Getting the Scoop on Bowls and Feeders for Cats

Bowls come in all sizes and shapes, and are made from an assortment of materials, such as plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel. Do you like the coordinated look? You can even find just the right color to match your home.

Cats can sure be finicky, but they usually don't care much about their food and water bowls, just as long as they get filled, which they usually expect ten minutes before you wanted to get out of bed in the morning!

Whatever you choose for your cat, just remember that although they don't drink much water, they still need to have fresh water available in their water bowl at all times. How you serve your cat its food, on the other hand, will determine which type of feeder you'll need.

Types of Feeders

Many cat owners opt for the self-feeders and waterers. These are best for the cat that is fed "free choice," meaning that there is always food available for the cat to eat at any time. If your cat enjoys feeding free choice, and you don't want your cat to have to depend on you to feed it at your convenience, then consider using a self-feeder. Self-feeders and waterers are also handy for the owner that will be gone for an entire day or even overnight.

However, if your cat tends to gobble up all its food just because it's there, then a self-feeder is not for your cat since this behavior could lead to obesity. A standard feeding bowl is recommended in this case, or if you do periodic feedings, such as morning and evening.
Materials To Choose From

Food Storage

When considering bowls for your cat to eat and drink from, don't forget about a storage container if your cat eats dry kibble. Keeping the food in a container with a lid extends the life of the food, reduces the breakdown of vitamins, and maintains freshness. It also keeps unwanted critters from getting into the food (this may even include your own cat!). If your cat is a canned food lover, using a can cover will help keep the food fresher if you don't use the whole can at one feeding.

Cleaning Bowls and Feeders

All dishes should be washed with hot soapy water daily to avoid the growth of bacteria. A second set of dishes is always handy to use while the other one is being cleaned. Replace scratched dishes that can harbor bacteria.