DIY toy guide

Silicone-Trivet Lick Mat

A textured silicone trivet becomes a slow-licking mat that stretches a wet treat into a calming ritual

A ridged silicone trivet or coaster makes an instant lick mat: smear a little wet food, plain pâté or unsalted broth into its grooves and your cat has to work the food out with its tongue, turning a ten-second gulp into several soothing minutes of licking that calms nerves and slows fast eaters.

Difficulty
Easy
Time
5 minutes
Cost
£0–2 (a spare trivet)

🧺 You will need

  • A clean silicone trivet, coaster or bakeware mat with a textured, grooved surface
  • A small amount of wet cat food, plain meat pâté or unsalted, onion-free broth
  • A flat spatula or spoon to spread it
  • Optional: a non-slip mat underneath, or a few suction cups

🔧 How to make it

  1. Wash and dry the silicone trivet thoroughly so it is food-safe and free of any kitchen residue.
  2. Spread a thin layer of wet food or broth across the surface, pressing it down into the grooves and ridges.
  3. Set the mat on a wipeable floor, on a non-slip base so it does not slide as your cat licks.
  4. Let your cat lick the food out of the texture at its own pace — this should take several minutes.
  5. Wash the mat after each use with hot water, and pop it in the dishwasher periodically to keep it hygienic.

💡 Tips

Licking is a naturally self-soothing action for cats, so a lick mat is brilliant for slowing a gulper, calming a nervous cat during a storm or grooming session, or simply adding enrichment to a boring day. Freeze the loaded mat for a longer-lasting treat in summer. Deeper, finer grooves make the food harder to reach and stretch the session out.

Safety: Use only a genuine, undamaged food-grade silicone item — discard any mat that is torn, peeling or shedding bits, as loose silicone must not be swallowed. Supervise a cat that tends to bite or chew rather than lick, and take the mat away if it starts gnawing the material. Keep portions small so the treat stays within daily calories, and clean the mat after every use to stop bacteria building in the grooves.

📝 Notes

One of the most versatile enrichment tools going, made for free from something already in the kitchen drawer — it slows fast eaters, soothes anxious cats, and makes medicine or supplements easier to give hidden in the smear.

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