Choosing a cat bowl might seem as simple as picking the first cute dish you find—but any cat parent knows that finding the one is a serious and specific business. Is your feline a dainty sipper, a spill-prone splasher, or a high-speed snacker who gobbles like it’s a race?
From whisker-friendly designs to bowls that recognize your cat’s microchip, picking the perfect bowl can be a jungle—but the following reviews of our favorite bowls in 2024 will meet your cat’s quirkiest mealtime needs. Get ready to elevate your kitty’s dining experience and maybe, just maybe, reduce a little cleanup, too!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
The 10 Best Cat Bowls of 2024
1. Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl – Best Overall
The Hepper NomNom Cat Bowl is without a doubt our favorite cat bowl. The Hepper team designed the NomNom bowl to be both functional and stylish, offering your cat an all-around fabulous mealtime experience.
The bowl features two shallow stainless steel dishes, perfect for holding food and water, and its elevated edge prevents spills. This makes it ideal for cats that like to push their food around (which is most of them, right?). The shallow design is also whisker-friendly, ensuring that your cat eats without any whisker fatigue or discomfort caused by their whiskers touching the bowl’s edges.
The NomNom Bowl is also made from BPA-free materials. It’s safe, looks great, cats love it, and it’s easy to clean, making it a favorite for cats and their parents.
Pros
- Whisker-friendly design
- Stylish modern design
- Elevated lip prevents spills
- Easy to clean and dishwasher safe
Cons
- Currently only ships through the mainland US from the Hepper site (although you can order internationally from Amazon)
2. Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish – Budget Buy
The Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish offers an eco-friendly, budget-conscious choice for cat owners who want a safe, durable dish.
This bowl is made from renewable bamboo, making it lightweight yet durable. It features a non-skid base to prevent sliding, which is great for cats who tend to push their bowls around (again, most of them, right?).
This bowl is microwave-safe and free from harmful chemicals like BPA and phthalates. For smaller cats at this price, it’s hard to beat, making it an excellent everyday dish that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Pros
- Budget-friendly
- Non-skid base
- Eco-friendly and BPA-free
Cons
- Small size
- Not suitable for larger cats
3. Necoichi Tilted Stress-Free Raised Cat Food Bowl
The Necoichi Tilted Stress-Free Raised Cat Food Bowl is ideal for cats who prefer to eat in a more elevated position. Raised at an angle, it allows your cat to eat without bending down too much, reducing the strain on their necks and aiding digestion. This is especially useful for older cats or those with arthritis.
Made from high-quality ceramic, it’s also microwave and dishwasher-safe, and its wide design minimizes whisker stress. The cute paw-print design is a bonus for pet owners who like aesthetic appeal.
Pros
- Ergonomic, raised design
- Whisker-friendly shape
- Durable, microwave and dishwasher-safe
Cons
- Heavier than plastic bowls
- Breakable if dropped
4. Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl
Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl is a stainless steel option specifically designed to combat whisker fatigue. The bowl (which looks like something out of a sci-fi movie), is wide and shallow, ensuring that your cat’s whiskers don’t brush against the sides while eating.
As a bonus, this bowl is also non-skid, making it stable for even the most enthusiastic eaters. The high-quality, food-grade stainless steel is resistant to bacteria and easy to clean. However, some users have noted that it may scratch easily, and soupy foods can spill over the shallow edge.
Pros
- Helps prevent whisker fatigue
- Made from durable stainless steel
- Non-skid base
Cons
- Scratches easily
- Not ideal for wet, runny food
5. PetRageous Designs Frisky Kitty Oval Ceramic Bowl
Sometimes we want funky over clunky, and the PetRageous bowl gives us exactly that. This ceramic bowl is a solid choice for cat owners who want something both functional and decorative.
The hand-painted designs add a playful touch to any home, and the sturdy ceramic construction ensures durability. The bowl is microwave- and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for feeding and cleaning. Its oval shape makes it whisker-friendly, preventing any discomfort during mealtime. However, it can be a bit heavy, and like all ceramic products, it’s prone to breakage if dropped.
Pros
- Cute, hand-painted design
- Durable ceramic material
- Whisker-friendly
Cons
- Heavier than plastic bowls
- Prone to breaking
6. IRIS Slow Feeding Cat Bowl
Have a cat who likes to hoover down their food? The IRIS Slow Feeding Cat Bowl is an excellent choice for cats that eat too quickly.
It features raised bumps and grooves within the bowl that encourage your pet to slow down while eating, reducing the risk of bloating and improving digestion. The bowl is made from BPA-free plastic and features a non-slip base to keep it secure during mealtime. This is especially useful for cats that are prone to scarfing down their food. However, it’s made from plastic, so it may not be as durable or long-lasting as other materials.
Pros
- Encourages slower eating
- BPA-free
- Non-slip base
Cons
- Made from plastic, which may not be as durable
- Harder to clean than stainless steel
7. Neater Feeder Deluxe Cat Bowl
The Neater Feeder Deluxe is perfect for cats who like to decorate the kitchen while they eat. For messy eaters, this two-tiered design catches spilled food and water, preventing messes on your floor.
The elevated bowls also promote better digestion, making it a great option for older cats or those with health issues. With its anti-tipping design, this bowl is built for stability. However, it takes up more space than a traditional bowl and may be overkill for neat eaters.
Pros
- Elevated for better digestion
- Spill-proof design
- Stable and anti-tipping
Cons
- Bulky, takes up more space
- Higher price point
8. Petkit Fresh Nano Adjustable Elevated Cat Bowls
For those more senior cats, these bowls feature an ergonomic, 15-degree tilted design that reduces neck strain and helps with digestion. Made from dishwasher-safe and rust-resistant stainless steel, they are durable and easy to clean. The anti-slip base ensures stability, even for enthusiastic eaters. The modern design makes it a great fit for any home, and since launch, Petkit has increased the size of these bowls which some users are finding may be too big for smaller cats.
Pros
- Ergonomic, tilted design
- BPA-free and durable
- Anti-slip base
Cons
- Some users report bowls can be too big for smaller cats
9. SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder
Perfect for multi-cat households, the SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder ensures that each cat only eats its allotted food. It uses your cat’s microchip or an RFID tag to open, preventing food theft and ensuring correct portion sizes.
This feeder is ideal for cats on special diets or in homes with food competition or aggression. However, it’s more expensive and requires batteries for operation.
Pros
- Ensures proper portions
- Prevents food theft
- Ideal for multi-cat homes
Cons
- Expensive
- Requires batteries
10. PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station
For cats that need a constant supply of fresh water, the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station is a top pick. It features a large, gravity-fed reservoir that automatically dispenses water as needed. The stainless steel bowl is durable and easy to clean, and the large capacity means fewer refills. It’s perfect for busy pet owners or multi-cat households, though it takes up more space than a standard bowl and there are reports of rambunctious cats tipping the water reservoir over.
Pros
- Gravity-fed for constant water supply
- Large capacity
- Easy to clean
Cons
- Takes up more space
- Plastic reservoir may discolor over time
- Water reservoir may tip with overly enthusiastic cats
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Bowl
Choosing the right cat bowl may not seem like a monumental task, but for pet parents, it’s akin to finding the Holy Grail of pet supplies. Cats can be… well, you know… difficult at times. They have unique eating and drinking habits, and selecting the perfect bowl can streamline the entire mealtime experience while (hopefully) keeping your home mess-free.
In this guide, we’ll explore the factors to consider when choosing a cat bowl and provide insights into various options available in the market.
Important Considerations When Choosing a Cat Bowl
When shopping for a cat bowl, consider the following factors to find the perfect match for your furry friend:
Material
Cat bowls come in various materials, including plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel. Each has its pros and cons. For instance, while plastic bowls are lightweight and affordable, they can scratch easily and harbor bacteria. Ceramic bowls are more durable and stylish but can break if dropped. Stainless steel bowls are rust-resistant and easy to clean, making them a popular choice.
Size and Capacity
The size of the bowl should match your cat’s needs. A small bowl may not hold enough food or water for larger cats or multiple pets, while an overly large bowl may be cumbersome for smaller cats.
Shape and Design
The shape of the bowl can affect how comfortable your cat is while eating. Shallow, wide bowls help prevent whisker fatigue, while elevated designs can improve digestion and comfort for older or arthritic cats. The design can also enhance your living space with sleek and modern bowls or can add a bit of cute, kitschiness if that’s what you’re looking for.
Cleaning and Maintenance
By choosing a bowl that’s easy to clean and dishwasher-safe you can make mealtime less stressful for all. Bacteria can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas, so smooth surfaces are preferable. Bowls that are designed for easy cleaning ensure your cat’s feeding area remains hygienic.
Non-Slip Features
If your cat tends to push their bowl around, look for non-slip options. Alternatively, you can buy non-slip mats to put your cat’s bowl on if you’re set on a design that doesn’t offer non-slip features. This feature helps keep the bowl in place and reduces mess during mealtime.
What Makes a Good Cat Bowl?
A good cat bowl balances functionality, comfort, and aesthetics. Key characteristics include:
- Whisker-friendly design: This is essential for preventing whisker fatigue, ensuring that your cat can eat comfortably.
- Durability: A good bowl should withstand wear and tear. Stainless steel bowls are often the most durable, while ceramic can also be very sturdy when handled with care.
- Ease of Use: The design should make it easy for your cat to access their food and water. Consider elevated bowls for older cats or those with health issues, as they can reduce strain while eating.
Tips When Buying a Cat Bowl
- Assess Your Cat’s Eating Habits: If your cat is a fast eater, consider a slow-feeder bowl. This will encourage them to eat at a healthier pace.
- Think About Your Space: If you have limited space, opt for a compact design.
- Consider Your Cat’s Health Needs: Older cats or those with arthritis may benefit from raised bowls. Evaluate your cat’s specific needs before making a decision.
Evolution of Cat Bowls
Cat bowls have evolved significantly over the years. Early models were often basic and utilitarian, lacking thoughtful design elements. Modern bowls now feature innovative designs, materials, and technology to cater to various feline needs (like using microchip recognition to prevent food theft or overeating among multiple pets). This advancement not only improves convenience but also ensures that each cat gets the appropriate food they need.
Design Choices and Their Effects
The design of a cat bowl can greatly impact user experience. For example, the shallow shapes can encourage natural eating behavior and minimize the risk of mess. Elevated heights of bowls can help reduce strain for older cats, making mealtime more comfortable.
The quest for the perfect cat bowl involves considering material, size, design, and your cat’s unique habits. With options like our top pick leading the pack for its stylish design and practicality, you’re sure to find the right fit that enhances both your cat’s dining experience and your home decor. After all, every cat deserves a dining experience that’s as special as they are!
Conclusion
Our top five picks for cat bowls include the Hepper NomNom Bowl for its stylish and mess-free design, as well as its whisker-friendly shape, the Van Ness EcoWare Cat Dish as a budget-friendly eco option, and the Necoichi Raised Cat Food Bowl for its ergonomic benefits. The Dr. Catsby’s Whisker Relief Bowl helps prevent whisker fatigue, while the PetSafe Healthy Pet Water Station ensures a constant supply of fresh water. These products, highlighted in our reviews, cater to diverse needs, making mealtime enjoyable and stress-free for both you and your furry friend.
Featured Image Credit: Roman Samsonov, Shutterstock
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