Is an Elevated Cat Bowl a Good Idea?

Getting a new cat is an exciting time for both you and your pet. If you’re in the process of buying items for your cat and have noticed raised or elevated cat food bowls being advertised, you may be wondering if these raised bowls are a good idea or not.

It’s up to you whether you provide your cat with a regular food bowl or an elevated bowl, as your cat won’t mind either way. However, if you just can’t make up your mind, we’ll help you decide which one to choose based on a few factors.

What Is an Elevated Cat Bowl?

While a regular cat food bowl sits flat on the floor, an elevated bowl is designed to be up and off the ground in an elevated manner. This type of food bowl is designed to make it more comfortable for cats to eat without having to bend over too far to reach the food.

Let Your Cat Decide!

The companies that are manufacturing elevated cat bowls claim that raised bowls are more comfortable for cats to use and that they help with digestion. However, as of this writing, there are no scientific studies out there stating that elevated bowls are more comfortable for cats, nor that they can help cats digest food better.

The only way to determine if your cat would prefer using an elevated bowl is to offer him one along with his regular bowl. You can make an elevated bowl for this test by simply adhering a food dish on top of a small upside-down flower pot.

Once you’ve made the makeshift elevated bowl, put your cat’s favorite cat food in both bowls and watch to see which bowl your cat prefers using. Then, the problem will be solved! If your cat enjoys eating his meals from the elevated bowl, shop for a raised bowl either online or at your local pet store.

Tips for Picking a Good Cat Bowl

Once you’ve discovered whether your cat prefers an elevated or non-elevated bowl, it’s time to shop for one. As you probably know, there are lots of food dishes out there and they come in many sizes, shapes, colors, and designs.

When choosing a cat bowl, steer clear of plastic bowls. Many studies have found that chemicals in plastic can seep out and get into the food and beverages we consume, and the same goes for cats! So, skip the plastic bowls when you’re shopping and stick to bowls made of ceramic or stainless steel.

A quality cat food bowl won’t slide all over the floor as your cat is trying to eat every last morsel of food. That’s why you should get a food bowl with a non-slip bottom.

It’s equally important to get a cat food bowl that doesn’t scrunch your kitty’s whiskers, so your cat is comfortable while eating. Your cat’s whiskers are ultra-sensitive and designed to help them judge distance and space. If you were to use a bowl that’s too small, your cat may refuse to finish all his food due to his whiskers rubbing against the sides of the bowl.

When an Elevated Cat Bowl May Be a Good Idea

Sometimes, an elevated cat bowl is best. For example, if your cat is aging and has mobility issues or joint problems like arthritis that makes it uncomfortable for him to bend down, an elevated bowl would be ideal.

An elevated bowl may also be a good idea for a cat with long legs, like an Oriental Shorthair or an Abyssinian. This way, the cat won’t have to crouch over to eat which will make mealtimes more comfortable.

Elevated cat bowls come in various sizes from small to extra large. If you decide to get one, be sure the bowl is the right height for your cat based on his size.

Conclusion

An elevated cat bowl is a good idea if your cat has mobility issues or if he has especially long legs. Otherwise, it’s up to you to decide what kind of cat bowl to use. Just steer clear of plastic bowls that can leak harmful chemicals and choose a bowl made of ceramic or stainless steel.

Featured Image Credit: Kudryashova Vera, Shutterstock