Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Are Elevated Cat Bowls a Good Idea? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Written by: Chelsea Mortensen

Last Updated on March 4, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

cat eating on elevated feeding

Are Elevated Cat Bowls a Good Idea? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

VET APPROVED

Dr. Lorna Whittemore Photo

REVIEWED & FACT-CHECKED BY

Dr. Lorna Whittemore

Vet, MRCVS

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Reduced back pain, better digestion, healthier eating—when owners see these big benefits claimed, it’s no wonder they turn towards elevated food and water bowls for their cats. These bowls are usually raised so their bottoms are between 4 and 6 inches off the floor. But is the difference as big as the manufacturers say?

The truth is, no studies are showing whether elevated bowls are better for cats. Although we don’t know for sure whether these bowls are the best choice, there are still reasons to consider these bowls, especially if you have a senior kitty.

cat + line divider

Possible Benefits of Elevated Bowls

elevated cat bowl
Image Credit: MTS_Photo, Shutterstock

Even though there haven’t been any scientific studies about elevated or raised cat bowls, we can still look at some of the potential benefits and drawbacks of these bowls. Just remember that health claims should be taken with a grain of salt for now.

By raising your pet’s bowl a few inches off of the floor, you’re making it so that your cat doesn’t need to lean down to eat and drink. This might improve your pet’s posture overall or reduce strain. Just like hunching over a computer can cause lumbar pain, it’s possible that spending too much time leaning down to drink at floor level might be straining muscles.

This change of posture also means that cats with joint pain, arthritis, or other mobility issues might be more comfortable eating at an elevated bowl. Many vets have begun recommending these bowls for senior pets who are starting to get a little stiff.

Finally, some manufacturers claim that elevated bowls reduce indigestion or vomiting by changing the angle your cat is eating and drinking to aid the movement of food into the stomach.

Potential Drawbacks of Elevated Bowls

Although these benefits sound great, there are some other things to consider as well. Elevated bowls might be less convenient for the owner, depending on the design. Poorly designed bowls can be top-heavy or difficult to fill, leading to more spills. They also might not be ideal for kittens and smaller cats.

Whether cats prefer elevated or traditional cat bowls varies from cat to cat. Some seem to enjoy eating food that’s higher up, but others don’t. Some cats eat more quickly from elevated bowls as well, which is generally considered less healthy. If your cat is eating too quickly, a puzzle bowl or delayed feeder might be a better option.

The biggest argument against elevated bowls is that they’re mostly unnecessary. Manufacturers talk about traditional food bowls making cats eat and drink from “unnatural” angles. However, in the wild, cats drink from in-ground puddles and streams and usually eat food from the ground as well. If your cat doesn’t have mobility issues or joint pain, it’s unlikely that the time spent eating is enough to cause strain.

Hepper 360 Cat Feeder, Stainless Steel, Anti-Chew...
  • NO MESS - The 360° tray on this cat food and water bowl set has a raised design to catch and...
  • WHISKER FRIENDLY - Shallow and wide metal containers with flat bottoms ensure your kitty can enjoy...
  • CHEW-SAFE MATERIALS - Kittens and cats love chewing on silicone and soft rubber - but it's a choking...

Choosing the right food and water bowls for our feline companions can pose certain challenges for pet owners. The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl provides a chic and innovative solution that supports cat specific needs, such as shallow bowls and a subtle elevation that fosters whisker relief, posture comfort, and improves digestion. It features an elegant contemporary design with a wide wrap-around tray aimed at minimizing any messes from ending up on your floor! Furthermore, this bowl is entirely dishwasher safe, so pet owners are able to spend more time with their cats instead of cleaning up after them. Discover why the Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is right for both you and your kitty by clicking here.

At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!

 

Cat ball divider 1

 

Last Thoughts

Elevated bowls can be a great choice for some cats. If your cat has joint pain or other mobility issues, it’s worth a try to see what your cat prefers. But these bowls also aren’t a silver bullet. An elevated food bowl isn’t a replacement for proper medical care, and it might not be the most comfortable choice for every cat. Depending on your cat’s preferences, you might end up going right back to your old bowl.


Featured Image Credit: Elayne Massaini, Shutterstock

Get Catster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Catster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.