Ice-cube tray forage for cats: how to play
Kibble or a lick of wet food in the wells of an ice-cube tray. Your cat licks and scoops each one clean.
- Time
- 8 min
- Energy
- Low
- Space
- Small room
You'll need
- silicone or plastic ice-cube tray
- kibble or wet food
Set up
Use a clean tray with shallow wells. Put it on a mat or towel.
How to play
Drop 2 or 3 pieces of kibble in each well, or smear a little wet food into each.
Set it down and let your cat work through the wells.
For a calming option, freeze wet food mixed with a little water in the wells and pop out one cube onto a plate to lick.
Wash the tray after every use.
House rules
- Wet food portions count toward the daily meal.
- Wash after use.
- Make it easier
- Use a tray with very shallow wells.
- Make it harder
- Use a tray with deep, narrow wells so your cat must scoop with a paw.
Signs it's having fun
Steady licking and scooping, relaxed body, grooming after.
Stop if you see
Chewing the tray or leaving food.
Safety
Safety- Do not leave wet food out more than about 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Let frozen cubes soften slightly so they do not stick to the tongue.
- Do not let your cat chew pieces off a plastic tray.
Sources
- Food puzzles for cats: feeding for physical and emotional wellbeing (Dantas et al., summary)
- Fun feline enrichment handout (Fear Free Happy Homes)
Written from these sources and checked against vet and trainer guidance. General guidance, not veterinary advice.
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