Believe it or not, there’s some debate among experts on this topic. Some argue that hot water alone can do the job, while others insist that dish soap is essential for effective cleaning.
Personally, I recommend using dish soap, but there are a few important tips to keep in mind about how to use it properly. I’ll share those with you shortly. First, let me explain why soap makes a difference.
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Why Soap Makes a Difference
Our cats are not immune to bacteria, so disinfecting their dishes is just as important for their health as it is for ours. You wouldn’t only use hot water to clean a dish you’re going to eat from, and you shouldn’t do that for your cat either. The argument for dish soap is simple—hot water alone isn’t enough to disinfect.
The Debate: Soap vs. Hot Water
Why do some people with a lot of experience around cats insist on using only hot water? Their main argument is that dish soap leaves a scent that cats, with their sensitive noses, can detect, even when we can’t. This lingering smell could potentially turn them off from eating. This is true, but only if you don’t rinse and dry the dishes thoroughly.
How to Use Dish Soap Properly
Here’s how to use dish soap properly to avoid any lingering scent:
- Wash the Dish Thoroughly with Dish Soap
- Rinse Thoroughly with Water: Run your hands over the dish as you rinse to ensure any remaining scent is washed away. You’ll know you’re good when the dish doesn’t feel slippery under your hands.
- Dry with a Paper Towel: Wipe the dish in a way that picks up any residual water and possible lingering soap scent.
- Rinse Again with Water: Repeat the hand motion to make sure any lingering soap is completely gone.
- Dry One Final Time with a Fresh Paper Towel: This method ensures no scent is left behind and the dish is fully disinfected, eliminating any risk of your cat getting sick from a dirty dish.
Dishwashers
Yes, you can use a dishwasher, but I still recommend the manual method. Even after a dishwasher cycle, you’ll still need to rinse and dry the dishes a few more times, as most dishwashers don’t rinse thoroughly enough for a cat’s sensitive nose. You’ll also need to separate your cat’s dishes from your own and run a load just for them. Plus, make sure the bowls are dishwasher-safe. In the end, the manual method ends up being more efficient.
Choosing the Right Material for Your Cat’s Bowl
Many people choose plastic bowls for their cats, but that’s actually the wrong choice. Plastic dishes scratch easily, even if you’re using a soft sponge to wash them. They develop micro-scratches that act as a shelter for bacteria, even protecting the bacteria from dish soap. This makes washing the dish less effective over time and leaves your cat exposed to potentially harmful bacteria.
The best two materials to choose from are stainless steel and glass, with stainless steel being the top choice. Stainless steel is highly resistant to bacteria, which is why most medical tools are made from it. So, avoid plastic and ceramic bowls and go for stainless steel first, with glass as a solid second option.
Choosing the Correct Bowl Shape
Cats have sensitive whiskers, and if the bowl is narrow or deep, it forces their whiskers to touch the edges while eating, which irritates them. The best shape is a shallow, wide bowl.
Conclusion
All things considered, the ideal bowl for your cat is a shallow stainless steel bowl. If you have any advice to add in the comments or any questions, feel free to share. Thank you for watching!