A cat will require separate bowls for food and water with water available at all times.

Ceramic, earthenware, glass or metal bowls are best used as these are not as easily knocked over or chewed as plastic bowls.

As well as standard food bowls there are automatic cat feeder bowls which allow food to be stored in compartments, with each compartment opening at a time selected on a timer, over a period of time and so automatically serving the cat with several meals as and when required.

In the same way automatic waterers or water fountains hold a large volume of water in a plastic bottle, ensuring that the bowl is refilled with water as the cat drinks from it.

Automatic cat feeders and waterers are ideal for those owners who have to leave their cats for a day or two.