DIY Cat Puzzle Feeders: Keep Your Cat Happy (and Save Cash!)

You know the old saying: give a cat a treat, and they’ll eat for a second. Give a cat a puzzle feeder, and they’ll be happily engaged for hours.

As a cat professional, I have used puzzle feeders with my own pets and my clients’ cats, and I’ve seen the positive benefits firsthand. They perfectly combine play with reward, offering an excellent way to stimulate your cat both mentally and physically.

Whether you want to keep your cat from getting bored during long days alone, or you need a clever way to slow down a feline who tends to overindulge in dry kibble, puzzle feeders are the ultimate solution.

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Why DIY Before You Buy?

The only real downside to store-bought puzzle feeders is the price tag. They can easily run you anywhere from $20 to upwards of $50.

While a commercial feeder is a great investment down the line, I always suggest experimenting with DIY options first. It’s a risk-free way to ensure your cat actually enjoys the concept before you drop the cash. Plus, making them at home is incredibly easy, and you can be as simple or as elaborate as you like!

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The $5 Budget Breakdown

In this video, I demonstrate two different methods for building a puzzle feeder using common items you likely already have lying around the house.

Materials Used:

• Egg carton

• Plastic tray with sections

• Cardboard

• Carpet scrap

• Glue gun

• Your cat’s favorite treats or kibble

While I found all of these items at home for free, buying them new would only cost about $5 to $10. Since I managed to make two different feeders out of these materials, I saved at least $30!

Pro Tip: If your cat falls in love with the DIY versions and you eventually decide to upgrade, Amazon has a fantastic selection of commercial feeders to peruse. Looking at them can also give you great inspiration for your next DIY build!

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Your turn! Have you ever made a toy or feeder for your pet? Drop a comment below and please share photos of your own DIY feeders—I can’t wait to see your creativity in action!