Best Bowls

Did you know there is a right and wrong when it comes to bowls? Picking the right bowl for your feline friend can be a trial and error process, but here are some tips for picking the best one.

Size matters
Every cat is different, but it is very common for a cat not to like their whiskers touching the bowl. When picking one, be sure to choose one shallow enough for your fur baby to reach the bottom without having their whiskers get pushed back. Some cats prefer plates for this reason! Make sure there are no hard edges or 90-degree angles; it can be tough to get food out of those little spots. Look for bowls that have a smooth slope from the edge to the bottom. Not only will this make it easier for your cat, but easier on you to properly clean.

Material
Did you know that plastic is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria? When choosing the right bowl, always consider what they are made of. Sure, the plastic ones always come in cute patterns and fun shapes, but they can also come with a side of feline acne. The best bowls are ceramic or stainless steel; not only do bacteria tend to thrive less, but they are also super easy to clean!

Slow Feeders
Do you have a very food driven or bored cat at home? Consider a puzzle feeder for their dry food. Puzzle feeders typically involve more interaction from your cat and can be as simple as pushing a ball around to get the food, to having to push the food through a multi-level feeder with their paws. These feeders can help slow down the cats that scarf their food down until they are sick, and help keep their brains occupied at the same time! It’s a toy that gives them food!

Cleanliness
Cleaning is one of the most important parts when it comes to having proper bowls! Both their water and food bowls should be cleaned daily in order to prevent bacteria growth. Do you eat off a dirty plate every day? Your cat shouldn’t either. Consider having multiple bowls in the rotation if you don’t like doing the dishes every day.

In Summary, choose bowls that are:

  • Shallow with sloped edges.
  • Ceramic or stainless steel.
  • Puzzle feeders for the more food driven cats.
  • Easy to clean

If you ever have any questions feel free to reach out to us!

Written by: Killarney Cat Hospital