A cat’s diet and food intake are important for maintenance of mental and behavioural wellbeing as well as overall physical health. The bowl in which you serve your cat’s food can affect their eating habits, enjoyment of the food, and even their digestion. In this blog we offer some advice when selecting a bowl for your feline friend to ensure less mess and a happy cat!
Material?
With such a variety of bowls available for cat owners to choose from, it can be difficult to know what to buy. We would suggest avoiding plastic bowls, as they are soft and likely to become scratched with continued use. Bacteria can then accumulate and proliferate within these scratches, putting your cat’s health at risk. In addition, these harboured bacteria may cause skin irritation, leading to the development of cat acne. Stainless steel or ceramic bowls are a good alternative, as they are much more durable and easier to clean. Ceramic bowls are heavier, making them suitable for cats who toy with their food when eating, however they should also be monitored closely for cracks and chips as these too can harbour bacteria. A high-quality stainless-steel bowl is unbreakable and will not easily rust even in constant use, and their non-porous surface prevents harbouring of bacteria.
Shape?
Cat whiskers are highly sensitive, they provide cats with information about their surroundings, help them navigate in the dark and detect changes in air movement. During mealtimes, when cats eat from a deep bowl, their whiskers hit the sides of the bowl. This can lead to whisker fatigue due to constant whisker stimulation. Cats with whisker fatigue may present alternative ways of eating, such as only eating the food out of the centre of the bowl and removing food from the dish prior to eating.
It is recommended to select a round or oval bowl, so food does not accumulate in the corners. The bowl should also be shallow and wide, and without sides, as this will prevent whisker stimulation and makes your cat’s meal easier to eat and more enjoyable!
Elevated?
Elevated bowls can be particularly beneficial for reducing neck and joint strain whilst eating as they allow cats to maintain an upright position, making mealtimes more comfortable. These are beneficial for cats of all ages, particularly for older cats or those with chronic issues such as arthritis.
Cats possess a horizontal, flat oesophagus, and when eating from a lower bowl, food may be hitting the oesophageal sphincter which can cause regurgitation, particularly in quick eaters. Elevated bowls allow smoother movement of food to the stomach and prevent squishing of the stomach when eating.
Cleaning?
Hygiene is important to maintain a healthy cat, water bowls should be washed daily, and food bowls after every meal. These can be cleaned in hot soapy water or run through the dishwasher. Any utensils used to serve the food should also be washed and the floor area where your cat eats should be wiped if food is dropped.
Location?
In the wild, cats gained much of their hydration from the prey they consumed. A raw diet mimics this moisture content closely; however, cats should always have access to clean fresh water. We recommend placing water bowls separate to where the cat eats, as they are usually reluctant to drink water when placed next to their food. This is a result of their instinct to protect themselves from contaminated water.
Feeding bowls should not be too near their litter trays and should be placed in a quiet area to prevent disturbance whilst eating. If you have multiple cats, they should ideally each have their own bowl, as naturally cats are solitary hunters. This prevents rapid eating and food guarding, whilst also giving you more control over the dietary requirements of each individual cat.
Lucy James | BSc Bioveterinary Science student at Hartpury University
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Looking to enhance your pet’s diet? Take a look at Cotswold RAW’s range of raw cat food.