Every day, wash the bowl, thoroughly rinse it and refill with fresh water. Cats generally prefer their whiskers not to touch the edge of a bowl when drinking - try using a wide-brimmed bowl. Cats prefer to drink out of ceramic, glass or metal bowls - plastic bowls can taint the water.
Stainless steel is unbreakable, sturdy, dishwasher-safe, and harmless to cats. It (along with ceramic bowls) is recommended by most veterinarians. Another good choice is ceramic, provided it uses a lead-free glaze.
Stainless steel is the best and safest material for cat food and water dishes. Thanks to its non-porous surface, stainless steel doesn't scratch or crack to harbor bacteria like plastic and ceramic. Also, it isn't breakable like ceramic or glass.
Veterinarians often recommend water bowls made from stainless steel or ceramic material because they are durable, easy to clean, and somewhat resistant to bacterial growth. They also less likely to add extra odors or flavors to the water that might further deter your cat from drinking.
It might be because metal bowls are shiny and your cat see some reflection when he tries to drink and gets spooked. It also might be because of the shiny metal bowl and the clear (colorless water), he is unable to determine if there is water/where the water is.
Heavy metal poisoning in cats is quite rare; however, among types of heavy metal poisoning, toxicity due to lead is more frequent than any other kind. Usually, these are cases where a cat has consumed small amounts of lead over a long period of time.
In most cases, dogs or cats do not need an elevated bowl – and elevated bowls do not (as some suggest) reduce the risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency in dogs that can cause gastric torsion.
Cats prefer to drink out of ceramic, glass or metal bowls - plastic bowls can taint the water. Some cats will prefer to drink from a natural water source outside; this might be because some are put off by the taste of chlorine. You could try collecting rain water for your cat to drink.
In most cases, experts say giving your pets hard water probably won't cause any problems. The minerals in hard water (calcium, magnesium, and iron) shouldn't lead to any health issues. However, some veterinarians do advise against giving cats and dogs untreated tap water, and that's not because of the minerals.
Bottled Water
Bottled water is safe to share with cats and dogs. Opt for spring water or bottled tap water varieties. Some veterinarians, including those at the Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic, are skeptical of the quality of distilled water for pets and its effects on urinary and cardiac health.
Serve water in a glass, ceramic, or metal bowl – not plastic. Try using a water fountain. Place different water sources around the house – your cat may like some better than others. Be sure to place the food and water bowl away from the litter box.
Separate Food and Water Bowls
Cats also do not enjoy the scent of food while drinking water. In addition, they are turned off by food particles in their water. Therefore, keep cat food and water bowls in two separate locations.
Where should I put my cat's water bowl? Just like their food, your cat's water bowl should be somewhere relatively quiet. A hallway, for example, may be too busy for them, even if they are very sociable. Put your cat's water bowl somewhere clean and odour-free – and far away from their litter tray!
Pros and Cons of Stainless Steel Cat Bowls
Rationale: Based on our testing, stainless steel is the best material for cat bowls. Frequently used in medical equipment and in cooking because of its antibacterial qualities, stainless steel is safest for cats. Its cleanliness and durability cannot be beat.
The easiest type of bowl to keep clean – and, not incidently, also the safest bowl for your dog to eat and drink from – is stainless steel. This material will not leach potentially dangerous chemicals into your dog's food and water, like some plastics, aluminum, poorly glazed pottery, or old ceramic dishes.
Stainless steel presents the best combination of properties for pet bowls. Its hygenic, meaning the surface won't harbor bacteria and can be readily cleaned with soap and water washings. It's also very durable.
The double blinded study compared a group of cats' preference between tap water and filtered water. The cats overwhelmingly chose the tap water over the filtered water. So just like some people with their beer, your cat most likely prefers it “from the tap”.
Slapping at the water dish is a way for cats to get their water moving a bit, which makes them feel more comfortable about drinking it. If your cat bats at the water in her bowl before getting a drink and likes to climb on the counter to drink water out of the tap when you turn it on, this might be the reason.
In addition to using a water filter, you can also protect your pets from the health risks associated with tap water by giving them bottled water to drink. This is important if you live in an area where water is contaminated. If you do give your pet's bottled water, be sure to choose a brand that uses purified water.
As a cat's sensitive whiskers rub against the sides of a deep bowl, they begin to hurt. Cats prefer bowls with a wide, shallow design that allow their whiskers to remain above the bowl while they eat and drink. Look for bowls designed specifically for cats (most dog bowls are too deep) and that prevent whisker fatigue.
Many cats, like humans, prefer their beverages chilled. You'll promote more water consumption if you serve it cold. It's hard to keep refilling your kitty's water bowl, but luckily you can buy products that keep it chilled for hours.
"Many elevated bowls are also tilted to make it easier for your cat to eat." Cats with neck pain or senior cats with arthritis and joint pain could benefit from an elevated bowl as well, she says, because they won't have the neck strain while bending over to eat.
Cats Hate the Look, Feel and Sound of “Tin” Foil
Aluminum foil also has some unique properties that make it particularly alarming to cats upon their first encounter. When moved, bent, or stepped on, the foil has a very distinct high-pitched crinkling sound.
Some of the most toxic food for cats include onions & garlic, raw eggs & meat, chocolate, alcohol, grapes and raisins. Avoid feeding your cat table scraps, especially around the holidays, as these may contain potentially toxic ingredients.
Aluminum Foil / Corks, etc.
Cats may love to play with an aluminum foil ball or cork on a string, but these objects can kill. If lodged in the throat, your cat could strangle; if chewed or partially eaten, they can cause intestinal blockage.