A lick mat is a textured enrichment mat you spread soft treats on. Focused licking stimulates saliva and oral activity and releases calming endorphins, which entertains the pet, slows eating, and helps reduce stress.
Pet and entry mats are made from a variety of materials, including TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), chenille, foam, cotton, coir, polyethylene, and mats with latex backing.
Effective absorbent mats typically combine plush chenille for moisture pickup, a non-skid backing for traction, and machine-washable construction for easy cleaning.
Spread a thin layer of a soft treat across the textured surface and press it into the crevices. Suggested spreads include peanut butter, canned pet food, cream cheese, plain yogurt, or moistened crushed treats. You can also freeze the mat after spreading for longer engagement.
Supervise pets while they use a lick mat, treat it as enrichment (not a chew toy), and remove the mat immediately if it becomes damaged.
Baby play mats often fold for compact storage or travel, are lightweight, may include a carrying case, and typically wipe clean or are water-resistant for easy cleanup.
Common backing options include TPE non-skid backing, latex backing to hold doormats in place, and some mats that come without any backing.