Avoid Ceramic Cat Bowls

31% of cat owners use ceramic bowls for their cats’ food and water according to the 2019-20 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey.

However, it's important to note the potential health risks associated with ceramic cat bowls. Due to the possibilities of lead glaze, crazing (tiny cracks that harbor bacteria), and shattering, ceramic bowls are not the safest choice for your cats.

Stainless steel cat bowls are much safer.

We’re here to explain the risks linked to using ceramic cat bowls and to offer our recommendation for a safer solution.  

Risk 1: Ceramic Cat Bowls May Contain Lead Paint

While ceramic bowls are often made with cute, colorful designs, their paint or glaze may contain lead and be unsafe.

Cats can be exposed to lead through drinking or eating from improperly glazed food or water dishes that allow lead to contaminate the contents, according to PetMD.

Acute signs of lead poisoning in cats include anorexia, vomiting, abdominal pain, behavior changes, lack of coordination, muscle tremors, hyperexcitability, and seizures. Chronic signs may include abdominal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, weight loss, blindness, behavior changes, and seizures. Scary, isn't it!

Most mass-produced ceramics made in America currently use lead-free glazes. However, beware of the following ceramics which are more likely to contain lead:

• Cat bowls made OVERSEAS are not subject to the same regulatory standards as cat bowls made in America, so it is difficult to know whether they contain lead
• OLDER ceramic dishes are more likely to be glazed with lead-based paint

Solution: Choose a Certified, Lead-Free Cat Bowl

Do not use cat bowls from manufacturers who don't safety test their products or have lead-free certifications. 

Americat Company Differentiator:

Americat Company cat bowls are Made in the USA. A lab accredited by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission tests and certifies that the bowls are free of lead, mercury, and cadmium.

By purchasing Made in the USA cat bowls that are product safety tested, you can ensure that your cats will be eating and drinking safely every day. 

 

Risk 2: Ceramic Cat Bowls Can Harbor Bacteria

Have you ever noticed lines, rings, or hairline cracks on a ceramic dish? This is called crazing, a common defect in ceramic pottery.

While these lines may seem like a cosmetic issue only, crazing actually poses a significant risk to your cats’ health. Microscopic bacteria can grow and thrive in the cracks caused by crazing. This puts your cats at risk of developing feline acne or a sickness from consuming dangerous bacteria.

Solution: Switch from Ceramic to Stainless Steel Cat Bowls

Stainless steel is nonporous, so it does not crack or harbor bacteria. Stainless steel is the material of choice in medical and culinary facilities, because it can be fully sanitized.

Your cats deserve a sanitary, stainless steel bowl with each meal, not a bowl harboring bacteria.

Americat Company Differentiator:

Americat Company cat bowls are made from premium-quality, U.S.-sourced, 304 series, 18/8 stainless steel. They are dishwasher safe and safe for human use, too! (Avoid any bowls marked for "pet use only.") 

Risk 3: Ceramic Cat Bowls Can Break Easily

Between feeding your cats and cleaning their bowls, you’re picking up cat bowls and carrying them throughout your home often. Even if you are incredibly careful, accidents happen!

With ceramic, one accidental slip can cause a bowl to shatter completely. The shards can potentially cut you or your cats.

At a minimum, you will have to buy a new bowl.

Solution: Stainless Steel Cat Bowls Won’t Break

If you drop a stainless steel cat bowl, it will not break!

Americat Company Differentiator

Americat Company stainless steel cat bowls are sturdier than other metal pet bowls, which often have a tin-like feel. This heavy, high-quality stainless steel cat bowl won’t even get dented if it falls. It is virtually indestructible and will last a lifetime.