In the world of pet parenting, we’re always looking for ways to keep our furry friends mentally stimulated, emotionally calm, and physically healthy. One simple yet incredibly effective tool that has gained popularity among dog and cat owners is the lick mat. Designed to promote slow feeding, reduce anxiety, and keep pets engaged, the Lick Mat for Dog Cat made from food-grade silicone with a non-slip design is a must-have for every pet household.
Whether you’re looking to ease mealtime stress, help your pet with grooming anxiety, or just provide a soothing activity, this slow feeder mat offers a safe, low-effort solution. In this review, we’ll explore the features, benefits, and practical ways to use this lick mat to improve your pet’s overall wellbeing.
What Is a Lick Mat?
A lick mat is a flat silicone or rubber mat with textured patterns, ridges, and grooves that hold soft pet-safe foods like peanut butter, yogurt, or canned food. The idea is to encourage your pet to lick slowly and deliberately, turning a snack into a calming, mentally enriching experience.
The Lick Mat for Dog Cat featured in this post is crafted from food-grade silicone, ensuring it’s safe, durable, and non-toxic. Its non-slip base keeps it secure during use—making it ideal for use on tile, hardwood, or crate floors.
Key Features at a Glance
- Made of BPA-free, food-grade silicone
- Textured surface for slow feeding
- Non-slip design prevents sliding
- Freezer and dishwasher safe
- Safe for both dogs and cats
- Promotes calm, reduces anxiety and boredom
Designed for Slow Feeding and Digestive Health
Fast eating can lead to a variety of issues in pets, from vomiting and bloating to poor digestion. The textured grooves and ridges of the lick mat make your pet work for their food, slowing down consumption and allowing better digestion and absorption.
This slow feeding method is especially useful for:
- Greedy eaters who inhale their meals too quickly
- Senior pets with reduced chewing ability
- Cats and small dogs prone to regurgitation after eating
By turning eating into a slow, enjoyable activity, the mat helps prevent overeating and promotes healthier mealtime habits.
Anxiety and Boredom Relief
One of the standout benefits of a lick mat is its ability to provide anxiety relief and sensory enrichment. The repetitive motion of licking releases endorphins in your pet’s brain, promoting calmness and reducing stress.
Ideal for:
- Crate training or travel: Keep your pet calm during car rides or flights
- Grooming and bathing: Distract them with a tasty treat
- Thunderstorms or fireworks: Help soothe nervous pets
- Separation anxiety: Provide comfort while you’re away
If your pet gets restless when left alone or becomes anxious during vet visits, a lick mat can be a calming tool that engages and relaxes them.
Safe, Non-Toxic & Easy to Clean
The Lick Mat for Dog Cat is made from high-quality, food-grade silicone that is free of BPA, phthalates, and harmful chemicals. It’s soft enough to be gentle on your pet’s tongue but sturdy enough to resist tearing and wear.
Cleaning is simple:
- Dishwasher safe (top rack recommended)
- Can be rinsed with warm, soapy water
- Freezer safe for frozen treats
- Heat-resistant and waterproof
It’s odor-resistant and stain-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about lingering smells or residue, even after multiple uses.
Non-Slip Design: Stays Put During Use
Unlike some mats that slide across the floor or tip over, this mat includes a non-slip base that grips the floor securely. Whether your pet is licking enthusiastically or cautiously nibbling away, the mat stays in place, reducing mess and frustration.
This feature is especially useful when using the mat for:
- Senior pets with mobility issues
- Overexcited puppies who tend to knock things over
- Crate placement where keeping it stable is essential
You can also use it in bathtubs or grooming stations by suctioning it against smooth surfaces to encourage calm and stillness.
Creative Lick Mat Treat Ideas
Not sure what to use on a lick mat? Here are some pet-safe treat ideas to try:
For Dogs:
- Natural peanut butter (xylitol-free)
- Plain yogurt or kefir
- Mashed banana or pumpkin puree
- Wet dog food or canned pâté
- Bone broth gelatin
For Cats:
- Tuna paste or fish-based wet food
- Plain cream cheese or yogurt
- Smooth chicken mousse
- Lickable cat treats
- Sardine mash
Want to make it last longer? Freeze the mat for 15–30 minutes before offering it to your pet. Frozen treats increase the licking time and are especially refreshing in warm weather.
Versatile Uses Around the Home
The Lick Mat for Dog Cat isn’t just for mealtime. It can be used in various situations to support your pet’s behavior, training, and wellbeing.
Practical uses include:
- Distraction during grooming or brushing
- Calm before bedtime to wind down high-energy dogs
- Entertainment on rainy days when outdoor walks are limited
- Training reinforcement by rewarding with calm time
- Post-walk decompression after stimulation outside
Many trainers and behaviorists recommend lick mats as a low-stress enrichment activity that supports both obedience training and emotional balance.
Who Should Use This Lick Mat?
This mat is suitable for:
- All breeds and sizes of dogs and cats
- Puppies and kittens who need gentle enrichment
- Senior pets who benefit from slow feeding
- Busy pet parents looking for low-effort engagement
- Pets with anxiety, boredom, or stress behaviors
Whether your goal is to reduce anxiety, improve mealtime behavior, or provide daily mental enrichment, this product is a simple solution with long-lasting impact.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
- Food-grade, BPA-free silicone
- Helps with slow feeding and digestion
- Calms anxiety and boredom
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
- Freezer safe for longer treat time
- Versatile for pets of all sizes and life stages
❌ Cons:
- Not suitable for aggressive chewers
- Requires supervision during use with large dogs
- Only holds soft or spreadable foods (not for dry kibble)
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Modern Pet Homes
The Lick Mat for Dog Cat offers a smart, safe, and soothing way to improve your pet’s daily routine. With its high-quality silicone build, anti-slip base, and easy-to-use design, it’s a great tool for mental enrichment, slow feeding, and emotional support.
From reducing stress during grooming to turning mealtime into a calming ritual, this mat is a multi-functional addition to your pet care toolkit. Affordable, durable, and effective, it’s a win for both pets and owners.
Where to Buy
You can purchase the Lick Mat for Dog Cat on:
- Amazon
- Chewy
- Petbarn or Petstock (Australia)
- Independent pet supply stores
Look for bundle deals or multi-pack options if you have multiple pets or want one mat for every occasion!
