Some cats are meticulous eaters… and others cause an unbelievable mess by pawing food out of their dishes or smushing their entire face into the food. This type of behavior can often ride the line between endearing and frustrating. Loving a messy eater doesn’t mean you have to live with a messy home. Try these 6 tips to curb the debris.
#1 – Check for pain: If your cat is pawing at her food or seems to be struggling to eat she may be experiencing mouth or dental pain. If you suspect this is the case, make an appointment with your veterinarian ASAP to solve the problem before it spirals out of control. Mouth problems such as stomatitis can cause severe pain and inflammation, and can lead to a full dental extraction if neglected. Related: Cats Are Masters At Hiding Pain And Illnesses. But Why? 6 Subtle Signs Your Cat May Be Sick
#2 – Add food puzzles: Messy eating habits are often caused by boredom or eating too fast. Food puzzles can help solve both problems. Food puzzles make your cat’s mealtimes a bit more complicated and fun for your cat who likes the thrill of the hunt. Related: 5 Ways Food Puzzles Can Improve Your Cat’s Health
#3 – Use placemats: Some cats are inherently a bit sloppy for no other reason other than that it’s just in their nature. If this is the case with your cat, it can be an uphill battle to keep a tidy home. Keep control of the mess by placing mats under her food bowls. Choose ones that are easy to clean and match the color and style of your home so they blend.
#4 – Choose a different bowl material: Cats can be picky about things that may seem silly to you, such as the material her bowl is made out of. Cats have very strong senses, so small details like how the bowl feels against her tongue can cause her to paw her food out. Related: 7 Reasons Your Cat May Be A Picky Eater
#5 – Choose a different bowl size: Your cat’s whiskers are particularly sensitive. Many cats will paw at their food if their whiskers touch the sides of the bowl while they’re eating. If you think this is the case, switch to a plate or a bowl that’s wide and shallow.
#6 – Use a non-slip bowl: If your cat’s messiness is the result of her need to push the bowl all over the floor while she eats, consider using a bowl that has a non-slip silicon base like the Messy Cats bowl. It’ll stay put no matter how much she nudges.
