As cat owners, we are aware that our feline friends have their own particular preferences and habits. One of these quirks includes a particular way they like to eat. Enter elevated cat bowls, the greatest solution for mealtime. These cat bowls have been a topic of debate among cat owners, with some dismissing them as just another unnecessary trend. Well, we don’t think it’s a trend — far from it.
You may be wondering why your cat needs an elevated bowl when animals have been eating off the ground for centuries. Research shows that raised feeders offer several benefits. These include improving digestion by reducing the strain on your kitty’s neck muscles while they eat.
Moreover, elevating your cat’s food can also reduce instances of vomiting or regurgitation since gravity helps keep things moving in the right direction.
Best Elevated Cat Bowls to Consider
Whether we’re purchasing fancy toys or comfy beds, providing proper comfort for our pets should always be a top priority. But often overlooked is how our pets’ dine. Investing in high-quality elevated cat bowls comes with numerous benefits — from maintaining hygiene, improving digestion, and aiding arthritic conditions whilst adding a touch of style too.
While it’s true that cats are perfectly capable of eating their yummy cat food from ground-level bowls, there are compelling reasons to consider switching to raised feeders.
One critical issue is digestion. When cats eat while crouched down in awkward positions, it puts a strain on their digestive system. Elevated cat bowls eliminate this problem by allowing them to keep their spine straight while enjoying their meals.
Raised feeding stations also make mealtime cleanup much easier because they help prevent scattered cat litter around the area. By keeping the dishes off the ground, kitties are less likely to accidentally knock over or spill food onto floors and carpets. If you’ve got a cat water fountain at home, chances are this will be raised, too.
Hygiene is another reason why elevated feeding stations can be worth investing in. Cats won’t be exposed to bacteria and other unpleasant elements present on floors or carpets when using raised dishes.
For aging cats who suffer from arthritis or joint pain, elevated bowls offer added convenience during mealtimes since they don’t require bending over anymore, making the dining experience comfortable again.
Last but certainly not least — what makes these bowls so great is how stylish and trendy they can look. Many manufacturers now offer sleek designs that fit in with most modern home décor. Take a look at our picks below. We’re sure you’ll find the perfect fit for your feline.
Kitty City Raised Cat Food Bowl
As we’ve said many times before, cats are picky. Honestly, they’re like humans. So it stands to reason that our four-legged doppelgangers would like certain creature comforts, just like us. As you know, creature comforts can be pricey. Not so with Kitty City’s raised cat bowl — it’s priced right and looks good in your kitchen too.
Sure, these bowls are made from plastic, but that doesn’t mean they’re cheap. In fact, we found them quite sturdy. The muted colors pair with any decor, and on a practical level, they’re easy to clean. Just throw them in the dishwasher.
But we’re not buying these just for looks and easy maintenance. Most importantly, Kitty City’s raised bowls feature a wide oval shape and tilted design. This reduces the chances of whisker fatigue while they’re chowing down. Plus, each bowl holds up to 6.5 ounces which is plenty for a single cat.
Pros:
- Rounded design prevents food from getting stuck
- Suitable for all food types, but especially dry kibble
- Excellent shape and height for most cats
- Strong PET-safe plastic
- Very easy to clean
- Priced right
Cons:
- Base is slippery, so pair with a feeding mat
Elevated Feeder
Elevated cat bowls come with many benefits to your pet, and this elevated feeder proves that you don’t have to sacrifice your style to bring your pet healthier feeding habits. This elevated feeder has a minimal clear base with stunning gold bowls that can hold food and water, or two bowls of food if your cat prefers their water in a separate area.
Each bowl can hold up to 16-fluid ounces (1.5-cups) and is made with durable stainless steel that is dishwasher safe. The base is made with a sturdy acrylic that can easily be wiped down with a damp cloth to revive its appearance.
Pros:
- Bowls stay in place
- Stress-free maintenance
- Durable stainless steel bowls
Cons:
- Pricey
Ceramic Elevated Cat Bowls
When it comes to feeding your cats, you may come across multiple hurdles. Some want their water far from their food, some need raised bowls, and some have a tendency to swat their bowls until the contents fall out. Luckily, these bowls from Y YHY are the solution to all of these woes.
The ceramic raised bowls have a decent weight that will prevent your cat from sliding them around the house. They also aren’t attached to a feeder, making it easy to place the bowls away from each other. We love that the bowls have a wide tilted design that promotes healthy eating posture and keeps their whiskers happy while chowing.
Pros:
- Inner measurements
- Dishwasher safe
- Anti-skid bottom
Cons:
- May not be raised enough for some breeds
PETKIT Fresh Nano Cat Bowl
We cat parents are always on the lookout for a product that lightens the load for us. If you own a picky cat or two, you know how fussy they are about their food. They need just the right environment to enjoy their food, and if anything is off they might throw their food from the bowl, ignore it, or throw it back up onto your carpet later.
This elevated cat bowl can help your cat enjoy their mealtime and focus on just their food. The bowl has an elevated and tilted design that makes eating comfortable for them. It also features a spill-proof dish to catch any food or water that your pet sends over the edge.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Easy cleaning
- Tilted bowls for better digestion and posture
- Anti-skid base
Cons:
- Wish it was a tad larger
Design Imports Ceramic Raised Cat Bowl
Aesthetics should never be the sole reason why we purchase something practical, like an elevated cat bow. But who says it can’t be a factor? After all, these bowls are going to be gracing your kitchen (or wherever). Is it too much to ask for a solution that’s not an eyesore? Design Imports doesn’t think so, and we don’t either.
The first thing you’ll notice about these elevated food bowls is the beautiful patterns wrapped around the top. And we think tasteful prints will complement most decor. Both the bowls and the bases are made from ceramic; they’re dishwasher safe and microwavable too.
Pros:
- Silicone base for stability
- Safe for sensitive whiskers
- Exquisite looks and design
- Ceramic material won’t harbor odors
- Glazed bowls keep food from sticking
Cons:
- Ceramic is more fragile than plastic and steel bowls, so handle with care
Frequently Asked Questions
If elevated cat bowls are so important, why do people still buy regular ones?
People may still buy regular cat bowls because they are more cost-effective than elevated bowls and can be found in many stores. Additionally, some cats may not like the raised surface of an elevated bowl or prefer to eat from a traditional bowl on the floor.
Are elevated cat bowls better than regular ones?
Yes, they help reduce strain on a cat’s neck and spine while eating or drinking.
Do cats prefer elevated food bowls?
A lot of cats do; however, it depends on the individual cat’s preferences. Finding out what works best for your pet may take some trial and error.
What are the benefits of using an elevated cat bowl?
Elevated food bowls can help reduce stress on a cat’s joints as well as reduce digestive issues by improving digestion due to improved posture when eating or drinking from an elevated bowl instead of one that sits directly on the floor surface, which requires them to bend down and arch their back in order to eat or drink comfortably. In addition, there is less chance of messes being made with spills since the cat food is kept off the ground surface.
How high should an elevated cat bowl be?
Generally, it should have its rim slightly higher than your kitty’s chest level so that they don’t need to lower their head too far down when eating from it. But keep in mind that this could vary depending on breed size and build differences between cats within any given species group (e.g., long-haired Persian vs. short-haired Siamese). The key is finding a balance between having the right height based on their anatomy and also providing adequate comfort/convenience during mealtimes. We recommend experimenting with different heights. This can be beneficial if neither extreme seems ideal after initial testing.
Is ceramic better than plastic for an elevated cat bowl?
Ceramic tends to be more durable over time compared to plastic materials. However, both types can work just fine depending upon personal preference and budget constraints – ultimately, it will come down to individual choice since no single option has been scientifically proven superior.
Can I use a normal human bowl as an elevated food bowl for my cat?
Human dishes are generally too large and deep, making them uncomfortable for most felines and difficult to reach into when trying to eat or drink. Instead, opt for specially designed shallow yet wide ceramic or stainless steel pet bowls.
What is whisker fatigue, and why does this happen to cats?
Whisker fatigue is a condition in which cats become overstimulated by their whiskers. It occurs when a cat’s sensitive whiskers are constantly stimulated, such as from being brushed against or rubbed or even when they rub up against hard surfaces. This can cause distress and discomfort to the cat as the constant stimulation can be overwhelming for them.
WHY TRUST US
Since 2008, Cattime has served as a leading resource for millions of cat owners and pet lovers alike. Our goal is to give every cat and pet a happy, healthy home by providing owners with all information they need to be the best pet parents possible. Our experts share their insights and recommendations to make caring for your beloved pet a breeze.