The best whisker fatigue cat bowls are not as deep as a traditional cat food bowl. Cats whiskers are highly sensitive. When whiskers are constantly stimulated by touching the side of the food bowl, it can lead to whisker fatigue. This can cause whisker discomfort when the cat is eating. Whisker fatigue bowls overcome this problem
If the food bowl is too deep, the cat has to lower his head and whiskers into the bowl. Continual stimulation of the whiskers in this manner can lead to whisker fatigue in cats. Deep bowls can make it difficult for the cat to access his food and lick up any yummy juices.
See more information about whisker fatigue at the end of this article.
What Is A Whisker Fatigue Cat Bowl?
A whisker fatigue cat bowl is designed to help cats eat without having their whiskers constantly stimulated. The best whisker fatigue cat bowls are shallower than a traditional cat bowl. Ideally the whiskers will not have contact with the sides of the bowl.
What To Look Out For When Purchasing Whisker Fatigue Cat Bowls
Bowls With A Lip
A lip on the bowl will help keep food contained, making it easier for your cat to eat without making a mess.
The Right Size
A bowl that is too large or too small can be uncomfortable for your cat to eat from. Make sure to get a bowl that is the right size for your cat’s needs.
Smooth Edges
Sharp or jagged edges on a bowl can catch on your cat’s whiskers, causing pain and discomfort. Look for bowls with smooth edges to avoid this problem.
A Raised Bowl
Raising the bowl off the ground can help your cat eat more comfortably. This is especially important for cats with arthritis or other joint problems. It is not essential to have a raised bowl but something to consider. A whisker fatigue bowl can always be placed on any feeding platform, even a box.
I love this dish stand. Design wise I like the clean no fuss look. Different bowls can be placed on the the top, even water bowls. It is non slip and is available in four very cute colors. The cut out section makes it easy to pick up and set down.
Deep cat bowls with designs may look pretty, but on a practical level make it harder for any cat to access its food. It can be tempting to purchase cat bowls that look great but are really not practical.
We would not be too happy if our dinner was sitting at the bottom of a deep dish and hard to reach.
My view is that these whisker fatigue bowls are great for all cats. It takes the guesswork and decision making out of which cat bowl to buy. Just get these ones. Problem solved!
Best Whisker Fatigue Cat Bowls
1. Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Stainless Steel Cat Bowl
This cat bowl is specifically designed with whisker fatigue in mind and the depth and width are at optimum measurements to ensure whisker comfort when your cat is eating. See the Specifications for exact measurements.
A clever design feature for cat parents is a nifty finger cut out section to help make the bowl easy to pick up and put down. Simple idea but great thinking.
This bowl also has an anti skid silicone mat which is left on the floor. It can actually be quite difficult picking up an empty stainless steel cat bowl.
I have at times chased an empty bowl around on a hardwood floor. A cat food mat under the bowl is always a good idea.
Pros
The shallow depth allows the cat to easily pick up the cat food and lick up any juices left behind.
Particularly good for elderly cats that have trouble picking up food.
Cons
The finger cut out may be sharp. Check before you pick it up.
Cost – This bowl is not cheap but it is a quality product so pros and cons. If you have multiple cats this could be an issue. Try one bowl, to see how it goes.
Considering the bowl is to help with whisker fatigue which is uncomfortable for your cat, the cost is justified.
Specifications
The bowl diameter is 7.08 inches and the bowl depth is 1.25 inches. The cup capacity is 1.5 cups or 7.8fl oz, The bowl is made from food grade stainless steel. Hand wash the bowl in warm soapy water. The bowl is dishwasher safe. The silicone mat is not suitable to go in the dishwasher.
2. CatGuru Cat Bowls – Whisker Stress Free
This bowl is also designed to address whisker fatigue. Basically this means that the bowl is wide and shallow. When you think about this, it makes perfect sense for all cats.
The sides of this bowl are shaped upwards slightly so the food will not be pushed over the edge.
Fine for dry and wet food.
Particularly good for Persian cats that don’t like putting their head in a regular bowl.
Also good for older cats as the food is just easier to get at. What sort of food suit your older cat, particularly as, the cat may now have bad teeth. There are some dietary requirements in older age that benefit the wellbeing of the cat.
Also particularly good for cats to use when they are wearing a cone as it is easier to get at the food
Pros
Non slip silicone legs.
Meal time is cleaner, not as much food goes over the edge.
Melamine is easy to clean. Food doesn’t stick as much as it does to some other surfaces.
Dishwasher safe
BPA free.
Ripple design to stop the food from sliding around the bowl.
Made from Melamine which does not absorb odors as plastic does.
Cons
Don’t put Melamine in the microwave.
Specifications
Made from melamine.6.6 x 6.6 x 1.2 inches. Do you prefer stainless steel?
The exact same bowls are available in stainless steel.
3. CatGuru Raised Back Edge – Whisker Fatigue Cat Bowl
Want the whisker fatigue qualities but a raised back edge to stop food spilling? This bowl has both of those qualities. This is perfect for the messy eater!
Notice that the image shows the bowl with the raised lip sitting on a CatGuru Dish Stand. This is the perfect combination. The height is comfortable for the cat to eat and the the bowl has the added whisker fatigue qualities and the raised edge to prevent food being pushed over the edge.
Specifications
This bowl has two color choices, black or white. The bowl measures 7 x 6 x 3.5 inches. and has a 2 cup capacity. The bowl is made from BPA free ceramic.
4. CatGuru Pink Torus Whisker Stress Free Bowl
What does Torus mean? Here are some images of Torus models that instantly show the clever design considerations behind this CatGuru whisker fatigue cat bowl.
It is indeed a very cute cat bowl but it is also practical. If it is not practical it isn’t going to work. This bowl is also the cutest on trend color pink.
The bowl encompasses the need to have sides to prevent food being pushed over the edge whilst maintaining the integrity of design needed to solve the whisker fatigue problem. A functional and attractive design.
The bowl is sitting on the CatGuru food stand however the stand is not a necessary accessory if it doesn’t suit your needs.
Specifications
The bowl is made from lead free ceramic. It holds up to 8 ounces and has a capacity of one cup. 7.0 x 7.0 x 1.8 inches. Suitable for wet or dry food.
5. Cat Food – Wide Bowls For Stress Relief of Whiskers
These bowls are not only suitable for cats and kittens, but also dogs, puppies, rabbits and hamsters.
Once again the shallow design will assist with whisker fatigue and keep food away from the face of the cat. These bowls are on short legs with a silicone plug to keep the bowl in place on the floor. This makes these dishes much easier to pick up than a bowl that sits flush with the floor.
There are 2 or 3 bowls (your choice) included in the price which makes them an attractive budget option also. The color combinations include bright and pastels and neutral gray, black or white.
Specifications
The bowls are made from Melamine. The capacity is 250mls or 8 ounces. There is no BPA in this product. The surface is smooth for easy cleaning. They can go in the dishwasher but not the microwave. The dimensions are: Diameter: 14.5 cm (5.71 inches). The color choices are many. Here are some of the color combinations. There’s more.
What is Whisker Fatigue?
Whisker fatigue is caused by the overstimulation of cat’s whiskers. The whiskers of a cat are highly sensitive hairs that help them navigate their environment.
One of the irritants causing whisker fatigue are food bowls that are too deep. The cat cannot reach his food without the whiskers being stimulated.
When the whiskers are constantly stimulated this can lead to irritation and inflammation leading to problems such as navigating their environment, difficulty grooming and increased stress levels.
A Better Understanding Of Cats Whiskers
Cats whiskers are highly sensitive and help your cat navigate their environment, gauge spacing, and detect potential dangers.
Cats have whiskers on their face, legs, and tail. Some cats have particularly long whiskers as shown in this article. The base of each whisker is anchored deep into the muscle and is attached to a sensory nerve called a proprioceptor. These nerves send information to the brain about the position of the whisker in relation to objects in the environment.
The follicles of whiskers are also equipped with tactile receptors that can sense changes in air pressure and vibrations. All of this information helps your cat build a mental map of their surroundings.
Whiskers also play an important role in communication.
When a cat’s whiskers are pointing forward, it usually means they’re feeling relaxed and playful. However, if their whiskers are flattened against their face, it’s often a sign that they’re feeling threatened, frightened or stressed.
Whisker fatigue bowls remove the problem that can cause irritation of cats whiskers which in turn can lead to whisker fatigue. Plus the cat is able to access his food far more easily using a whisker fatigue bowl.
We love the trendy and practical pink design, The color is divine and the design is clever but maybe your cat needs a high back on a bowl to keep the food in the dish and not on the floor.
As all of these bowls are specifically for whisker fatigue. Your choice depends on what you prefer or think will work best for your cat.
