Do cats like to eat their food elevated?

As a cat parent, you’ve probably noticed how your feline friend loves perching on high surfaces, climbing trees, and generally staying in control of their surroundings. Given how important meal time is for cats, you might wonder if they also prefer to eat in high places.

When shopping for the right cat bowl You’ve likely seen elevated cat bowls in pet stores and wondered if this might be the preferred way for cats to eat. While there are many benefits to raising your cat’s dish, it’s not always necessary. 

In this article, we’ll explore the advantages and disadvantages of raised feeding to help you answer the question – “is it better for your cat to eat elevated?’

Do Cats Like To Eat Their Food Elevated?

Cats have a natural instinct to climb and generally prefer high places. This behavior stems from their wild ancestors who sought elevated spots for safety and a better view of their surroundings. This doesn’t mean you need to start climbing trees to feed your cat up high, but they might enjoy a bowl raised from the ground.

However, every cat is unique, and while some may indeed prefer an elevated food bowl, others are perfectly content eating on the ground. 

Is It Better For Cats To Eat Elevated?

Benefits of an Elevated Cat Food Bowl

Improved digestion

Elevating your cat’s food bowl can aid digestion by allowing the food to travel more efficiently down the esophagus. This can particularly benefit older cats or those with certain medical conditions.

Comfort

For larger or senior cats, bending down to eat can be uncomfortable or even painful due to arthritis or other joint issues. An elevated bowl can help alleviate this discomfort.

Cleanliness

Elevated bowls tend to reduce the amount of dust, dirt, bugs, and other contaminants that can get into the food, promoting better hygiene.

Prevention of vomiting

Some cat parents find that elevating the food bowl can help reduce instances of vomiting, as it allows cats to eat in a more natural position. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this case so it really depends on the cat.

Negatives of an elevated cat food bowl

Not suitable for all cats

While some cats can benefit from elevated bowls, others may not show any improvement or might even dislike the change. Also, for smaller cats and kittens, it might be a struggle to reach a higher bowl so in this case, a bowl on the ground is probably more suitable.

Messier

Raised bowls are easier for your cat or fellow pet siblings to knock over and, therefore, more prone to spillages. Therefore, elevated bowls may not be a good option if you have a clumsy cat and don’t fancy cleaning up a mess daily.

Not necessary 

The biggest argument against elevated bowls is that they aren’t essential. There are arguments that cats eating and drinking from “unnatural” angles on the ground will cause strain. However, in the wild, cats drink from puddles, and streams, and usually eat off the ground. It’s unlikely that the time your cat spends eating is enough to cause a strain but if they already have mobility issues, perhaps an elevated bowl could help with pain.

How Do Cats Prefer To Eat?

Cats are obligate carnivores, and their feeding habits are influenced by their natural instincts. In the wild, they prefer to eat in secluded, safe spots where they can observe their surroundings while eating. This might explain why some cats enjoy elevated feeding areas, as it gives them a better vantage point.

However, not all cats prefer elevated feeding. Some might feel more comfortable eating at ground level, especially if they are accustomed to it. Observing your cat’s behavior can help you determine their preference.

Does Elevating Cat Food Help With Vomiting?

Vomiting in cats can be caused by various factors, including eating too quickly, food allergies, or underlying health conditions. Elevating the food bowl can help some cats by allowing them to eat in a more upright position which reduces the likelihood of regurgitation. However, it’s not a guaranteed solution for all cats. If your cat frequently vomits, it’s important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any serious health issues.

Do Cats Like To Eat Standing Up?

Most cats prefer to eat in a position that allows them to be alert and ready to move if necessary. Eating while standing up is common whether the bowl is ground level or elevated. It also aids with digestion and is physically easier to reach the bowl.

Do cats need to eat from elevated bowls? It ultimately depends on your individual cat. Elevated food bowls can provide several advantages, such as enhanced digestion, increased comfort, and improved hygiene. However, they might not be essential or suitable for every cat.