A 3-month-old cat named Ella is the Pet of the Week. (Contributed photo)

A 3-month-old cat named Ella is the Pet of the Week. (Contributed photo)

We did some spring cleaning and decided to upgrade our pet bowls. We want to make sure that we’re feeding our dog and our cat out of bowls that are the safest and most sanitary but also cost effective. What kind of bowls do you recommend?

Spring Cleaning in Shepherd Park Plaza

While pet owners spend a lot of time agonizing over what kind of food, toys, treats and bedding to buy for their pets, oftentimes, little thought is put into the bowls that are used to feed our pets. There are thousands of options when it comes to pet bowls and with a little research and shopping, you should be able to find the perfect solution to feeding your furry friends.

Ceramic pet bowls are pretty, usually dishwasher safe and heavy enough so that your pet won’t be able to push them around the kitchen while they’re eating. Just be mindful that ceramic is breakable, so keep the bowls in a safe place where your pet can’t easily push the bowl off of a counter and send it crashing to the ground.

While plastic is usually your most cost-effective material for a pet bowl, it is also generally difficult to clean and the least sanitary of all of the options. You will also want to make sure that you’re looking at BPA-free plastic bowls for your pets, if you decide to go the plastic route. If you see small abrasions beginning to form on your pets’ plastic bowls, it’s time to replace them. Bacteria can grow in these cracks and make your pet sick.

If you really hate doing dishes but want to make sure that your pet is eating from sanitary vessels, look into disposable options. While paper plates and bowls can work in a pinch, they’re generally not the best option for the planet. Instead, look into recyclable bowls that you can throw in your recycling or even compost. 

In the world of pet bowls, stainless steel is king. Stainless steel can be easily sanitized in the dishwasher and lasts forever. Also, if you’re noticing that your cat is developing acne on its chin, a plastic pet food bowl might be the culprit. In this case, a switch to stainless steel should take care of your cat’s chin acne in a jiff. 

If your pets woof down their food and then throw it back up, consider a slow feeder. If you aren’t familiar, a slow feeder is like a puzzle for your pets and helps them to eat more slowly and properly digest their food. It also can act as mental stimulation for your pet, making feeding time into a game that they must play in order to be rewarded. 

No matter what kind of bowls you choose for your pets, be sure to clean them daily and monitor them for breakage, cracks or chips. A clean bowl can help to keep your pets healthy, happy and excited for meal times. 

Meet Ella! This 3-month-old ball of sweetness recently found herself alone and very lost. Thankfully, she was rescued by a caring cat lover who took her in, fed her and introduced her to the allure of fluffy blankets. Ella loves playing, snuggling and even gets along smashingly with the resident dog! Ella would make the perfect addition to any home and the most adorable addition to your summer. To learn more, go to www.saveacatrescue.org . 

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