Representative adjustable round cat feeder ball dispensing a few pieces of dry food on a mat
Representative illustration — check the listing for the exact item.

XmasGoat gift guide

Curated pick

PetSafe SlimCat Feeder

An adjustable 2/3-cup feeder ball that dispenses measured dry food as a cat plays.

The PetSafe SlimCat turns dry food into a rolling game. See who will love it, what could frustrate them and what to check before you buy.

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Reviewed by XmasGoat Editorial · Updated

Why PetSafe SlimCat Feeder works as a Christmas gift

Many cat toys get one burst of attention and then disappear under the sofa. SlimCat has a better reason to come back out: dinner is inside. As the ball rolls, a few pieces of food tumble free, rewarding the cat for nudging it again.

  • Makes an everyday meal more active and interesting
  • Adjustable openings make the first game easy to learn
  • Holds up to 2/3 cup and can go on the top rack of the dishwasher

Who should receive PetSafe SlimCat Feeder?

  • A great choice for: curious indoor cats that already chase balls or hunt for treats.
  • A great choice for: fast eaters who could benefit from getting dinner a few pieces at a time.
  • A fun add-on for: a cat-themed stocking or Secret Santa gift for a devoted cat person.
  • Choose something else for: wet-food-only cats, cats with limited mobility, or homes where rolling plastic and scattered kibble will annoy everyone.

The verdict

A clever little gift for the right cat

SlimCat is inexpensive, easy to understand and more likely to be used than another novelty mouse. It is best for a food-motivated cat and an owner who will measure the meal before filling it. Put it on a washable mat if stray kibble is a concern, and remember that it can slow dinner down—but it cannot decide how much the cat should eat.

Why it works

  • Makes an everyday meal more active and interesting
  • Adjustable openings make the first game easy to learn
  • Holds up to 2/3 cup and can go on the top rack of the dishwasher

Tradeoffs

  • The hard ball can sound noisy on tile or wood
  • Some kibble will spill farther than the feeding mat

As an Amazon Associate, XmasGoat earns from qualifying purchases. Choose Canada or the United States for local pricing.

What to check before buying PetSafe SlimCat Feeder

  • Look for the PetSafe SlimCat Interactive Feeder, model TOY00004. It is the round cat feeder ball—not an automatic feeder or one of PetSafe's other puzzle shapes.
  • It holds up to 2/3 cup of dry food. That describes the space inside, not the right serving for every cat, so the owner should still measure each meal.
  • Check the cat's usual kibble. Large pieces may stick, while very small pieces can fall out too quickly even when the openings are narrowed.
  • Start on the easiest setting with a little familiar food. If the cat does not understand or enjoy the game, serve the meal another way rather than making dinner frustrating.
  • A feeding mat or shallow tray helps catch crumbs and keeps the ball away from stairs, appliances and impossible-to-reach gaps beneath furniture.
  • The current model is made from BPA-free plastic and is listed as top-rack dishwasher-safe. Let every part dry completely before refilling it.
  • Watch the first few games and take it away if the cat tries to chew the plastic, if another pet steals the food, or if any part cracks or comes loose.

PetSafe SlimCat Feeder FAQs

How much food does the SlimCat feeder hold?

It holds up to 2/3 cup of dry food. The owner should still measure the cat's normal meal rather than automatically filling the ball to the top.

Does SlimCat work with wet food?

No. It is made for dry food or dry treats that can tumble through the holes. A lick mat or regular dish is a better choice for wet food.

How should a cat learn to use it?

Open the holes wide, add a small amount of familiar food and roll the ball once so a piece falls out. Keep the first game easy, then narrow the openings gradually after the cat understands it.

Will SlimCat make a cat lose weight?

Not on its own. It may slow eating and encourage movement, but the total amount of food still matters. Weight concerns should be discussed with a veterinarian.

Keep exploring gift ideas

Compare nearby recipients, budgets and products before making the final call.

As an Amazon Associate, XmasGoat earns from qualifying purchases. Prices, sellers and availability can change. Choose Canada or the United States for local pricing.

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