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Are You Feeding Your Cat in the Right Kind of Bowl- When it comes to buying bowls for your feline friend, it’s not just about the aesthetic appearance or the size of the bowl. There are various important factors that you need to consider before making a choice.
Are You Feeding Your Cat in the Right Kind of Bowl
Plastic Bowls
Plastic bowls are often sturdy but they come with a few downsides. For instance, some cats tend to have an allergy to the material which results in the development of skin conditions, similar to acne, around their chins.
Also, plastic tends to nick and scratch easily making it a breeding ground for germs exposing your pet to potential health risks. It is best to avoid plastic bowls altogether.
The Safest Materials for Cat Food Dishes
According to most veterinarians, stainless steel is the best option as it is durable, unbreakable, and harmless to your feline friend. Ceramic bowls are also a great choice as long as they use lead-free glaze, like most do today.
Keeping the Bowls Clean
Cleanliness is a vital factor to cats as they do not like to eat or drink from dirty bowls or dishes. Even dry food can leave a film in the dish from the fat and moisture content. You should rinse out dry food bowls daily and run them through the dishwasher every few days. On the other hand, bowls used for canned food must be washed every day.
Size and Shape
Bowls should be big enough to hold a meal-sized portion of food or water, roughly one to two cups. Shape does not matter much, except that straight-sided bowls are less likely to tip over and create a mess.
Using a Placemat
You can buy designer cat food dishes with matching placemats or create your own using disposable materials such as cardboard, carpet remnants, or inexpensive plastic “human” placemats. Mats help to catch spills and anchor the dish in place.
Automatic Feeders
Automatic feeders come in handy for cat owners who have to be away overnight or work late hours. Free-feeding isn’t always the answer, especially for overweight cats. You can choose from a range of automatic feeders that can be programmed over days or battery-operated ones which open at a specified time.
