Your cat is a born hunter and her feeding experience should reflect that.
While what you feed your cat is more important than what you feed it, the way your cat’s meals are presented makes all the difference. it’s worth considering your cat’s evolutionary instincts and natural behaviors when deciding how to feed her.
it matters how often you feed your cat, where you feed it, and the container you use to serve it.
The best cat feeder is one that makes your cat’s eating experience more enjoyable, and might also make your life a little easier. in this article, you’ll learn what to look for in a great cat feeder.
Let’s take a quick look at our top picks for the best cat feeders, and then explore why we chose them.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for the Best Cat Feeders
We highly recommend looking at the comparative table below, where we highlight the characteristics of each product. you will also find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
top picks explained
4 qualities of the best cat feeders
1. the best cat feeders are made of hygienic materials
Your cat will eat all her meals from this bowl, so it’s important to consider the materials carefully. the correct material keeps your cat safe and is easy to clean, while the wrong material could harbor bacteria and other pathogens that could make your cat sick.
The best materials for cat feeders are stainless steel, ceramic, and glass. these materials are non-porous so won’t trap bacteria and are generally dishwasher safe.
Avoid plastic cat bowls. they scratch easily, creating an environment in which bacteria can grow. biofilm that builds up on the surface can also contribute to chin acne in cats.
2. the best cat feeders are shallow and wide to prevent whisker fatigue
When shopping for cat feeders, many cat owners look for bowls that don’t take up a lot of floor space. this usually means something small, narrow, and deep. The problem is that this design forces your cat to put his face in the bowl to reach the food. As you can imagine, it’s not very comfortable for your cat, but it can also contribute to another problem: whisker fatigue.
Whisker fatigue is the idea that eating from a small, narrow dish causes your cat’s whiskers to come into contact with the sides of the dish when eating. Your cat’s whiskers are incredibly sensitive, which is why some experts suggest it causes overstimulation.
Repeated problems with overstimulation can stop your cat from eating out of that type of bowl; this is a theory behind why some cats become picky eaters.
While there’s no scientific evidence to support the existence of mustache fatigue, the theory does have some basis. dr. pete wedderburn, dvm, suggests that your cat’s comfort is worth considering when choosing a cat feeder. he recommends watching your cat’s eating habits, and if he seems averse to narrow, high-sided bowls, you may want to choose something else.
3. the best cat feeders have a non-slip bottom
You should not only consider your cat’s comfort when choosing a cat feeder, but also the eating experience. Wouldn’t it be maddening if your plate kept sliding across the table while you were trying to eat? that is the advantage of choosing a cat feeder with a non-slip bottom.
Something as simple as a rubber base or even a few sticky rubber feet can keep a cat feeder in place. this keeps your cat from having to chase you around the room and can make mealtime a little less messy.
4. the best cat feeders are designed to meet the specific needs of your cat
after considering essential factors such as materials, shape, and size, you may want to consider additional factors. If your cat is getting older and suffering from arthritis, a slightly elevated cat bowl may be more comfortable for her.
Cats that tend to gobble up their food (and then vomit it up) may benefit from a slow-feeding cat feeder. These bowls are designed to slow down the eating process by dividing food into small sections or making your cat work a little harder to access it. slow feeder bowls are also great for giving your cat some extra mental stimulation.
also read: the 6 best anti-vomit feeders for cats
Lastly, consider an automatic feeder if you want to control your cat’s portion sizes and keep her on a regular feeding schedule. They are also great for short absences from home.
our top picks for the best cat feeders
Now that you have a better understanding of how we arrived at our top picks, you’re probably looking forward to seeing them!
here are our top 8 picks for the best cat feeders:
The right cat feeder can make your cat’s meal times more convenient while also making cleanup a little easier for you. If you have a favorite cat feeder, please let us know in the comments below or let us know what you think after trying one of our recommended cat feeders.
