We’re always seeking new ways to make life healthier and more comfortable for our cats!
One trending product that many cat parents are considering is the raised cat bowl. But what are the benefits? Are they worth switching to?
Let's explore why raised cat bowls may be a great addition for your cats...
1. Reduce Neck and Joint Strain
When cats eat at floor level, they crouch down or hunch over. While eating off the ground is common for cats in the wild, indoor cats have longer life expectancies. As our cats age, it's important to think about their daily comforts. A bowl that brings food and water closer to their mouth eliminates the need to bend over for minutes at a time, multiple times throughout the day, making it easier on our older cats.
Raised stands can especially help cats who are:
- Large
- Senior
- Suffering from mobility challenges, such as arthritis
- Recovering from surgery, injury, or wearing Elizabethan collars
However, cats of any age can benefit from reaching food and water more easily. Eating and drinking from a raised bowl alleviates strain to their neck, back, and joints. It can also ease muscle tension and reduce stiffness.
Eating from a raised cat bowl can be more enjoyable and comfortable!
2. Improve Digestion + Reduce Vomiting
When cats eat at floor level, their body is hunched over, which can make it harder for food to move smoothly down the throat into the stomach.
Raised cat bowls allow cats to eat from a more upright position, allowing cats to chew and digest more easily. This is especially helpful for cats with sensitive tummies or cats that eat very quickly.
Cats that are prone to “scarf and barf” have been observed to vomit less frequently when eating from raised feeders.
3. Increase Water Intake
Just like with food, the height at which cats drink water can affect their comfort.
Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water, so making hydration easy and appealing is crucial for their overall health.
Raised water bowls can make it more comfortable for your cats to drink, encouraging better hydration, which is vital for preventing kidney issues and supporting urinary tract health.
Many cat parents have noticed that their cats drink more water when using raised cat bowls.
4. Prevent Whisker Fatigue
Cats have highly sensitive whiskers that they use to navigate their environment. Too much stimulation can lead to whisker fatigue, a veterinary term used to describe sensory overload.
If a cat bowl is too deep, cats’ whiskers may repeatedly rub against the bowl’s sides while eating or drinking, causing whisker fatigue. This can create stress and discomfort, which may result in cats not eating or drinking enough.
This raised cat bowl prevents whisker fatigue. Its wide, shallow sides allow cats' whiskers to remain above the bowl while eating or drinking.
5. Improve Cleanliness
- Prevent Bowls from Being Knocked Over: For cats prone to tipping over their food or water bowls, a raised bowl can eliminate spills or splashes. A stand that securely holds the bowl plus has a heavy, broad base will prevent your cats from knocking over their food or water.
- Keep Ants Out of Cat Food: Raised cat bowls are also effective at keeping ants out of cat food during summer months and in warm climates. Since ants typically travel along the ground to reach food, a raised bowl reduces the likelihood of ants finding a direct path to the cat bowl.
Should You Switch to Raised Cat Bowls?
While raised cat bowls offer multiple benefits, every cat has unique preferences! As your cats get older or if you notice any mobility issues, digestive sensitivities, reduced water intake, or signs of whisker fatigue, raised bowls could improve their eating and drinking experiences.
For younger cats, raised bowls may not be medically necessary, but could still offer benefits in terms of comfort.
There is no harm in raising your cats' bowls, and your cats are likely to benefit!
Top Pick: Americat Company Raised Cat Bowl
These are the reasons why the Americat Company raised cat bowl is our favorite:
- Made in the USA from U.S. stainless steel
- Stainless steel is more sanitary than plastic or ceramic feeders
- Wide, shallow design prevents whisker fatigue
- Sturdy, tip-proof base
Here are some testimonials about Americat Company raised cat bowls:
“Just got 2 elevated cat bowls with stands for my 18 lb very senior Maine Coon. I have never been so impressed with the quality of the stainless steel used for them! I 've been a cat owner for over 5 decades and had every kind of bowl there was and NEVER had the quality of these incredible high grade stainless bowls. Before I'd gotten the ones that were shiny - made in China that come with stickers on them that say - not for human use and not to use outside etc etc. I especially wanted the stands to help with keeping my big guy more comfortable and also having an easier deterrent for any passing ants.
Thank You for producing such a wonderful product.” – Kim H.
“After purchasing countless bowls over the years, the quest for the perfect cat bowl has finally ended. These bowls are heavy and stable, easy to clean and their size and form prevent whisker fatigue. Since purchasing these bowls there have been no vomiting incidents at dinner time (knock on wood). These bowls have proven to be worth the investment. I highly recommend.” – Julie B.
“My cat hurt her back and was on pain meds. I ordered the stand to go with the Americat bowl she already prefers for her water. The stand made it easier to drink water that she needed to help her recovery. Now that she's doing well, the bowl on the stand is her favorite water source!” – Jean H.
Read more product reviews and shop Americat Company raised cat bowls here.
About Us: Americat Company is where love for cats meets American craftsmanship. Founded in 2016, we are a cat-loving, woman-owned, small business. We make cat products in the USA from safe, durable, U.S. materials. Shop all our made in the USA cat products here.
