Elevated cat water bowls and food bowls are a good idea, they help to reduce the chance of indigestion, vomiting, and choking, as well as improve your cat's way of standing at the time of eating food. An elevated cat bowl should never be used as a treatment for gastrointestinal issues in cats.
In most cases, dogs or cats do not need an elevated bowl – and elevated bowls do not (as some suggest) reduce the risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency in dogs that can cause gastric torsion.
The Importance of an Elevated Eating Surface
Elevated bowls are designed to make your cat's mealtime more enjoyable and comfortable. Raised cat bowls allow your cat to eat and drink from their natural position, which makes it easier for it to reach its food.
We researched and watched cats of different heights and weight eat. We determined raising the bowl 3 inches was ideal. It raises the bowl to a safe and comfortable height without causing the cat to reach upward for food.
Where should I put my cat's water bowl? Just like their food, your cat's water bowl should be somewhere relatively quiet. A hallway, for example, may be too busy for them, even if they are very sociable. Put your cat's water bowl somewhere clean and odour-free – and far away from their litter tray!
Cats are biologically programmed not to drink water which is near their food or near their toileting area - this is thought to be their instinctive avoidance of contaminating their water with potential sources of bacteria.
Cats tend to crouch when they eat because it brings them closer to the ground, where their food is usually located in the wild (and often at home). But it's actually easier for your cat to eat when the dish she's eating off of is slightly elevated, and therefore closer to her mouth.
"Many elevated bowls are also tilted to make it easier for your cat to eat." Cats with neck pain or senior cats with arthritis and joint pain could benefit from an elevated bowl as well, she says, because they won't have the neck strain while bending over to eat.
As a cat's sensitive whiskers rub against the sides of a deep bowl, they begin to hurt. Cats prefer bowls with a wide, shallow design that allow their whiskers to remain above the bowl while they eat and drink. Look for bowls designed specifically for cats (most dog bowls are too deep) and that prevent whisker fatigue.
Cats Just Want to Have Fun
Some cats might bat at their water or pull food out of their bowl because it's fun. Cats might not generally like to be submerged in water, but they often do like to play with it on their terms. This might be a more significant reason in kittens than older cats.
The slanted cat bowls are also good for normal cats as it will further prevent the cats from getting any further complications in their neck or back that might cause digestive issues in them. Additionally, the tilted cat bowls will also make it easier to get the food due to the slanted angle.
Cats are naturally drawn to running water since they see it as fresher than water in a bowl. Cat fountains are a fun way to entertain your cat, but make sure you choose the right one. Decorative fountains are not meant for pets. They can be unsafe and lead to your cat getting hurt.
In most cases, stainless steel is the best material for cat food and water bowls. It's easy to clean and disinfect and extremely durable. Glass and ceramic dishes are also easy to clean but can chip, crack, or break more easily.
Separate Food and Water Bowls
Cats also do not enjoy the scent of food while drinking water. In addition, they are turned off by food particles in their water. Therefore, keep cat food and water bowls in two separate locations.
Rationale: Based on our testing, stainless steel is the best material for cat bowls. Frequently used in medical equipment and in cooking because of its antibacterial qualities, stainless steel is safest for cats. Its cleanliness and durability cannot be beat.
Give your cat a clean cat food bowl EVERY SINGLE DAY - either wash your cat's bowl daily or have extra bowls on hand. If your cat is on a raw food diet, consider giving your cat a clean bowl after each use. Change your cat's water each day and swap out your cat's water bowl daily or at least every 2 days.
Elevated bowls can make eating easier for your dog.
Decreasing the amount your dog has to bend down can put less stress on your dog's neck, making meal time easier and more enjoyable. Consider raised dog dishes when looking for dog bowls for older dogs as well as pets with arthritic or orthopedic issues.
Because cats pick up their kibbles with their teeth. If you have your cat's food in a hard dish (glass or ceramic or metal), the cat will have to touch their teeth to the bottom of the bowl to search and find the kibbles, and this is very uncomfortable.
Cats with dental infections, inflammation in the mouth or gastrointestinal disease may avoid drinking water due to the discomfort it causes them. Cats with underlying health issues may be more likely to become dehydrated, especially those with kidney issues, hyperthyroidism, some cancers and diabetes.
In most cases, experts say giving your pets hard water probably won't cause any problems. The minerals in hard water (calcium, magnesium, and iron) shouldn't lead to any health issues. However, some veterinarians do advise against giving cats and dogs untreated tap water, and that's not because of the minerals.
Adding Broth or Other Water
Adding broth to a diet can be a good way to add moisture for cats that need it, but check with your veterinarian before starting as some broths may have added nutrients like salt that your cat can't tolerate (or have added garlic or onion that can be toxic to pets).
Cats sometimes prefer drinking water that is cold, because they might perceive cold water to be fresher. Keep your cat's water cold by replenishing it regularly. You could even pop a few ice cubes in the bowl if the weather is particularly warm.
“It's hard for cats to get water, because they can't really see still water well, and they may feel vulnerable sitting at a bowl, especially if it's in a corner, so they have their back to other cats who might jump on them,” Greco says.