Your cat's food bowl could contribute to his lack of interest in food. Here are five to help you determine whether his bowl is adding or subtracting from his dining experience:
1. Many food bowls are merely scaled-down versions of dog bowls. The sides are too high for most cats, causing discomfort if their whiskers get bent or squished. Most cats prefer shallow bowls so their whiskers can extend comfortably. A shallow bowl is also a better choice for breeds such as Persians. Because of their face shape, Persians will be more comfortable if they don't have to stick their entire head into a deep bowl.
2. Don't use double bowls. Many cats don't like their water near the food. It can also create a dislike for the water if bits of food end up in there, causing contamination.
3. What the food bowl is made of is important. If using plastic, make sure there are no scratches because bacteria can hide there. Plastic can also retain food odors. Some cats have allergic reactions to plastic bowls and they develop feline acne on their chins. Stainless steel is a good choice but in some cases, can cause a change in the way food tastes. If choosing ceramic, run your hand over it to make sure it's smooth so it won't irritate your cat's tongue. Glass bowls are a good choice but throw the bowl away if there is a chip because it could injure your cat's tongue.
4. Wash food and water bowls every day. Make sure there are no traces of dish detergent left because it can burn your cat's tongue.
5. In a multicat home, your cats may object to sharing one bowl. Provide more than one in various locations to prevent resource guarding.
Note: this article is not intended to diagnose or treat your cat's behaviour problem. If your cat is displaying a change in behaviour, please contact your veterinarian in order to rule out possible medical causes.
1. Many food bowls are merely scaled-down versions of dog bowls. The sides are too high for most cats, causing discomfort if their whiskers get bent or squished. Most cats prefer shallow bowls so their whiskers can extend comfortably. A shallow bowl is also a better choice for breeds such as Persians. Because of their face shape, Persians will be more comfortable if they don't have to stick their entire head into a deep bowl.
2. Don't use double bowls. Many cats don't like their water near the food. It can also create a dislike for the water if bits of food end up in there, causing contamination.
3. What the food bowl is made of is important. If using plastic, make sure there are no scratches because bacteria can hide there. Plastic can also retain food odors. Some cats have allergic reactions to plastic bowls and they develop feline acne on their chins. Stainless steel is a good choice but in some cases, can cause a change in the way food tastes. If choosing ceramic, run your hand over it to make sure it's smooth so it won't irritate your cat's tongue. Glass bowls are a good choice but throw the bowl away if there is a chip because it could injure your cat's tongue.
4. Wash food and water bowls every day. Make sure there are no traces of dish detergent left because it can burn your cat's tongue.
5. In a multicat home, your cats may object to sharing one bowl. Provide more than one in various locations to prevent resource guarding.
Note: this article is not intended to diagnose or treat your cat's behaviour problem. If your cat is displaying a change in behaviour, please contact your veterinarian in order to rule out possible medical causes.
