GB:Cat Bowls and Feeders

Cat Bowls and Feeders

Searching for that perfect cat bowl for Fluffy? Or maybe you just took in a kitten and need to buy a dish for the first time. Whatever the case, this is your complete guide to cat bowls  and feeders.  

Things to Consider When Shopping for Cat Bowls and Feeders

  • Size-- Are you feeding one cat or three cats? If you want your cats to share a feeder or cat bowl, then get a larger cat bowl  (and beware of some tiffs, especially if your cats don't get along well to begin with). It's definitely best to let each cat have his or her own bowl to avoid fights and to make sure each cat gets his or her share. Shallow is better, since picky felines hate having their whiskers touch the sides of the bowl. Cats also prefer fresh food  (who doesn't?) and are more likely to be pleased with a bowl that is smaller and requires you to refill it twice a day or so. If you are getting a feeding dispenser  for canned food,  make sure that it is equipped with a timer and a cooling function to keep food from spoiling.
  • Time-- Do you work all day and travel on the weekends? Or perhaps you work from home? Dispensers are best for those who can't be home to refill the dish  twice a day, every day. However, dispensers may be an issue if your cat is a bit on the chubby side. Cats, like humans, vary in eating habits. Some cats might use to dispenser to eat more than a healthy serving. Also, if you have multiple cats on different diets (like if one cat needs weight control food and the other needs medicine for gaining weight) and you cannot be there to supervise the feedings, it is best to buy a simple bowl and look into hiring someone (a professional or a neighbor, depending on your needs and budget) to supervise a feeding while you are at work or traveling. It's never really a good idea to leave your cat alone for more than 24 hours.
  • Material-- Look for a bowl that is easy to clean, preferably dishwasher safe. Plastic bowls,  though most often the least expensive, are usually not a good idea. Many cats are severely allergic to plastic, and the bowls are easy to tip or spill. Ceramic (with a lead-free glaze)  and stainless steel bowls  are ideal and most often recommended by veterinarians. Invest in a mat  if you want to keep the area around the food and water clean as a whistle.
  • Safety-- It is always a good idea to do a search for reviews on bowls and feeders to make sure they are safe. Try to avoid plastic and always avoid any product that contains lead. Check the bowl or feeder for sharp edges or any defects. 

Fill Me!

Classic Dishes 

  • Great for canned food and dry food. 
  • Avoid fragile dishes, especially if you feed your cat(s) from an elevated surface. 

Combo Platter 

  • Simple, one stop shopping.
  • Avoid plastic dishes, unless you are sure your cat is not allergic.
  • Often very, very messy. Food often jumps over the edge into the water area. Many cats will then not drink the "tainted" water. 

Fountain 

  • Allows Fluffy to have a constant supply of water.
  • Comes with a pump  and sometimes even a filter. 
  • Can be a bit expensive. 

Feed Me!

Bowls 

  • Simple and popular. Choose from a wide variety of colours and patterns.
  • Try to find ones that are weighted and durable.

Dispensers 

  • Great for those traveling often.
  • Less work for you.
  • Often quite expensive.
  • Avoid if your cat has a weight problem. 

Related Guides

More Guides for Caring for Fluffy

Cat Care

Cat Food

Cat Litter Boxes

Cat Beds

Cat Scratching Posts

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