I ditched my cat’s regular bowl for this $6 puzzle feeder – and I haven’t looked back

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My favorite cat puzzle feeder is better than half-price in the Black Friday sale.

Megan's cat Nala eating food from the Lickin' Layers Cat puzzle feeder
(Image credit: Megan Milstead)
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Does your cat eat too quickly? Do they seem bored or anxious? If the answer is yes, it's time to try one of the best cat puzzle feeders. These feeders not only slow your cat's eating pace—helping to prevent obesity and vomiting—but also keep them entertained and happy.

Over the years, I've tested countless food bowls, but in my opinion, nothing beats the Catstages Kitty Lickin' Layers Multilayered Feeder, which is currently 55% off. According to the price-checking website CamelCamelCamel, this is the lowest price it's ever been, making it one of the best Black Friday cat deals I've seen so far. For under $6, it's an absolute must-have!

Here's what I love about it...

Catstages Kitty Lickin' Layers Multilayered Cat Fun Feeder Cat Treat Puzzle | 55% off at AmazonWas $11.99 Now $5.39

Catstages Kitty Lickin' Layers Multilayered Cat Fun Feeder Cat Treat Puzzle | 55% off at Amazon
Was $11.99 Now $5.39
This puzzle feeder has 80 compartments that can be filled with your cat's favorite food. To retrieve it, they'll need to spin the layers and dig out the food. The separable layers make it easy to clean and refill, and they can also be used as three individual bowls. It's dishwasher-friendly and made from food-safe materials.

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Why I love this Black Friday cat deal

1. It's made mealtime more fun for my cats

My cats, Chilli and Nala, love eating their dinner from this puzzle feeder. Sometimes they go through phases where they don't enjoy their regular food, but for some reason, when I put it in this bowl, they're happy to eat it again. According to our in-house vet Dr. Joanna Woodnutt, puzzle feeders are a good source of enrichment, helping to reduce anxiety and stress in cats.

Gif of Megan's cat Nala eating from the Lickin' Layers Puzzle feeder in the kitchen

(Image credit: Megan Milstead)

2. It encourages my cats to eat slowly

Before using a puzzle feeder, my cats would eat their food so quickly that they didn’t realize they were full and would pester me for more right after finishing. When I use this bowl, I notice a huge difference in how long it takes them to eat. I highly recommend it if you have the same problem.

3. It's easy to clean

I know what you're thinking - this bowl looks like a complete nightmare to clean! This was my initial thought too, but to my surprise (and delight), it's dishwasher-friendly. I've also tried hand-washing it and it's not as bad as you might think.

Lickin Layers puzzle feeder in Megan's dishwasher

(Image credit: Megan Milstead)

4. It works with dry and wet food

After testing multiple puzzle feeders, I discovered that lots of models only work with dry food. Since I buy the best wet cat food, I was happy that this one can be used with either. It also works well with the best cat treats!

5. The material is high-quality and food-safe

For under $6, I'm seriously impressed with the high-quality, thick material that this bowl is made from. It feels durable, and sturdy and doesn't move around when my cats are eating from it. It's also free from BPA, PVC, and phthalates, giving me reassurance that it's safe to eat from

An empty Lickin Layers Puzzle Feeder on Megan's kitchen floor

(Image credit: Megan Milstead)

If you live in a multi-pet household, check out the best Black Friday pet deals and Black Friday dog deals.

Megan Milstead
Megan Milstead
Staff Writer

Megan is a Staff Writer on PetsRader, covering news, features and buying guides. She has a wealth of experience looking after animals, having grown up with dogs, cats and horses all of her life. She’s particularly interested in pet happiness and behavior, which she loves to research in her spare time. You’ll often find her watching webinars on reactivity in dogs or researching cat body language. She loves going the extra mile for her cats Chilli and Nala (who also help out with testing the best products for our buying guides).

Megan studied BA Journalism at the University of Westminster, where she specialized in lifestyle journalism and was editor of Smoke Radio’s online magazine. She also graduated from West Herts College with a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Journalism. Before joining the PetsRadar family last year, she worked on the editorial team at Harrods and has spent most of her career writing for specialized titles, like RunningShoesGuru, Licklist and Mr. After Party.

Megan works alongside qualified vets and accredited trainers to ensure you get the best advice possible. She is passionate about finding accurate and helpful answers to your pet-related questions.