Types of Cat Food Bowls
Anyone who’s ever owned a cat knows that they are animals that can be pretty particular about how they want things to be. That goes for their cat food bowls as well!
When it comes to cat food bowls, you shouldn’t just go for the cheapest or the first one you found. The best for your cat is to find the perfect bowl for your specific cat, made from a suitable material, sturdy enough that it won’t break, and easy to clean.
Luckily there’s a world of cat bowls to choose from, made from many different types of materials, including ceramic, stainless steel, plastic, and even glass!
Our Writer’s Pick For The Best Cat Food Bowl
We’ve reviewed 12 of the best cat food bowls out there on the market, and all are great options, but one was our clear favorite, and that was the FUKUMARU Elevated Ceramic Cat Bowls !
There are quite a few reasons this set of two raised bowls are our favorite, but a few highlights include:
Raised and tilted
Although not all cats will necessarily need to have their bowls raised when eating or drinking, there’s no doubt it relieves the stress on their neck and allows for a more relaxed eating position. The same goes for the 15-degree tilt this raised platform gives the bowls, making it easy for your kitten to reach all of the food in the bowls.
Easy to clean and use
These cat food bowls are placed in a wooden platform coated to make it easy to clean, all while looking great in any home! In addition, the two bowls are (certified) lead-free ceramic, meaning they are highly bacteria resistant. But, they are also easily removable to be cleaned and can even be dishwasher washed whenever needed–always a nice bonus!
Besides being easy to clean, the bowls are also deep enough that your cat shouldn’t be able to push the food out of them and onto the floor. (And even if you have a very excited eater, you can get a matching feeding mat for it!)
Bonus
Lastly, you can buy replacement bowls separately. If you’re anything like me, that’s a good thing. Even though these 2 lbs bowls are pretty sturdy, knowing me, I am bound to smash or lose one at some point. Maybe that’s just me, but in most animal households, that’s a huge bonus!
Although this may be our favorite, there are lots of great ones out there:
- Dr. Catsby's Food Bowl for Whisker Relief (Best For Flat-Nosed Breeds)
- PETKIT CYBERTAIL Elevated Dog and Cat Bowl (Best Raised Stainless Steel Bowl)
- UPSKY Double Cat Bowls (Best Raised With A Rim – For The Messy Eater)
- PEGGY11 Light Stainless Steel Cat Bowl (Best For The One Who Loves A Simple And Functional Bowl)
- HXN Double Cat Bowls (Best For The Cat Who Splashes Water All Over The Place)
- CatGuru Cat Food Bowl (Best For Kittens)
- Kitty City Raised Cat Food Bowl (Best For The Modern Design Household)
- Dorakitten Cat Food Bowls (Best For All Life-Stages)
- Joyshare Double Cat Food Bowls (Best Raised Plastic Bowl)
- YEIRVE Elevated Cat Food and Water Bowls (Best For Ensuring Your Cat Has Plenty of Water And Food All Day Long)
- Y YHY Cat Bowl (Best Single Raised Ceramic Bowl)
If you are curious to learn more about all these great bowls, take a read below!
The Top-Rated Cat Food Bowls for 2021
Ceramic
FUKUMARU Elevated Ceramic Cat Bowls
Amazon’s Choice for “Cat Feeding Bowl”
Best Overall!
This cat bowl is not only raised and tilted to reduce neck pressure for your cat or dog; it also comes with a unique, airy, and modern design. With two bowls placed in the elevated bamboo holder, it is perfect for ensuring your cat has water and food available!
The bowls are made from food-grade ceramic, sturdy and rust-free, and the bamboo holder is coated with a safe varnish to make it durable and waterproof. You can easily clean it by removing the cat food bowls, and they can be both microwaved and washed in the dishwasher, meaning it is highly bacterial resistant.
The bowls are 5.1 inches wide and deep enough to contain up to nine ounces of food and water without your cat being able to push it out. It is suitable for all cats and some small dogs, but kittens will struggle with the raised platform.
These bowls have an SGS certification, meaning they are confirmed to be lead and mercury-free.
Pros
- You can buy replacement bowls separately.
- Non-slip as the bowls are too heavy (2 lbs) for (small) cats or dogs to push them around.
- Ceramic bowls that are easy to clean.
Cons
- Slightly higher price.
- You cannot use it for kittens.
Y YHY Cat Bowl
Amazon’s Choice for “Elevated Cat Bowls”
Best Single Raised Ceramic Bowl
Here’s a raised and tilted cat food bowl made to alleviate vomiting and neck strain for your cat whenever it is foraging, as it allows your cat to keep a more natural neck position when eating. In addition, it has a stable and broad base for secure eating, almost completely removing the chance of the bowl falling over. You can even use it for small dogs as well.
This sturdy bowl is made from ceramic which is generally considered one of the best materials for bacteria resistance and how easy it is to clean. You can even throw this one straight into the dishwasher. Due to the sturdiness, you can even use it outdoors if you wish to!
The cat food bowls can be bought in one of two sizes, 5 inches or 7.2 inches in diameter, and can hold up to five ounces of food. It can also be used as a water bowl if needed and is suitable for cats of all ages – just make sure they can reach the food!
Pros
- Suitable for flat-faced cats.
- Easy to clean and bacteria resistant.
- It helps to alleviate occasional vomiting when eating.
Cons
- Although relatively sturdy, this bowl will break if dropped.
- The tilted angle can cause some cats to push food onto the floor.
Stainless steel
Dr. Catsby's Food Bowl for Whisker Relief
Amazon’s Choice in “Basic Cat Bowls by Dr. Catsby”
Best for Flat-nosed Breeds
This high-quality stainless steel cat food bowl is made to last your cat throughout the years! It has a clever shallow design that means food doesn’t get stuck in the corners and prevents whisker fatigue and food from getting into the fur of flat-nosed cats.
It also has a non-slip silicone bottom that makes it stay in place. Although this is a cat bowl, smaller dogs can also use it!
This kitchen-grade stainless steel is durable, hygienic (no nooks and crannies the bacteria can get stuck in), and easy to clean – you can even throw it in the dishwasher. This cat food bowl can be used outdoors but is mainly intended for indoor use.
This cat bowl is 7.252 in diameter, 1.25″ deep, and can hold up to 13.6 ounces of cat food. You can use it for cats of all sizes. If need be, this clever bowl can also be used as a water bowl!
Pros
- Clever design.
- Non-slip silicone mat underneath.
- Easy to clean (and dishwasher safe!)
Cons
- Slightly higher price.
- Some cats will push the food out of the bowl and onto the floor.
PETKIT CYBERTAIL Elevated Dog and Cat Bowl
Amazon’s Choice for “Tilted Dog Bowl”
Best Raised Stainless Steel Bowl
Now for a premium quality raised and tilted bowl that can help improve the cat’s digestion and reduce the strain of stretching into the bowl. The deep and wide shapes of the cat food bowls also prevent whisker fatigue, while the rounded edges make it easier for your cat to reach all its food.
This modern-looking set with two bowls is made of stainless steel, which is easy to clean as you can put it in the dishwasher. Both bowls are placed within a plastic holder by turning them, keeping them safely attached at all times! Bottom rubber grips also make the whole construction stable.
Both bowls – one for food and one for water – are 13 inches in diameter with more than enough capacity for food and water. It is suitable for all cats, but you need to make sure it can reach!
Pros
- The cat food bowls are secured to the base, making it impossible for your cat to knock over its bowls.
- Stainless steel is easy to clean.
- The raised and inclined bowls make for healthier eating positions.
Cons
- A slightly large construction.
- Higher price.
UPSKY Double Cat Bowls
Amazon’s Choice for “Pet Bowls”
Best Raised With A Rim
Here’s a complete pet diner for your furry friend with two slightly raised bowls, perfect for water and food for both small dogs and cats. The raised bowls increase the height by 0.8 inches to make access more comfortable for your pet, to promote easier swallowing. Another cool feature is the rim at the bottom that should prevent food from falling all over!
The bowls are made from premium stainless steel, with a unique resin bottom construction with a non-slip design to keep it in place. The stainless steel is easy to clean as the bowls can easily be detached and placed in the dishwasher – just don’t wash the resin bottom part! Primarily intended for indoor use, but can be placed outdoors for short periods.
The bowls are 5.5 inches wide and can hold up to 11 ounces of food or 400ml of water. It can be used for cats and small dogs but isn’t suitable for kittens.
Pros
- The rim at the base keeps the food from falling all over the place.
- Stainless steel, easy to clean bowls.
- It comes in a variety of colours!
Cons
- The elevation is relatively small, meaning larger cats may not benefit from it.
- Not suitable for kittens.
PEGGY11 Light Stainless Steel Cat Bowl
Best For The One Who Loves A Simple And Functional Bowl
Here’s a cat food bowl in a timeless design. Suitable for all types of cats (except tiny kittens) and most dogs, you can buy it in packs of two, in multiple sizes, to ensure your four-legged best friend has access to plenty of water and food – no matter what size they are.
The bowls are made of stainless steel, meaning they are bacteria resistant and can be dishwasher washed. They also come with a sturdy non-slip silicone bottom that will keep the bowls safely in place. You can use the cat food bowls indoors or outdoors.
The food bowl comes in three different sizes, varying from 5.1 inches to 8 inches in diameter, holding up to 15 ounces of food, suitable for wet foods, dry food, or treats.
Pros
- Simple design.
- You can use it for both cats and dogs.
- Sturdy and long-lasting, with little risk of breaking.
Cons
- Some cats may dislike eating from a flat surface.
- Too big for kittens.
HXN Double Cat Bowls
Best For The Cat Who Splashes Water All Over The Place
This is another cleverly designed 2-for-1 cat bowl set! One bowl is a food bowl. Another is a water bowl with an automatic water bottle for drinking that will refill the water into the bowl – while keeping it clean when you’re not home. Also, it even comes in two different colors, so you can choose whatever fits your home decor!
The cat food bowl is made of stainless steel and can easily be removed from the bottom, making it easy to clean and keep the bacteria at bay. The water bowl is made of PP plastic that is non-toxic. The base is an anti-rollover design that makes it hard to flip and prevents the floors from being scratched.
The cat food bowl is 5.9 inches wide and can hold up to two cups of dry food, and the water bowl can hold up to 13.5 ounces of water, plenty for a full day! You can use this clever set for adult cats of all sizes and most small and medium dogs as well.
Pros
- Will store plenty of water for your cat (or dog).
- Two-in-one design.
- A floating disk in the water bowl prevents water splashing.
Cons
- It cannot be dishwasher washed.
- Some users have experienced their cats being able to push the set around.
Kitten
CatGuru Cat Food Bowl
Amazon’s Choice for “CatGuru Cat Food Bowl”
Best For Kittens
If you’re looking for a lower cat food bowl suitable for your kitten, this may be the one for you! This bowl comes with a patented ripple design that allows your cat to access the food and prevent whisker fatigue easily – and it even comes in different colors for you to choose between.
The cat food bowl is made of BPA-free melamine. It is easy to clean, and bacteria will struggle to attach themselves to the bowl; they’re far less noisy compared to stainless steel bowls and do not absorb any smell – and it can be dishwasher washed. Just don’t ever put it in the microwave or oven! Clever non-slip legs also prevent them from sliding around.
It is 6.6 inches wide and can hold up to five ounces of wet or dry food. You can use it for cats of all sizes and ages and small dogs if you want to! However, it is not suitable as a water bowl as it cannot hold enough water for a day.
Pros
- Patented ripple design for easy access to the food.
- Durable and less noisy material.
- 100% happiness guarantee.
Cons
- Melamine should not be heated.
- Cats may easily push some food types out of the bowl.
Raised
Kitty City Raised Cat Food Bowl
Amazon’s Choice for “Cat Bowls”
Best For The Modern Household
Here’s a clever raised cat food bowl perfect for promoting a natural and healthy eating position – all the while looking great in your home! It has a whisker-friendly oval design with a slight tilt, making it easy for your cat to reach all of the food.
This bowl is made from pet-safe polypropylene plastic and can easily be cleaned, either by hand or in the dishwasher. However, it shouldn’t be used outdoors as the plastic can become scratched, allowing bacteria to attach.
These food bowls come in a set with two bowls, both being 5.38″ in diameter and can hold 3.84 ounces of food. You can use the food bowls for cats of all sizes, but tiny kittens may struggle to reach the food.
Pros
- Raised design.
- It comes in a set of two.
- Modern looking and can be bought in a variety of colors.
Cons
- Made of plastic.
- Can be toppled by the cat.
Dorakitten Cat Food Bowls
Amazon’s Choice for “Kitty Bowls Elevated”
Best For All Life-Stages
Are you looking for a cat bowl that can follow your cat throughout its life? This bowl might be it! The two cat dishes are detachable and can, with the bottom tray, be separated or combined into four different bowls. It is suitable for cats of all ages, and the elevated cat bowl even contains scales to ensure your cat always receives the right amount of food!
The whole set is made of durable plastic that can easily be cleaned and is made to be drop-resistant. Unfortunately, plastic can be scratched more easily than steel and ceramics, meaning bacteria can easily attach themselves. However, just rinse it often, and it shouldn’t be an issue! Still, you should only use it indoors.
Both bowls are 11.42 inches in diameter and can hold up to 500ml of water or 16 ounces of food. One of the most brilliant things about this bowl set is that it can be used for cats as young as two months and then for the rest of their life!
Pros
- Four different cat food bowls in one.
- 15-degree incline design to achieve best feeding posture.
- Scales to ensure the correct amount of food and water.
Cons
- Made of plastic.
- You can’t clean it in a dishwasher.
Joyshare Double Cat Food Bowls
Best Raised Plastic Bowl
This set of cat food bowls and a water bowl is also raised and elevated at 15 degrees to release stress on your cat’s neck, making feeding more comfortable for everyone! The two bowls are perfect for water or food, for both cats and dogs, and you can even choose between three different colors – so there’s something for everyone.
The two bowls and the raised platform is made of premium and safe ABS plastic material that is durable and easy to clean. Especially as the bowls can be easily removed and rinsed, a non-slip sticker at the bottom helps keep the bowls stable on the ground, but it should still only be used indoors.
The cute cat-face-shaped bowls are both 6.7 inches in diameter and can hold enough food for most cat breeds. As it comes in a set of two, it can be a great way to use one bowl for food and one for water.
Pros
- Elevated and inclined eating.
- You can easily remove the bowls from the platform.
- BPA -free plastic.
Cons
- You cannot wash it in the dishwasher.
- Some users report the bowls are easily broken.
YEIRVE Elevated Cat Food and Water Bowls
Best For Ensuring Your Cat Has Plenty of Water And Food All Day Long
If you’re looking for a clever cat bowl where your cat also will have access to plenty of water, this is the one for you. The cat food bowl is raised and on a 15-degree tilt to promote a healthy eating position. Besides the food bowl is a water bowl where a bottle can be attached to ensure your cat – or small dog – always has access to plenty of clean water!
The pet bowls are made from 5A food-grade PC material (plastic), which has no odor and a strong structure. It can resist heat and sunlight, meaning You can also use it outside (just remember to change the water regularly). An anti-skid rubber pad on the base will also help keep the whole construction in place at all times.
The cat bowls are 5.47″ inches in diameter and can hold up to 18 ounces of food or water – with the extra water bottle can hold an additional 20 ounces of water!
Pros
- Clever design that allows for extra water to always be available for your cat.
- Raised and tilted for easy eating.
- Suitable for both cats and dogs.
Cons
- You need to frequently change the water in the bottle to keep it from getting stale.
- It cannot be dishwasher washed.
Our Best Cat Food Bowl Shopping Guide
When buying a food bowl for your cat, it is not always just picking out the first and cheapest. Many factors can influence what type of bowl may be the best for you and your cat. Luckily, we have made a buying guide to help you through the chaos of choosing a bowl – so you will know what to keep in mind!
Hygiene and ease of cleaning
Cats are pretty particular about themselves and their environment. That means they prefer clean and odorless food bowls, much like we humans do. So when choosing a bowl, you should get one that can easily be cleaned, with no little nooks or crannies where food can get stuck. Of course, if it’s dishwasher-proofed, it is only a massive bonus!
Safe and non-toxic
No one wants their furry friends to get sick! That’s why it’s essential always to choose bowls made for animals and where all materials have gone through safety checks to ensure they contain no toxic materials. They should also be reasonably safe from breaking. Even glass bowls should be able to withstand a bit of knocking about!
Spill-Proof
Whether you need to spill-proof your cat’s food bowl depends on your cat more than anything. If it’s a slow and careful eater, it may not be necessary at all. However, if you have a cat that will munch on its food faster than you can spell “bowl,” it may be a good idea.
Spill-proofing a cat bowl can be done either by making it quite deep, preventing the cat from pushing the food out, or adding a mat or rims below the food bowls. These will then contain the food from flying all over the floor!
Whisker stress
Whisker fatigue, or stress, is a relatively new concept in the world of cat ownership. No current studies have validated whether whisker stress is a real medical issue, meaning few veterinarians consider it a problem.
Nonetheless, there have been reports from quite a few owners who have experienced their cat suffering from whisker fatigue.
So, if your cat tends to drag its food onto the ground or floor for eating, it may help to buy bowls that prevent whisker fatigue. However, if it’s a long-term problem, we always recommend you contact your veterinarian.
Feline acne prevention
Facial acne in felines is a little understood concept, but it often appears as blackheads and possibly inflammation on the chin and cheeks of cats. If your cat suffers from this, we recommend a visit to your veterinarian, of course, but a new cat food bowl may also alleviate some of your cat’s discomfort.
Flat and shallow bowls may prevent your cat from “dragging” its chin on the edge of the bowl, something that may worsen the feline acne. So keep that in mind when getting a bowl. Especially if you suspect, or know, your best friend to be suffering from a bit of acne.
Bacteria resistance
Although how easy your cat’s food bowls are to clean is very important, its bacteria-resistant abilities also play a significant role!
Cat food bowls are generally sold in one of three types of material:
- Ceramic
- Stainless steel
- Plastic
All types are, most of the time, reasonably easy to clean. But, ceramic and stainless steel are, as a general rule, far more bacteria-resistant compared to plastic.
When plastic is frequently used, minuscule scratches can appear in the outermost layer of the bowl. These bacteria are far more likely to attach and grow. Plastic bowls are also more often not able to be dishwasher washed – making them harder to clean. Although you are careful about cleaning the bowl daily, this shouldn’t become a big issue.
Both ceramic and stainless steel is very bacteria resistant as scratches are more unlikely. However, ceramic is quite a bit more fragile, meaning scratches and cracks can appear from the bowl being dropped or toppled over. If this occurs, we recommend changing the bowl and keeping it from breaking entirely and hurting your cat.
Bowl lower than tummy
Just like us humans, our cats sometimes suffer from an upset stomach or even a bit of vomiting. This may happen especially if your cat’s food bowl is placed directly on the floor, as the position can cause indigestion when the food is being swallowed.
If you frequently experience your cat regurgitating some of the food or may seem reluctant to eat, it may be well worth buying a raised cat food bowl. The raised bowl will not only help alleviate indigestion but also place your cat’s neck in a more relaxed position when eating.
Remember, if your cat consistently and continuously vomits, it’s time to give your vet a call.
The Key Outcome
In the end, you will know better than anyone what cat food bowl is perfect for your unique cat! Especially as cats are as different individuals as we humans can be. One may prefer a raised bowl with a tilt, some prefer to eat straight from the floor, one likes to push its food around, and one wants it entirely still. It is never easy!
Take some time to look at your cat and see what it prefers, and then go with that – luckily, there are plenty of excellent options to choose from out there!
