The short answer
Many cats eat more comfortably from wide, shallow bowls that don't press on their whiskers. A raised, tilted bowl reduces neck bending, which helps older cats and cats that bring food back up. Ceramic and stainless steel are easier to keep clean than plastic.
Options
- Raised and tilted: Necoichi, Kitchenlestar 15-degree.
- Wide stainless: Meowgod.
- Shallow plates: AHX.
Keeping food fresh
Store kibble airtight, in its bag, inside a container such as Tiovery.
Cleaning
- Wash bowls daily.
- Replace scratched plastic bowls.
- Use a mat to catch spills.
Products mentioned
Questions readers ask
What is whisker fatigue?
A term for discomfort some cats show when deep bowls press their whiskers; shallow bowls avoid it.
Do cats need raised bowls?
Not all; they help seniors and cats that vomit after eating.