It’s a habit that you picked up from the first day with your cat: you very rarely wash its water and food bowls. Most often, when there are food remains stuck to the bottom of the container, you simply rinse it with cold water while telling yourself that this is more than enough. Well, be aware that by doing this you expose your cat to more or less serious health problems.
Cats are neat freaks
If your cat refuses to eat or drink from its bowls, it may simply be because they are not not clean enough. Just like he would refuse to do his business in a poorly cleaned litter box. Indeed, the cat is a real cleanliness freak. He hates coming into contact, directly or indirectly, with anything dirty. It’s not for nothing that he washes himself every day, and even several times a day!
And then, be honest, you would like to eat from the same plate every day and drink from the same glass? And this for several weeks? Even if you don’t feel it and your cat’s bowls seem “clean”, know that he has a much more developed sense of smell than yours. At the slightest suspicious smell, he does not hesitate to refuse his meal.
And he is right… Indeed, what he smells is not only the invisible remains of food that are moldy, but also the numerous bacteria which are developing. Because, if you don’t clean your cat’s bowls every day with hot water and a disinfectant product not dangerous for him, the bacteria will have a field day and multiply.
However, if your feline were to be forced to eat or drink from these bowls, he could get sick. Indeed, certain bacteria can be particularly harmful for him. But also for you! Bacteria are transmitted by simple contact, don’t forget that…
Ban plastic bowls
Plastic bowls are very common among cat owners. And for good reason, they are inexpensive, strong and light. However, they are real bacteria nestsjust like the ceramic bowls. In fact, bacteria come to lodge in the slightest little streak and are then difficult to eliminate, even after cleaning. Additionally, it is not uncommon for cats to be allergic to plastic !
Therefore, it is better to favor for your cat stainless steel bowlsknown for their antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, always make sure that the bowl or bowl is wide enough so that your cat does not have the moustaches that touch the edges, he hates that!
