Put part of the measured daily ration into the puzzle feeder rather than adding food on top of normal meals. Start easy, supervise the first sessions and make sure each cat can access food without conflict.
Measure the day before filling the toy
Follow the food label and your vet’s advice, then weigh the entire day’s allowance into one container. Take puzzle-feeder portions from that container. Cats Protection suggests puzzle feeders as a way to make meals more interesting, not as a source of unlimited extras.
Make success possible
Choose a stable feeder with openings suited to the kibble or treat size. At first, leave food easy to reach and show the mechanism once. If your cat walks away, offer the remaining ration normally rather than withholding food to force participation.
Manage multi-cat households
One confident cat can monopolise a shared puzzle. Use separate feeders in separate spaces when needed, and observe whether every cat eats. Keep a normal bowl option for cats who cannot use the puzzle comfortably.
Count treats and clean equipment
Treats still count towards the daily total. Wash food-contact parts according to the maker’s instructions and discard damp leftovers. The Kitty Buffet can hold the non-puzzle part of the meal in separate bowls.
Sources and further reading
Guidance checked 13 September 2026.
