Next up was the American Veterinary Medical Association, a group that represents nearly 90,000 bona fide vets and has been around since the days of the Civil War. When asked about whisker fatigue, the association’s president, Tom Meyer, noted that “while a cat’s whiskers are very sensitive, there is currently no evidence showing that whiskers rubbing against food bowls causes cats stress or discomfort.”
Most veterinarians doubt the existence of a syndrome known as “whisker fatigue”, but it is important that pet owners understand the structure and function of cat whiskers, and that they treat their cats’ whiskers with respect. And, yes, it is possible that some cats have particularly sensitive whiskers.
It makes sense that good cat care includes observing cats’ eating habits carefully, and if they seem to be averse to eating from narrow, high-sided food bowls, perhaps owners should consider offering food in a different type of receptacle such as a “bowl for whisker relief”, and allowing them to drink from a water fountain, even if the theory behind this is highly debatable.
Having a preference is still a different thing than getting distressed by something and thats what this is about. No one argues that some cats like plates more than bowls, some just do, what people argue against is the distress that supposedly causes.
Yes, that might be correct, did they back it up with any studies? There is a reason for cats to eat only the stuff in the middle of the bowl and to prefer plates over bowls. I don´t say I know the answer but until now the sensitivity of whiskers is at least the best explanation I have heard. Did the American Veterinary Medical Association offer an alternative explanation? What do you think the reason is cats behave like that?
My cat bonks her teeth on the bottom if there isn’t a Protective Layer of Kibbletm on the bottom. I switched her to a silicone toddler plate ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FK341WP ) and she doesn’t have that trouble.
But also- stale greasy meat crackers, covered in dried cat slobber < fresh greasy meat crackers, not covered in dried cat slobber.
The toddler plate with a meal sized portion, cleaned after each use has eliminated kibble waste and fussiness.
The whisker fatique thing is popping up repeatedly these days so I am compelled to post this article, it is not a real issue https://www.bostonmagazine.com/news/2017/06/07/new-york-times-cat-trend/
I hear you, can we agree on that it´s at least uncomfortable for cats, when the whiskers touch the walls of the bowl?
edit: downvotes for instantly changing my mind, when realizing I was wrong? Get outa here!
But also:
https://cats.com/whisker-fatigue
Seems while there may not be hard evidence, it can still be a preference for cats to have wider bowls.
Having a preference is still a different thing than getting distressed by something and thats what this is about. No one argues that some cats like plates more than bowls, some just do, what people argue against is the distress that supposedly causes.
Yes, that might be correct, did they back it up with any studies? There is a reason for cats to eat only the stuff in the middle of the bowl and to prefer plates over bowls. I don´t say I know the answer but until now the sensitivity of whiskers is at least the best explanation I have heard. Did the American Veterinary Medical Association offer an alternative explanation? What do you think the reason is cats behave like that?
My vet says she thinks it’s way more likely they don’t like having to press their nose against the bottom of the bowl to get the kibble.
My cat bonks her teeth on the bottom if there isn’t a Protective Layer of Kibbletm on the bottom. I switched her to a silicone toddler plate ( https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07FK341WP ) and she doesn’t have that trouble.
But also- stale greasy meat crackers, covered in dried cat slobber < fresh greasy meat crackers, not covered in dried cat slobber.
The toddler plate with a meal sized portion, cleaned after each use has eliminated kibble waste and fussiness.