We all know how picky cats can be when it comes to food. It's impossible to keep track of how many times your cat turned around and walked away from their food bowl, either because she wasn't hungry or because something irritated her.
It's not only about what we put in their bowls when it comes to feeding our pets correctly -- it's also about how we place their bowls.
When the cat eats at ground level, her stomach is crunched and pressed, causing her a lot of discomfort.
Elevated cat feeders have health benefits have been acknowledged by many veterinarians and cat experts. Here a few of the main pros and cons!
PROS
1. It makes it easier for dogs and cats to eat and drink.
A lot of cats strain their necks when feeding or drinking from a bowl on the floor, which can be painful and even dangerous. This is especially true in older cats.
Elevated feeders are often recommended for:
- Stiff muscles or achy joints, particularly in dogs and cats with shoulder or back issues, such as intervertebral disc disease.
- Mobility limits after surgery
- Senior cats
- Cats with flat faces!
Because of the added height, your cat won't have to strain to reach their food, making mealtime more fun for them.
2. It encourages hygiene and cleanliness
Cats can't kick their bowls around or sit in them since they're snugly secured on the platform. Reduced spillage means less moisture gets under the dishes, which means less places for mould and bacteria to accumulate and develop.
Elevated food bowls on the other hand, do not roll across the floor while your pet is trying to eat. Keeping the bowl elevated in a fixed location can help to discourage pets from moving their bowls around while they're feeding.
It also helps to avoid dirt, hair, and dust particles from getting into your pet's food and water because of the extra height. Of course, you must change the water on a regular basis, but the higher elevation can help to keep it cleaner during the day.
3. It helps cats who have difficulty swallowing or digesting food.
Elevated bowls can be particularly beneficial for dogs and cats suffering from megaesophagus. This is a disorder in which the oesophagus is swollen, resulting in weak and flaccid muscles.
The oesophagus is unable to safely convey food to the stomach through muscular contractions. As a result, an elevated bowl would allow your pet to swallow the food using gravity to get it to their stomach.
It also helps prevent vomiting and acid reflux as gravity helps keep the food down and prevent the phenomenon known as "shovel-eating".
CONS
Designed specifically with cats in minds, there really isn't any health downside to using an elevated feeder for cats. The main downside to consider is cost. They tend to cost $10 to $15 more than a regular ground level feeder.
Of course, if you compare this to the cost of cat food and vet visits, this will pay itself back ten-fold in health benefits and comfort for your cat!
Ready to get your elevated feeder?
Our PurrBowls are designed to provide your cat the maximum comfort while feeding. They're also suuuuper cute.