Ask cat owners, we are used to cleaning up our kitty’s messes. Whether they are destroying a roll of toilet paper with their murder mittens or sloshing around their water all over your carpeted floors—it seems like they’re always up to some mischief.
But mealtime doesn’t have to be a dreaded event. If you’re looking for a cat-safe food bowl that is easy on your floors, take a look at these 10 reviews.
We have found the best cat food bowls this year has to offer—touting everything from functionality to aesthetics.
A Quick Comparison of Our 2024 Winners
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Best Overall | Hepper Nomnom Modern Cat Bowl |
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Budget Buy | Van Ness Ecoware Non-Skid Dish |
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K&H Thermal Stainless Cat Bowl |
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Mr. Peanut's Collapsible Silicone Bowls |
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Loving Pets Stainless Steel Bowl |
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The 10 Best Cat Food Bowls
1. Hepper NomNom Modern Cat Bowl – Best Overall
If you’re looking for something you’ll simply love, we suggest the Hepper NomNom Modern Cat Bowl. Through all those that we scoured, this is the one bowl set that caught our eye the most.
The dual stainless steel bowls are shallow and wide, providing whisker relief. They sit securely into the PP plastic wrap-around tray and are elevated to the perfect height to promote comfortable eating. It’s beautifully crafted to virtually fit any decor style, so it won’t stick out in your kitchen, laundry room, or elsewhere.
To conclude, we think this is the best food bowl for cats available.
At Catster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years and decided to take a controlling ownership interest, so that we could benefit from the outstanding designs of this cool cat company!
- Whisker-smart design
- Non-skid bottom
- Easy cleanable
- Stainless steel
- May be considered more expensive
2. Van Ness Ecoware Non-Skid Cat Dish – Best Value
If you’re looking for a cute cat bowl that won’t break the bank, consider the Van Ness Echoware Non-Skid Cat Dish. In our opinion, this is the best cat food bowl for the money. You will have to buy two if you’re looking for a food and water dish. However, it’s still less expensive than most cat bowls.
Taking on an economically friendly approach, these bowls are made up of 47% bamboo material. It’s BHA-free, reducing the risk of chemical exposure. Made of utensil-grade silicone, the bottom sets onto any service providing a non-skid positioning.
You can wash this dish out like you could any other bowl making it easy to keep clean. The only downfall we can really find to this design is that it requires you to buy multiple bowls if you need a water dish as well.
For the money, this is one of the best cat bowls you will find.
- Comprised of bamboo
- BHA-free
- Easy on the wallet
- Have to buy two
3. K&H Pet Products Thermal Stainless Cat Bowl – Premium Choice
If you want only the best for your kitty and you appreciate function as well, check out the K&H pet products thermal stainless cat bowl. If you have outdoor cats, this can be a perfect way to ensure that their bowls do not freeze in the cold or elements.
This thermal bowl plugs in to maintain a perfect temperature balance. This thermostat-controlled bowl takes a very low amount of energy to operate, so you don’t have to worry about racking up extra electricity costs on top of it.
Even if you have a chewer, you don’t have to worry about your cat getting electrocuted. The steel cord is totally chew-resistant. If you’re concerned with safety while you’re away, the MET has its stamp of approval, meaning that this product is safe to use.
- Temperature control
- MET approved
- Energy efficient
- Only for water
4. Mr. Peanut’s Premium Collapsible Silicone Cat Bowls
Easily cleanable in virtually indestructible, the Mr. Peanuts premium collapsible silicone cat bowls are the ticket. If you take your cat on the go, Mr. Peanut’s Premium Collapsible Pet Bowls are a terrific option for owners. These bowls are easy to clean, a breeze to store, and made incredibly well.
These bowls are made from food-grade silicone, which is entirely lightweight, making them perfect for traveling. There’s a convenient attachment allowing you to secure the bowl to prevent spills and movement.
Whether you are on a trip to the vet or you’re going on a vacation, these bowls will help your kitty stay hydrated and well-fed no matter where you are. These bowls are dishwasher safe and non-toxic, so you don’t have to worry about any added chemicals or harmful ingredients that could make your cat sick.
- Virtually indestructible
- Collapsable
- Great for trips
- Not for everyday use
- Related Read: 8 Best Luxury & Modern Cat Bowls- Reviews & Top Picks
5. Loving Pets Stainless Steel No Tip Pet Bowl
The next addition to our list is a perfect bowl for a multi-cat household. Or you can choose a smaller selection for a singular cat. Loving Pets Non-Skid Stainless Steel Dog & Cat Bowl is non-skid and stainless steel, so it won’t slip around or rust. It’s straightforward to clean and dishwasher safe.
Another perk is that the material is totally bacteria-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about any abnormal growth that can make your pet sick. The material won’t crack, pit, or wear away. It also won’t hold odors see you can guarantee a crisp taste with every bite.
If you would like one for food and water, you will have to purchase it separately—which can be a deterrent for some.
- Bacteria-resistant
- No rusting
- Will not crack or wear away
- Only one bowl purchase
6. PetRageous Designs Ceramic Cat Dish
The PetRageous Designs Metro Oval Ceramic Dog & Cat Dish is a stylish long-lasting choice that you can maintain for years to come. If you’re looking for something that you won’t have to replace but will also fit with your decor stylings, this might be just what you’re looking for.
This is a handcrafted design that is completely safe for your pet as it is human-grade. It’s entirely on par with FDA standards, so you know that your cat is getting the same treatment that you would.
Another perk is that it’s even microwave-safe, so if you like to nuke your kitties wet cat food just a touch, it will do just fine. One thing to note is that the color might not match exactly what you see in the photo because it’s handmade. However, even those shades may vary, the overall design is the same.
- FDA approved
- Microwave-safe
- Stylish
- Colors may vary slightly
7. JW Pet Skid Stop Basic Pet Bowls
The JW Pet Skid Stop Basic Non-Skid Plastic Dog & Cat Bowl Is a noteworthy addition on the list, but it might not be for everyone. It has a nonskid base, so the entire base is a very durable rubber. The bowl portion is made of solid plastic.
The entire makeup is completely rust-resistant and dishwasher safe, so you don’t have to worry about getting it wet. You can simply toss it in the dishwasher with the rest of your dishes.
The design is also bacteria-resistant—you don’t have to worry about any buildup of germs lingering where they eat. Of course, regular cleaning is advised to ensure that your cat is not eating residual old food.
While this is a simplistic design that is aesthetically pleasing, ceramic might not work for everyone. Ceramic is breakable, so if it fell off of a higher surface or something was dropped onto it, of course, it could crack and break.
- Bacteria-resistant
- Rust-resistant
- Non-skid
- Breakable
8. Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish
Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Ceramic Dog & Cat Dish has a nice heaviness for solid positioning. The entire design is weighted, so you don’t have to worry about getting a nonskid base—as they stay in place pretty well on their own.
They are plain circular bowls with nothing flashy or gaudy, so you can have them in any decor style without them looking out of place. It also comes in several sizes, so you can get the one that best matches your cat’s eating needs.
The ceramic is covered in a high-gloss finish which gives it an organic sheen. This design is dishwasher safe, BHA-free, and lead-free. You can fill the bowl with both wet and dry food without consequence. Since it is ceramic, it is breakable—so it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
- Naturally weighted
- BHA and lead-free
- Visually appealing
- Breakable
9. Y YHY Raised Cat Food Bowls
If you’re looking for a little leverage, consider the Y YHY Cat Bowl. Having a partially elevated bowl allows your cat to eat comfortably and is scientifically proven to reduce vomiting. So if you have a cat with a bit of a sensitive stomach, or maybe eats too quickly, this design can alleviate some of the symptoms.
On top of the nausea issue, it also helps with cats who have problems with their muscles and joints as they don’t have to strain their neck muscles or body to it. This bowl is made of ceramic making at microwave and dishwasher safe.
This unique design also wipes down easily if there are any wet food particles stuck inside. It’s practically a whole package—easy to clean, can handle heat, and helps your cat with digestion. But if your cat doesn’t have any issues eating, you wouldn’t necessarily require this particular style.
- Easy to clean
- Helps physical symptoms for sensitive cats
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
- Might not require this design
10. OurPets Durapet Cat Bowl
This pick might not work for everyone, but it’s worth a mention. The OurPets Durapet Cat Bowl is shallow, wide, and sturdy. This product is made particularly to prevent whisker fatigue in cats, so you won’t have to worry about overstimulation.
The base is made of sturdy silicone that is hard-wearing and easy to clean. It won’t wear away or erode over time, so you never have to worry about the silicone material breaking down. It doesn’t hold odors or collect bacteria.
It comes in several sizes, so you can base your decision on how much your cats eat. Be mindful to read the size chart before purchase. One downfall to this design is the packaging includes a glued brand advertisement on the front. It can be difficult to remove the glue after purchase.
- Prevents whisker fatigue
- Sturdy and shallow
- Will not rust or wear away
- Difficult to remove product glue
- Measure correctly
Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Food Bowl
You might be looking for a new cat bowl for various reasons. Whether you have heard how dangerous plastic bowls can be or you want something that isn’t going to scratch your floors, you’re on the hunt for the best food bowl for cats.
So, when you’re shopping around, it might surprise you just how many choices you have with something as simple as cats eating. Let’s delve into all the different options.
Dangers of Cat Bowl Materials
Maybe you have heard about the dangers of plastic a little bit. After all, when it comes to recyclable items, plastic is not among the most favorable materials. But eating and drinking out of plastic long-term can have serious health consequences for both humans and their furry friends.
You might notice cat toys, water bottles, and pet bowls that explain that they are BPA-free, what does it mean? BPA, or bisphenol A, is a preservative found in many products.
This preservative is not necessarily that bad until it begins to break down. When it does, it can be incredibly toxic if ingested. That’s why many companies are steering clear of adding BHA into their plastic products.
It doesn’t just stop with BPA. Lots of chemical compounds can leach into food and water—which can have incredibly harmful side effects. Some pet owners feel more comfortable steering clear of plastic altogether, while some just avoid certain chemicals on the label.
Ultimately, it will be up to you as your cat’s decision-maker on what product you think works best. But for this reason, many owners are skipping out on simplistic cat food and water bowl combos and going for other materials like stainless steel, ceramic, and silicone.
Best Cat Bowl Materials
So what are some of the best pet bowls out there? We have an answer.
Ceramic Food Bowls
Ceramic is an excellent choice because it is non-porous and extremely cleanable; it does not hold any toxic or harmful bacteria that can show up on other choices. Also, most ceramic bowls are dishwasher safe making them extremely easy to clean.
Stainless Steel Food Bowls
Moisture can cause rust which is something you don’t want your cats to ingest. Over time, some metal or metal-plated food bowls can start to deteriorate the flex of metal plating, and rust compounds can make your pet very sick. Stainless steel eliminates this risk altogether.
Non-Skid Food Bowls
These food bowls typically use a rubber or silicone base to prevent sliding and spilling. Bowls fit neatly into the compartments with a cupped portion around the entire design. It is especially ideal for slick surfaces, such as wood or tile.
Raised Food Bowls
These food bowls provide a tilt so your cat can eat out of it quickly without having to strain its neck muscles. Also, your cat has a lower risk of whisker interference.
What’s Up with Those Whiskers Anyway?
Cats use their whiskers to feel out their surroundings. Their whiskers have sensors that help them with their balance, and since how close something is to their face.
If their whiskers are obstructed, it can cause an overload of sensory called whisker fatigue. Some deep cat food bowls can cause the whiskers to rub along the sides, which puts your cat in a state of stress the entire time they’re eating.
If you notice your cat scooping food out of their bowl or taking breaks in between bites, it might be bothering them. Having wide bowls or tilted bowls can sometimes help with this issue.
Conclusion
Over all the others, we stand by our favorite—the Hepper NomNom Modern Cat Bowl. It is extremely durable, well-made, affordable, and nonskid. It also prevents whisker fatigue. We think it will be most fitting for a majority of your kitties.
If you want to save some money, check out the Van Ness Echoware Non-Skid Cat Dish. It is BHA-free, so you won’t have to worry about toxic plastic. You will have to buy two if you’re looking for a food and water dish—but it’s still cheaper than most.
No matter what, we hope our reviews lead you to a purchase you’re happy with.
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- 2 A Quick Comparison of Our 2024 Winners
- 3 The 10 Best Cat Food Bowls
- 3.1 1. Hepper NomNom Modern Cat Bowl – Best Overall
- 3.2 2. Van Ness Ecoware Non-Skid Cat Dish – Best Value
- 3.3 3. K&H Pet Products Thermal Stainless Cat Bowl – Premium Choice
- 3.4 4. Mr. Peanut’s Premium Collapsible Silicone Cat Bowls
- 3.5 5. Loving Pets Stainless Steel No Tip Pet Bowl
- 3.6 6. PetRageous Designs Ceramic Cat Dish
- 3.7 7. JW Pet Skid Stop Basic Pet Bowls
- 3.8 8. Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock Pet Dish
- 3.9 9. Y YHY Raised Cat Food Bowls
- 3.10 10. OurPets Durapet Cat Bowl
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- 5 Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Cat Food Bowl
- 6 Best Cat Bowl Materials
- 7 What’s Up with Those Whiskers Anyway?
- 8 Conclusion