Doc & Phoebe’s Feeder, previously known as the NoBowl Feeding System, has been a hit with Karma-Kat. And with me. Here’s why.

Karma-Kat immediately loved his “mousie meals.”

DISCLOSURE: I am not being paid for this post, but did receive the product for my cats to try out, for possible review purposes. Doc & Phoebe’s Feeder is not responsible for the content of this article.

DOC & PHOEBE’S “NoBowl” FEEDER

Karma is a big ol’ man-cat and loves to play. Until recently, he had his best friend Magical-Dawg to chase and tag, but still enjoyed pestering his tiny, elderly sister-cat, Seren. Karma also liked to steal everbody’s food (the dog’s, Seren’s, even grab-and-go off my husband’s plate!). He’d gotten a bit broad in his ass-ets, if you get my drift.

Last year, while at the annual Cat Writers’ Association conference in May, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Elizabeth Bales, the brains behind an innovate and interactive cat feeding system. She offered to send me the NoBowl system (recently renamed Doc & Phoebe’s Feeder).

WHY NoBOWL FEEDING?

Cats evolved as hunters, active in short bursts of energy to capture prey. They typically eat several small (mouse-size) meals daily. Feeding from an always-full bowl may work for some kitties, but many become bored, pack on the pudge. They even develop what Dr. Bales terms “scarf-and-barf” behavior when they eat too much and then urp it back up.

Stimulating the cat’s natural instinct to hunt, and feed in a more natural way, can address a number of behavioral and physical issues our indoor-only cats face. Once Karma learned he had to WORK for his kibble, he began to slim down, spent less time pestering Seren, and even slept through the night.

Finally, this time of year it helps keep Karma “otherwise engaged” rather than un-decking the halls and climbing the Christmas tree. Oh, yeah!

WHAT’S IN DOC & PHOEBE’S NoBOWL SYSTEM?

The Indoor Hunting Feeder is a complete bowl replacement for one cat, and provides for five meals a day. I was gifted with a double set, since we will soon (I hope!) be adding another kitty friend to our household. The standard Doc & Phoebe’s Indoor Hunting Feeder costs $39.99 and includes:

• 1  Trainer complete with multiple dispensing holes
• 5 Feeders each with two dispensing holes – designed for any size kibble
• 5 Feeder Skins designed to simulate the tactile feel of prey allowing your cat to grab, claw and use its teeth as it would in the hunt
• 1 Scoop which holds 1.6 tablespoons (1/5th the daily ration of an average 10-lb cat)

For that reason, Karma-Kat gets his five “mousies” a day, place in various interesting spots throughout the house. Check out the video, below, for Karma’s reaction to the fun and games!

AMY’S RATING

I only have a couple of nits with the product. First, it’s a bit tricky to fill the mouse-containers with the scoop, although the scoop is very convenient for measuring. Also, if you have a big DAWG like our Magic, it may be a challenge to use the feeding system without a marauder stealing them. We solved that problem by placing the mousies in closed rooms–the bedroom at night, and my office during the day. Now, of course, with Magic and Seren gone, that’s no longer an issue.

Overall, I give the feeding system my highest rating and will be recommending the product to future clients. If you’ve not decided how to “gift” your cat-loving friends this holiday season, check out this indoor hunting feeder. Your cats will thank you!

How about you? Do your cats enjoy puzzle toys, hunting games or have “issues” that might be addressed by this or a similar product? How do you manage them? Do tell!

Get more tips on cat-to-cat issues in ComPETability: Cats.

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