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Where Should I Put Cat Food and Water Bowls? 5 Vet-Approved Places
You're not alone if you are wondering where you should put your cat food and water bowls. While it may seem logical to choose a random spot to place your kitty’s food and water bowls, it’s best to give the placement of the bowls some thought since cats are finicky creatures with clear likes and dislikes.
We will tell you some of the top spots for placing your cat’s food and water bowls so you can find out which option is best for your cat. If you place the bowls in one of these suggested spots and your cat refuses to eat or drink, move on to the next spot and try again. Sooner or later, your cat will be happy with where you’ve decided to put their bowls.
The 5 Ideal Places to Put Cat Food and Water Bowls
1. A Calm and Quiet Location
Cats do not like a lot of commotion and activity when trying to eat and drink, so you should not place your cat’s food and water bowls in a busy spot in your home. Think about your home and which areas are calm and quiet.
When you put your cat’s bowls in a calm area, they can dine in peace and quiet. Also, the bowls are less likely to be kicked over. If you choose this option, you'll have to keep a close eye on the food and water in the bowls to ensure your cat gets the daily nutrition and hydration they need.
A few quiet places to consider include:
Pros
- Allows your cat to eat and drink in peace
- The food bowls are less prone to getting knocked over
Cons
- You’ll have to regularly check the bowls to ensure your cat has food and water
2. Away From the Litter Box
Cats don’t like to eat near the same spot they eliminate and vice versa. If your cat has not been eating or drinking well and the food and water bowls are placed near the litter box, move the bowls further away from the litter box.
This method can help if your cat is inappropriately eliminating outside his litter box. If the room is big enough where you currently keep the bowls and litter box, move the bowls across the room so they are further away from where your cat poops and pees.
This option is challenging if you live in a small apartment or house and don’t have much room to work with. On the other hand, it could be the perfect solution if you’re living in a large apartment or home with plenty of available space.
Pros
- Prevents inappropriate elimination outside the litter box
- It may help your cat eat better
Cons
- Challenging if you don’t have much space at home
3. On an Enclosed Porch
If you have an enclosed porch and a pet door leading out to the porch, consider moving the food and water bowls to the porch so your cat can eat and drink away from the hustle and bustle of your household. This will give your cat a peaceful environment to enjoy their food and water.
If you move the food and water bowls to the porch, it may take a bit of extra effort to ensure they’re upright and not knocked over. But even if you have to do a bit more walking, it will be worth it if your cat loves eating on the porch in peace.
Pros
- A great way to give your cat a peaceful environment to eat and drink
Cons
- Requires extra effort on your part to feed the cat
4. In the Basement
If you have an unused basement, it could be the perfect place for your cat’s food and water bowls. Maybe you could set the bowls under the steps or place them along a wall where your cat can eat and drink without being bothered.
While this solution could be the answer to a cat that’s easily distracted, you may have to watch out for insects and mice. Many basements have pests roaming around, and cat food and water are two things insects and mice go after. You’ll have to be diligent in keeping an eye on things if you put cat food and water in your basement.
Another downside to this option is that you will have to go up and down the basement steps every day to fill your cat’s bowls and keep them clean. But you could always look at those extra steps positively and consider them good exercise!
Pros
- A good method for an easily distracted cat
- Plenty of peace
Cons
- Insects and mice could get into the food and water
- You’ll have to go up and down the steps more to feed your cat
5. On a Raised Feeding Station
A raised cat feeding station could be ideal for your cat’s food and water bowls. With the bowls off the floor, your cat can enjoy meals in peace without worry. If the raised feeding station is big enough, it can also provide your cat with a safe haven away from the family dog or little kids.
However, this option isn’t the best if you do not have much room for a raised feeding station.
Pros
- Makes mealtime peaceful for your cat
- Can provide your cat with a haven from dogs, kids, etc,
Cons
- Requires buying supplies
- Not viable if you don’t have much space available
Why Proper Cat Food and Water Bowl Placement is Important
In the wild, cats don’t like to eat and drink in places where they can’t watch for predators and rivals. While it may seem trivial to fuss over where to place your pet cat’s food and water bowls, it’s essential to consider it.
By nature, cats prefer eating in peace and where they can see what is happening around them to keep themselves safe. Cats dislike eating and drinking in spots with heavy foot traffic, noise, and distractions.
If your cat is a picky eater like many cats, they may also be particular about where the food and water bowls are placed. You certainly want your cat to eat well and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Pick a spot that provides a clear view of the surroundings and allows them to move freely between the two bowls.
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Conclusion
Even though it is easy to put your cat’s food and water bowls on the floor in a random place, you should not do that! Cats do not like eating and drinking in places they don’t feel safe and secure. Therefore, you should place your cat’s food and water bowls in a location that is away from the hustle and bustle of your everyday life so your little pal can eat in peace. Hopefully, one of these ideal places for cat food and water bowls is the right solution for you and your beloved cat.
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Nicole is a lover of animals of all sizes but is especially fascinated with the feline variety. She’s the proud mom of Baby, a Burmese, and works every day so he can relax in the sunshine or by the fire. She’s always had a cat in her home and has spent countless days with others, observing behaviors and softening up even the grouchiest of the lot. Nicole wants to share her kitty expertise with you so you and your cat can live happy, healthy, and care-free.
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