There are as many different types of water bowls available for cats as there are, well, cats. Plastic, metal, china. Round, square, oval. Deep or shallow? Automatic refill or water fountain? So many choices for what is a cat essential.
Composition:
There are three choices when it comes to the material a water bowl is made of. Plastic, metal or china. Each one has its own advantages and disadvantages
Plastic bowls:
Plastic is cheap and cheerful. Plastic bowls come in many colours, shapes, and sizes but have a couple of problems. Some cats may be allergic to the plastic and develop blackheads on the chins. Cats with big ruffs like Persians and Maine Coons can rub their coat against the plastic and become matted or break off the coat that point. Plastic bowls can also develop hairline cracks that allow germs to breed if not cleaned properly.
Ceramic, china, glass bowls:
Ceramic, china and glass bowls are always a popular choice. They can range from a dollar at the local reject shop up to hundreds of dollars for a large, personalised bowl for your cat. If you have a cat that likes to “fish” in their water bowl, make sure you buy a heavy based bowl that cannot be tipped over. It won’t stop them splashing the water everywhere, but it will stop them creating their own pond on the kitchen floor. If you are buying a ceramic bowl, make sure the glaze used to waterproof it is lead-free.
Stainless steel bowls:
Stainless steel bowls tend to keep water cooler than the other choices, but it is hard to find a heavyweight bowl that can’t be tipped over. Some stainless steel bowls come with nonslip rubber rings on the bottom, but this rubber can perish over time. Beware of steel bowls which can rust quickly, especially if out in a run. Stainless steel is a good choice for long coated breeds as it won’t break the coat.
Depth
How deep your cat’s bowl is depending on a number of things. How many cats are sharing the bowl, and if any of them play with the water and are likely to empty the bowl while you’re away or at work. It’s always good to have two water bowls full at all times, and if you are a multi-cat household, four or five in different locations will ensure all cats can have a drink when required. Remember, however, that you will be lifting the bowls at least once if not twice a day, so don’t get something so heavy you end up with back problems.
Shape: Most bowls are round but you can find different shapes if you search hard enough. Some cats don’t like having their whiskers touch the side of a bowl, so look for rectangular bowls that will suit. For long coated breeds, consider using a spaniel bowl. These bowls are specifically designed to keep the long ears of spaniels out of their food and water bowls and work for cats by keeping their ruffs out of the bowls when they drink.
Bowls for nursing queens and young kittens
For nursing queens with baby kittens, it is best to start with hanging water bowls, the type used by bird breeders. This ensures that baby kittens can’t drown when they are first moving around. When the kittens are old enough to start drinking, a shallow bowl no deeper than five inches is suggested. As the kittens get older, you can increase the depth of the bowl.
Automatic water bowls and water fountains
There are various types of water fountains and automatic refill water bowls on the market now. All recirculate the water through a filter, usually charcoal, which supposedly keeps the water cleaner for the cat. These need to be sited near a power point, and you need to keep an eye on any cat that likes playing with electrical cords. The automatically refill type are best suited for outside cat runs that have a tap inside the run, or near it. Not all cats like the moving water of a fountain and you may find that your expensive water bowl is ignored for the traditional bowl.
Whatever type of bowl you choose, it must be cleaned and refilled at least once a day. You don’t drink dirty water and you should not expect your cat to do so. If you see a change in how much water your cat is drinking, a trip to the vet is advised to make sure everything is ok with your feline companion.
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