How To Choose The Best Cat Water Bowl For Your Cat – CatTime
Do you have an older cat who has problems moving? Would you like to improve your pet’s life by securing a supply of water that they can use without straining their necks? If the answer is yes, you want a cat water bowl!
However, it is not easy to pick one that fits your needs, especially with so many models on the market. We’ve chosen our top five cat water bowl picks and reviewed the products below. Check out their pros and cons, and don’t forget to read our buyer’s guide, which will tell you all about finding the most suitable unit for your pet!
Best Choice
Say Goodbye to Neck Strains
Pros:
Necoichi has designed a cup that meets the FDA’s standards, which implies that it is safe for cats to use. The standard version is 2.9 inches tall, but you can also purchase the extra-tall 4.1-inch variant. The manufacturer offers six different color combinations to suit anyone’s preference. The product comes with measuring lines if you want to control how much water your cat drinks. The bowl comes with an anti-spill lip to prevent any mess on the floor. You can wash it in the dishwasher and also place it in the microwave to heat the water for your pet.
Cons:
The bowl is made of porcelain, which is why it is easy to break, especially if you don’t keep it on the floor. If your cat is messy, strong, and persistent enough, they could tip it over. The product might not be large enough if you plan to leave your pet alone for an entire day. It also can’t serve two kitties at once.
Best Design
Fun and Useful
Pros:
Veken Pet Fountain looks great, and it will fit your décor perfectly. The fountain’s capacity is 2.5 liters (84 ounces), and it has three flow designs. You can alternate between a bubble, standard, and gentle flow. Whichever you choose, the product will remain quiet with the sound level under 40dB. The manufacturer uses BPA-free materials of high quality, which ensure that the fountain should last for years. The product features three filters, including an ion exchange resin, activated carbon, and cotton layer. Although you need to clean up the pump regularly, it is a simple process that doesn’t take more than a few minutes.
Cons:
The fountain doesn’t have any indicator of the current water level. It has a minimum required water level to activate the fountain. The cord could be longer, and its restricted length becomes a problem if the power socket is far away from the designated place for the product. The filters get grimy fast, and the replacements are not cheap.
Best Ceramic Bowl
Artistic and Convenient
Pros:
The first thing you notice is that this cat water bowl looks stylish. Ceramic is a high-quality material, and the pattern seems attractive. The bamboo frame has a distinctive arc shape, and it acts as a bowl holder. That guarantees the bowl will stay in its place and prevent breakage. The adequate height ensures that your cat won’t have to stretch their neck to drink water. The product is free from cadmium and lead, and safe to use in dishwashers and microwaves. You can use the bowl for both water and food as long as you clean it regularly.
Cons:
Since this is a ceramic bowl, it might break easily if you use it without the frame. You also need to be very careful when washing it or heating food and water. Only a single capacity option is available, and that might not be enough for multiple cats. If your feline is messy, some water might end up on the floor.
Best Price
A Generous Capacity
Pros:
The waterer looks classic, although you can choose between four available colors. Either way, you get a plastic bottle and high-quality materials for the base. The generous capacity makes it suitable for pet owners who lead a busy lifestyle and are not at home frequently. The manufacturer has added antimicrobial features to ensure no bacteria-caused odors and stains appear on the product. The waterer comes with a gravity flow design to ensure maximum water use. Cleaning the device is a simple process that doesn’t require a lot of time.
Cons:
If the plastic bottle breaks, it will be difficult to find a suitable replacement. Your pet might damage the bottle or the product if they are prone to biting plastic. If you choose the biggest size and fill the bottle to the top, it will be heavy to move it around, as well as lock it into place. Be careful not to get wet during the process, too.
Easy to Wash
Perfect for Cat Couples
Pros:
These bowls come in a set, which makes them a real bargain if you want matching products for your pets. Each bowl has a cat silhouette on it, and it is made of stainless steel. The material is resistant to corrosion, which means there is no danger of rusting over time. The rubber base keeps the product in place and prevents your cats from moving it around. It also protects the floor and other surfaces from scratching. Each bowl has an eight-ounce capacity, and it is dishwasher-safe. The height of the containers is 1.4 inches, and they are lightweight and easy to move.
Cons:
The rubber rings on the bottom are not as durable as the bowls themselves. They easily get dirty and maintaining them is a hassle. The capacity per bowl is not admirable, which is why you might need to fill them multiple times per day. The paint might start to flake off after a while, especially if you wash it in the dishwasher.
What Really Matters
Here are the primary factors to consider when choosing a cat water bowl.
Materials
You want to start with the material used to design the bowl. That is important to ensure the bowl is safe for the pet but also durable and capable of lasting for a long time.
The manufacturers frequently used food-grade plastic for their bowls. These bowls are difficult to break, which makes them suitable for messy and active pets.
You can also go for porcelain and ceramics, especially if you care about the bowl fitting the décor. These products look great, but they are prone to breaking. That is why some manufacturers use frames to hold the bowls in place and protect them.
Capacity
As for the size of the bowl, you want to ensure that your cat always has a sufficient water quantity inside. The capacity varies from as little as eight ounces (an average glass) to four gallons.
Small bowls are easier to move around, but you will need to refill them frequently. Big bowls can last the entire day and are suitable for multiple pets. However, it might be tricky to set up the container since the bottle is heavy when full.
Design
The first thing to ensure is that you like how the cat water bowl looks. Apart from the material, you can choose from various color combinations. The manufacturers often add visual details like cat silhouettes, or patterns to make their bowl distinctive.
Additionally, consider the bowl height. Raised cat waterers are great for older cats and those with neck issues. They allow your pet to drink from the bowl without straining their neck.
Note that the height can vary significantly. The standard cat water bowls are around 1.5 inches high, while raised units go from 2.5 to over 4 inches. Consider how tall your cat is and which height would be suitable for them.
Apart from the height, the depth of the bowl can play a significant role. If the bowl is too deep, the cat might have problems reaching into it when the water level is low. That is why you need an optimum balance between the bowl’s height and depth.
What’s in Right Now?
Pet owners have always cared about their animal companions, but it seems that the level of care has increased. Owners have never been so careful about choosing products that will be safe for their pets and boost their quality of life. That is why the latest trend with cat water bowls is that they are made of safe and high-quality materials.
Many manufacturers resort to using FDA-approved materials that meet their standards. That includes BPA-free plastic or stainless-steel that is resistant to corrosion. Owners won’t hesitate to check out the product description and label for a confirmation that the materials used are safe.
Prices
Have you ever wondered about how much a cat water bowl cost? The truth is that these products are not expensive, but their price varies from as little as $5 to over $25.
Here is what you can expect in different pricing ranges:
Cheap
The most affordable cat water bowls shouldn’t cost over $10. For the money, you should get a decent-sized bowl with adequate durability. However, don’t expect fountains or any advanced features.
Mid-Range
The average price for a pet bowl is anywhere from $10 to $20. You can find bowls made of different materials in this range with various water-holding capacities.
Expensive
Premium cat water bowls will cost more than $20. For the price, you can expect a generous water capacity, as well as top-quality materials that last for a long time. The manufacturers frequently add additional features like a fountain flow or a frame to keep the bowl in place.
Please keep in mind that some manufacturers sell their cat water bowls in a set. While considering the price, note whether you get single or multiple bowls for the cost.
FAQs
Where should I place a cat water bowl?
The best place to put a cat water bowl is on the floor. However, make sure that there is a mat or another item to protect the floor from water spillages. If your cat has already used a particular area for eating and drinking water, put the bowl in that location. That will ease the process of the pet getting used to the dish.
How big should a cat water bowl be?
That depends on your preference and how frequently you want or are able to refill the water in the bowl. If you are not at home the entire day, you could benefit from big bowls with plenty of water. But if you can refill the container multiple times per day, you can also purchase compact-sized units.
Why does my cat move its water bowl around?
Cats don’t have clear nearsighted vision, and they might be moving the bowl to check if there is still water inside. If they’ve been drinking from the tap before, they might believe it is usual for the water to move. But don’t dismiss the possibility that your pet is simply playing with the bowl.
Can a cat share its water bowl with a dog?
Are your pets already used to drinking water from the same bowl? In that case, there is no reason to stop them (assuming none of them has a transferable disease). The only thing to ensure is that your cats and dogs get along, and there is no danger of a fight. As long as you’ve got that covered, feel free to let them use the same bowl.
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.