Bowls for cats: description of species, best models and features of choice
The purchase of a pet is always accompanied by the purchase of various accessories necessary for a comfortable stay of the animal. When it comes to cats, then, of course, you cannot do without quality bowls.
Peculiarities
Bowls for cats, first of all, should not cause any difficulties for pets in the matter of getting water or food. Experts do not recommend combining two containers into one, as such designs cause problems for animals. Usually, double bowls have high sides that prevent cats from eating in a reclining position, or they hurt their whiskers. The second point is especially relevant for flat-faced Persians and exotics.
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Separately, it is customary to allocate bowls for water. Since their shape is of great importance, certain drinking utensils should be taken. The sides of such a container should be low, and the bottom usually has a large diameter. Drinking utensils can be compared to a soup plate in size.
As a rule, several copies are purchased, which are placed throughout the apartment, but always away from working equipment.
Alternatively, you can install an indoor fountain in which water will constantly circulate, attracting pets.
Auto feeders are popular and are sold in various variations. For example, it can be a self-replenishing structure, into which feed is quickly supplied. It is usually made of high quality plastic.
As a rule, an automatic feeder is equipped with a timer, several containers and a dispenser.It works both from an outlet and from a rechargeable battery or even batteries. More modern versions can be activated by voice message.
There is also an intelligent feeder designed for slow feeding. This variety is relevant if the animal has problems with eating. For example, it swallows food too quickly, practically without chewing it.
A double bowl means either using one container for two kittens, or one part of it is filled with food, and the other with water. The triple bowl has even more functionality: water is poured into one compartment, dry food is placed in the second part, and wet food in the third.
Quite often, bowls on a stand are chosen.which are much easier for animals to use. An interactive bowl allows you to further develop your pet. The feeder is endowed with round thorns that resemble blades of grass, and the animal must reach pieces of food between them with its paws.
The sippy bowl has a rubber ring as a base - it is this that prevents the container from moving along the floor surface.
Looks very unusual tumbler toy, inside which dry food is poured. A food puzzle can be of different shapes and structures. Some models can be made independently at home, for example, by placing various tubes, containers on a wooden base, attaching boards and sticks. Finally, we must not forget about the heated bowls.
Materials, shapes and sizes
Cat bowls are most often made from plastic, stainless steel, or ceramic. In addition, porcelain or glass can be used. Plastic containers are the most popular and readily available. There are both cheap and rather expensive models on sale.
Low cost feeders are distinguished by a specific smell, the ability to absorb aromas, and sometimes release hazardous substances. As a rule, they bend and crack quite quickly. Expensive models are devoid of such shortcomings and last much longer.
However, experts do not recommend purchasing plastic containers, since the porous structure of the material becomes an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.
Metal bowls are characterized by durability and durability. For convenience, the base is often covered with rubber so that the container will not slip on the floor surface. Such dishes are safe for the health of the animal, but sometimes the movement of the pieces irritates the animal.
These bowls are mid-range. Ceramic and porcelain options are environmentally friendly and safe. However, they are quick to beat and also slide on the floor.
Choosing the right shape for the dishes is considered equally important. Most often, the trough is a moderately deep plate with high sides and a medium-sized diameter. In some cases, it has a slight upward taper.
Manufacturers overview
One of the most popular cat bowls is the melamine model. Cibo by Savic. It is very beautiful and modern, made in black or white. This container can be used for both feeding and drinking. Melamine, from which the dishes are created, is an absolutely safe and resistant material, which is very easy to care for.
The advantage of the container is the rubberized base, thanks to which the trough does not slip on the floor.
If we talk about plastic containers, then you should definitely mention others. bowls of the Savic brand. The comfortable, elongated shape is best suited for kittens and flat-faced adults. The raised bottom prevents the animals from spreading feed.
Trixie brand metal bowl made of stainless steel. Thanks to the rubberized bottom, it is very stable. The volume of the container is 450 ml - this is enough for both feed and water.
Dezzie bowls have an unusual shape. The container itself is made of stainless steel and is placed on a special plastic stand. A special advantage of such a feeder is the convenience for the animal, which does not even have to strain its neck.
Dezzie Fish Shaped Bowls look very stylish and fit organically into the kitchen interior. This model is made of stainless steel and is mounted on a special nubuck base. In addition to durability and ease of use, users also note the antibacterial properties of the container itself.
If there is a need for a feeder with two sections, then you can pay attention to a Japanese company Hello kitty. The ceramic feeder is stable. The containers themselves are located at some distance from each other, which prevents the process of feed getting into the water.
Ring brand metal bowls available in red and black. Their round shape looks quite stylish, and the bottom is protected from slipping thanks to the material used. However, such a feeder often rattles strongly and thereby frightens pets.
ROGZ bowls are made of melamine and have an original design. The convenient shape of the dishes prevents touching the cats' whiskers, and the additional sides prevent the splashing of food and liquid. The bottom of the container is made of non-slip silicone, and it itself is non-toxic thanks to the use of melamine with anti-corrosion properties.
How to choose?
To begin with, many owners prefer to place bowls not on the floor, but on special stands or rugs. They provide stability to the bowls, visually isolate the eating area and prevent crumbs and food particles from spreading throughout the room.
Some models can be wall-mounted to free up floor space.
However, not all pets react normally to such an accessory. For example, the sides of the stand can make it difficult for the animal to access the bowl from different directions. It is better to purchase a rug or stand only if the animal prefers to eat while sitting or standing.
The cat bowl should not move on the floor during operation, so the choice should be made either in favor of massive models or on stands, otherwise you will have to buy a rug. The shape should, first of all, be suitable for the cat, and then the owner should like it. For example, a bowl in the form of a cat's face may look very unusual, but the food will be hammered into the "ears", where the animal cannot normally reach.
Oval and circle are the most successful shapes, and the depth of the bowl should be medium.
Despite the purpose of the bowl, it should be reasonably spacious and wide. A double bowl is more suitable for two animals, because if you adapt one for water and the other for food, then a not too neat pet will start throwing crumbs into the water. In any case, you should observe the behavior of the cat and, if any of its inconveniences, purchase a replacement.
The size of the bowl will of course be determined by your pet. The container should hold so much food that the cat has enough for one meal. There should be enough water for the whole day. If the bowl turns out to be too narrow or deep, it will be uncomfortable for the animal to eat, since the muzzle will not fit. For small kittens, you should take a feeder that resembles a saucer in shape and size.
In addition, the choice of a bowl also depends on the type of food: dry will fit perfectly in a plate with raised sides, and for the canned version, structures without such tall devices are suitable.
Where to put it?
Experts recommend always putting the bowls in the same place. It should be away from the stove, sink, and main kitchen aisle. Dishes must be placed on the floor, and not on elevations, for example, on a bedside table or windowsill.
It is strictly not allowed to place bowls next to the tray. Do not forget that the selected area should be easy to clean.
It is important that the cat always has free access to liquid, but it is better to replenish the food container at a certain time in the amount of the required portion. Hygiene rules require daily washing of the dishes: it is enough to clean the bowls for liquid once a day, and the feeders after each use.
In the video below, you can learn more about how to choose dishes for your cat's table.