Comprehensive Guide to Slow Feeder Cat Bowl

by Alexander Thompson

Apr 14, 2022

3 minute read

TABLE OF CONTENTS

It is not strange to see cats finish their food really fast, leaving them with nothing to do while waiting for the next meal. Similarly, some cats take their time to eat at a slow pace. Comparing the two groups, the cats that take their time to eat are protected because fast feeding can adversely affect the cat.

You can help your cat avoid fast feeding and its attendant adverse effects by buying a cat puzzle feeder. But it is not as simple as that. This article can guide you to invest in a suitable slow feeder for your feline friend.

Why Do Cats Eat Fast?

You can only help your furry ball overcome the habit of fast feeding if you understand the root cause. We have highlighted some of the common reasons for speed eating in cats below, you can identify which one causes your cat to eat so fast.

Cats with histories of abusive or neglectful environments may eat too fast. Similarly, cats with histories of malnutrition and starvation are most likely to eat more portions faster than their peers.
Cats with certain medical issues associated with unending appetite. If you have noticed your feline friend consuming his food in a matter of seconds, consult your vet for a proper diagnosis.
Presence of parasites in the body system of your cat. Certain parasites can prevent your furry pal from getting the much-needed nutrients. So, they eat more to make up for the inadequacy.
Your feline friend may eat faster than usual if they are bored, depressed, or lonely. Your vet will offer more explanation on these when you report.
Having many cats around in the same space can lead to feeding irregularities. For example, the alpha cat may hoard food belonging to everyone. Therefore, the victim cats eat as fast as they can whenever they have the chance.

Why Should Your Cat Eat Slowly?

A cat that gets worked up just before its meal will eat faster than usual. In addition, regurgitation is common in cats that feed quicker than usual. However, this leads to distorted digestion cycles in the cat.

If your cat is not allergic to a specific ingredient in its food, it will most likely regurgitate. This is even more common when eating dry food. When cats eat faster, they consume more portions than usual. During digestion, the food absorbs water and ends up swelling in the stomach. Subsequently, the brain is triggered for overeating, forcing the body to expel any excess food as quickly as possible in any possible way.

It is important not to confuse logical reflexes with vomiting in cats. If your feline friend vomits more frequently with an attendant weight loss, consult your vet for proper diagnosis. Such a cat may be suffering from diabetes mellitus, hyperthyroidism, or other underlying health issues.

How to Help Your Cat Stop Fast-eating?

Cats that eat too quickly are more likely to be obese. Fortunately, there are a few ways you can help your cat drop the fast-feeding habit. The most effective of these ways is a puzzle-like, slow-feed cat bowl. Alternatively, you can go for an interactive cat feeder that dispenses food in smaller particles and portions.

The Cat Slow Feeder Explained

The special design of a slow cat feeder ensures cats eat only smaller portions over more extended periods. Therefore, they eat more slowly rather than rushing to finish their portions. Choking and vomiting are likely effects of fast feeding in cats. A slow cat feeder can help your furball avoid these situations and other health problems.

Eating too much food for an extended period can cause overweight in cats. Again, a slow feeder can help avoid this by regulating the amount of food your cat has access to at a time. Your cat’s meal will also last longer when served in a slow feed cat bowl. Overall, your cat eats healthier, avoids obesity, and stays healthy.

The Working Mechanism of Slow Feeders

The design of a slow feed cat bowl has raised sections inside the bowl, ensuring your cat takes its time to eat the food segmented in each section. Slow feeders come in different shapes and sizes, all made of various materials. Get one for your cat, and rest assured of no throwing up or indigestion.

Slow feeders also prevent vomiting and choking in cats. The unique obstacles prevent quick feeding and reduce the chances of choking while feeding. By taking only smaller portions of food at once, cats can feed slowly and consistently without vomiting. As a result, digestion is smoother and easier, removing any feeling of discomfort.

In addition, slow feeders are great at maintaining weight. Your cat can only stay healthy when it is not overweight. Overweightness or obesity in cats comes with some severe health issues. However, you can correct this with a slow feeder without forcing your cat to shed excess weight.

What Are Interactive Cat Feeders?

An interactive cat feeder is designed to help you feed your four-legged friend slowly. With an interactive slow feeder, your cat feels they are eating the right portion when they are actually only eating at a slower rate. These feeders also make the entire process enjoyable for the cats.

The first reason to get an interactive feeder is that they keep your furry ball entertained without speeding up the feeding process. These toys make feeding an enjoyable physical and mental process for your cats. There are ball-shaped interactive feeders with adjustable difficulty levels. This effectively puts your brilliant feline friend to mental work and stimulation, swatting the feeder around the space.

In Conclusion

Having a slow feeder in place for your cat will ensure healthy feeding at the right pace. You can rest assured your furry pal is eating the right amount of food whenever and wherever. If the speed-eating persists after using a slow feeder and your cat isn’t adding weight, ensure you consult your vet to diagnose the situation properly. You will be surprised to learn that fast feeding or overeating are signs of medical issues in some cats.

Shop