One common mistake usually done by a lot of beginner cat owners is that they buy small food bowls because cats' mouths are smaller in shape. But if you look at your cat, you will easily see long whiskers.
Their hair roots are embedded much deeper. For example, top fur coats, have better hearing, seeing, smelling, etc.
Introduction
When you go out to buy a new bowl from your local pet shop, you'll get a bowl of different styles, shapes, materials, colors, sizes, and depths. One is for water and the other one for food.
Bowl used for food should not be much deeper because it's difficult for them to eat and on the other hand bowl used for water should not be flat, it should be a little deeper so that it can hold more water in it.
Cats are very particular about their food and water bowls. Always use a shallow-sided dish. High-sided bowls can cause cats discomfort as their whiskers have to bend to fit in the dish.
Vibrissae are very sensitive they help to locate hunted animals on the move. They also make their movement easier in the dark, without stopping things.
Cats with no whiskers are unable to move around in the dark or bright light. Without vibrissae, their hunting skills get affected.
Constant stress may lead to many following problems:
If your cat does not get enough nutritional food then it may lead to a lot of problems including neurological signs of sickness. A cat may become aggressive also.
When your cat tries to eat or drink from a small bowl, the edges of the bowl irritate whiskers. It's not a pleasant feeling for them, and it also distracts them when they eat food.
Cats become irritated when they have to eat regularly from the small bowl. Constant stimulation of the vibrissae during mealtimes causes long-lasting distress. And the results are terrible.
Shallow Bowl
Short-faced breeds such as Persians will get benefit from shallow bowls. Pet shops stock the great and small Cream Cat dish, which has a similarity to a soap dish.
Plastic Bowl
Avoid plastic bowls because bacteria and oil build-up, in between scratches of the plastic material may cause the cat to have lots of red pimples, which appear in the form of black dots on your cat's chin.
Separate Bowls
Separate bowls are better than double bowls. Because cats don't like to have their water next to their food. Double bowls can only be used for cats that eat wet and dry foods.
Best Bowls
Dishes made of ceramic, Stainless steel, or melamine are the best choice for cats. Plastic bowls can absorb odors and discourage cats from eating or drinking.
All cats have different preferences and qualities when it comes to their bowls. Always use "standard "bowls for your cat's food. Probably bowls that are wider but not too deep with sloping sides.
Shape and Sizes
Sides that rise at a 90-degree angle to avoid a corner trap where the foods get stuck and can be harder for your cat to easily get their food.
Deep Bowl
Cats may also feel uncomfortable with a deep bowl because they have a habit of looking up to see their surroundings while eating. The bowl should be large enough to hold food. The shape is not that important, except for straight-sided bowls.
Use Mat
The mats are used to hold or secure the dish. You can make mats by using disposable materials, such as cardboard from boxes or carpet leftover pieces. Plastic placemats used by us can also be used for making mats.
Automatic Feeders
Automatic feeders are also available in the pet shop that can be programmed for several days. They are battery-operated feeders that will pop open at the selected time.
Always check for scratches and chips in the bowl. These are the hiding places and good shelter for the bacteria or hurt the cat's mouth while eating. Which might not be comfortable for them, sometimes they use their paws to take food out of the dish.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bowl for your cats may not seem to be a big deal. But the truth is that the cats are very particular about their water and food bowls. So, shopping for the right cat bowl matters a lot just like the food you give to your cats.
Buying cat bowls is a serious matter that involves choosing the cutest and latest designs and sizes.
FAQS
How big should a cat bowl be?
Bowls should be large enough to hold a meal-sized amount of cat food (one to two cups). The shape isn't all that important, except straight-sided bowls are less likely to tip over and make a mess.
How deep should a cat food bowl be?
The best size and shape for cat food bowls are wide, but not too deep. Rather than sides that rise at a 90-degree angle to avoid corner traps where it can be hard for your cat to easily get at their food.
Do cats prefer stainless steel or ceramic bowls?
Unlike plastic and ceramic, bacteria from leftover food and saliva cannot enter stainless steel hard surfaces, so stainless steel cat bowls are more sanitary.
Do cats need raised bowls?
In most cases, dogs or cats do not need higher bowls do not suggest reducing the risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency in dogs that can cause stomach-related torsion.