Treat wheel cat puzzle feeder

My cats always need something new to keep them busy, and this rotating treat feeder does the trick! To keep filament usage down it's a bit lightweight so needs adhesive rubber feet on the bottom to keep it in place while the cat manipulates it, and it prints in two pieces with a simple tab mechanism holding them together.

For the base, centered tabs protrude up and snap into slits underneath the top (a small amount of support material is easily removed from the top). Align the lid's treat-access cutout with one of the tabs, hooking the cutout-side tab into the hole/slit underneath the top. Next is the difficult part - pull on the top towards the center to bend the first tab and press down on the opposite side of the top to snap the second tab into place. Once it snaps in, it will rotate easily!

Note that there is a small support column designed to prevent you from snapping the tabs off, but it is still possible. Apply solid downward force to get that second tab in place without bending the first tab too far.  You need those tabs to be fairly strong so don't use any brittle materials like silk or matte PLA. I've had great results with regular and marble PLA, slowing down a bit extra for the marble.  PETG is ideal due to the greater flexibility but I have had no issues with PLA, and ironing can make it easier to clean off treat dust.

If it's not rotating smoothly, you can wear down any rough spots by pressing down on the top and rotating repeatedly until it smooths out.

Some cats will pick up on the puzzle quickly and others will have to be babied a bit, you may need to keep treats visible until they begin to understand they can manipulate the lid.

This design has also been added as part of the FELIX activity center, which I suggest you check out!