensure your kitten engages with the mat safely.

What can I spread on a cat lick mat?

Any soft, cat-safe food works well. The most popular options are Inaba Churu, Kit Cat Purr Puree Plus+, pate-style wet food, and plain cooked chicken. Avoid anything with onion, garlic, artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol), or seasoning. Always introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts.

Can I freeze a lick mat?

Yes, and it is one of the best ways to extend a lick mat session. Spread your chosen treat onto the mat, place it in the freezer for two to three hours, and serve frozen. Frozen mats are particularly useful in summer and for cats that finish room-temperature mats too quickly. All LickiMat products are freezer-safe.

How often should I use a lick mat?

Daily use is fine for most cats, provided treat quantities are kept small and accounted for within their overall diet. A lick mat used once a day as part of a routine — rather than as an occasional novelty — provides more consistent enrichment benefit. Rotate treat types to maintain interest.

Are slow feeders good for cats?

Yes, particularly for cats that eat too quickly or that need more mental engagement at mealtimes. Slow feeders extend eating time, encourage problem-solving, and reduce the risk of vomiting from gulping. They are also useful as an enrichment tool for indoor cats that have limited other outlets for natural foraging behaviour.

About The Apartment Cat

The Apartment Cat is a South African online cat store specialising in practical, well-chosen products for cats and their humans. We curate solutions for enrichment, feeding, litter management, grooming, comfort, travel, and everyday feline care — with a strong focus on indoor cats, apartment living, and practicality in small spaces.

Final thoughts

A lick mat does not take up space. It does not require training. It does not need batteries or assembly. You spread something on it, put it on the floor, and your cat does the rest.

For indoor cats in South African apartments — where space is limited and environmental variety is low — that simplicity is the point. Enrichment does not need to be complicated to be effective. It needs to be consistent.

A lick mat used daily is a small investment in a calmer, more stimulated, more contented cat. Browse our full range of lick mats and slow feeders, and pair them with treats from our treats collection to build a routine that works for your cat and your flat.