FAQ: Bowls & Feeders for cats

The feeder reads the cat’s implanted microchip or a collar tag and opens its lid only for a registered cat. It helps when cats eat different foods, such as a veterinary or diet food, or one steals the other’s meals.

Many microchip feeders work with both dry and wet food, since the lid covers the bowl and reduces smells and drying out. Still, do not leave wet food out for more than a few hours, as it spoils.

At first leave the lid permanently open so the cat gets used to eating from the new feeder, then gradually turn on the sound and lid movement. Most cats get used to it within a few days or weeks.

A shared water bowl for a dog and a cat is usually harmless if it is clean and the water is changed often. But a dog dirties water faster with saliva and food bits, so the cat should also have its own separate water spot.

Put the cat’s bowl up high, such as on a windowsill or cabinet the dog cannot jump onto, or in a room behind a gate or cat flap. A microchip feeder or feeding at set times and removing leftovers also helps.

A cat can eat on the floor or on a raised surface as long as it is quiet and it feels safe. Many cats like eating higher up, away from dogs or children, but older cats may find jumping up difficult.

A slow feeder has bumps or a maze, so the cat picks up food bit by bit and eats more slowly. It helps cats that gulp their food and then bring it back up, can help with weight control and reduces boredom.

The cat finishes its portion in moments, swallows without chewing and soon after eating brings up undigested kibble. A slow feeder, smaller and more frequent portions or food puzzles can help such a cat.

For wet food, shallow slow feeders or lick mats with shallow grooves to spread the food into work better. Deep mazes filled with wet food are hard to wash and can be too difficult for a cat.

It is a toy or container from which the cat has to get its food out with its paw by rolling, pushing or pulling bits through openings. Such feeders stimulate the mind, keep an indoor cat busy, slow down eating and mimic hunting.

Start at the easiest level and add favourite treats so the cat succeeds quickly. Leave the usual bowl nearby at first and make the puzzle harder gradually once the cat understands how it works.

For some cats a bowl that is too complicated is stressful. Try a simpler model with fewer obstacles, put part of the food in a regular bowl and check that the cat finishes its whole portion; a cat should not go hungry.

A lick mat is a silicone surface with grooves on which pâté or wet food is spread. Licking calms a cat, slows down eating and can help during brushing, claw trimming or baths.

Wash them straight after use with warm water and detergent, using a brush for the grooves. Many silicone and plastic models are dishwasher safe, as the manufacturer’s instructions state; dry them well so no moisture is left.

Yes, part or even all of the dry food can be given through puzzles as long as the cat easily eats the whole portion. It matters that the cat does not get frustrated and that the amount matches the daily ration; wet food is still easier in a bowl.

A rolling ball with holes that kibble falls out of encourages movement and hunting. It is especially useful for indoor cats that move little or tend to gain weight; count the kibble in the daily ration.

A slow feeder does not reduce weight by itself, but it can help a cat feel fuller and beg less for extra food. Precise portions matter most for weight, so weighing food on kitchen scales is useful.

Sometimes a cat chews plants or objects out of boredom or because it is not getting enough food. Puzzle feeders and cat grass help keep a cat busy, but if it eats non-food items, talk to a vet.

The most accurate way is to weigh food on kitchen scales using the daily amount on the pack for the cat’s weight. Measuring cups are handy, but kibble sizes differ between foods, so the same cup does not necessarily weigh the same.

Cat fountains come with a waterfall, a bubbling flower-shaped top, a gentle stream or a calm flowing surface. They are made of plastic, ceramic or stainless steel and can be corded, battery-powered or motion-activated.