is it wrong to use a feeder and waterer permanently for a pet? my kitten uses them whenever she needs to and doesn't seem to know a difference. i change the water every few days and it doesn't appear to be doing any harm. my friend says it's not good because the dry food will get stale and should only use them if i go away. i don't see a difference wheter i'm here or away. i like the convenience of the dry food feeder and waterer for everday use. she does get wet food but but that i do put in a sep dish. serious opinions please.
2007-01-11 06:46:45 · 13 answers · asked by NoDeal21 3 in Pets ➔ Cats
that is how my 3 dogs and cat are fed.I don't see anything wrong
with it as long as you change out the water,those feeders are designed to keep the food fresh.All my animals are happy and healthy and it's alot easier on me!
2007-01-11 06:58:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
cats generally have to have fresh water or they will not like drinking it at all I am not trying to be rude but would you want some one to give you fresh water every few days I understand where you are coming from with the connveniance thing but if your cat is consuming all the water at one time then your cat could be a diabetic and yes your friend is right the dry food will go stale and most kitties have a very keen sense of smell and will not eat food that has been out for a certain period of time most feeders that are out on the market are for households that have more than two felines in the home and the other thing you have to worry about is the bacteria that can grow in a feeder exspecially with the water part I had a friend who lost her cat because of the bacteria in a water feeder and yes she kept hers clean to . I feel that there are pros and cons you just have to do what is right for you and your kitty hope this helps
2007-01-11 08:32:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Water needs to be changed daily (would you drink water that was a week old, sitting in a bowl on the floor all the time?). Feeders are not good unless you're going out of town and don't have anyone to come feed your cats (and boarding is out). You don't want your cat (or dog) to be able to eat at will. They don't always stop eating when they're full, and often the cause of overweight pets (regardless of their active lifestyle) is they eat too much! They indulge just like humans do. Check with your vet about how much to feed them. The info. on the dog/cat food is generally NOT accurate - too much or too little depending on the brand. Please don't decide on convenience verses your cat's health.
2007-01-11 07:12:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say it depends on the size of the container. I have no problem with you using one for water, but the food may be getting stale before your cat gets it. If it's stale, then it may lose some of the nutritional value. Another option to keep the water fresh would be to get a pet fountain. They are available at stores like petco and petsmart and will insure your cat gets fresh water without you changing it all the time!
2007-01-11 06:53:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't think it's wrong, but I use this cat fountain called Cat-it http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=11536&cm_mmc=Shopping%20Portal-_-NexTag-_-Cats-_-Cat%20It%20Fountain&ref=3665&subref=AA&GCID=C12188x007
They LOVE IT!!! It also has a filter so you only have to change the water when it starts to run out. This keeps the water nice and fresh! Cats love fresh water. I just have a little dish of food that I fill up every day so they don't over-eat, but if your cats are healthy and in good shape, I wouldn't worry too much. But I would try the fountain if you can. I swear by it. I've had it for a year now and my cats won't drink anything else now, plus it's really cute to see them use it! Good Luck and if what you're doing works tell your Friend to mind her own business.
2007-01-11 07:20:24 · answer #5 · answered by Aero Cat 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cats need to smell their food. I wouldn't use a feeder for food, but as far as the water goes I don't see a problem there, I use one for my cat.
2007-01-11 09:06:30 · answer #6 · answered by AMarie 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know how one bag "lasts" for one kitten. I think you should open a bag and store it in a plastic container with a lid to keep it fresher. She should eat the food in the feeder in one day and it should be replenished the next day. Same way with the water - cats like their water fresh and it should be replenished every day in a clean bowl. I actually fill my cats water bowl twice a day.
2007-01-11 07:42:15 · answer #7 · answered by old cat lady 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's nicer for a kitten to get some canned food also, now and then.
if you really can't be asked to change the water at least daily consider buying a drinking fountain, you change the water only once a week but it stays fresh because of carbon filters.
2007-01-11 06:52:55 · answer #8 · answered by sandwich 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You should change the food and water every day.
2007-01-11 06:55:00 · answer #9 · answered by welllaners 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, but you should change the food and water every day.
2007-01-11 08:29:24 · answer #10 · answered by Jessie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋