If you’re a caring cat owner, you probably think about ways you can make your furry friend more comfortable. One question that often comes up is: should I elevate my cat’s food bowl?
Raising your cat’s bowl a few inches off the floor can provide a number of potential health and comfort benefits. However, it’s not necessarily right for every cat and situation.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover:
- The pros and cons of elevated cat bowls
- Ideal bowl heights for cats
- Tips for choosing and using raised bowls
- Whether to elevate both food and water
- Transitioning your cat to an elevated bowl
- Cats who may benefit from raised bowls
Plus we’ll answer common questions cat owners have about elevating their cat’s dining experience. Read on to learn all you need to know to make an informed decision for your feline!
Pros of Elevated Cat Bowls
Here are some of the main advantages and benefits of feeding your cat from a raised bowl:
1. Prevent Neck and Back Pain
Cats have to bend down to reach food and water bowls placed directly on the floor. This can put strain on their neck and back muscles over time, especially in older cats or those with arthritis.
Elevated bowls allow cats to eat and drink in a more natural upright position. With their bowl raised 4-6 inches, they don’t have to crane their necks down as far to eat. This reduced bending and stooping helps take pressure off their spine and joints.
2. Reduce Vomiting and Regurgitation
Some veterinarians believe elevated food bowls can aid digestion in cats prone to vomiting. When cats eat with their necks bent all the way down, food has to go against gravity to reach the stomach.
Raising bowls to chest height allows gravity to help move food more easily from mouth to stomach. This puts less pressure on the esophageal muscles and may decrease vomiting or regurgitation after meals.
3. Prevent Choking and Aerophagia
Aerophagia means excessive swallowing of air while eating. It occurs when cats eat fast from bowls close to the floor. This hurried gulping down of food and air can lead to indigestion, abdominal pain, and excessive gas.
Elevated bowls promote slower, more natural eating with less air swallowed. The improved head and neck alignment also helps prevent choking on food. Gravity aids swallowing, with less chance of aspiration into the airways.
4. Ease Joint Pain and Arthritis
Senior cats and those with osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint issues can benefit from raised food bowls. Bending all the way down to floor level to eat and drink can worsen joint aches and pains.
Elevating bowls lets aging or arthritic cats feed themselves without having to struggle with uncomfortable positions. Take pressure off sore joints by bringing the food to them at an ideal height.
5. Convenience for Owners
Raising your cat’s food station also makes mealtimes easier on you. You won’t have to bend over as far to fill, clean, or move their bowls. Elevated bowls bring everything up to a more comfortable level for humans.
Some raised bowls or stands even have built-in storage for holding food bags, medicines, or cat bowls when not in use. This keeps your cat’s dining essentials organized in one place for easy access.
Cons of Elevated Cat Bowls
Elevated bowls have some potential downsides to consider as well:
1. Risk of Bloat in Some Cats
While raised bowls may help certain issues like vomiting, they are controversial due to a possible link with bloat risk. Some studies have associated elevated dog bowls with increased risk of gastric dilation volvulus (GDV) – a life-threatening twisting of the stomach.
The evidence is less clear for cats, but some vets recommend keeping bowls low for cats prone to gulping food or with a deep, barrel-shaped chest. These body types may be predisposed to bloat and raised bowls could make it worse.
2. Possible Association with Feline Megaesophagus
Megaesophagus is a disorder where cats have decreased motility in their esophagus. Food has trouble moving from mouth to stomach. Some research indicates raised bowls may worsen this condition, possibly by further slowing esophageal transport.
However, the evidence is not yet conclusive. Some studies show no link between raised bowls and megaesophagus. More research is needed, but it’s something to be aware of if your cat already struggles with this issue.
3. Not Ideal for Whisker Stress
Cats use their whiskers as touch sensors to judge distances and avoid collisions. When bowls are too high, a cat’s whiskers can brush the sides as they eat. This causes stress and discomfort, deterring kitty from eating.
Avoid whisker stress by keeping bowls low enough that your cat’s whiskers clear the edges. Or choose a wide, shallow bowl style their face can fit into without whisker interference.
4. Risk of Tip-Over
Lightweight bowls elevated on a stand can potentially be tipped over by rambunctious cats, dogs, or kids. Spilled food and water can be a messy nuisance you’ll want to avoid.
Opt for wide, stable stands and heavy, non-tip bowls. Place them against a wall for added security. Supervise pets and kids around raised bowls until you’re sure your setup is sturdy.
5. Added Cost
Purchasing special raised bowl stands and cat dishes does come with increased costs for cat owners. Not everyone has the budget for this accessory. Simple DIY risers like small crates or boxes can be an affordable alternative.
As with any pet product, shop around and buy only what your budget comfortably allows. An elevated bowl is not mandatory, but more of an optional convenience if you think it could benefit your cat.
What is the Ideal Height to Elevate a Cat Bowl?
The optimal height for your cat’s elevated food bowl will depend on their size and build. But in most cases, you’ll want the rim to be around 4-6 inches off the floor.
Here are some general height guidelines based on your cat’s size when seated:
- Small cats under 8 lbs: Bowl rim 2-4 inches from the floor.
- Medium cats 8-12 lbs: Bowl rim 3-5 inches from the floor.
- Large cats over 12 lbs: Bowl rim 4-6 inches from the floor.
Measure from the floor to your cat’s lower chest or sternum. This is where you want the lip of the bowl to reach. It should allow them to eat comfortably without excessive bending or stretching up.
Keep in mind that older, arthritic cats may need bowls on the higher end of the range. While kittens and cats vulnerable to bloat should stay at the lower end. Adjust up or down as needed based on your individual cat.
Tips for Choosing the Best Elevated Bowls
Here are some top tips for selecting optimal raised bowl setups for your cat:
- Get sturdy, stable stands. Plastic, steel, or ceramic work well. Make sure they have a wide, heavy base that’s hard to tip over.
- Use non-slip surfaces. Choose stands with grippy, rubberized feet and bottoms to prevent sliding. Or place a non-slip mat underneath.
- Separate food and water. Use two different stands at appropriate heights tailored to each bowl’s use.
- Pick wide, shallow dishes if your cat has long whiskers. The low sides let them eat comfortably without brushing whiskers.
- Select microchip-safe materials if your cat is microchipped. Ceramic, glass, and stainless steel won’t interfere with microchip signals.
- Include storage space. Some stands feature built-in compartments to hold food bags, medicines, or extra bowls. This keeps your cat’s dining essentials neatly in one spot.
- Elevate plastic and ceramic bowls. Stainless steel can be left on the floor since it’s less conductive of temperature extremes.
- Avoid lightweight bowls that are easily tipped over. Heavy ceramic, stoneware, or stainless steel are sturdier options.
With some smart shopping considerations, you can find the perfect raised bowl setup to suit your cat’s needs and personality!
Should You Elevate Both Food and Water Bowls?
Yes, it’s ideal to elevate both your cat’s food and water bowls. The same health benefits of a raised food bowl often apply to their drinking water as well.
Here are some reasons elevating your cat’s water bowl is recommended:
- Prevents neck strain from bending down.
- Helps gravity move water into the esophagus when swallowing.
- Lessens risks of choking on water or inhaling it into lungs.
- Easier access for senior cats or those with mobility issues.
- More hygienic than leaving water bowls on the floor where dirt and debris collect.
Raise water to the same chest-height level as food. Place it on a separate stand a few feet away from the food. This prevents the bowls from getting in each other’s way. It also reminds your cat to take hydration breaks between eating.
Some cats won’t drink enough water if it’s too close to food. Separate elevated stands help promote proper hydration by keeping food and water at a distance.
How to Transition Your Cat to an Elevated Bowl
Suddenly elevating your cat’s bowls could be an abrupt change they resist or feel stressed by. That’s why a gradual transition is best. Here are some tips for switching your cat to raised bowl use:
- Start by elevating bowls just an inch or two higher off the floor and observe your cat’s reaction.
- Over the course of 2-4 weeks, continue raising the bowls in 1-2 inch increments until you reach the ideal 4-6 inch height.
- If your cat seems to dislike or avoid the raised bowls, slow down the transition and pause at lower heights they appear more comfortable with.
- You can use DIY risers like wood blocks, stacks of books, small crates, or sturdy boxes to gradually raise bowls higher.
- Make sure raised bowls are very stable and cannot easily be tipped over before leaving your cat unsupervised with them.
- Try different bowl heights and types until you find a setup your cat takes to readily. Be willing to make adjustments.
- Reward and praise your cat for using raised bowls to reinforce the change. Consider feeding them exclusively from the elevated bowls.
With some patience, the incremental transition should allow your cat to adapt. But work at their pace and don’t force an elevation height they seem uncomfortable with.
Which Cats Benefit Most from Elevated Bowls?
While every cat is unique, some circumstances and health conditions in particular may make a cat a good candidate for elevated food and water bowls:
- Elderly cats over 7+ years old who need arthritis relief.
- Cats with joint problems like hip dysplasia or osteoarthritis.
- Siamese, Persian, and flat-faced cat breeds prone to joint issues.
- Mealtime “horkers” and frequent vomiters – elevating may aid their digestion.
- Fast eaters who often choke or suffer indigestion.
- Those with tender neck areas who don’t like bending down.
- Cats who’ve had past neck or back injuries that cause discomfort leaning over bowls.
- Handicapped or disabled cats who struggle to stand or have limited mobility.
- Obese or overweight cats who have trouble getting into low floor bowls.
Work with your veterinarian to decide if raising your cat’s dishes could help provide relief or quality of life improvements relevant to their health status and needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Elevated Cat Bowls
Here are answers to some common questions cat owners have about transitioning their pet to raised food and water bowls:
How high should the stand be for my cat’s bowls?
The ideal height is around 4-6 inches off the floor, with the bowl rim roughly even with your cat’s lower chest when standing. Adjust up or down a few inches as needed to suit your cat.
What’s the best material for elevated cat bowl stands?
Sturdy, stable materials like hard plastic, stainless steel, or ceramic work well. Make sure the base is wide and heavy enough not to easily tip over.
Can elevated bowls cause bloat in cats?
The evidence is unclear, but some vets recommend cats prone to gulping food not use raised bowls due to a potential (but unproven) bloat risk.
Should I elevate stainless steel bowls?
You can leave stainless steel bowls on the floor since the material doesn’t conduct temperature extremes as much. But for consistency, it’s fine to elevate stainless steel too.
Is it better for my cat to have separate stands for food and water?
Yes, separate bowl stands placed a few feet apart are ideal. This encourages proper hydration between meals. Different heights can also accommodate each bowl’s function.
How do I get my cat to use an elevated bowl?
Gradually transition to raised bowls over 2-4 weeks. If your cat resists, go slower or try lower heights. Ensure the bowls are stable and reward your cat for using them.
Can I make my own DIY elevated cat bowls?
Yes! Use boxes, sturdy crates, wood blocks, stacked books, or other stable items to riser bowls a few inches off the floor. Monitor for tipping risk.
The Conclusion on Elevated Cat Bowls
Raising your cat’s food and water bowls off the floor provides a range of potential benefits – from reducing joint strain and preventing nausea to making mealtimes more comfortable. For senior cats or those with medical conditions, elevated bowls can drastically improve their eating experience.
However, elevated bowls don’t suit all cats. You’ll want to consider any predisposition to bloat, whisker sensitivity, or mobility limitations before raising bowls up high. Work gradually to transition your cat and find heights they accept. Patience and supervision are key.
While not mandatory, elevated bowls are an accessible way to support your cat’s health and happiness at mealtime. With the right bowl heights suited to your individual cat, raised food stations can optimize comfort and digestion for a better dining experience.
Try the tips in this article to determine if and how to elevate your cat’s bowls. Pay attention to their signals and make adjustments as needed. With the proper intro process and setup, elevated bowls can provide benefits for both you and your precious feline!
