What Should I Put on My

Lick mats promise entertainment for your furry friend, but are you making the most of them? If plain yogurt or a quick smear of wet food is the extent of your lick mat creativity, it's time for an upgrade. Your cat deserves a taste adventure that'll keep them happily occupied.

Get ready to elevate your cat's snack time! This guide will cover:

• Tasty and safe lick mat spread ideas
• Recipes for all dietary needs (including picky eaters!)
• How to turn mealtime into playtime with a lick mat
• Pro tips for maximizing licking fun and minimizing mess
• Freeze-and-fill options for hot days

Tasty and Safe Lick Mat Spread Ideas

Let's face it: cats can be notoriously finicky, and some of them can even be a bit...well, lazy. But lick mats tap into their natural instincts, turning a simple snack into an engaging hunt. The key to creating a lick mat your cat can't resist is finding the perfect spread.

Here's where we get creative:

• The Classics:
  • Canned tuna in water: Flaky texture and a strong scent make this a surefire crowd-pleaser.
  • Mashed sardines: Packed with flavor and healthy fats, sardines are a delicious and nutritious option.
  • Plain yogurt (unsweetened): Look for unflavored, unsweetened yogurt for a lactose-intolerant-friendly treat.
  • Their favorite wet food: A no-brainer! Spread a small amount of their usual wet food to get them started.
• Meat Madness:
  • Minced cooked chicken or turkey: Cooked lean meats are a great source of protein and perfect for cats who love a savory treat.
  • Smooth pâté: Choose a pâté specifically formulated for cats, as some human pâtés may contain unhealthy ingredients.
  • Dollop of creamy chicken baby food (unsalted): Look for a stage 2 baby food with no added onions or garlic, as these can be toxic to cats.
• Unexpected Delights:
  • Smooth peanut butter (xylitol-free!): A surprisingly cat-approved treat! Just be sure to choose a brand that is xylitol-free, as this sugar alcohol can be toxic to cats.
  • Cream cheese (in moderation): A small amount of plain cream cheese can be a delightful treat for your feline friend.
  • Splash of bone broth (sodium-free): The savory scent and flavor of bone broth can be a real treat for some cats. Opt for a sodium-free version to avoid giving your cat too much salt.
  • Mashed banana (ripe): Believe it or not, some cats love the sweetness of ripe banana. Just be sure to start with a tiny amount, as too much fruit can cause digestive upset.

Pro Tip: Mix and match. Combo spreads like tuna with a dash of yogurt are extra enticing.

Always ensure new foods are safe for cats in small quantities, avoid anything with added sugar, and consult your vet if you have concerns.

Recipes for All Dietary Needs (Including Picky Eaters!)

Got a kitty with specific needs or a fussy eater on your hands? Don't worry, there's a lick mat recipe for everyone. Here are a couple of ideas to get you started:

Recipe 1: The Picky Eater Pleaser

• 1 tbsp plain, unsweetened yogurt
• 1 tsp favorite wet food
• Pinch of catnip

Mix ingredients thoroughly and spread onto the lick mat. The familiar wet food smell combined with a hint of catnip might just tempt even the finickiest feline.

Recipe 2: Sensitive Stomach Soother

• 1/4 cup cooked, unseasoned pumpkin puree
• 1 tbsp plain, unsweetened yogurt
• Sprinkle of ground, unsweetened ginger (optional)

This recipe is gentle on tummies and the pumpkin is a great source of fiber. A tiny bit of ginger can add an extra soothing touch.

Recipe 3: Raw Diet Delight

• 2 tbsp raw ground meat (appropriate for your cat's diet)
• 1 tbsp bone broth (sodium-free)
• A few sprinkles of cat-safe nutritional supplements (if used)

Combine the ingredients and spread onto the lick mat, ensuring the meat is completely thawed. This recipe provides a stimulating texture that appeals to cats on a raw diet.

Pro Tip: Freeze It. Freezing your lick mat creations adds a longer challenge and is a refreshing treat on hot days. Just make sure to adjust the recipes and avoid freezing ingredients that become too hard (like raw meat).

Extra Inspiration

• Get creative with herbs: Sprinkle on a pinch of cat-safe favorites like parsley or catnip.
• Add a drizzle: A tiny drizzle of fish oil or olive oil can boost flavor and healthy fats.
• Don't be afraid to experiment: With a little creativity and careful ingredient selection, you can tailor lick mat recipes perfectly to your cat's needs and preferences.

How to Turn Mealtime into Playtime with a Lick Mat

Lick mats aren't just for snacks – they're amazing tools for making main meals more fun and engaging! Here's how to use them to their full potential:

• Slow Down Speedy Eaters: Does your cat inhale their food? A lick mat forces them to savor every bite, preventing digestive upset from eating too quickly.
• Mental Stimulation: Licking requires focus and can help prevent boredom, especially in indoor cats. Spread their kibble on a mat for a stimulating dinner challenge.
• Weight Management: If your cat needs to shed a few ounces, a lick mat is your secret weapon. Since it extends mealtime, it helps combat "scarfing" and gives your cat a longer feeling of fullness.
• Stress Reduction: The repetitive motion of licking has a calming effect, making lick mats great for anxious kitties or during stressful situations (think moving, vet visits, etc.).

Tips for Success

• Start slow: If your cat is new to lick mats, start with an easy-to-lick spread and a shorter session.
• Secure it: Choose a lick mat with strong suction cups, or place it on a non-slip surface to prevent frustration.
• Gradually increase the challenge: As they get better, incorporate more textured spreads and freeze the mat.

Let's be honest – watching your cat enthusiastically work for their meal with a lick mat is seriously entertaining.

Pro-Tips for Maximizing Licking Fun and Minimizing Mess

Lick mats are awesome, but let's face it, they can get a bit messy. Follow these tips to keep the fun going while keeping the cleanup to a minimum:

• The Right Location: Choose a spot that's easy to clean, like tile or linoleum. Place the mat on a baking sheet or inside a shallow container to catch any spills.
• Portion Control: Less is more. Avoid overfilling the grooves; otherwise, your cat might just push the spread around instead of licking it.
• The Freezer is Your Friend: Freezing the mat not only increases the challenge but also makes things less messy, especially with runny spreads.
• Supervision is Key: Especially with a new lick mat, keep an eye on your cat to ensure they're enjoying it safely.
• Easy Cleanup: Most lick mats are dishwasher-safe for hassle-free cleaning. For extra stubborn bits, a quick soak in warm, soapy water usually does the trick.

Bonus Pro-Tips

• Upside-down Challenge: For expert-level lickers, try flipping the filled mat upside down for a mess-free, gravity-defying snacking experience.
• Licking Stations: If you have multiple cats, dedicate separate mats to each and place them at a comfortable distance to avoid any competition or squabbles.

Freeze-and-Fill Options for Hot Days

When the weather heats up, lick mats turn into the coolest treat around (literally!). Here are some refreshing ideas to keep your cat entertained and hydrated during those scorching summer days:

• Yogurt Swirls: Freeze a mixture of plain yogurt and a few blueberries or raspberries for a fruity and refreshing lick mat snack.
• The Cat Smoothie: Blend a small amount of their favorite wet food with water or sodium-free bone broth and freeze until solid.
• Tuna Popsicles: Make cute little tuna-yogurt popsicles by filling ice cube trays with a blend of tuna in water and plain yogurt. Freeze and pop out to serve.
• Fruity Surprise: Freeze a lick mat with mashed banana and chunks of cat-safe fruit like strawberries or blueberries, for a burst of summery flavor.
• Hydrating Helper: Simply freeze some sodium-free bone broth on the lick mat for a tasty and hydrating boost.

Important Note: Always thaw frozen treats slightly before giving them to your cat, as extremely cold food can cause tooth sensitivity.

Get creative. The possibilities are endless for cool, lickable treats that your feline friend will adore on a hot day.

Final Thoughts: Ready to Upgrade Your Cat's Snack Time?

You've got the recipes, the pro tips, and a whole new perspective on the humble lick mat. Your cat is about to experience snack time (or even mealtime!) in a whole new light.

Ready to see their eyes sparkle with licking delight? Let's recap:

• Variety is key: Don't be afraid to experiment with different spreads and textures.
• It's about the journey: The real benefit is the licking itself, so focus on creating engaging challenges.
• Freeze it! Frozen lick mats provide long-lasting fun and are perfect for hot days
• Less is more: Overfilled lick mats can be frustrating for your cat.

Speaking of making snack time more exciting, did you know ChicKitty has an incredible selection of lick mats designed to suit every cat's personality? From slow-feeder designs to multi-textured surfaces, we've got everything to elevate your cat's licking adventures. Check out our Eat collection and transform those boring bowls into a delicious playground.