Find a good bowl for your cat by choosing the appropriate material, number, and location in your home

There are thousands of bowls available for your cat on the market. However, many cat parents will be quick to tell you how many of them are not good for your cat. There are plenty of reasons why getting the wrong bowl is just not worth it. Here are a few reasons why.

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Why You Should Invest In a Good Cat Bowl

Investing in a good cat bowl may seem unnecessary if your cat is eating or drinking either way. However, getting the wrong bowl can actually cost more in the long run.

Having a bowl that is uncomfortable to use for your cat can deter them from drinking water, causing various kidney issues. The wrong bowl height can also lead to back and neck strains. Additionally, bowls made of cheap materials that are not food safe can also contain toxins that may be lethal to your cat.

If you are wondering how to choose the best bowl for your cat, here are a few things that you should consider:

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What to Consider When Choosing a Bowl For Your Cat

There are three primary considerations to choosing the right bowl for your cat: material, weight, and height.

Material

The material of your cat bowl makes the biggest difference when it comes to safety for your cat.

While plastic bowls are cheap and easy to find, they do put your cat at the most risk. Plastic bowls tend to allow bacteria and oil build-up leading to cat acne that appears as black dots on your cat’s chin. While not lethal, cat acne is itchy and uncomfortable for your cat. Many plastic bowls that are not food grade contain phthalates, BPA, or other toxic chemicals that can damage your cat’s internal organs.

When given the option, choose bowls made of ceramic or stainless steel. A general rule of thumb is if it is safe enough for you to eat off it several times, it should be safe enough for your cat too.

Height

Sticking their faces too far down may be uncomfortable due to not being able to see approaching predators. Having to look down prevents them from being able to keep watch of their surroundings. With a shallow bowl, it is less likely their line of sight is obstructed.

Also, having the right elevation is crucial to make the eating and drinking experience more pleasant for your cat. While kittens will prefer lower elevations, older cats may prefer the dishes to be higher so that they will have fewer issues with back and neck strains from bending down. Some breeds, such as the flat-faced Persians, may also require angled bowls to help them eat.

Width

If you notice your cat pawing at its bowl or trying to topple it over so they can eat from the floor, it may be because your bowl is not wide enough. Due to the sensitivity, experts speculate that many cats do not their whiskers touching the sides of their bowls.

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6 Tips for the Perfect Bowl Situation

After you have chosen your cat bowl, the next challenge is to make sure you maintain it. Here are a few tips on how:

Have the Right Number of Bowls

In the wild, most cats are solitary. With this, most cats will want to avoid eating next to other cats. It is always good to have at least the same number of cat bowls for every cat in the household, so they will not need to share.

Find the Right Bowl Placements

Similar to how humans do not eat in toilets, cats also prefer their litter boxes far from their food. Avoid putting food bowls in areas with lots of foot traffic, so they may have privacy when they eat. Some cats also prefer when food bowls are in a different location from their water bowls.

Clean Cat Bowls Regularly

Most dry cat foods tend to be very oily, so it is best to make sure that you wash your cat's bowls every day to avoid bacteria build-up. Additionally, wash cat bowls with wet cat food after every use. When cleaning cat bowls, it is best to wash them with unscented dishwashing liquid and water thoroughly.

Use a Food Mat

While cats are known to be generally clean, there are still messy eaters that defy the norm. Gobbling up delicious kibble may sometimes lead to wasted food on the floor. By having a placemat to catch these, the time spent cleaning up after your cats can be reduced by half.

Invest in Pet Water Fountains

Many cat owners will attest that their cats don’t drink enough water. In the wild, many cats receive their hydration from their catch of the day. However, most kibbles do not have enough water for their needs. The solution for other cat owners is to give their cats more wet food. However, some cats prefer dry ones. To keep your cat’s kidney healthy, you may want to invest in a water fountain. Just don’t forget to change the filter regularly!

Try Automatic Feeders

Though you should not be leaving your cat alone for too long no matter how independent you think they are, there are really times when we are stuck outside our homes beyond our control. If your work keeps you away for extended hours, you may want to consider automatic feeders. Not only can automatic feeders help you control portions, but they also encourage routine feeding even when you are not at home.

Get the Right Bowl & Give Your Cat a Great Life

Bowls are something that your cat uses every day of its life. While it may seem like a little thing, it definitely makes a big difference in your cat’s happiness and overall quality of life.

When it comes to quality bowls, you do not need to spend so much every year. Unlike litter boxes, bowls made of stainless steel and ceramic can last a lifetime. So, what are you waiting for? Get the perfect bowl for your furbaby today.