The food bowl you choose for your kitten may not seem like a big deal, but it can impact your feline’s health. It can help tackle whisker fatigue and cat acne and aid digestion. Avoid melamine bowls, as they are a breeding ground for bacteria. They can also be a significant cause of irritation for cats with sensitive skin.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is preferred for food bowls because it’s nonporous, easy to clean, and doesn’t retain odors. It’s also dishwasher safe and durable to resist scratches and other damage. However, some cats dislike the smell of metal and may experience whisker fatigue if the bowl has narrow or high sides that disturb their sensitive whiskers. When choosing a stainless-steel bowl at Chewy.com, look for one labeled 18/8 or 304, indicating the proportion of chromium to nickel in the alloy. Avoid cheap bowls that use lower steel grades, which can contain impurities like lead or radioactive cobalt-60, as they’ll be more likely to rust. Other food bowl options include glass and ceramic, similar to the typical kitchenware you may have at home. These materials are hefty and complex for cats to push around or tip over, and they’re also resistant to bacteria.
Plastic isn’t recommended, as many vets believe it’s easy for scratches and chipped areas to harbor bacteria that could cause health problems in your pet. Additionally, some cheaper plastics leach BPA, which is toxic for your kitty. If you purchase a plastic bowl, ensure it has no cracks or chips, and wash it thoroughly before each meal.
Glass
If you want a cat food bowl that is easy to clean and doesn’t allow bacteria to grow, ceramic is your best bet. It’s also available in various colors and patterns, so you can find a style that matches your cat’s décor. Unlike plastic, ceramic is safe for cats and can be used with dry or wet food. Another option is a metal cat food bowl. However, a metal bowl might rust over time and give your cat a metallic taste, which can be unpleasant. Another downside to a metal bowl is that it can be easily scratched by a rough or sharp surface, which can cause bacteria to build up. Several other options for a cat food bowl include elevated models that can help reduce digestion issues and automatic feeders that provide more flexibility at mealtime.
However, discussing changes in your cat’s eating or drinking habits with a veterinarian is always essential before purchasing. A whisker-friendly bowl is an excellent option for cats who struggle with “whisker fatigue,” which occurs when they try to eat out of a bowl that’s too small or narrow for their whiskers. The slanted design of this veterinarian-approved bowl helps prevent the issue by providing plenty of space for their whiskers to rest. The bowl also ships with a mat to keep it in place during feeding.
Ceramic
Ceramic is a durable and attractive food bowl option for cats. Bowls available in a variety of colors and styles. It is also easy to clean and dishwasher safe. It is best for owners who want durable and hygienic pet food bowls. However, it is essential to remember that ceramic can scratch hard floors if your cat bangs the bowl around while eating. It is recommended to use a ceramic bowl that is made in the U.S., as ceramics manufactured overseas may contain additives that are not food-safe. Another important factor when choosing a ceramic bowl is the shape.
The bowl should be wide and shallow to prevent whisker fatigue, which is a condition that can cause your cat to grimace or paw at the edges of their dish while eating. It can also cause them to refuse to eat from their dish altogether. The veterinarian-approved design of this bowl encourages your pet to eat in a more relaxed position, which can help reduce neck pain and vomiting. It is made from high-quality ceramic and porcelain material and is microwave and dishwasher-safe. It features a cute scalloped design and pastel colorway that will appeal to your cat. This bowl has a one-cup capacity and is suitable for wet and dry food.
Plastic
The material of your cat’s food bowl is essential. It should be made of a nonporous material so it doesn’t trap bacteria and is easy to clean. Ideally, it should also be dishwasher-safe. Plastic bowls often contain bisphenol A (BPA) and phthalates, which cause health concerns in people and animals. Moreover, scratchy plastic can create an environment for the growth of biofilm, which can contribute to digestive issues and cat chin acne.
Some cats may avoid eating from a specific food dish because it causes whisker fatigue, which occurs when a cat’s sensitive whiskers rub against the sides of the bowl and over-stimulate them during mealtime. To help alleviate this, some pet owners have tried using a whisker-friendly bowl designed to reduce over-stimulation. One such option is a stainless steel and ceramic combo bowl. It features a double-layered tray that collects excess water and food for easier cleanup. The 1.1-inch-deep bowl is suitable for wet or dry food and comes with a durable base with silicone feet to prevent it from sliding around during use.