t’s a well-known fact that cats are one of the pickiest eaters when it comes to household pets. They make a fuss about their food, the smell, treats, and sometimes, even their food bowls! Yet, these cute little divas are so hard to stay mad at, right? Yes, all that cosy cuteness is really paying off.
Here’s the thing, cats may seem picky or finicky, but as pet parents, that should only encourage you to rise to the challenge and find out what your precious feline would prefer. Still feeling confused? Here are some vital tips that should help you out when buying a food bowl for your cat, as sometimes they can be more important than you think.
1. The size and shape of the bowl
Cats may be one of the cutest pets ever, but they can also be quite a handful. They bring that same finicky attitude to their dining area, and yes, they can reject a real yummy meal just because the bowl’s size and shape are off. That’s the reason why it’s essential to get the size right.
So go ahead and observe your cat(s). Do they mind getting their whiskers dirty? Are they extra sensitive when anything touches those whiskers? Then getting a larger bowl is a no-brainer.
Getting a wider bowl will ensure that the corners of the bowl don’t come in contact with the whiskers, and the chances of the food doing so are slimmer as well. As for the shape, that may not really be the most important feature to look out for. Just remember that bowls with rounded corners are more likely to tip over compared to straight-sided bowls.
2. Maintenance
This may sound irrelevant now, but after a few bowls of cat feed, you’ll understand why. Getting a bowl that’s easy to maintain means less work for you and faster cleaning times. Plus, your cat doesn’t get any remnants of old food or odd smells because the bowl’s material doesn’t retain smells and is easy to wash off.
What is this magical bowl that is so highly spoken of, you ask? Well, there’s no magic here. Simply getting stainless steel bowls that are easy to wipe off and clean after use will do you and your precious feline a lot of good. Plus, most stainless-steel bowls are dishwasher safe and BPA-free.
3. The material
Plastic bowls may come in fancy designs, but are they the most durable, convenient, and safe option? The answer is a simple no. First off, plastic bowls are in no way immune to those sharp claws that are ready to scratch and dribble everything in sight. A few scratches on the interior and exterior may seem harmless, but they could soon become unhealthy creaks for germs. So, it’s better to get stainless steel bowls; they are easy to maintain, won’t break or crack under pressure, and more likely to keep food warmer or colder for longer.
Additionally, you could choose to go for ceramic bowls with lead-free glazes. Just remember that it has to be extra sturdy; plus, if your cat is very playful, it’s much better to stick with stainless steel bowls, regardless of the minimalist designs.
4. Look out for elevated bowls.
Cats usually crouch to eat their food; it’s actually natural. You’ll even find their big brothers (tigers, lions) doing the same. However, just because something is natural doesn’t mean it is always convenient. While you may not readily find a cat bowl with the tag ‘elevated food bowl,’ there are other ways to ensure the bowl is closer to the cat’s mouth.
5. Consider buying automatic feeders.
Do you have a cat with a really good appetite? Then it’s important to consider getting an automatic feeder. This option may be more on the high side, but it’s a real-life saver whenever you can’t make it home on time or are just lazy to get off the couch.
So, check for an automatic feeder that comes with a wide stainless-steel bowl or a flat plate (for cats that prefer that) and have food readily available to that feline whenever those hunger pangs come calling.