How to Buy a Fancy Food Dish for a Cat

Make mealtime fun for your cat by selecting a fancy bowl with real pizzazz. With so many options to choose from today, you are sure to find a design that you and your pet will both enjoy.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cat Dishes
• Cat Foods
• Cat Placemats

1. Look at the wide range of materials of which bowls are made. They are typically plastic, ceramic, stainless steel or stoneware.

2. Remember that bowls come in all colors, shapes and sizes. Select one that appeals to your taste and personality. For instance, you might find one in the shape of a mouse, or with paw prints all over it.

3. Make sure the bowl you select is dishwasher-safe.

4. Check to be sure a ceramic bowl meets FDA guidelines so your cat won't ingest unsafe levels of lead.

5. Decide if you want to purchase two separate bowls - one for food and one for water - or if you would prefer to get a set that is connected.

6. Look for a sturdy dish that won't be easily knocked over and broken if your cat is very playful.

7. Realize that a no-skid bowl is another important option for keeping the bowl in place for a frisky eater.

8. Look for a cork bottom if you are worried about protecting your floor.

9. Understand that most standard bowls cost less than $10.

10. Consider purchasing a more expensive thermal or heated bowl which is designed to keep your cat's water from freezing in the winter if you leave it outdoors. This costs between $30 and $40.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a cat food scoop to avoid spilling food as you transfer it from the bag to the dish.
• Look at the variety of cat feeders that exist if you plan to go away for a few days. These dispense food to your cat automatically.

on 6/30/2006 Cats can become allergic to plastic food bowls - even if they have been using them for some time. My cat developed a lump on it's bottom lip and the veterinarian recommended that I switch to metal or ceramic bowls. The lump hasn't come back since the switch was made.

on 11/22/2005 Buy a glass or ceramic bowl. Plastic bowls can cause feline acne. My cat had it and since I switched to ceramic, it has not come back.

on 11/22/2005 My advice is concerning ceramic bowls. These make great food and water bowls if you intend to clean them frequently. However, I do not recommend them as water bowls if you are not going to clean them at least every other day. Some water will cause a slimy film to form on the bottom and sides of ceramic bowls. This, I would imagine, is not healthy for a cat.

on 11/22/2005 Use a small, round fish bowl (like one for a Beta fish). Put a couple of colorful, plastic plants with gravel in the bottom. It is really cute and your pet will never run out of water. Be sure to change once a week.

on 11/22/2005 Save your money. Don't get a fancy dish or two. Instead buy some intriguing cat toys that will stimulate and amuse your kitty.