Bowls are important accessories for cats. Therefore, they should be chosen with care. There are so many types and models available, from traditional bowls to more modern ones. However, orthopedic bowls are becoming increasingly popular. Buy why? What benefits do anti-vomit orthopedic bowls offer your cat?
Types of cat bowls
There are many different types of cat bowls. Below is a non-exhaustive list.
The traditional bowl
These bowls are simple and round. Their sole purpose is to hold your cat’s food.
The chilled bowl
These bowls are designed to keep food or water cool and fresh for pets. They are useful for periods with high temperatures.
The scale bowl
Scale bowls allow you to weigh your cat’s food ration to avoid feeding them too much food. This is particularly suitable for felines that are overweight. They are a way to prevent obesity.
This article might interest you: My cat is obese, what should I do?
Cat bowls for travel
These bowls are collapsible to make traveling with them easier. You can bring this accessory with you on all your trips together.
Automatic cat feeder
These feeders distribute kibble to your cat automatically while you’re away. They can do it for several days as long as they have kibble left to distribute. Different models have different capacities and functionalities.
Traditional cat bowls are uncomfortable and not very practical for cats
It is very common to see domestic cats with digestive problems and vomiting. These are most often caused by traditional food bowls. They are too low and prevent your cat from eating in a natural position. To eat from these bowls, cats have to bend over and eat their food in an uncomfortable position. This position is not ideal for them because it blocks the flow of food between their mouth and their stomach. This results in digestive problems, gastric reflux, and vomiting.
In addition, again due to the angle of a traditional bowl, cats have difficulty picking up their kibble. This means that food is easily scattered on the floor. As a result, your cat will not be satisfied and it can cause them to be in a bad mood. On top of that, you need to clean the floor after.
Cats vomit often, but not always naturally. Vomiting can be done to get rid of hairballs that are swallowed while grooming. However, if your feline eats their kibble too quickly or eats in uncomfortable positions during meals, it can cause them to need to vomit. To avoid this, orthopedic cat bowls are a great, practical solution.
The advantages of anti-vomit bowls and orthopedic cat bowls
Orthopedic bowls are designed to make it easier for cats to eat, all by allowing them to sit in a comfortable position. In addition, with these bowls, cats waste less food.
Here are a few characteristics of the orthopedic cat bowl that make it an ergonomic and practical bowl for your cat’s use.
A non-skid bowl
The surface of the container that is in contact with the floor has excellent grip on tiles, parquet, and other floor coverings. As a result, even the clumsiest cat will find it difficult to knock over their meal.
A tilted and elevated bowl
These bowls are tilted at a 15° angle compared to traditional bowls. By promoting good posture, it protects your cat’s spine and prevents joint pain. Their design and layout reduce strain on your pet’s neck and joints. Furthermore, your cat can sit down to eat and no longer have to worry about reflux, indigestion, or other gastric problems. The angle and elevation of the bowl also make it easier for your cat to swallow.
The advantages of orthopedic bowls for cat owners
With this type of bowl, you will no longer have to stress about the digestive health of your cat. In addition, thanks to being non-skid, you will no longer have to clean the floor after every meal your cat has.
Most orthopedic cat bowls can be detached from their stands, which makes them much easier for owners to clean.
Criteria for a good bowl
When you choose an orthopedic bowl for your cat, it should be based on criteria such as the material it is made out of, its size, ergonomics, angle, and maintenance.
Materials
Bowls can be made out of stainless steel, ceramic, and even plastic.
Stainless steel bowls
Stainless steel is characterized by its lightness and strength. The surface is smooth and therefore easy to clean. It adheres well to the floor when it has a non-slip coating. However, it can have a mirror effect that can disturb your pet.
Ceramic bowls
It is heavy and more stable than stainless steel models. It also has a smooth surface, making it easy to clean. This material does not alter the taste of the food or water it contains. It is generally recommended for sensitive animals known to have allergies. Despite all its advantages, it can hurt your cat, as it is quite fragile and can break if your cat is too rough with it.
Plastic bowls
It is lightweight and easy to clean. It can also be folded if it is made of silicone and easily transportable when traveling. However, these models are not recommended, as they can cause allergies in sensitive cats. In addition, they tend to retain odors.
No matter what you choose, the material used to make the bowl should not have a particular odor. Additionally, it should not absorb the odors of different foods.
The size of the bowl
The model you choose should be proportional to the size of your cat. It should be neither too small nor too large.
Adjustable models
Choose a height-adjustable food bowl. This will be especially useful for kittens, which are still growing.
Low maintenance
Prioritize smooth models, with a detachable bowl. Some models are also dishwasher safe. However, to prevent contamination, avoid washing your dishes and the cat’s bowls together.
Good to know
The presence of toxic compounds is dangerous for their health on the long term. A good cat bowl should not contain BPA and other toxic molecules. Cats have a tendancy to lick their food bowl after a good meal.
In addition, the bowl must be wide enough to prevent constant contact between its sides and the cat’s whiskers. Cats’ whiskers are very sensitive and send stimuli they receive to the brain. Every time the whiskers touch the bowl, information is transmitted to the brain. This is extremely tiring and unpleasant for the cat. In response, it may prefer to eat on the floor rather than in its designated bowl.
Using an orthopedic cat bowl correctly
For your pet to want to eat from their orthopedic bowl, the area where you decide to place it plays a big role. You need to place it in an area that’s far from the litter and where they sleep.
In addition, you should clean your cat’s food bowl every day to prevent bacterial infections. To do this, start by rinsing it with cold water. Then, clean off any grease by washing it with hot water. Finish by rinsing it with very hot water, then dry the container.
What are a few important things to keep in mind? An orthopedic bowl or anti-vomit bowl is essential for providing your cat with optimal comfort at every meal. Your furry friend will be able to enjoy their food in a natural, pain-free position.