Place Settings at Meal Times
Meal times for cats involve more than providing food—simple basics such as feeding locations to the type of dish are often overlooked. Here’re some dos and don’ts that may make your cat’s mealtime more enjoyable and your cat healthier.
Location
Kitchens, often the main host to feeding stations, produce activity that may be overwhelming for some, where others may thrive with all the commotion. If you find your cat disappearing when the activity picks up, then it might be time to find a quieter location. One of my cats recently began parking himself on the dining room table when I prepared to serve his meals. I finally realized the sounds from other preparations or cleaning unsettled him. If you prefer not having pawprints on your table or counter, make an area your cat can access easily, away from kitchen traffic. Be creative and don’t overlook higher surfaces, as long as your cat can jump comfortably.
Schedule
Cats are notorious for not liking change, but they can adapt. Nor will they starve to death if left without food while you are at work—medical conditions with standing. More than likely they will be most gracious for that fresh, raw food or high meat protein canned foods when you arrive home. Don’t even think about that bowl o’ kibble if your goal is optimum health. If you find you may be longer than 8-10 hours, consider an automatic feeder that uses a chill pack to keep those fragile foods fresh. (These can also be employed for late morning sleep-ins.) Remember too, that sometimes your cat’s not asking for food, they are asking for attention.
Group feeding or single place settings
In my experience cats required to eat from a common plate or bowl develop health and behavior issues—some cats over eat, others end up lacking. Frustration and anxiety brew due to natural feline hierarches in households. Avoid potential issues by offering individual feeding stations at appropriate distances—this may only be a few inches or separate rooms. Yes, this can take a little extra time initially, but may save you and your felines exponentially in the long run.
Dishes
Flat, wide saucers are my top recommendations—shallow enough whiskers don't touch the edges, yet with enough of a lip most of the food stays in the dish. Use glass and ceramic made for food use. Dishes made of plastic have been implicated in causing mouth and chin lesions. Metal, while practical, can build up static. I have also found cats will refuse some foods served in metal dishes, but eat up when served the same food in a ceramic dish. Above all, make sure they are easy to clean and the surfaces are free of abrasions or cracks.
Water
Water is the single most important nutrient for your cat. The same criteria apply to water dishes as feeding dishes with two exceptions: offer water in several locations in your home (take care to place away from areas you may trip on them) and change daily. Be sure to use filtered or spring water, as tap water can be problematic in some regions (that’s for another article!).
Meal times for cats involve more than providing food—simple basics such as feeding locations to the type of dish are often overlooked. Here’re some dos and don’ts that may make your cat’s mealtime more enjoyable and your cat healthier.
Location
Kitchens, often the main host to feeding stations, produce activity that may be overwhelming for some, where others may thrive with all the commotion. If you find your cat disappearing when the activity picks up, then it might be time to find a quieter location. One of my cats recently began parking himself on the dining room table when I prepared to serve his meals. I finally realized the sounds from other preparations or cleaning unsettled him. If you prefer not having pawprints on your table or counter, make an area your cat can access easily, away from kitchen traffic. Be creative and don’t overlook higher surfaces, as long as your cat can jump comfortably.
Schedule
Cats are notorious for not liking change, but they can adapt. Nor will they starve to death if left without food while you are at work—medical conditions with standing. More than likely they will be most gracious for that fresh, raw food or high meat protein canned foods when you arrive home. Don’t even think about that bowl o’ kibble if your goal is optimum health. If you find you may be longer than 8-10 hours, consider an automatic feeder that uses a chill pack to keep those fragile foods fresh. (These can also be employed for late morning sleep-ins.) Remember too, that sometimes your cat’s not asking for food, they are asking for attention.
Group feeding or single place settings
In my experience cats required to eat from a common plate or bowl develop health and behavior issues—some cats over eat, others end up lacking. Frustration and anxiety brew due to natural feline hierarches in households. Avoid potential issues by offering individual feeding stations at appropriate distances—this may only be a few inches or separate rooms. Yes, this can take a little extra time initially, but may save you and your felines exponentially in the long run.
Dishes
Flat, wide saucers are my top recommendations—shallow enough whiskers don't touch the edges, yet with enough of a lip most of the food stays in the dish. Use glass and ceramic made for food use. Dishes made of plastic have been implicated in causing mouth and chin lesions. Metal, while practical, can build up static. I have also found cats will refuse some foods served in metal dishes, but eat up when served the same food in a ceramic dish. Above all, make sure they are easy to clean and the surfaces are free of abrasions or cracks.
Water
Water is the single most important nutrient for your cat. The same criteria apply to water dishes as feeding dishes with two exceptions: offer water in several locations in your home (take care to place away from areas you may trip on them) and change daily. Be sure to use filtered or spring water, as tap water can be problematic in some regions (that’s for another article!).