The Importance of the Ideal Water Bowl for Your British Shorthair
///////////# The Importance of the Ideal Water Bowl for Your British Shorthair
Keeping a British Shorthair well hydrated is one of the greatest challenges and one of the most important tasks for any owner. Due to the nature of the breed, which involves robust cats with a quiet metabolism, we need to pay special attention to how we offer water on a daily basis.
We often focus only on the quality of the kibble, but the container where the cat drinks water makes all the difference for their well-being. Cats are animals that, by nature, drink very little water, and therefore convincing them to hydrate more is a necessary challenge that we share here.
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🚫 The Danger of Plastic: Why Never to Use It?
If there is a golden rule around here, it is this: never use plastic bowls.
Although they are cheap and easy to find, plastic bowls are porous. Over time, use creates micro-cracks that accumulate residue and bacteria. This usually causes feline acne, those black dots on the chin that bring great discomfort to the animal. Additionally, plastic alters the taste of the water, which discourages the cat from drinking.
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🧪 Biofilm: The Invisible Enemy
Have you ever felt that slippery layer at the bottom of the water bowl? That is the biofilm.
The biofilm is a colony of bacteria that forms quickly. If the bowl is not washed every day, your cat will be ingesting these residues with every sip. Porous materials make it much easier for this film to adhere, making complete cleaning almost impossible after some time.
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🏆 The Best Materials: Porcelain and Glass
We have tested various materials over the years and our conclusion is clear. To ensure water is always fresh, we prioritize:
- Porcelain or Ceramic: These are heavy and difficult to tip over, they lack porosity, and they keep the water temperature fresh for longer.
- Glass: Excellent for hygiene, as it allows you to easily see any dirt or the formation of biofilm, ensuring a safe change every time.
These materials do not alter the taste of the water, respecting the demanding palate of the British Shorthair.
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Location and Quantity: More is Better
In nature, felines do not usually drink water near where they eat, as this instinctively signals that the source might be contaminated. This instinct remains alive in your domestic cat.
Our best practices for positioning:
- Away from the food: Never place the water bowl right next to the food bowl. Spread them throughout the house.
- Multiple sources: Always have at least one more bowl than the number of cats. If you have a British, have at least two bowls in different locations.
- Resting places: Place water where the cat usually relaxes. The British Shorthair is a practical cat: if the water is in its path, it will drink much more frequently.
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🧽 Hygiene Routine
Simply refilling the water is not enough. Our daily recommendation involves:
- Changing the water at least twice a day.
- Washing the bowl with neutral detergent and rinsing well.
- Once a week, using hot water to ensure the total elimination of any biofilm residue at the bottom of the container.
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✍️ Conclusion
Proper hydration is one of the secrets to the quality of life of your British Shorthair. By eliminating plastic and offering water in porcelain or glass containers, strategically spread across the house, you encourage a healthy and essential habit for your companion.
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About British Village
This content was produced based on our practical experience as specialized British Shorthair breeders. We are British Village, a cattery dedicated to excellence and the well-being of our kittens. We use our daily experience to ensure that every detail is designed for the best development of our cats.