Lick mats have become a common recommendation for slowing down mealtime, but that’s really just the starting point for what they’re used for. The Silicone Slow Feeder Licking Mat is a textured silicone mat with suction cups on the back, designed to hold a spread of food or a soft treat while your dog or cat licks it off — and that same design ends up being useful in a handful of situations beyond the dinner bowl.
Slowing Down Mealtime
This is the most common use: spreading wet food, plain yogurt, or a soft treat across the textured surface takes a lot longer to finish than eating from a flat bowl, simply because there’s more surface area to work through. If your dog or cat tends to eat too fast, a lick mat is a lower-effort alternative to a puzzle bowl — see our guide to slow feeders and puzzle toys if you want to compare the two approaches.
Bath Time and Grooming
The suction cups on the back are strong enough to stick to a tub wall or tiled shower, which is why a lot of owners use a lick mat during baths — smear a little pet-safe spread on it at nose height, and it gives your pet something to focus on instead of the water and shampoo. It’s not a guaranteed fix for every dog or cat who dislikes baths, but it’s a low-cost thing to try before assuming bath time will always be a struggle.
Nail Trims and Other Fiddly Moments
The same idea applies to nail trims, brushing, or anything else that requires your pet to sit relatively still for a few minutes. Sticking the mat to a nearby surface at the right height gives them something to do with their mouth while you work.
Vet Visits and Stressful Moments
Some owners bring a lick mat along for vet visits or use one at home before or after a stressful event, simply as something familiar and occupying. It’s worth trying if your pet gets anxious in these situations, though how much it actually helps will vary from animal to animal.
What to Spread on It
Keep it simple and appropriate for your pet’s regular diet: plain canned pumpkin, a spoonful of wet food, unsweetened plain yogurt in small amounts, or a soft treat made for dogs or cats all work. Avoid anything with xylitol, chocolate, onion, or other ingredients that aren’t safe for pets, and check with your vet if you’re ever unsure whether something is appropriate for your specific pet’s diet.
Cleaning and Care
Silicone mats like this one are generally easy to clean by hand with warm soapy water; check your specific mat to see if it’s labeled dishwasher-safe before putting it on a rack. Let it dry fully before storing to avoid any residue building up in the textured grooves.
FAQ
Can I use the same lick mat for both my dog and my cat? Yes — just wash it between uses and make sure whatever you’re spreading on it is appropriate for whichever pet is using it.
How long should I leave it out? Most sessions last as long as it takes your pet to finish licking it clean, generally a few minutes to around fifteen. It’s not meant to be left out indefinitely.
Can I freeze it? Many owners do freeze a loaded lick mat to make the session last longer, especially in warm weather — just make sure whatever you’ve spread on it is freezer-safe and thaws to a safe temperature before your pet has full access to it.
Related Articles
- Dog Eating Too Fast? Slow Feeders and Puzzle Toys That Actually Help
- How to Choose Healthy Treats for Your Dog or Cat
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