Do your cats wake you up at 4 a.m. for food? Do they fight with other pets? Do they seem tired, unmotivated, or meow constantly even when there’s no underlying health issue?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions, you’re not alone. Thousands of cat parents experience the same thing. A simple reason behind many of these behaviours is boredom.
Toys, tunnels, and cat trees are great ways to keep cats busy during the day. But the reality is that cats are naturally more active at night. While we’re asleep, they’re often wide awake—watching the world outside, wandering around the house, and eventually… looking for something to do.
And when boredom kicks in? That’s when the chaos starts: zoomies, chewing wires, fighting with other pets, knocking items off counters, yowling in the hallway, or scratching at your bedroom door.
So how do we address this nighttime boredom? By keeping your cat’s mind engaged and satisfying their natural hunting instincts in a fun and healthy way. The good news: the solution doesn’t cost hundreds of dollars.
Meet your cat’s new best friend — snuffle mats.
Snuffle mats were originally marketed for dogs, but they’re equally beneficial for cats. Just like food puzzles, they challenge your cat mentally, encourage natural foraging behaviour, and slow down fast eaters.
Unlike some food puzzles with deep compartments that make retrieving treats difficult for cats (especially flat-faced breeds), snuffle mats are flat and easy to use. They help ensure your cat can successfully find their treats and feel rewarded—encouraging them to keep using the enrichment toy.
What to Look for in a Snuffle Mat
Here’s a quick checklist when choosing one:
- Durability: It should be made from high-quality material with tightly stitched compartments to prevent pieces from coming apart and becoming a choking hazard.
- Easy to Clean: Machine washable or easy to hand wash between uses.
- Non-slip Base: A sticky or anti-slip bottom keeps the mat from sliding while your pet works on it.
- Soft Fabric: Gentle on paws, face, and tongue.
- Variety: Multiple compartments to keep the experience fresh and engaging.
- Affordable: Enrichment toys shouldn’t break the bank.
Unfortunately, many pet stores offer limited options, and most mats are sized for dogs rather than cats. Online, it can be tricky to know which ones are worth buying.
Don’t worry—we tested several snuffle mats and found our favourite.
LuftPets snuffle mats for cats check all the boxes.
They’re well-made, thoughtfully designed with cats and small animals in mind, and created by a women-owned Canadian company. We love seeing products that truly consider the needs of cats.
How to Use Snuffle Mats
Here are a few simple ways to get started:
- Before bedtime: Hide your cat’s favourite treats and leave the mat out overnight to keep them busy while you sleep.
- For fast eaters: Replace part of their dry food portion with pieces hidden in the mat. This slows down mealtime, keeps them mentally stimulated, and encourages light physical activity.
Snuffle mats are also great when you’re working from home, on a video call, or stepping out for errands. They can even soothe anxious pets by shifting their focus to finding treats. For extra excitement, sprinkle a bit of catnip—this can help cats warm up to the mat when first introducing it.
Always start with a simple mat, and as your cat improves, you can offer more challenging options.
LuftPet snuffle mats come in a range of sizes, shapes, and designs suitable for cats, dogs, and even smaller animals. Don’t wait—order yours today!
Use code LocalPaws15 for 15% off your order. Shop Now.
