The Best Cat Bowls
Believe it or not, deciding on the right bowl to purchase for your cat to eat and drink out of requires one to pay attention to more than just the color and size. From the design to the material it’s made out of, it's essential that whatever you buy is easy for you to clean and even more comfortable for your feline friend to use. From raised feeders to sleek double sets, we’ve shared our top picks for the purr-fect cat bowls that will be sure to ‘bowl’ you over.
Neater Feeder Express Elevated Cat Bowl
For a neater meal time
Pros:
Available in “Gunmetal” or “Cappuccino”, this set consists of two stainless steel bowls contained within a mess-proof catch basin. Designed to help you keep mealtime “neater”, the Neater Feeder is dishwasher safe and perfectly-sized. Better yet, the feeding height is 2.75 inches, so it’s accessible by both petite kittens and larger elderly cats. Modestly-priced and brilliantly-designed, the Neater Feeder is a no-brainer for cat owners everywhere.
Cons:
Although it’s a minor caveat, the catch basin doesn’t lock to the upper portion, so you’ll have to be careful not to drop everything when moving it around. Also, if you have a really feisty cat that insists on toppling over their water bowl, you might want something heavier.
Y YHY Raised Cat Food Bowl
Raised water bowl for cats
Pros:
The Y YHY’s ceramic raised bowl helps eliminate neck pain by offering a convenient height that makes accessing food and water more comfortable than ever. In fact, this simple design can actually reduce vomiting, since your feline will be able to take in more food without gulping air. Better yet, these cute bowls can be washed in the dishwasher with the rest of your kitchenware.
Cons:
While this option is perfect for smaller cats, you may find that they aren’t big enough for pets on the larger end. However, if you don’t mind refilling the bowl more frequently, then you’ll have no issues. Also, raised bowls aren’t a guarantee for eliminating vomiting, but they’re a great place to start.
Van Ness ECOWARE Cat Dish
Bamboo-based cat dish for pets
Pros:
This cat dish from Van Ness is 47% bamboo, making it our top pick for eco-friendly feeding. And as it turns out, bamboo makes for a surprisingly durable and hardy bowl. BPA-free and easy to clean, this 8-ounce bowl features a wide rim and an unbeatable price tag. Seriously, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more affordable cat bowl. With Van Ness, you can’t go wrong.
Cons:
When cats eat out of deep bowls. their whiskers can be overstimulated and stress them out. This bowl seeks to reduce this “whisker stress”, with a 1.25-inch depth and a 5.25-inch width. However, the shallowness of the bowl may lead to more of a mess, so you may want to place a mat or towel underneath the bowl if you have a particularly messy eater.
UPSKY Double Cat Stainless Steel Bowls
High-quality, yet affordable
Pros:
If you want a set of cat bowls that will last a lifetime, go with UPSKY. This set of stainless steel bowls are durable, easy to wash, and able to withstand all sorts of feisty kitty-cat behavior. So even if your cat is prone to tipping their bowl or swatting it across the floor, UPSKY bowls will endure. In fact, this set of two bowls nestles nicely in a no-spill basin for catching all the fallout of your messy eaters. Best of all, this option is super affordable, so we say grab one while you can.
Cons:
If you have a cat on the heavier side, then this bowl might be too easy for them to push around. Since it does slide around on the floor, a bigger cat might be able to tip it over, resulting in spilled contents.
COMSUN Collapsible Bowl
Mealtime on the go
Pros:
Traveling with a cat can be difficult, so COMSUN is here to help. This travel-friendly bowl is made out of food-grade silicone and features a collapsible design. That way, you can whip it out, pop it open, and fill it up just about anywhere you go. And the silicone serves to keep it from slipping around the floor, so it’s another great option for messy eaters. This set comes with two collapsible bowls.
Cons:
The included carabiners are useful for clipping the bowl to your backpack or bag, but they’re not very high-quality and can break with only a little force.
FAQs
Can I use a plastic bowl?
Its recommended that you buy either a stainless steel or ceramic bowl when shopping for your cat. Since plastic is more susceptible to bacteria buildup, your furry one could be at risk for cat acne, allergies, and other health issues.
How often should I wash her bowl?
To prevent bacteria build-up, use dish soap and hot water to wash your cat’s food bowl after each meal and her water bowl every one-to-two days. Some cat bowls are also safe to be used in the dishwasher.
Do I need to buy a raised bowl?
While it isn’t necessary, elevated bowls do provide a lot of benefits for cats, such as improved digestion and reduced neck strain in addition to keeping their spines healthy. They also help to keep things less messy and the food fresher for longer since it won’t be spilled all over the ground in contact with dirt and bugs.
Why Trust Us
Since 2008, CatTime has provided millions of cat owners with all the information they need to keep their pets happy and healthy. Our experts know exactly what it takes to raise our furry friends and our goal is to help all owners, new or experienced, care for their cats with all the right food, toys, equipment, and accessories.