7 Practical Cat Bowls for Every Home

Key Points

• Stainless steel is non-porous and less likely to harbor bacteria, which may cause illness.

• Many cats prefer the moving water of a fountain or faucet because it's fresh and clean.

• Shallow and/or wide bowls prevent cats' whiskers from hitting the edge of the bowl, thereby eliminating whisker fatigue.

Cats are sometimes particular when it comes to their food — and their bowls. These are seven practical cat bowls for every home and every type of cat.

Believe it or not, some cats prefer to eat their meals or drink their water out of certain materials. I have a cat that doesn't care for stainless steel. Whether it's the shiny, reflective surface or the sound the kibble makes against the metal, it's difficult to say. Luckily, there are many other options.

Whether your cat is as particular as mine about the material or prefers more height when they eat, there's a bowl that works for them.

Low Profile Stainless Steel Cat Dish

by Basis Pet

Buy Now

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Basis Pet Stainless Steel Cat Bowls

Speaking of stainless steel, your cat may prefer this type of bowl. It's one of the easiest materials to clean, but it's not all about you.

Design and Material

The Basis Pet Stainless Steel Cat Bowls are high-quality, 18-gauge stainless steel, manufactured and sourced in the U.S. The stainless steel material is also resistant to corrosion, scratches, and stains, making it an ideal choice for cat bowls. Other metal bowls test for levels of lead or radioactivity and may cause chin acne in cats. Basis screens each finished batch of their bowls for radioactive contamination.

These cat bowls feature a sleek and minimalist design that complements any home decor. The wide and shallow design provides stability to prevent tipping and prevents whisker fatigue. The rounded bottom helps your cat get to all the food without getting stuck in a corner.

Size and Capacity Options

The Basis Pet Stainless Steel Cat Bowls are available in multiple sizes for cats of all breeds. Choose from small, medium, and large bowl options based on your cat's feeding requirements.

Whether you have a growing kitten or a large adult cat, there is a size option suitable for every stage of their life.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Basis Pet Stainless Steel Cat Bowls is a breeze. The smooth stainless steel surface and curved, open lip prevent food from sticking and easily wipes clean with a damp cloth or washed using mild dish soap. These bowls are also dishwasher-safe, saving you time and effort in the cleaning process.

Regular cleaning of the bowls ensures hygiene and prevents the build-up of bacteria. Clean the bowls at least once a day, especially if you are using them for wet food.

Catit Flower Fountain

Unlike any of the other bowls on the list, this one has a fountain coming out of it. You may notice that your cat likes to jump onto the sink to try to get a drink, so a fountain is better than a bowl for your cat.

Veterinarian and editor-in-chief of VeterinaryArticles Dr. Nouman Tahir suggests why cats like running water. "First, cats prefer that their water be cool and fresh. Running water is more likely to meet these criteria than water that has been sitting in a bowl for a period of time. Additionally, cats are attracted to the sound and movement of running water. This may be due to their natural hunting instincts — stalking and pouncing on moving prey."

Whatever the reason, if your cat tends to go after running water, let them catch it with this flower fountain.

Design and Functionality

The Catit Flower Fountain features a unique and attractive design that mimics a freshwater source, enticing cats to drink more water. The centerpiece of the fountain is a vibrant flower-shaped top that serves as the drinking point. The flowing water adds an interactive element, keeping cats engaged and hydrated.

The gentle flow of water encourages cats to drink more, reducing the risk of dehydration and promoting good urinary health. The calm, rippling sound acts as white noise for cats that may suffer from separation anxiety while you're away.

Water Capacity and Filtration System

The Catit Flower Fountain has a water capacity of three liters, suitable for homes with multiple cats. The large reservoir reduces the frequency of refills, making it convenient for busy pet owners.

Equipped with a triple-action filter, this fountain removes impurities, debris, and hair from the water. The filter system includes a foam filter, an activated carbon filter, and a dual-action filter pad, providing clean and fresh water.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Maintaining the Catit Flower Fountain is simple and hassle-free. Disassemble the fountain easily for a thorough cleaning, allowing you to reach every nook and cranny. Regular cleaning prevents the build-up of algae, bacteria, and odors.

You should clean the fountain every two to four weeks, depending on your water quality. Replace the filters every two to four weeks as well for optimal filtration performance for your cat's health.

Dr. Catsby's Whisker Relief Cat Bowl

As the name suggests, this bowl has a specific function — whisker relief. There's no scientific proof that whisker fatigue is a medical issue, but owners and animal experts observe it nonetheless.

Whisker Relief Design

Dr. Catsby's Whisker Relief Cat Bowl addresses the issue of whisker fatigue or stress. The shallow and wide shape of the bowl prevents your cat's sensitive whiskers from coming into contact with the sides of the bowl, eliminating anxiety during meals.

Another feature that reduces stress is the detachable anti-skid silicone base. This keeps your cat's feeding territory in one spot so they don't inadvertently encroach on another pet's eating area.

The shallow design of the bowl allows cats to access the food easily without "chasing" the food into corners or crevices. The intention of the wider bowl is to minimize spillage, but without a rim, your cat may push the food off the side.

Material and Durability

The Dr. Catsby's Whisker Relief Cat Bowl is high-quality stainless steel, providing durability and preventing scratches and rust. The stainless steel material is non-toxic, assuring you of the safety of your cat while eating. It's also non-porous, so it doesn't harbor bacteria, which may cause illness.

This bowl withstands regular use and is suitable for both dry and wet food. The stainless steel construction also helps in maintaining the food's temperature, keeping it fresh and appetizing for your cat.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the Dr. Catsby's Whisker Relief Cat Bowl is easy. The stainless steel material quickly wipes clean with a damp cloth or washed with mild dish soap. For a more thorough cleaning, the bowl is dishwasher-safe.

To maintain the bowl's pristine condition, clean it after every meal or at least once a day. Regular cleaning prevents the growth of bacteria and always keeps your cat's bowl clean and hygienic.

Loving Pets Bella Bowls

This is another stainless steel option but with a cuter design. It also has a larger capacity than some of the other bowls on the list.

Style and Aesthetics

The Loving Pets Bella Bowls come in a wide range of vibrant colors, patterns, and sizes, allowing you to choose a bowl that matches your home decor and your cat's personality. The inner material is stainless steel while it has a poly-resin exterior.

With options like metallic finishes and decorative paw prints, these bowls combine functionality with aesthetics, making them a popular choice among cat owners who want to add a little flair to their cat's mealtime.

Size and Capacity Range

The Loving Pets Bella Bowls are available in various sizes ranging from four ounces to eight cups, accommodating the needs of cats of all breeds and sizes. These size options allow you to choose the perfect bowl for your cat's food portion sizes.

If you have multiple cats and prefer separate bowls for each, the smaller sizes are convenient for individual feeding, while the larger sizes hold enough food or water for shared meals.

Durability and Non-Skid Base

Made from stainless steel, the Loving Pets Bella Bowls are durable and long-lasting. The stainless steel construction keeps the bowls scratch-resistant, stain-resistant, and odor-free over time.

Though they're dishwasher safe, some customers suggest handwashing because the painted motifs smear and come off after a high-temperature wash.

These bowls feature a removable skid-proof rubber base that prevents sliding, tipping, and extra noises during meal times, even if your cat is enthusiastic or playful during feeding. The non-skid base also protects your floors from scratches.

Necoichi Raised Cat Bowls

For cats that don't like stainless steel, these ceramic bowls might suit them better. They may also like the height the bowl provides.

This TikTok video posted July 19, 2023, shows a cat eating from one of these unique raised dishes.

Elevated Design and Benefits

Necoichi Raised Cat Bowls provide a comfortable eating experience for your feline companion. The raised height of the bowls puts less strain on your cat's neck, promoting better posture and digestion.

This elevated feeding position may work better for older cats or those with health conditions like arthritis, neck or back problems. By reducing the distance between the food and the cat's mouth, these bowls make eating more accessible and enjoyable.

Size and Durability

Necoichi Raised Cat Bowls come in different sizes and heights like mini, regular, and large. The bowls are available in various dimensions for different cat breeds and sizes.

When selecting the right size, consider your cat's shoulder height to make sure they comfortably eat without straining their neck or stretching too much. The heavy porcelain material helps keep the dish in place without sliding around or tipping over.

Material and Cleaning

Necoichi Raised Cat Bowls are high-quality, non-toxic porcelain, which is safe for your cat and easy to clean. The smooth surface of the porcelain bowls prevents food from sticking, facilitating effortless cleaning and preventing the growth of bacteria.

To clean the bowls, you may hand wash them with mild dish soap and warm water. They're also dishwasher and microwave safe. Put the entire dish in the top rack of the dishwasher.

Avoid using abrasive cleaners or materials that scratch the surface. The porcelain material maintains the longevity of the bowls, even with regular use.

PetFusion Premium Stainless Steel Cat Bowls

This is another stainless steel bowl but unlike Dr. Catsby's, it has sides and a rim so your cat is less likely to make a mess. It's shallow and wide to prevent whisker fatigue as well.

High-Quality Stainless Steel

The PetFusion Premium Stainless Steel Cat Bowls are food-grade 304 stainless steel. They're durable, hygienic, and resistant to rust and corrosion. This premium-grade stainless steel guarantees the safety of your cat's food and water, free from harmful chemicals.

The stainless steel construction also makes these bowls strong and long-lasting, suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The smooth and rounded interior of the bowls allows for easy access to food and easy cleaning. They also fit with the PetFusion Elevated Pet Feeders, but be sure you choose the correct size when ordering.

Anti-Skid Base and Noise Reduction

The PetFusion Premium Stainless Steel Cat Bowls feature a non-slip silicone base. This anti-skid base prevents the bowls from sliding or tipping, even on slippery surfaces, maintaining a mess-free feeding experience.

The silicone base also acts as a noise dampener, reducing the clanging or scraping sounds that often come with stainless steel bowls. This is helpful if your cat is sensitive to noise or if you prefer a quieter feeding routine.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the PetFusion Premium Stainless Steel Cat Bowl is quick and easy. The stainless steel material is resistant to stains and odors, allowing you to wipe away any bits of food with a damp cloth or rinse them with water and mild dish soap. The bowls are also dishwasher-safe if you prefer that convenience.

Regular cleaning maintains hygiene, prevents bacteria build-up, and ensures your cat always has access to fresh and clean food and water.

PetRageous Designs Metro Hand-Crafted Cat Bowls

This bowl is similar to the PetFusion bowl, but the material is ceramic. If your cat prefers this material but doesn't like the height of the Necoichi bowl, this is a good option.

Shape and Hand-Crafted Design

The PetRageous Designs Metro Hand-Crafted Cat Bowls are meticulously hand-crafted, showcasing intricate details and vibrant colors. Each bowl is uniquely decorated with patterns, pawprints, or artistic motifs, making them a beautiful addition to your cat's feeding area.

The design of this one is different from other bowls. The oval shape provides more space for your cat's whiskers but still keeps the food from going everywhere. Customers say it's difficult to locate an oval cat dish, so they're happy with this find.

Material and Durability

These cat bowls are high-quality, safe, durable, and FDA-compliant stoneware ceramic. The sturdy ceramic construction allows for a lasting and reliable feeding companion for your cat. They're also glazed to form a non-porous shield. If your pet prefers a warm dish, these bowls are microwave-safe.

While they are functional and practical, the attention to detail in the hand-painted designs showcases the artistry and adds an element of class to your cat's dining experience.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Cleaning the PetRageous Designs Metro Hand-Crafted Cat Bowls is straightforward. They're dishwasher-safe, making it easy to maintain their pristine appearance. However, to preserve the painted design, handwash the bowls with mild dish soap and warm water.

Avoid using abrasive scrub brushes or harsh chemicals that damage the artwork. Gently dry the bowls after cleaning so they remain in optimal condition.

A Dish Fit For a Finicky Feline

If your cat is a picky pet, you may notice that they're not eating as well. Maybe they're hesitant when they come to dinner. It may not be the wet or dry food you give them — they may just not like the dish you put in front of them.

Choosing the right cat bowl is essential for providing a comfortable and practical feeding experience for your feline. Each of the seven cat bowls discussed in this article offers unique features and benefits that cater to the diverse needs of cats and their owners.

From the stainless steel durability of the Basis Pet Stainless Steel Cat Bowls to the stylish designs of the PetRageous Designs Metro Hand-Crafted Cat Bowls, there's a cat bowl to suit every home and every cat's preferences.

All of these dishes are practical, durable, and functional, but they're also stylish and modern. Pick out the dish that best serves your cat's needs and watch them run to the dinner bowl once again.

For other suggestions on everything your cat needs, subscribe to Cattitude Daily today.