Food and water bowls

The right location for food and water bowls contributes to your cat's comfort and well-being. Cats are naturally picky eaters and prefer to drink in a place where they feel safe. By thoughtfully considering where you place the food and water bowls, you create a pleasant dining environment and encourage your cat to drink enough.

1. Choose a quiet place to eat

Place the food bowl in a quiet spot where your cat is not constantly disturbed by people walking by, noise, or other pets. Avoid busy hallways and ensure your cat has plenty of space while eating. A fixed eating spot also provides structure to their daily routine.

2. Place the water bowl in a separate area

Some cats prefer not to drink right next to their food bowl. You can therefore try placing the water bowl in a different spot in the house, for example in the living room or in a quiet area your cat frequents. By offering fresh water in multiple locations, you make drinking more accessible.

3. Keep sufficient distance from the litter box

Do not place the food and water bowls next to the litter box. Cats like a clear separation between their eating area, drinking area, and toilet. Therefore, choose separate, quiet locations for these different activities.

4. Choose a suitable surface and bowl

A stable food bowl on an easy-to-clean surface prevents sliding and makes it simpler to keep the dining area hygienic. A wide, shallow bowl offers your cat enough space to eat comfortably. Refresh the drinking water daily and clean the water bowl regularly.

5. Provide multiple eating and drinking spots for multiple cats

Do you have several cats? It is important that each cat can eat and drink peacefully without having to compete. Provide enough separate feeding stations and multiple drinking points spread throughout the house. This allows each cat to choose where they feel most comfortable.

1. Use a slow-feeder bowl
A slow-feeder bowl for dogs or cats contains raised patterns or obstacles, making it more difficult for your pet to access their food. As a result, meals usually take longer, giving your pet more time to eat.

2. Divide the meal into smaller portions
Instead of one large meal, you can divide the daily food ration into several smaller portions. This way, your pet does not have to consume large amounts at once. Be sure to keep the total daily nutritional requirements in mind.

3. Turn eating into a search game
With a food puzzle or feeder toy, your dog or cat has to think and put in effort to get their kibble. This slows down their eating while simultaneously providing mental stimulation. Choose a difficulty level that suits your pet's experience and personality.

4. Ensure peace during mealtimes
Do you have multiple dogs or cats? It is best to give them separate feeding areas. This prevents them from feeling like they have to compete with one another. A calm environment can help make mealtimes more pleasant.

1. How often should you clean the food bowl?
It is best to clean the food bowl after every meal. Especially with wet food, food residues can quickly remain and spoil. Do not just rinse the bowl, but wash it with warm water and dish soap, or clean it in the dishwasher if the material is suitable for it.

2. Do you feed dry kibble?
Even then, daily cleaning is recommended, as saliva, fat residues, and food particles can accumulate on the bowl.

3. How often should you clean the water bowl?
Clean the water bowl daily and refresh the water at least once a day. In warm weather, or if there is visible dirt or slimy residue, more frequent cleaning is necessary. Rinse the bowl well and refill it with fresh drinking water.

4. Do you use a water fountain for your cat?
Then also clean the parts that water flows through. Do not forget to clean or replace the pump and filter according to the recommended frequency.