Are you familiar with the situation when a cat takes all the food out of the bowl onto the floor and eats it? Or refuses to eat the leftovers of your favorite food and asks you to put in a heaping portion again? All this may indicate that your pet is uncomfortable with his bowl. In this article we will tell you in detail how to choose a bowl for a cat and which one is best to buy so that your pet likes it.
- 1st place – Set of ceramic bowls 200 ml and 320 ml
Types of bowls based on material of manufacture - their pros and cons
Let's look at three types of bowls for pets:
Plastic bowls - cheap and cheerful
Plastic bowls are sold in almost every store, including regular grocery chains.
Their cost starts from 10 rubles, but there are also expensive options made of high-quality plastic.
When I first got a kitten, I immediately bought a plastic bowl from the nearest pet store. But after a short period of time, I gave up such bowls.
Let's start with the advantages of plastic:
However, in my opinion, there are more disadvantages.
As soon as the first bowls I bought became unusable, I threw them away and refused to use such dishes.
Metal bowls – loud and light
After getting rid of plastic, I decided to try metal bowls.
Metal bowls are often sold with rubberized bases to prevent them from sliding around on the floor. By the way, if you decide to choose this option, I recommend that it have rubberized legs. Without them, a metal bowl will slide even more than a plastic one.
Pros of metal bowls:
Over time, I also gave up such bowls.
Glass, porcelain, ceramic bowls
I combined them into one group, since in general the properties of the materials are similar.
For many years now my cat has been eating only from ceramic bowls. I have a set of four bowls. I have never had to change such dishes before.
Pros of ceramic, porcelain and glass bowls:
Personally, I am for ceramics and against plastic. The metal option is also acceptable.
By the way, by not buying plastic bowls, you harm the environment less, since you do not throw away excess garbage. And also protect the health of your pet.
Price
The cost of bowls depends on the material and the presence of additional elements, such as a tripod or tray. So, for example, metal products with a tripod cost from 500 to 3000 rubles, the cost of ceramic ones varies between 200-1000 rubles, plastic containers are the cheapest - about 300 rubles. Automatic feeders are the most expensive; their cost starts from 2000 rubles and depends on the set of functions and the complexity of the design.
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Are the bowls separate or double?
Many owners, including to save space, buy double bowls or stands for bowls.
If your pet doesn’t have any problems with this, then why not.
However, many pets, including mine, have some problems.
I experimented with double bowls, but ultimately decided on separate bowls that are a short distance apart. So my cat drinks much more willingly and more often. And food doesn't get into the water.
What to choose?
As you can see, the choice of specialized dishes for feeding purring pets is very large, but it is quite difficult to say exactly which model you should choose, because everything depends solely on the preferences of your pet.
Generally speaking, it is better to purchase a set of two ceramic plates of different depths and complement them with a non-slip mat.
Well, for pets who need a diet or small meals, an automatic feeder will be the best choice. It can also be installed for those who do not allow their owners to get enough sleep on a weekend morning. Related product categories: Bowls, cat feeders
Do you need a mat under the bowl?
I use a mat under the bowl because it's more hygienic. The floor will always be clean.
If the food falls out of the bowl, the cat will eat it from a clean mat.
It's the same with water - if it spilled, it spilled on the rug, not on the laminate.
Buy a matte non-slip mat. A glossy, slippery rug is uncomfortable in every way. Bowls ride on it, and water flows from it freely onto the floor.
Do you need coasters and mats?
Examples of stands - wooden, metal and plastic
The range of cat gadgets is full of different stands, ranging from plastic to wooden. Their purpose is to give the bowls stability, to please the owner's eye aesthetically, and to prevent food and crumbs from spilling on the floor. Some of them are attached to the wall, leaving space on the floor free. But as practice shows, many cats don’t like them. Why?
- Metal stands again prevent the cat from adopting a “half-bent” position; even if they are adjustable in height, they will still have to be lowered to the floor as much as possible - why not just do without them?
- Wide stands in the form of a tray or stands with niches into which bowls are inserted are also not liked by everyone, since they either raise the bowls higher or have a fairly large area, but limited by the sides, which makes it difficult for the animal to access the bowl from different sides.
- Rugs can have an unpleasant odor or scare the cat away from the bowl, since for the animal it is an incomprehensible substance that does not want to get its paws dirty. Although the item itself is useful - rugs can also absorb spilled water, some of them even have sensors that will prevent the robot vacuum cleaner from crawling into the bowls.
Silicone bowl mats
are suitable for your pet if he prefers to eat while sitting or standing. If you want to keep the floor clean, but the cat does not perceive a beautiful stand or rug, you will have to accept it or use regular paper towels, changing them from time to time. Cheap and cheerful!
Automatic feeders
If you do not have the opportunity to feed your cat twice a day and are often away, it makes sense to purchase an automatic feeder.
Automatic feeders are different:
The use of automatic feeders has a number of features:
That's probably all. The instructions for choosing bowls turned out to be voluminous. All you have to do is choose which bowl is best for your cat.
Source
Choosing the best bowl for a cat
Eating food is a need for every living being.
In the wild, cats eat wherever they can. However, feeding a pet must be organized correctly, so that it is convenient for both the animal and its owner.
An important aspect is the choice of model. How to do everything right?
Number of bowls
The cat should have at least two containers - one for food, the other for water. But if you feed your pet both dry and wet food, then it is better to take different dishes for them. Therefore, you will need not two, but three bowls
.
IMPORTANT! If your pet has not finished eating wet food, there is no need to leave it at room temperature, because it becomes an environment for pathogenic bacteria. Place leftovers in the refrigerator, but no more than 6 hours.
Wet food for cats: rating of the best according to veterinarians
Wet cat food is an alternative to natural food. The high percentage of protein in this food provides all the necessary nutrients and a long-lasting feeling of satiety.
Pros and cons of wet food
There are three types of cat food. One is based on the consumption of natural food, which the person himself eats. The other two are commercial dry and wet food that are sold in pet stores.
Cat health is the result of proper nutrition
Pros of wet food
- Diet variety. High-quality food can be made from meat, poultry or fish, and also contain additives in the form of crab meat, shrimp, vegetables and fruits. You should only experiment with exotic treats if your cat is not allergic.
- Source of protein and fat. A cat's diet should include plenty of protein and fat to meet the animal's needs.
- Large amount of moisture. Dry food is only 10% moisture, so it is important to make sure your cat drinks enough water. When feeding moist (wet) food, which is 75% water, this is not necessary.
- Nutrients and taste appeal. Liquid cat food is less heat-processed. This retains more nutrients and has less impact on taste.
- Portioning. One sachet of wet product is designed for a single meal for an adult cat weighing 5-7 kg.
- Preventing overeating. Cats eat less when fed high-protein wet food, as it helps keep your pet well-fed.
Cat obesity as a result of overeating
Note! For sterilized cats, the number of kilocalories in the diet changes.
Flaws
There are fewer disadvantages to wet food than disadvantages:
- Price. Costs more than dry.
- Deterioration of the oral cavity. Long-term use leads to bad breath. Because the texture of the food is soft, it does not work as a toothbrush and does not prevent plaque and tartar buildup. In this case, the owner must monitor the cat’s oral hygiene himself using a special toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Perishable product. Wet food in a bag or bowl can stand at room temperature for no more than two hours, after which the contents are no longer suitable for feeding.
Veterinarians do not recommend basing your cat's diet solely on wet food. Only a combination of dry and wet gives a diet as close as possible to natural in nature.
Feeds are ranked by class: from economy to super premium. The difference comes down to the composition of the canned food for cats - the quality rating is presented below.
Important! You should not mix food from different manufacturers.
The best wet food for cats and economy class cats
The main advantage of such nutrition is its reasonable price. In addition, each brand has its own advantages.
Economy class food
Whiskas
The line includes meat and fish flavors, vegetable stew, and wet food for kittens.
- price 15-25 rubles per package*;
- vitamins and minerals included.
- high content of wheat, an allergen for cats;
- low percentage of protein content.
Perfect Fit Sterile
Created specifically for spayed and neutered cats. The recipe is based on controlling the weight and urine pH of a four-legged pet.
- price 25-30 rubles per package*;
- zinc and sunflower oil to improve wool quality;
- a complex of special minerals against the formation of kidney stones.
- Strong smell;
- cereals;
- proteins from animal flour and soy concentrate.
"Our Brand"
The best canned food in the low price segment due to the high level of natural animal protein in the composition of food in this category - at least 15%.
- price 25-30 rubles per 100 g*;
- prebiotic included.
- The basis of the food is corn, an allergen for cats.
Felix “Appetizing Pieces”
A wide selection of flavors will help diversify your cat's diet.
- price 25-30 rubles per package*.
- there is no information on the ratio of animal and plant proteins;
- flavorings, dyes.
Sheba
This wet food is also inexpensive.
- soy free;
- price 30-35 rubles per package*.
- offal and processed meat products.
Important! The advantage over analogues is the absence of cereals, a dangerous allergen for cats.
Friskies
Not the most recommended option for wet cat food, since the first ingredient in the composition is grains.
- Price 15-20 rubles per package*.
- offal, both meat and vegetables;
- unknown dyes and preservatives.
Rating of premium wet cat food
If your budget allows, you can switch your pet to a premium diet. However, the opinion of veterinarians is that it is better to use these foods in cases where the cat has certain health problems.
Premium food
Dr. Clauder's Anti Struvit diet
Canned food is intended for the prevention of urolithiasis.
- high percentage of protein and low percentage of grains (rice only);
- two volume options: 200 g and 400 g.
- price 150 rubles per 200 g*;
Animonda
German manufacturer of wet food in canned and pouch formats.
- free of grains, soy, sugar, artificial colors and preservatives;
- for cats of different ages;
- natural proteins and fats.
- price 150-200 rubles per 200 g*;
- by-products among the ingredients.
Hill's
The American company Hill's has created three lines for cats: Prescription Diet for disease prevention, Science Plan and Ideal Balance for a daily diet.
- Available in the form of canned food and pouches;
- reasonable price 65-70 rubles per 85 g*.
ProPlan
Proplan premium food produced by Purina. Some factories are located in Russia, so the batches are tested by an independent commission of quality. Suitable for disease prevention and daily diet.
- The medicinal food contains natural meat;
- price 65-75 rubles per 85 g*.
- high percentage of soy and corn content;
- small amount of vegetables in the composition;
- animal fat, liver, offal flour.
Anti-rating of premium wet food
Food from some manufacturers causes deterioration in the health of cats. It’s worth knowing about this so as not to make mistakes in planning your diet.
Anti-rating of premium food
Royal Canin
The composition of the Kanin diet is, unfortunately, of low quality.
- components that cause allergies in cats;
- indigestion.
Brit Premium
Economy class ingredients.
- proteins are a mixture of chicken meat flour and dried chicken;
- rice and wheat included;
- the number of special ingredients (sources of vitamin B and MOS, herbal and fruit extracts) that increase the cost of feed is extremely small. It will not affect the cat's health in any way.
ProBalance
Composition of economy class products at a premium price.
- no palatability for cats;
- cereals;
- unpleasant odor;
- The guaranteed volume of vitamins is low and does not contribute to improving the health and appearance of the pet.
Eukanuba
Low quality composition.
- high price for such a composition;
- no meat, only animal proteins;
- unknown preservatives and antioxidants.
Note! Some veterinarians attribute the growth of cancerous tumors in animals to the consumption of this food.
To keep your pet healthy, you need to choose the best canned food for cats.
Super premium wet food rating
As a rule, this is food with natural ingredients, however, finding it in stores can be difficult.
Super premium food
Leonardo
The composition of German canned food and pouches from Leonardo is completely natural. The food is one of the top 5 foods recommended by experts.
- 70-90% of the composition is chicken meat; the remaining 10% - seafood, fish, fish oil and offal;
- natural preservatives (tocopherols).
- Not sold in all pet store chains.
Applaws
Applaws fully meets customers' expectations of European quality standards. None of the diets presented by the UK manufacturer contain grains or gluten.
- high percentage of ingredients made from natural meat;
- All grains have been replaced with potatoes, which are easily digestible by the cat’s gastrointestinal tract;
- low price for food of this level.
- Not sold in all pet stores.
GimCat
Food for picky gourmets. Whole pieces of fish and meat, complemented by exotic fruits such as papaya and mango, set GimCat apart from others.
- up to 90% of the composition is natural fish and meat;
- low price with this composition 90-110 rubles per 1 jar*;
- only rice (3%).
- Once opened, it should not be stored for more than 24 hours.
Bozita
Swiss cat food undergoes strict state quality control. The diet contains an immune system stimulant.
- fish and meat ingredients;
- no dyes.
Opti meal
The composition consists of 80% meat and offal.
Note! To improve digestion, beans and carrots are added as fiber, and cranberries act as an antioxidant and help normalize the functioning of the urinary tract.
- high protein content;
- food is enriched with vitamins and minerals;
- prebiotics for digestion.
Rating of wet holisticists
These foods are made from products intended for human consumption.
Grandorf
It has an extensive meat menu. Belgian wet food manufacturer Grandorf offers 12 meat and fish menu options. The composition is transparent, like no other food: 75% meat and 25% own juice.
Additional Information! High-quality fillets are processed at low temperatures to preserve all beneficial properties.
- high quality composition;
- An acceptable price for such high-quality food is 90-100 rubles per can.
- Not sold in all pet stores.
Hill's Science Plan Feline Adult 7+ Youthful Vitality
Designed for aging cats over 7 years old. A balanced diet enriched with vitamins C and E is designed to maintain the health of an elderly animal by increasing immunity and slowing down the aging process.
- natural composition;
- 2 flavors to choose from: meat and fish;
- affordable price when purchasing food with a special formula - 70-80 rubles per package*.
- large pieces that are difficult for a cat to chew if they have dental problems that arise during aging.
Advice! It is worth following the manufacturer's recommendations when choosing food for your cat.
Solid Natura Selection
Canned wet food for kittens and adult cats, consisting of 97% meat, is produced by the Yelets meat processing plant. The diets are monoprotein and are based on veal, rabbit, quail, chicken and turkey.
- natural composition;
- no soy, GMOs, dyes.
- Due to the lack of taste and smell enhancers, some cats are reluctant to eat.
High-quality wet food is a good addition to your cat's diet. The healthiest food will be food made from natural animal protein, without grains and with natural preservatives. An option close to this composition can be found from manufacturers of each class. The list above will help with this.
With proper functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, all useful substances are absorbed, which affect the thickness of the coat, bone strength and the condition of the body as a whole. A healthy, well-cared-for cat can live 15-20 years and be a joy to its owner.
*Prices are current as of October 2022
Bowl selection
When choosing, it is recommended to consider:
1. Size. It will be uncomfortable for the kitten to eat from a deep bowl. And vice versa, a large cat will not like dishes for a baby - he will have to keep adding food all the time.
2. Breed. For example, deep models will not be suitable for representatives of brachycephalic breeds.
3. Length of wool. Does your cat have long hair? She needs a model with high sides - to stay clean.
4. Quality of material. Buy certified products intended for food.
5. Sustainability. The pet will constantly move the lightweight model. This is inconvenient for both the animal and you, as there is a high chance that food will be scattered on the floor.
6. Method of feed consumption. Does your cat like to eat on half-bent legs? She needs a bowl with high sides.
7. Type of feed
. A model with high sides is also suitable for dry food, and lower sides for wet food.
Gadget bowls
Automatic feeders should be selected according to the following principle:
- not very high sides;
- wide base;
- high-quality plastic (after all, as a rule, such feeders are made of plastic).
There are different types of automatic feeders:
- Some work on the principle of communicating vessels - as soon as the bowl is empty, the container throws out a portion of food.
- More advanced models run on batteries - recently one of our subscribers shared her experience of purchasing such an automatic feeder for six feedings.
There are also interactive feeders, or food puzzles. They are great for animals with eating disorders:
- swallowing food too quickly without biting the croquettes;
- aerophagia;
- vomiting of undigested food and so on.
Classification of bowls by material
It is important to choose the right material. Products are made from plastic, metal, glass, ceramics, porcelain. Let's look at the main pros and cons of different materials.
Plastic
1. Fragility. Gradually, scratches appear on such models.
2. Unhygienic. These very scratches accumulate pathogenic bacteria that can cause health problems for your mustachioed friend. If you notice that a plastic product is damaged, replace it immediately.
3. They don’t wash well. As you know, fat does not come off easily from plastic. And if you don't wash the dishes thoroughly, your cat may develop acne on its chin and around its face.
4. They release harmful substances. Do not buy bowls from unverified places. Only in the pet store! Poor quality or non-food grade plastic releases toxins. Which will lead, at a minimum, to food poisoning.
5. Instability. These bowls are light enough so your cat can easily move them across the floor. This can lead to frequent contamination of the floor covering.
Metal
Metal bowls are durable and wear-resistant.
But they also have disadvantages:
Metal bowls from Petmax
equipped with a rubberized bottom, which makes the model stable. The brand’s assortment also includes models with a ribbed bottom, which makes the structure heavier.
The properties of these materials are almost identical - they are heavy and therefore stable. Easy to clean.
Another plus is the variety of design solutions: you can choose dishes for a four-legged animal so that it becomes an original element of room decor.
There is, perhaps, only one minus - the dishes can break if handled carelessly. If a crack appears on the bowl, renew the dishes. The splinter may get into food or injure your pet.
Types of bowls
Plastic
Suitable for temporary use, but not permanent. Convenient to take on trips: they are light and do not break. After about a year, plastic bowls need to be changed, because the smell of food remains in them, scratches in which bacteria accumulate. The water leaves a residue that cannot be washed off with anything. If you buy this option, the plastic should be food grade and dense. Thin plastic can cause allergies in cats (lumps and spots on the face).
Metal bowls for cats
Which cat bowl is better: ceramic or metal? Metal is the most durable option. If it is made of stainless steel, then it does not deteriorate, does not break, and is easy to wash. However, it is very noisy and rings every time you pour food. We advise you to choose a metal bowl for cats with a rubberized bottom or on a stand with rubberized legs so that the cat cannot knock it over.
Ceramic
Durable and heavy, will not ride on the floor while eating. Ceramics are easy to clean and can be put in the dishwasher and microwave. Ceramics are hypoallergenic and safe for cats. These bowls come in a wide variety of designs, and you can even order a bowl with your pet's name on it. Disadvantages: difficult to transport, can break and costs more than metal and plastic ones.
Glass
The properties are similar to ceramics. They are heavy and will not move on the floor. Easy to clean. There is a possibility of accidentally breaking them. You also need to watch for chips and throw them away at the first chip so that your pet doesn’t get hurt.
On a stand
The stand gives additional stability to the bowl and is suitable for those cats who tend to roll the bowl before eating. You can also offer a bowl on a stand to cats that refuse to eat from a bowl on the floor. Perhaps the cat is simply uncomfortable bending down so low.
Twin
Typically, owners buy such bowls to use one part for food and the other for water. However, washing such bowls is very inconvenient: the water needs to be changed regularly, and the dry food may not yet be eaten. You will have to empty the food and wash the bowls. If you choose this option, we recommend using one part for dry food and the other part for wet food.
Cat bowl shapes
Round and oval
The most popular and convenient form. Such products are easy to clean.
In the assortment of the Petmax brand
There are bowls designed specifically for short-faced breeds - they are shallow, which allows the pet not to experience inconvenience when eating food.
Rectangular and square
Ceramic rectangular and square bowls do not absorb foreign odors and do not affect the taste of food.
Curly
You will definitely like the products of various shapes presented in the 4lapy.ru assortment. Consider these models if you want to emphasize the uniqueness of your pet.
Double
They don't take up much space. The compartments can be used for either food and water, or two types of food.
Ceramic bowls with a divider are easy to clean without losing their color saturation.
On a stand
The bowls on the stand are stable and heavy. In the assortment of 4lapy.ru you can find products on a ceramic or wooden stand.
On a leg
A tall bowl on a leg will make it more comfortable for your cat to eat food. This model saves space.
Silicone
Road option. Silicone models fold easily, so they fit in any luggage or carrier without any problems. The material does not absorb foreign odors, and fat is easily washed off.
Mats for bowls
They provide additional stability to the dishes and cleanliness, since food and water particles can be easily washed off.
Rugs from Rurri
They are easy to wash and dry very quickly. They do not absorb foreign odors and do not stain dishes.
What to do if your cat buries the bowl
If you often leave your pet alone, you should consider buying a bowl with a dispenser. The large compartment is filled with the daily amount of food, and then it is poured out in small portions throughout the day.
There are 2 types of automatic bowls: mechanical and electronic. Mechanical ones pour out food when the bowl is empty. You can set the exact feeding time in the electronic feed. The only drawback of such dishes is the high price.
- Follow the daily feeding allowance. Cats bury food both when there is too much of it (hiding) and when there is not enough (looking for it).
- Keep bowls and feeding area clean.
- Check expiration dates on food.
- If there are several pets, separate feeding areas.
- Take your cat to the vet if she refuses to eat for several days in a row.
Automatic feeders and automatic drinkers
Relevant if you need to leave your pet alone for several hours. Also, using an automatic feeder, you can control the daily amount of feed.
Automatic feeders
Automatic feeder
is a device equipped with a timer. At the appointed time, the lid rises and the cat receives a portion of food.
There are three types of automatic feeders - segmental, with a hinged lid, and with a dispenser. Each device is designed for 1 to 5 feedings.
Segmented automatic feeders are a container with several compartments for food, closed with a lid. At a predetermined time, the lid rotates, opening one of the compartments.
The device with a hinged lid is designed for one feeding.
Automatic feeders with a dispenser are a kind of cooler: a large amount of feed is poured into the tank. At the required time, the device delivers the desired size of food into the food tray.
The range of automatic feeders is represented by various models, from the simplest to the ultra-modern, with a large number of additional functions. These include:
Many automatic feeders have a synchronization function with a smartphone and are equipped with a remote control.
Automatic drinking bowls
The animal must always have access to clean drinking water. However, bowls often get dirty, because not only food debris gets into them, but also pet hair. If you cannot change the water often (and this must be done at least once a day), an automatic drinker
.
The devices are available as:
1. Tray on which the water bottle is installed. The amount of liquid is replenished as it runs out in the compartment intended for it.
2. Fontana. This automatic drinker ensures a constant supply of water. Especially suitable for pets who like to drink from the tap.
3. Bowls. An uninterrupted water supply device is ideal for representatives of long-haired breeds.
How does the cat breed influence your choice?
Does what breed a pet belongs to affect the choice of dishes? Yes!
And all this is due to the variety of cats' faces.
For example, the favorites of the British or Persian or exotic breeds have a flattened nose and a small “retracted” jaw.
Will such cats be able to reach the bottom of a deep bowl? Of course not!
Consider the long-haired beauty of the Norwegian forest cat .
The fluffy fur of such a cat will often get dirty if the animal is forced to eat from a shallow plate.
Therefore, it is recommended to choose a bowl based on the breed characteristics of your pet.
Important! Canned food and other soft foods are best served in containers with low sides, while dry food and liquids are best served in containers with high sides.
Everything has been decided with depth, but what to do with dimensions?
Surely it will not be news to every pet owner that for large pets (for example, the same caracals ) it is more practical to use large-sized dishes.
And for small cats such as bobtails, a medium-sized bowl is suitable.
Nowadays, stores are full of a variety of bowls; everyone can choose a product to suit their taste.
Where to put
Cats prefer to eat in a calm environment, so try to arrange the dishes so that your pet is comfortable. For example, away from doors, as well as places where you are most often.
Most cat owners choose the kitchen as their place to eat. This is understandable, because it is easier to ensure cleanliness there. However, place food containers away from the sink and stove, where dirt, food debris and cleaning products can get into them.
Some cats like to take food out of the bowl and eat it on the floor. Sometimes there is no reason for this - the pet just likes it that way. To ensure the cleanliness of the floor covering, place a special mat under the cat's dishes.
Another important point: containers for food and water should be located far enough from the tray. Cats don't like to eat near the toilet.
Size and shape
- Bowls should be large enough to hold an entire serving of cat food for one meal.
- The dishes must be stable so as not to tip over, stain or scare your pet.
- A cat's whiskers are very sensitive, so most cats prefer shallow but wide bowls that they can completely bury their face into.
- The bowl should be positioned so that the pet's mouth is higher than the stomach when eating. It helps digestion. Sometimes, in addition to the dishes, special coasters are sold.
- For water, it is better to choose a large bowl or mug made of glass or ceramics.
If there are several pets in the house
Do you have several cats? Then the problem of eating can become quite serious for you, because one animal can eat from the dishes of another.
If cats eat the same food, then there is no problem. However, what to do in a situation where the diet of four-legged animals should be different?
For example, you have an adult cat and a kitten, or one of the pets has been prescribed therapeutic food.
Place dishes away from each other. An older cat's containers can be placed on a raised platform or stand - where the kitten cannot reach them.
If two adult cats are prescribed different diets, and they eat from each other’s bowls, there is only one option - carefully monitor your pets during meals and prevent them from stealing food from each other. Containers should be removed after eating.
The same advice is relevant when you have a cat and a dog at home. If you are unable to keep an eye on your four-legged dogs every time they eat, purchase bowls for your dog on a stand whose height can be adjusted.
IMPORTANT! Each pet should strictly consume only the type of food that is intended specifically for it. You can’t feed a kitten with food for adult pets, and a dog with food for cats!
Why doesn't the cat eat from the bowl?
Sometimes the owner may encounter the fact that the cat does not eat food from the intended containers. The reasons can be very different.
1. The dishes are dirty. Cats are real clean people! Dirty dishes that smell of leftover food can cause a tailed friend to have an aversion to food. For this reason, it is recommended to wash containers every time after a meal.
2. The bowl is located next to the tray. Your pet will not eat where his “toilet” is located.
3. The pet is being disturbed. As already mentioned, the animal needs calm while eating. And who would like to eat food if children are running around or the door is slamming?
4. Inconvenient shape. Surprisingly, but true: cats don’t like it when whiskers touch the edges of dishes! For this reason, they may drag food onto the floor. If you observe this picture, try replacing the product with a wider one.
5. Health problems. Sometimes refusal to eat indicates that something is wrong with your mustachioed friend’s body. If he suddenly stops eating from the dishes provided, you may want to consult a veterinarian. And the bowl has nothing to do with it.
6. Not satisfied with the quality of food. Such food smells and tastes bad, which causes disgust towards it. Choose food from the holistic, premium and super-premium classes. They are not only tasty, but also healthy, as they contain the necessary set of nutrients and nutrients.
Brief conclusions
1. When choosing, consider several factors: the breed of the cat, the size and length of the coat, as well as the quality of the product itself.
2. Pet dishes are made of plastic, metal, glass, porcelain and ceramics.
3. Shapes also come in both square and curly shapes. There are models with a leg and a stand. To prevent them from sliding on the floor, place a rug under them.
4. Do you need to leave your pet alone for a while? Buy an automatic feeder and an automatic drinking bowl for him.
5. Place dishes where the cat will be comfortable. For example, away from noise or litter.
6. Do you have several pets in the house? Everyone should have their own food bowl. But for water you can use general water.
7. Sometimes the pet refuses to eat from the dishes intended for it. Often this is an alarming signal that indicates health problems. Do not forget about routine vaccination, as well as annual medical examination of your four-legged friend.
Source
Cat bowls: pros and cons of different types
What will you learn from the article?
One of the most significant aspects of caring for a cat is the correct selection of its nutrition. It affects not only the animal’s mood, but also its health and longevity. But many people forget that proper nutrition, in addition to quality food, also includes a good bowl.
There are three main types of these products:
Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages , which a caring owner should be aware of in order to purchase the best product for a pet.
Metal bowls for cats are the most practical because they are quite heavy and it will be difficult for the animal to turn it over. In addition, they do not accumulate static voltage, so they are well suited for long-haired breeds.
The disadvantages of the product include the noise that the bowl can make when it collides with other objects or when it tips over. And this can frighten some particularly nervous pets. When purchasing this item, you should also pay attention to the metal: stainless steel will serve the animal for a long time, but iron steel can quickly rust.
The most common are plastic cat bowls. They have the widest range of shapes, sizes and colors, so everyone will find what they need. In addition, they are the cheapest, therefore, you can purchase several products at once, put the main food in one, and treats for cats in the other. But if such dishes are made of low-quality plastic, they can cause allergies in the cat.
Another disadvantage is the accumulation of static voltage. This is especially noticeable in animals with long hair. Also, plastic bowls retain heat much worse than dishes made from other materials.
Ceramic and porcelain products are perhaps the most versatile. They last a long time without wearing out, and pets really like them. They are also quite heavy and stable, making them almost impossible to topple over. Ceramic and porcelain dishes for cats are more expensive than metal and plastic, but not so expensive as to completely abandon such a product.
Interesting:
Regardless of which type you prefer, you should pay attention to the depth of the bowl. It should not be too deep so that the cat does not have to take an uncomfortable position. Shape also matters. Some pets do not like their whiskers to touch the sides of the dishes when eating. Choose a rectangular model or a product with a larger diameter for them - and your pet will be grateful to you.
Flamingo ceramic bowl - the best bowl for cats
Ceramic is an ideal option for cat bowls. Heavy and stable white ceramic bowl with a designer pattern. The cat will not be able to move it while eating. The bottom depicts a cat surrounded by fish skeletons. The same drawings of skeletons are on the outer sides.
The bowl has a sufficient diameter - 12 cm. The height of the sides is 3.5 cm. Ceramics does not absorb foreign odors and does not oxidize. The bowl is easy to clean.
Water bowl
The shape of the water bowl is very important, because getting a cat to drink water again is not an easy task. But in reality it's simple:
- The water bowl should have a very wide mouth and low sides.
- The container itself should not be very small - focus on a soup plate or small basin.
- It is better to purchase several of these “basins” and place them in accessible places (but away from electrical appliances).
You can also pay attention to automatic fountains - constantly circulating water attracts cats more than just a bowl of water. A variety of shapes and materials will allow you to purchase a fountain to suit every taste and budget.
Bowl rating - list of popular models with characteristics
Savic "Cibo"
Modern design bowls from a Belgian manufacturer are suitable for water and food. The feeders are made of high-quality non-toxic plastic – melamine. They are easy to wash and clean.
Bowls without a pattern are made in white and black. The original shape with sides of uneven height is the only decoration of the model. The bowls have a rubberized base, making them very stable and non-slip even on smooth surfaces.
Trixie with rubberized bottom
The metal bowl made of high-quality stainless steel is particularly durable. The bottom of the bowl is rubberized, the bowl does not tilt or slide on the floor. The bowl has a volume of 450 ml, this volume is enough for an adult large cat. Designed for water and food.
Ferplast IZAR
Double ceramic bowl made of stoneware with a fun design – “with ears”. Suitable for simultaneous supply of water and cat food. It has rounded outlines and cute “ears”. The vessel is decorated with images of smiling kittens. The volume of each compartment is 230 ml. Easy to clean. Dimensions: 21.5x12x2.5 cm.
Dezzie "Arc"
Stainless steel bowl on a plastic stand. Volume – 150 ml. The raised shape of the dish allows the animal to eat and drink water without straining the neck muscles. The bowl is easy to clean and dries quickly. The stand has an anti-slip bottom so that the cat cannot move the feeder from its place. Product dimensions: 17x13x5 cm.
Savic bowl “Whisker Water”
The Whisker Water plastic bowl has a convenient oval shape. Best suited for flat-faced cats and kittens. The bottom of the bowl is embossed - specifically so that the food does not scatter. The bowl has dimensions: 19x15x5 cm.
Dezzie "fish-shaped"
An original designer stainless steel bowl on an artificial nubuck stand will become a real interior decoration. In addition to the aesthetic component, the bowl is distinguished by antibacterial properties. The nubuck stand does not fade in the sun and is resistant to mechanical damage.
The dishes are easy to care for; just wash the bowl under running water and wipe the nubuck cover with a damp sponge. Product dimensions: 22×16.6×6.5 cm. Vessel volume – 200 ml.
Hello Kitty with two sections
A ceramic bowl from a Japanese manufacturer has two sections. Suitable for food and water. The product is made in bright red color, decorated with a logo in the form of a cat's face with a bow and a company inscription.
The bowl is heavy and very stable. The sections are located at a distance from each other, so the food cannot get into the water. Easy to clean, does not oxidize. Product dimensions: 27×13 cm.
Karlie Flamingo "Ring"
The metal bowl "Ring" has a perfect round shape. Product material – high quality stainless steel. Dishes capacity – 250 ml. The diameter of the bowl for water and food is 10 cm. The bottom of the bowl is made of anti-slip material. Easy to wash and clean.
ROGZ Fishcake with anti-slip bottom
An ergonomically shaped green plastic bowl has an original design. The special shape of the vessel ensures the safety of the cat's whiskers, and additional internal sides prevent splashing of water and food.
The model is made of modern plastic – melamine. Melamine is a non-toxic, durable material with anti-corrosion properties. The bottom of the product is made of non-slip silicone. Volume – 200 ml.
