Handmade Elevated Cat Bowls

Cats are notoriously creatures of comfort. Fluffy cushions, warm sunlight and a quiet spot for napping are high on the list of requirements for most cats. If your pampered pet loves living a life of luxury, try giving him a nice dining experience with an elevated cat bowl. By placing his food at a slight height, you can keep your cat from stooping, limiting the amount of gas he swallows.

  1. Choose the Bowls

    • Stainless steel bowls have a lip, which is essential for making the feeder.

      You'll need a certain type of bowl to fit into your elevated feeder. Look for any bowls that are wider on top than they are at the base, and that have a lip around the top edge of the bowls. Classic stainless steel food and water bowls are ideal for this project. Don't worry about the decoration on the outside of the bowls, as they will be hidden inside the feeder.

    Find a Base

    • For very small cats, a wooden tray may be tall enough.

      The easiest way to make an elevated feeder is to start with a platform that is already built. Small foot stools or wooden crates are ideal for this project. Since cats are low to the ground, look for stools or crates that are only 2 to 4 inches high. Measure your cat from mouth to front paws, and make sure the top of the surface won't exceed the length. You may need to cut or sand off a few inches of the foot stool legs or crate to make sure the feeder will be comfortable for your cat.

    Prep the Base

    • Now that you have the main materials, it's time to cut the feeder to hold the bowls. Measure the inner area of the pet bowls, making sure not to measure the lip. Cut this same area out of the top of your foot stool or crate, placing holes where you want the bowls to be. Use a jigsaw or sturdy handsaw. Sand the edges of the holes to make them smooth. Once holes have been made, feel free to paint or prime the feeder.

    Assemble the Feeder

    • Now you can complete the feeder by placing the bowls into the holes. Push down to make sure the bowls sit securely into the feeder. If you've primed or painted your feeder, wait at least eight hours for the surface to dry completely before setting the bowls in place. You'll want to be able to easily remove the bowls for cleaning, so make any adjustments you might need to accommodate the size of the cat bowls. Place the completed feeder in your cat's favorite spot, fill with food and water, and watch her enjoy.