Make sure you buy your pet a suitable cat feeding bowl to make them happier and your life easier.
© By Impact Photography - Shutterstock
What are the best cat bowls in 2024?
Food and water bowls are among the first purchases to be made by prospective cat owners. They come in all shapes and sizes and can be round, designer, raised, anti-slip and so much more. Read our brief buying guide to discover the different models!
Cats are very clean animals, and they are very particular about their hygiene and habits. That's why it's crucial to choose a suitable food bowl for your little feline. You'll need separate bowls for water, kibble, and pate, so it makes sense to buy at least two bowls. Choose models that are easy to clean and feature a non-slip base. Bowls come in various materials, including ceramic, stainless steel and plastic - all with their advantages. Choose cat bowls that are scratch-resistant and dishwasher-safe.
Are you about to welcome a new kitty into the family? There's a lot to look forward to! Create a small dining area for your cat with a practical and stylish bowl. Take a look at the different types of cat bowls we have selected for you to consider.
Summary
What type of bowl should I choose for my cat?
There are various types of cat bowls, and it's not always easy to choose the best model.
It's advisable to choose a round bowl with no hard-to-clean corners. Make sure it's dishwasher-safe, too, to make your life easier.
Choose a model that is stable to help avoid spills, even if your cat is fidgety and playful. If the bowl has a non-slip base, that's a win!
There are also weighing bowls, which come in handy if you weigh all meals to the nearest gram. Such models are a practical solution if your cat is on a diet. It will save you tons of time!
Does your pet tend to eat too quickly? That could be bad for their stomach! To avoid digestive problems, don't hesitate to choose a slow feeder cat bowl.
You can also find raised cat bowls for cats that have difficulty bending down.
Another option is a double bowl to separate wet food food and water, or kibble and food.
If you want your cat to play even when they are eating, choose a kibble dispenser. This model will force your pet to pick up the kibble one by one instead of eating it all at once. This feeding behaviour is very similar to the way feral cats eat. An interactive food dispenser will also stimulate the cat's intellectual abilities.
How many bowls do I need for my cat?
Cats are very clean animals and like to eat from well-cleaned containers. That's why it's crucial to buy at least one bowl for water and one bowl for kibble. You can also buy a third bowl to use for wet food.
If you don't have a lot of room to set up your cat's feeding area, double bowls can be your life-saver.
Where do I put my cat's bowl?
As cats like to have privacy, placing your cat's bowl in a secluded corner is advisable. Your cat should feel comfortable so that they can eat in peace.
Be careful not to put the bowl in the same room as the litter box: cats attach great importance to their hygiene and hate to stay next to their urine or excrement.
What to do when your cat won't eat from the bowl?
If your cat refuses to eat from the bowl, it may be because they don't like the bowl's location. Try moving it to a different spot to see if this changes the pet's eating behaviour.
If that doesn't seem to help, they may not think their bowl is clean enough. Even if you clean it every day, your pet may be distressed by the smell of the soap. Don't hesitate to change your cleaning routine and see how your kitty reacts!
If you have an older cat, chances are they suffer from arthritis, and bending its head towards the bowl may be hurting their joints. In this case, opt for a raised cat bowl!
How often should I clean my cat's bowl?
It is essential to clean your cat's bowl every day. Get into the habit of doing this in the evening once your cat has finished eating so that it doesn't become a nuisance.
As cat food contains a lot of protein, you should rinse the bowls in cold water first. Rinsing under hot water will cause the protein at the bottom of the bowl to bake and form a hard, transparent film that is a breeding ground for bacteria.
After rinsing with cold water, you can put the bowls in the dishwasher or wash them in hot water with soap.
Why does my cat scratch their bowl?
If you see your cat scratching around the bowl, don't worry, everything is fine! That is normal behaviour for all healthy cats.
By scratching their food bowl and the floor, cats deposit pheromones that allow them to mark their territory. They deposit these pheromones with their paw pads to prevent rivals from approaching their food.
So if your cat is scratching around their bowl, they’re not trying to bury their food. It's an instinct to signal the boundaries of their territory to all other cats. When your pet comes to rub their head against you or claws on the furniture in the house, it's for the same reason!
