When it comes to feeding our feline friends, not just any dish will do. Cats are known for their particularity. And we don't just mean about when (does your cat require breakfast at 4 AM too?) and what they eat, but also how they eat it. The right cat bowl can make a significant difference in their eating habits, overall health and happiness. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the best cat bowls for your furry friend, considering important factors like material, ergonomics, and functionality to help you choose the perfect option for your pet.

Choosing the right material

Ceramic cat bowls or stainless steel?

Before we delve into this first chapter, let's clarify one thing: both options are excellent choices. However, at Archibald, we strongly recommend choosing a ceramic cat bowl over a stainless steel one. Let us explain why.

Ceramic feeding bowls offer a pleasant dining experience for your cat and at the same time bring a touch of elegance to your home. Of course we should always prioritise the comfort and health of your dear cat over what looks good in your home, but why not kill two birds with one stone? Ceramic cat bowls are sturdy, dishwasher-safe and come in various designs that are perfectly adapted to your cat's eating position. More about that later on.

You might wonder why we're not the biggest fans of stainless steel cat bowls, especially since they're known for being durable, safe for cats, and highly recommended by veterinarians. Despite these advantages, our real-life experiences have revealed some drawbacks.

• Some brands advertise their cat bowls as being made of stainless steel, yet they use a lower-quality imitation that flakes off after just one wash cycle in the dishwasher. You wouldn't want your cat ingesting metal flakes.
  
  
• If the infamous cat distribution system has left you with an exceptionally impatient feline—one that smacks its bowl with a paw to get your attention—be aware that stainless steel bowls can easily tip over and create quite a racket.
  
  
• Due to the rigidity of the material, stainless steel pet bowls often lack ergonomic features. It's rare to find elevated bowls designed to improve posture or wide bowls intended to prevent whisker fatigue made from stainless steel.
  
  
• Stainless steel pet bowls can sometimes appear cheap and may not always complement your home's interior design.

Does choosing a stainless steel cat bowl make you a bad cat parent? Absolutely not. If you haven't encountered the drawbacks mentioned earlier, there's no need to replace them. However, if you're interested in giving your cat's dining setup an upgrade, we offer a selection of attractive ceramic pet bowls that will seamlessly fit into any interior.

Avoid plastic and glass pet bowls

Choosing a plastic or glass bowl won't have the cat police knocking on your door, but it may present some challenges. Plastic bowls are lightweight and can easily be tipped over, particularly by larger cats like Maine Coons, making them a less recommended option. The same caution applies to glass bowls, such as those made from Pyrex, they're often lightweight and fragile. The last thing you want is for your cat to step on shards of glass during its zoomies.

Cat ergonomics

Now that you've selected the ideal material, it's time to focus on ergonomics for cats.

Elevated cat bowls

Elevated bowls, raised bowls, or tilted cat bowls can help reduce strain on your cat’s neck, promoting a more natural eating posture. This ergonomic design can also aid in digestion and prevent potential issues like vomiting or gastroesophageal reflux.

By aligning the stomach and esophagus more naturally, these bowls ensure a smoother flow of food, making mealtime more comfortable and enjoyable for your feline friend. Additionally, they can be particularly beneficial for older cats or those with arthritis, providing ease of access to their food without the need to bend too low.

These elevated cat bowls are available in a variety of shapes and colors, allowing you to find one that you truly love - and matches your interior. Here are our top 3 picks for the best raised cat bowls on the market:

'Purroom Little Chicken' tilted cat bowl by PetsVilla 

Whisker fatigue

Whisker fatigue is a real concern for many cats, stemming from the constant pressure and overstimulation of their sensitive whiskers when they touch the sides of a bowl while eating or drinking. This sensory overload can lead to stress, discomfort, and even a reluctance to eat. To avoid whisker fatigue, choosing the right pet bowl is crucial.

Wide, shallow bowls are ideal as they ensure a cat's whiskers don't brush against the sides during mealtime. Ceramic bowls, with their smooth edges and spacious design, can provide a comfortable dining experience, encouraging your cat to eat without stress. By selecting a bowl that accommodates their natural needs, you can help prevent whisker fatigue and make mealtime a more enjoyable experience for your feline friend.

Functionality

Slow feeders and puzzles

These cat dishes are designed to put the brakes on your cat's scarf-and-barf routine, saying good-bye to digestive problems such as vomiting, bloating, and indigestion.

Slow feeders typically feature puzzles or obstacles that make cats slow down and work for their food, mimicking the natural foraging behavior of wild ancestors. This not only aids in improving digestion by encouraging smaller, more measured bites but also provides mental stimulation, keeping your cat engaged and entertained during meal times.

By turning feeding into a challenging activity, slow feeders help prevent overeating, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce boredom, making them a valuable tool for enhancing your cat's physical and mental well-being.

Automatic feeders

Automatic feeders for cats can be a modern marvel for pet owners with hectic schedules, ensuring your furry friend gets their meals on time, every time, even when you're not around. However, they come with a caveat: some cats might turn into clock-watchers, obsessing over the magical machine that serves food like clockwork.

This Pavlovian anticipation can become a bit of a double-edged sword, especially if feeding time becomes the highlight of your cat's day in your absence. It's crucial to remember that, while these devices can provide convenience, they're no substitute for the care, attention, and interaction that come with manual feeding.

If your lifestyle means you're rarely home, relying solely on an automatic feeder might not meet all your cat's needs for companionship and affection. Domestic cats thrive on interaction, thus, integrating regular quality time with your cat alongside the convenience of an automatic feeder could strike the perfect balance between nurturing their dietary needs and their social well-being.

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About the writer 

Hi! I'm Valesca, a freelance content marketer, lifestyle design lover, and the proud owner of Archibald, inspired by my wee British Shorthair, Archie. Did you enjoy my content or do you have any questions about products in my webshop, I'd love to hear from you. Please don't hesitate to connect with me via our contact page. I'm always excited to engage with fellow cat and interior design enthusiasts. Let's get in touch!