Cat Bowls: The Best Type For You and Your Cat
CAT BOWLS – PART TWO OF TWO
Cat bowls are more than just a container to serve food and water! They serve a variety of functions aiding in optimal digestion and hydration. Cats have special needs distinct from dogs of which the most important has to do with their whiskers. A cat’s whiskers are very sensitive which is why the bowl should be shallow and wide, so the whiskers never touch the sides of bowl. Your cat will be able to eat and drink with comfort! Also noteworthy, cats may feel uncomfortable with a deep bowl as it prevents them from seeing the surrounding environment with their periphery vision while eating and drinking.
Each cat is unique in eating habits and preferences. Fast eaters, messy eaters, free feeders, scheduled feedings. Regardless of your situation, we have a solution! And don’t underestimate the importance of the water bowl! Unless your cat is a free feeder, meaning the food is left out for on-demand munching, most food bowls are put down and picked up again shortly thereafter. Water bowls are different, in that they are left out 24×7. You may want a different solution for the hydration station than for the feeding station. Also the placement of the cat bowls can also impact your cat’s eating experience.
Choose the Right Type of Cat Bowl for Your Feline
How do you present food to your cat? The type of cat bowls you choose for food and water can make all the difference in your cat’s eating habits and health. The size, height and lifestyle of your cat will be a factor in determining what cat bowl is best for food and water. Also consider that your cat’s needs may change over time. What worked at age 2 may not be appropriate at age 12.
The breed of cat may factor into your cat bowl selection. For example, if you have a flat-faced cat such as a Persian, consider a specialty bowl that has elevation and a slight angle. It makes it easier for them to eat and helps to keep food off the faces.
There are four basic cat bowl types:
- Floor bowls
- Raised bowls
- Slow feeding bowls
- Portable bowls
Floor Bowls
Bowls that rest on the floor are the most prevalent. We recommend either high-grade stainless steel or lead-free ceramic. Most ceramic cat bowls are dishwasher safe. We offer a line of hand painted bowls, made in the USA, with different designs and colors available to match your décor. Stainless steel bowls come with rubberized bottoms to prevent slipping and spillage, great for rambunctious kittens or cats that like to lick the bowl clean to perfection.
Raised Cat Bowl Feeders
Cats benefit from raised feeders because they reduce gastrointestinal upset and offer relief to arthritic seniors. A cat will take in less air while eating from a raised cat bowl which helps aid in digestion. Most noteworthy, raised cat bowls will reduce neck strain and provide easier access to food and water. Since cats drink throughout the day, a raised cat bowl is an excellent choice for the water bowl.
- Natural Wood Raised Cat Bowl Feeders – Elevated hand-crafted rubberwood feeding station comes in different sizes, single or double bowl and three wood stain choices. Square ceramic bowls are lead free and dishwasher safe. Replacement bowls are available and it is always a good idea to have a second set on hand. This cat bowl feeder is a sophisticated design that looks good with any home decor.
- Modern Brushed Stainless Steel Cat Bowl Feeder – Raised cat bowl feeders in a contemporary style that is also easy to clean. Single or double bowl option choice and comes in different height sizes.
Slow Feed Cat Bowls
For those cats that just inhale their food! Made of high quality stainless steel with rubber lining the bottom of cat bowl. The inside of the cat bowl has raised humps to promote slower eating, which helps reduce the risk of stomach upset and aids in digestion. Any kind of cat food such as kibble, canned food and raw food can be served in slow feed cat bowls.
Portable Cat Bowls
Portable bowls are for cats on the go! Perhaps you take your cat to work with you or have a lifestyle where you are in different places all the time. When traveling with your cat, you need a convenient, collapsible solution for food and water. Expandable food and water bowls are a great solution! Our’s come with a carabiner clip making it easy to bring with you anywhere and can be latched to handle of a cat’s carrier or crate, belt loops, backpacks. Also perfect for taking on car rides to vet appointments or road trips. Comes in two sizes, BPA free and dishwasher-safe.
Messy Eaters
Some cats just love to make a mess while eating. We have a fix for that! A molded silicone mat that has raised edges to act as a barrier around the cat bowls. Available in a single or double format and helps prevent spills from getting on the floor. Easy to clean and can be placed on top rack of dishwasher to sanitize. Place mats have a non-skid rubber backing and are easy to clean. Place mats come in different sizes and some are machine washable.
What to Avoid in Cat Bowls
Plastic – The least preferred, for the reason that cat bowls and dishes made of plastic can harbor bacteria. When ingested this bacteria can cause issues in the digestive tract and can also lead to skin irritations. Cat bowls made of plastic get scratched easily and bacteria and oil can build up in those scratches and may cause cat acne, which appears in the form of black dots on your cat’s chin.
Stainless Steel and Ceramic Made in China – Stainless steel cat bowls from China have tested positive for Radon. Toxins may also be present in the glaze used in ceramic pet bowls. Made in the USA is the way to go for your pet’s safety.
Helpful Tips
- Raised cat bowls should be level with the stomach to offer aid in digestion and hydration.
- Be sure to wash food bowls in hot soapy water or the dishwasher daily.
- When cats drink water, food particles in their mouth are transferred to the cat bowl and can create bacteria. You may notice a film build up on the inside of the cat bowls. Empty water bowls daily, filling with fresh water and, topping off as needed. Wash out water bowls at least once a week.
- Keep a second set of cat bowls on hand for use while sanitizing bowls or in case of breakage.
- Most cats enjoy eating in a social, risk-free environment. Not isolated. Multi-pet households offer a challenge but is manageable with some fore thought. Feeding time should be peaceful and stress free.
- You can appeal to your cat’s inner playful hunter side by using other feeding vessels for dry food and treats. At Goodness for Pets we have interactive puzzles that challenge your cat to work for their food and treats.
Further Considerations
What is IN the bowl is most important! Nutrition makes the difference between your cat surviving and your cat thriving! Goodness for Pets can help you not only select the perfect cat bowls but also the best nutrition and hydration for your furry feline! Taking the time to invest in the best type of cat bowl for your feline friend will make mealtimes a pleasure.