Which bowl is best for a cat - type, material, shape, size

Criterias of choice

The animal needs three bowls. One is used for dry food. Wet food is placed in the other. The third is intended for drinking. Take into account the size of the pet. It is inconvenient for a kitten to eat from a deep plate, and for an adult cat of a large breed it is too small.

When choosing dishes for cats, take into account the following parameters:

• dimensions, depth;
• configuration;
• materials;
• connection to the drinking bowl;
• presence of a stand;
• automatic feed supply.

Automatic bowl with dispenser for cats

Automatic feeders are convenient for owners who do not have the opportunity to feed their cat the prescribed number of times a day. Special devices are equipped with an automatic mechanism that supplies pet food through a dispenser compartment where daily supplies are stored.

There are several types of automatic feeders:

• mechanical;
• electronic;
• electronic with cells.

Mechanical feeders work on the principle of pouring a certain dose of food into the bowl when it is empty. Electronic feeders have a special installation program that allows the owner to set the time for pouring out the food. In designs with cells, feed is dosed in the required volume. At the set time, food is poured from one cell into the animal’s bowl.

Volume, shape, depth

Cats do not like deep dishes because they touch their sensitive whiskers. Therefore, small plates are preferred for wet food and water. To prevent a naughty pet from scattering dry food, use a bowl resembling a soup bowl in shape and volume. The capacity of the plate is commensurate with the weight of the pet. A cat needs 2-3 times more water than food.

Plate from Trixie, flat metal for eating or drinking. Clean with any detergent and rinse with running water. It is convenient for the cat to eat and drink; the whiskers do not come into contact with the edges of the dish.

Metal flat bowl

Which bowl to choose for a cat

When choosing a bowl for your pet, you need to look not only at the design and material of the product, but also choose the optimal height and dimensions of the bowl.

Dimensions and height of dishes

The height of the bowl is selected taking into account the size of the cat and the single rate of food consumption. Small kittens need to purchase a bowl with low sides. For adult representatives, a bowl with a depth of 3-4 cm will be optimal. The base of the bowl should be wide so that it is convenient for the cat to get food without touching the sides with its face.

The most convenient bowl shapes for cats are circle and oval.

How cat breed influences choice

The choice of bowl for water and food is also influenced by the breed of the cat, or rather the shape of its face. For example, representatives of flattened faces (British, Persians, exotics) are better off purchasing a bowl with small sides and shallow depth so that they can freely reach the bottom of the bowl, licking the remains of a tasty treat.

Shallow bowls are also recommended for long-haired cats to prevent their fluffy fur from getting dirty while eating.

When choosing a bowl for your pet, take into account all the listed nuances and focus on the individual needs of your cat. Don’t skimp on purchasing the necessary equipment, buy high-quality products that are safe for the animal’s body.

Materials

Cat feeders are made from the following materials:

• plastic;
• stainless steel;
• ceramics;
• glass.

When choosing plastic bowls, pay attention to the color of the product. Cheap polymer absorbs the stench of rancid food, bends, cracks, and releases toxic compounds. Therefore, they choose a high-quality, expensive plastic plate. It is durable, but does not protect your pet from acne - blockage of the sebaceous glands on the chin.

The Pride Moderna plastic bowl is equipped with non-removable anti-slip rubber feet. Clean by hand or in the dishwasher.

Anti-slip bowl

Stainless metal bowls are durable and sanitary safe. Anti-slip rubberized material is built into the base of the vessel. The plate can be placed on a stand. The material does not accumulate electrical charges

The disadvantage is the relative high cost. If the bowl is covered with enamel, you are afraid of chips, which, if swallowed, will injure the stomach. Upon contact with a surface free of protective coating, toxic compounds are formed. Metal utensils rattle. This scares the pet and wakes up others.

Dezzy's bowl resembles a fish. The stainless steel plate is mounted in a stand made of durable food-grade plastic. The dishes look stylish and attractive, do not fade in light, and resist mechanical stress. A damp cloth cleans the product from dust and dirt.

Bowl with cover-stand

A ceramic or glass bowl is an ideal sanitary option. Disadvantage: fragility. The dishes break; if the slightest chip is found, they are thrown away. It is not possible to attach anti-slip material to the base. Ceramic or glass cannot be placed on the stand.

The Trixie Prince Bowl can be used for drinking or eating. She looks presentable. It's heavy and your pet can't move it or knock it over. The vessel is easy to clean.

Ceramic bowl

Feeders

For those who work 10 or more hours or periodically leave for 1-2 days, automatic feeders and waterers can help keep their pets.

There are two types of feeders: a round plate with a lid or a small tower with a jar for storing food.

In the first case, there is a slot in the lid, and the plate itself is divided into sectors. At certain intervals, the lid rotates several degrees, opening access to the next portion of food. This is quite convenient if the period of absence is not too long, since there are few portions, and uneaten food becomes inaccessible.

The second option is more universal. The jar on top is filled with dry food and closed with a lid so that its aroma does not erode. Periodically the lid is lifted and the portion is poured into the tray. Automatic drinking bowls look similar, but instead of food, the container is filled with fresh water. Such devices are much more convenient, as they can accommodate a larger supply of food and do not interfere with the eating of previous portions.

Complete set with drinking bowl

Double or triple bowls seem convenient. However, often a careless pet mixes their contents. The water becomes undrinkable. When choosing such dishes, you need to pay attention to the possibility of separating each bowl from a common base in order to clean or wash each vessel separately.

The Pride Moderna double bowl is made of food-grade plastic, stylized as a pink stone. Bottom with anti-slip coating. Suitable for dishwasher. High sides protect the contents of the bowl from ants. The wide neck prevents the mustache from touching the edges of the plate.

Double plastic bowl

Dishes "Hello, pussy" ceramic, triple. The amazing design makes the cat's dining room look elegant. Water is poured into one compartment, dry and wet food is placed in the others. Convenient for washing.

Bright ceramic bowl

Drinking bowl for cats

A drinking bowl for cats should have small sides and a wide base. The volume of the container for an adult cat is 250-300 ml. It is advisable to choose a product with an anti-slip bottom to prevent the dishes from rolling on the floor and the risk of liquid spilling.

You can buy an interesting fountain bowl for your cat, where water circulates regularly and creates the illusion of a natural pond. Such designs often allow owners to solve the problem of a cat's insufficient fluid intake.

Location height

Pet stores offer tripods or bowl stands for cat owners. Animal lovers' opinions on the need for these devices vary. Some felinologists believe that the inconvenience of eating leads to diseases of the spine and joints of the limbs. Others say that mats and coasters discourage your pet from using the bowl.

The mat is designed to fix the plate and prevent it from slipping. A mat is placed under a bowl from the same manufacturer. Easy to clean.

Mat under the bowl

Arc bowl from Dezzy. Designed for cats who prefer to eat without bending over the dishes or straining their neck muscles. The plastic stand is equipped with an anti-slip coating. The stainless steel plate is easy to clean.

Bowl-arc

Dezzy's double arc involves using a bowl for two cats, or pouring water into another bowl. The product looks elegant, fits well into the interior, and does not slip.

Double bowl-arc

Types of bowls based on material of manufacture - their pros and cons

Let's look at three types of bowls for pets:

• plastic;
• metal;
• glass, porcelain, ceramic.

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:

• Plastic bowls are cheap. This is indeed true. You can choose one for any wallet.
• Variety of colors, sizes and designs. Perhaps plastic bowls can boast the most varied designs. You can choose any color and shape - from large and deep to miniature and flat. Including a large assortment of plastic double bowls, one for food and one for water.

However, in my opinion, there are more disadvantages.

Minuses:

• Not hygienic and short-lived. Plastic has a porous structure. Over time, bacterial plaque and scratches form on the plastic. The bowl loses its appearance and needs to be replaced. In addition, grease is difficult to wash off from plastic.
• Plastic can release harmful substances. If you feed your cat hot homemade food, I especially don’t recommend using plastic dishes. However, there is also high-quality plastic, which, as a rule, costs more. It may be less harmful for food use. In any case, the plastic bowl should have a symbol indicating that the plastic is food grade.
• Some cats have an individual intolerance to plastic. A friend’s cat fed from plastic bowls, and he constantly suffered from acne and bumps around his mouth. Two weeks after changing the bowls to ceramic ones, the cat’s problem disappeared completely and forever.
• Light in weight. The cat was constantly moving these bowls.

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:

• Low cost. They cost more than plastic ones, but not by much.
• The bowls wash well and there are no scratches on them. The option is hygienic and durable.

Minuses:

• Not a very wide choice in terms of design. These bowls are almost always metallic in color. Not many shape options. Most often, such bowls are simply round. The double version is most often offered under a special stand.
• Noisy. If the cat is on dry food, the croquettes ring while the pet eats. Some cats find this sound unnerving.
• Cannot be used in the microwave. If you want to warm up your pet's food, you will have to heat it in a different container.

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:

• Safe for health and easy to clean. These bowls are washed in the same way as human dishes.
• Durable. A couple of bowls will last your pet's entire life if you don't break them.
• They are heavy and therefore do not roll around on the floor. Most often, these bowls are quite heavy. My cat doesn't roll them.
• All kinds of design options. This is especially true for ceramic bowls. You can choose different colors and patterns, including cool inscriptions. You can even order a bowl with your pet's name on it.

Minuses:

• It can be broken. But you can also break your household dishes. Because of this, we don’t eat from plastic. It is even more difficult to break an object that stands on the floor most of the time.
• High cost compared to the above options. However, consider what is cheaper - change plastic bowls every 4 months or buy 2-3 cat bowls once, which will last for more than one cat generation. The average cost of ceramics, for example, is 200-500 rubles.
• Some bowls become warm when reheated. If you feed your cat natural food and heat the food in the microwave, you need to wait until the glass or ceramic bowl has cooled down.

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.

Automatic feeders

When a cat is left alone for several days, you have to use automatic feeders. Dry food is poured into them, which goes into the bowl as it is consumed. To prevent the animal from overeating, purchase a device equipped with a timer and dispenser. The unit operates on mains power, batteries or rechargeable batteries. The disadvantage is the high cost.

Trixie automatic feeding bowl for two meals. Designed to feed an animal left at home for the whole day. The timer ensures that the second compartment with food opens after a set time. If you plan to use wet food, place a container of ice under the base to maintain freshness. Rubber feet prevent slipping. Powered by batteries or mains.

Automatic feeder with timer

Interactive bowls with spikes for cats

Interactive bowls help your pet develop. They are equipped with round spikes, between which the cat has to get food with his paw. Such dishes stimulate natural instincts, which is especially useful for pets that do not walk outside.

Interactive feeders are also recommended for cats prone to excessive food intake and obesity. How much food an animal will eat at one time depends on its ingenuity and dexterity. This feeder is very useful and interesting for animals.

What are food mazes

Food mazes are special bowls for feeding cats that turn an ordinary meal into a real game! This process has a beneficial effect on the development of the pet, improves mental and physical activity, and improves the quality of life of the domestic cat.

A food labyrinth is a design with various holes, bends, cups, and raised sides arranged like a labyrinth. Between them is placed food that cannot simply be eaten; it must be reached with the paw, using ingenuity.

Carrying

In order to transport a kitten from a breeder or its previous owner, a carrier is required. Don’t think that it’s easy to carry a cat in your bosom: he may get scared of something on the street, break free and run away. In the future, this accessory will help you when visiting a veterinarian or an exhibition, or when traveling with your pet. There are two types of carriers: plastic and fabric.

You should choose a hard plastic one if you are going to fly with your pet, as this is what the rules for transporting animals require. This type of carrier is also safer for transporting an animal by car. However, such a carrier will have to be insulated separately.

Soft fabric is more convenient if you plan to carry the cat yourself, on foot or by public transport. The disadvantage of this type of carrying is the need for washing.

Toys

Kittens love to play! Adult cats usually don't mind either. And what owner would refuse to have fun with his pet? It is not necessary to buy expensive toys: the kitten may not appreciate the purchase, and some entertainment can be done with your own hands. Popular toys for kittens:

• Bow on a string;
• Fishing rod with a feather;
• Catnip Mouse;
• Balls.

It should be remembered that not all toys can be left for the kitten to play independently, as he may get entangled in them, get hurt, or try to eat them.

Tray and filler

You can choose any toilet for your kitten from the variety that can now be found in pet stores. For shy cats, a closed toilet is more suitable; for those who like to throw litter, a tray with high sides is more suitable.

If your pet is not quite a baby anymore, there is no point in buying a small litter box - kittens grow quickly, and very soon the litter box may become too big for them. If your kitten does not know how to use the toilet, find out how to train your kitten to use the litter box in our article.

It is better not to buy mineral litter for kittens, as the kitten can eat it and get a blockage in the digestive tract. Sand ones are bad because the little friend wants to play and scatters it. Give preference to wood or silica gel.

Additional details

For additional convenience of the pet, and sometimes its owner, the following attributes may be useful:

• Stand.
  Such devices were originally developed for dogs that may experience spinal problems when feeding from the floor. Due to greater flexibility, this is not a problem for most cats. An exception applies to large breeds (Maine Coons, Savannahs, etc.) and animals with problem joints. In this case, you should choose sustainable structures. The best option is a kind of podium with mortise niches into which the devices will be “recessed”.
• Rug.
  By placing it under the bowl, you can prevent it from sliding on the floor. In addition, cats sometimes turn over dishes or like to take out individual pieces and consume them nearby on the floor. In this case, the mat will protect the floor covering from contamination and will allow you to quickly remove traces of your pet’s “meal”. For these purposes, you can also use ordinary plastic napkins intended for the human table.

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.