What To Put On Lick Mat For Cat? (5 Tasty Treats!)
Determining the best way to keep your cat entertained can be a daunting task. But with a little creativity, you can come up with plenty of ideas that will keep your feline friend happy and engaged.
One way to do this is by providing them with a lick mat. This is simply a piece of fabric or rubber that you can put in an easily accessible spot for your cat to lick.
In this blog post, I’ll discuss what to put on your lick mat to make it fun and irresistible for your kitty!
5 Tasty Treat You Can Put on Your Cat’s Lick Mat
The key to making your cat lick the mat is to put something on it that they love. Here I’ll give you a few ideas for the best cat treats to put on the mat:
1. Sardine (press in with back of a spoon)
Yes, my cat absolutely loves sardines. And she goes crazy for the taste and smell of them on her lick mat. To apply the sardine, I press it in with the back of a spoon. This ensures that the fish stays put and lasts for hours.
2. Catnip
Another great treat to put on your cat’s lick mat is catnip. This herb has a powerful aroma that drives cats wild, making it the perfect choice for getting them interested in the mat. Just sprinkle some dried or fresh catnip leaves on the mat and watch your cat go crazy!
3. Canned Tuna
My cat also loves canned tuna, so this is another great option. I like to spread it on the mat in a thin layer, and then use a spoon or my fingers to gently nudge it into the bristles. This ensures that the tuna stays put and lasts for hours.
4. Salmon jerky
Salmon is also one of my cat’s favorite treats, so I often put small pieces of salmon jerky on the mat. This is a simple way to provide your cat with a tasty treat that they won’t be able to resist. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can experiment with other types of meat or even different types of fish!
5. Greek Yogurt (sugar and additives free)
Last but not least, Greek yogurt is another great treat to put on your cat’s lick mat. Its creamy texture and delicious taste make it a favorite of many cats. And you can even add some cat-safe vitamins or supplements to the yogurt for added health benefits.
Consider These While Putting Treats on Your Cat’s Lick Mat
When using your cat’s lick mat, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
1. Is It Safe for Your Cat
First, you should always make sure that the treats you put on the mat are safe for your cat. This means sticking to items like sardines and tuna fish, which have low-levels of mercury, and avoiding things like chocolate or grapes, which can be toxic for cats.
2. Is It Suitable for Eating On the Mat
Second, you should avoid feeding your cat foods that aren’t suitable to eat on a mat. This means putting down a clean mat every time you give them food on it, and not allowing them to roll around on the mat after eating.
3. Is It Easy to Clean Off
Lastly, you should make sure that the treats you use are easy to clean off from your cat’s lick mat. This will help to keep it looking nice and prevent your cat from getting sick or experiencing any discomfort.
How to Understand Your Cat’s Lick Mat Behavior?
The lick mat behavior of cats is complex and unique to each individual cat. It can be difficult for owners to understand why their pet may be licking their mats, but there are a few common explanations that might help make sense of this behavior.
Here are some possible explanations for why your cat may be licking its mat:
1. Self Grooming
Cats will often lick their mats as part of their grooming routine. This helps to keep their fur clean and free from parasites like fleas and mites. If your cat is particularly fond of licking its mat, it could be because they find comfort in the familiar texture or taste of the material.
2. Stress Relief
Just like humans, cats can become stressed or anxious in certain situations. Licking their mat may be a way for them to relieve this stress and create a sense of calm. This behavior is often accompanied by other signs of stress such as pacing, meowing, and hiding.
3. Territorial Marking
Cats use scent glands located on their face and paws to mark their territory. When they lick their mat, these glands secrete a scent that is unique to the cat and warns other cats of their presence in the area. If your cat is licking its mat excessively, it could be as a result of territorial marking behavior.
4. Comfort Seeking
Cats may also lick their mats when they are seeking comfort. This can be due to sudden changes in their environment or feeling of insecurity, and the act of licking their mat may help them feel safe and relaxed.
In order to get a better understanding of why your cat is licking its mat, it is important to observe the frequency and context of the behavior. If you think that your cat is licking its mat excessively or that the behavior could be linked to stress or anxiety, then it is best to consult with your veterinarian in order to develop a plan to help reduce your cat’s stress and ensure their health and wellbeing.
Maintenance Frequency and Procedure
The maintenance frequency and procedure for a cat’s lick mat will depend on how often you use it, as well as the type of treats that you put on it.
Typically, it’s best to clean your cat’s lick mat every time that you feed them on it, as this will prevent them from getting sick or experiencing discomfort. You can either hand wash the mat with a mild detergent and warm water, or place it in the washing machine on the gentle cycle.
When placing treats on the mat, you should make sure to always use fresh items that have not been previously exposed to your cat’s saliva. This will help prevent them from getting sick and ensure that they have a positive experience on the mat.
By following these tips, you can help your cat have a fun and enjoyable lick mat experience that will keep them healthy and happy for years to come!
My Final Thoughts
As you can see I already suggested 5 yummy and safe treats to put on your cat’s lick mat. From Greek yogurt to tuna fish, there are a number of tasty and healthy options that you can choose from.
And by following the tips outlined in this post, you can help your cat have an enjoyable and positive experience with their lick mat for many years to come! So what are you waiting for? Get to the pet store and stock up on cat treats today!
Overall, I think that using a cat’s lick mat is a great way to provide them with fun and healthy snacking options. Whether you are looking for tasty treats or something more nutritious, there is sure to be an option that your cat will love. So why not give it a try today? Your feline friend will be sure to thank you for it!
