In this article
1. Keep Food and Water Separate
In the wild, cats rarely eat and drink in the same place because they instinctively avoid contaminating their water sources. The gut contents of a carcass can leak into nearby water, making it unsafe to drink. Many domestic cats still retain this instinct, so it’s best to place their water bowl or fountain at least a few feet away from their food dish.
2. Choose a Quiet, Low-Traffic Area
Cats dislike being startled while eating. Noisy spots or high-traffic areas, like a busy hallway, can make your feline friend anxious. It’s better to place your cat’s food and water in a calmer spot, like the kitchen or a quiet nook in the living room, where your cat feels secure but still part of the household.
3. Don’t Place Food or Water Next to the Litter Box
One of the most common mistakes when providing food and water to a cat is placing the bowls near the litter box. Just like people, cats naturally don’t like to eat or drink in their toilet area, so if you want to encourage your cat to eat or drink more, make sure to place the bowls in a different, cleaner spot.
4. Keep Bowls and Fountains Away from Walls and Corners
When a cat eats or drinks, they like to see their surroundings to stay alert to potential threats. If their bowl is pressed up against a wall or placed in a corner, they may feel trapped. Be sure to give your cat some space behind and around the bowl to sit at so they can comfortably watch the room while they eat.
5. Provide Running Water
Cats are often poor drinkers, so encouraging them to consume enough water is key to preventing urinary and kidney issues. Our feline friends instinctively avoid standing water for several reasons, the most important being that stagnant water can harbor viruses and bacteria, while running water is usually much cleaner. Providing your cat with a drinking fountain can make the water more appealing and encourage them to drink more often.
6. Bowl Shape and Material Matter
The perfect food bowl for cats should be made from stainless steel or ceramic, as these materials are durable, hygienic, and odor-free. Plastic bowls can absorb smells and scratch easily, which can harbor bacteria and deter your cat from eating or drinking.
In addition, cats strongly dislike their sensitive whiskers touching the sides of the bowl, so go with a bowl that’s relatively shallow. Avoid using dog bowls, as those are often too deep, even the ones made for small dogs.
Finally, an elevated bowl is a great choice for your feline friend, especially if they’re a little older or suffer from arthritis. If possible, look for a bowl that matches your cat’s size and posture.
