Cats are picky eaters and sometimes refuse to eat from a deep bowl. This can be due to a number of reasons, such as whisker stress, discomfort or instinctive behaviour. In this blog we discuss why cats prefer to eat from a shallow bowl and how to choose the right bowl for your cat.
Whisker Stress in Cats One of the most common reasons cats won’t eat from a deep bowl is whisker stress. A cat’s whiskers are extremely sensitive and act as sensors for their surroundings. When a cat eats from a deep or narrow bowl, their whiskers constantly touch the edges of the bowl. This can be uncomfortable or even painful, causing the cat to prefer to eat elsewhere or scoop their food out of the bowl.
Uncomfortable eating position In addition to whisker stress, a deep food bowl can also cause an uncomfortable eating position. If the bowl is too deep, the cat has to bend its head too far down, which is uncomfortable for some cats. Older cats or cats with joint problems can especially suffer from this. A shallow and wide food bowl ensures that the cat can reach the food more easily without bending its neck too much.
Instinctive Behavior In the wild, cats eat their food from a flat surface. A deep food bowl may feel unnatural and instinctively unsafe. Some cats will scoop the food out of the bowl and place it on the floor to eat it in a more natural way. This behavior is more common in cats that are sensitive to environmental changes.
Choosing the Right Food Bowl To ensure your cat eats comfortably, it’s important to choose the right food bowl. Here are a few things to consider:
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Width: Choose a food bowl that is wide enough so that the whiskers do not touch the edges.
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Shallowness: A shallow feeding bowl prevents the cat from having to bend its head too far down.
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Material: Stainless steel and ceramic feeding bowls are more hygienic and easier to clean than plastic bowls.
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Stability: A food bowl with a non-slip bottom prevents the bowl from sliding while eating.
Additional Tips for a Pleasant Eating Experience If your cat still has trouble eating from a bowl, try the following:
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Use a feeding mat or a low plate-shaped feeding bowl.
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Provide a quiet eating area without too many distractions.
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Do not place the water directly next to the food bowl, as some cats do not like this.
By considering your cat's eating habits and choosing the right food bowl, you can ensure your cat can eat comfortably and stress-free.
