1. Urpower Food Bowl for Cats
Key Features
Two stainless steel bowls, 26.46 oz capacity
Silicone mat, non-skidding
Slightly elevated set
Both bowls and mat are dishwasher safe
Made of stainless steel, with addition of non-skid silicone stand, the Urpower Pet Bowls are one of the best cat bowls that money can buy. As a bonus, they’re reasonably priced! The set consists of two 24.6 oz bowls, which works wonderfully for either one pet – one bowl for food, the other for water – or even two as you can use each for food only. The rubber stand is non-skidding and non-flipping, ensuring the bowls stay in their place no matter how much your cat may try to move them. It’s also a great spill and mess catcher that protects the floors and is easy to clean. Speaking of cleaning, because the bowls are made of rust-resistant stainless steel and the mat is silicone, both are dishwasher safe.
Pros
Full dinner set – one water bowl, one food bowl
The mat catches spills and messes
Doesn’t slide or skid
Easy to clean
Cons
The set could be more elevated
2. Pawfect Pets Elevated Cat Food Bowl
Key Features
Four stainless steel bowls
2 with 1.5 cup capacity, 2 with 2.5 cup capacity
Bamboo, water-resistant, raised stand
Anti-slip feet
Dishwasher safe bowls
Looking for an elevated cat food feeder that promotes better digestion? The Pawfect Pets set is a fantastic choice. With two stainless steel bowls plus an extra two for convenience, and a sturdy, wooden stand that reduces neck strain and indigestion, this raised cat bowl checks all the right boxes. Two bowls have a 1.5 cup capacity, while the other two have 2.5 cup capacity so you can use whichever set fits your cat’s needs and preferences better. The stand not only promotes better digestion and neck position, but keeps the food bowls securely in one place while catching any spills. This is thanks to its wide design and anti-slip feet that help protect your floors. Because they’re made of stainless steel, the bowls are dishwasher safe.
Pros
Reduces bloating, indigestion and neck strain
Easy to clean
The extra two bowls are a welcome bonus
Cons
Although water-resistant, the stand is not resistant to water stains
3. Neater Feeder Express Food Bowl for Cats
Key Features
Two stainless steel bowls, 1 cup capacity
Raised plastic stand
Dishwasher safe bowls
Non-skid feet
The Neater Feeder Express bowls are one of the most popular cat food dishes on the market. Featuring good-quality, shallow stainless steel bowls and a raised plastic station, the feeder is good for feline digestion, plus easy to clean. The bowls have 1 cup capacity and are perfect for all cats and kittens, as the feeding height is 2.75 inches. As for the stand, its unique design (the top plus a catch basin below) helps contain any spills and messes, saving you time on cleaning floors (and often walls too!). It’s also non-skidding and even kick-proof thanks to anti-skid feet, however, thanks to its lightweight construction, it’s not exactly impossible to move or slide it. Of course, the stainless steel dishes are dishwasher safe, which is always a plus.
Pros
Full dinner set, one food bowl, one water bowl
Slightly elevated for better neck position
Easy to clean
Cons
The stand is lightweight and made of plastic, so some sliding is to be expected
4. Necoichi Raised Cat Food Bowl
Key Features
Ceramic food bowl
Well raised design
Inner lip
Dishwasher safe
If you’re not a fan of stainless steel or plastic dishes, ceramic cat bowls are a wonderful alternative. The Necoichi Raised Cat Bowl is one of the best ceramic dishes around as it offers the perfect combination of excellent workmanship, durability and good price. Made of pure ceramic and free from lead and cadmium, this little bowl is not only 100% safe for your kitty, but dishwasher safe too. It’s raised for better digestion and neck position, which makes it ideal for aging cats and those with joint pains. And thanks to its unique design – an inner curvature and lip liner– the food stays in the center at all times and does not spill. The only potential problem? The regular size may be too small for some cats, but thankfully, there is a large model available too.
Pros
Reduces neck strain and indigestion, ideal for aging cats
Food stays centered and doesn’t spill
Easy to clean
Durable, beautiful looking dish
Cons
The sizes seem a little off, the small model may be too small for some cats
5. ProsperDog Pet Products Cat Feeding Station
Key Features
Two ceramic bowls, 2 cup capacity
Wide design
Raised wooden stand
Anti-skid bottom
Dishwasher safe bowls
Don’t let the name of the brand fool you – this pet feeding station is as suitable for cats as it is or dogs. The unit features a raised wooden stand and two large cat food and water bowls which allow for comfortable eating and drinking. The design can greatly help with bloating and indigestion, and it can be particularly beneficial for older or injured cats who cannot bend to eat. To prevent skidding over wood and tile floors, the stand has a built-in anti-skid bottom which also makes it practically impossible to flip over. As for the bowls themselves, they’re made of ceramic (lead-free) and have 2 cup capacity each. They’re purposefully wide to prevent whisker fatigue, and as a welcome bonus, can be washed in a dishwasher.
Pros
Full dinner set, one bowl for water, another for food
Elevated stand reduces neck, joint strain and indigestion
Wide bowl design prevents whisker fatigue
Easy to clean
Cons
The stand has a bit of a chemical smell to it in the beginning
6. YY Foreyy Raised Food Bowl for Cats
Key Features
Two stainless steel bowls, 2.5 cup capacity
Dishwasher safe
Raised bamboo stand
Anti-slip feet
If you’re after attractive looking elevated cat bowls, check out Foreyy Raised Pet Bowls. With two stainless steel dishes of 2.5 cup capacity and a raised, bamboo stand with water-resistant properties, this feeding station provides the best of all worlds. The bowls are dishwasher safe and durable, while the stand is easy to clean as it’s not prone to water stains. To prevent skidding and help protect your floors, the station has anti-slip feet which allow it to stay securely planted on the ground, no matter how hard your cat tries to flip it over. The biggest plus of this unit is that it’s 4-inch high, meaning perfect for aging pets who have joint and neck pains, as well as felines prone to bloating.
Pros
Reduces joint and neck strain, good for digestion
Attractive design
Two bowls for water and food
Easy to clean
Cons
The stand could be sturdier (feels a little too lightweight)
7. MushroomCat Food Bowl for Cats
Key Features
Two ceramic pet bowls, about 1.5 cup capacity
Raised, water-resistant stand
Anti-slip feet
Dishwasher safe bowls
Looking for a cute, personalized cat feeder? The Mushroom Cat’s Elevated Double Feeder is a great choice. With two durable, ceramic bowls that are dishwasher safe, and a cute, elevated frame, the station feeder is an excellent choice for picky cats (and owners!). The station is water-resistant and has anti-slip feet so it doesn’t slide over the wood or tile floors. It’s also super-easy to clean as you can just wipe it down with a damp cloth from time to time. The bowls hold about one to one and a half cup of kibble, so they’re a great size for adult cats. There are various designs to choose from, so finding the perfect pet bowl for your kitty shouldn’t be an issue.
Pros
Attractive design
Promotes healthy digestion and proper neck position
Full dinner set
Easy to clean
Cons
The bowls may be too deep for some cats
8. The Company of Animals Northmate Interactive Cat Feeder
Key Features
Interactive cat feeder
Made of plastic, BPA and phthalates free
Dishwasher safe
If your cat eats so quickly they have to vomit after a meal, a slow feed cat bowl could be the solution. Thanks to its unique design, the Northmate Interactive Cat Feeder slows down eating time, reducing the risk of gagging, vomiting and bloating. So how does it work? Featuring smooth plastic spikes, the slow feeder makes food inaccessible to cats unless they dig it out. This makes the whole eating process more stimulating and entertaining, which can not only help with slowing down the meal time, but with losing weight too. Simply scatter the amount of food you normally feed your cat across the Catch and voila – your kitty will have to push, dig and grab to get to the food. Importantly, the plastic is BPA and phthalates free, so it’s perfectly safe for all pets.
Pros
Slows down eating time
Helps reduce gagging, bloating
Engaging and stimulating for the cat
Cons
Very lightweight so it tends to slide across the floors sometimes
9. Lorde Shallow Cat Food Bowls
Key Features
Two plastic cat dishes, 8-ounces
Shallow and angled design
Non-slip feet
Dishwasher safe
If your feline companion needs a shallow cat dish to avoid whisker fatigue but you cannot afford the expensive bowls, the Lorde dishes are a fantastic choice. With a shallow and angled design, these dishes allow the pet to get to their food easily, preventing whisker fatigue and keeping their face neat and clean. The set includes two 8-ounce dishes made of BPA-free melamine, which is 100% safe for pets. They’re surprisingly sturdy and durable too, so should last quite a long while. To prevent skidding, the bowls have non-slip legs which protect both wooden and tile floors. They’re easy to clean too as they’re dishwasher safe, however, they’re not microwave safe.
Pros
Prevents whisker fatigue, keeps the face clean
Easy to clean
Full dinner set
Attractive design
Cons
Made of plastic, very lightweight
10. Upsky Double Cat Bowls
Key Features
Two stainless steel bowls, 11 oz capacity
Slightly elevated station
Dishwasher safe bowls
With two stainless steel bowls and a slightly elevated no-spill resin station, the Uspky cat feeder is a good choice for any cat, particularly messy eaters and older cats. Both bowls have an 11 oz capacity, which is more than enough for most cats. They’re also made of quality stainless steel so they’re 100% dishwasher safe. Since you get two dishes, you can either use them for water and food (meaning for one cat), or food only for two pets. As for the stand, although quite compact, it catches any spills and messes, saving you time cleaning the floors. Since it’s made of PP resin it’s also easy to clean – just wipe it down with a damp cloth when needed and you’re done!
Pros
Full dinner set
Easy to clean
Reduces the burden on the neck
Cons
There are no slip-feet, so it slides sometimes
11. PetFusion Premium Brushed Stainless Steel Cat Bowl
Key Features
One stainless steel bowl, 13 ounce capacity
Shallow and wide design
Dishwasher safe
Looking for a quality stainless steel bowl that doesn’t cost a fortune? Check out PetFusion’s brushed stainless steel bowl. With a shallow and wide design, durable construction and budget-friendly price, this cat dish provides the best of all worlds. Because it’s shallow, it helps prevent whisker fatigue, as well as over-feeding, and since it’s made of stainless steel, it’s resistant to odors and super-easy to clean. The bowl also has an extended outer rim which allows for easy lifting and cleaning – perfect if you feed your kitty small meals often. While simple in look and design, this dish is a fantastic choice for pet parents on a budget.
Pros
Prevents whisker fatigue
Easy to clean
Affordable
Cons
No anti-slip feet
12. Lepet Elevated Cat Bowls
Key Features
Two ceramic bowls + two stainless steel bowls, 1.25 cup capacity
Raised bamboo stand
Small storage space for extra dishes
Dishwasher safe bowls
The Lepet Elevated Pet Feeder is a quite a package: a super-attractive raised stand made of bamboo, two ceramic cat bowls and two extra stainless steel bowls. It’s ideal for elderly cats and those with joint and neck pains as it’s elevated just enough to promote comfort when eating and drinking. The stand is also absolutely beautiful – made from natural wood, with an adorable cat sculpture design, it’s bound to complement any home décor. As a bonus, it has a small storage space which can hold the bowls that are currently not in use. Although there are no anti-slip feet, the stand is quite sturdy so it’s not easy to move or flip it – unless, of course, you’re dealing with a super-rambunctious kitty.
Pros
Reduces neck strain and bloating
Easy to hold and move thanks to polished handles
Beautiful, sturdy design
Easy to clean
Four dishes are a welcome bonus
Cons
No anti-skid feet
Pricy
13. Ureverbasic Cat Bowls
Key Features
Two stainless steel bowls, 8 ounce capacity
Removable anti-skid base
Dishwasher safe
Available in various colors
Durable, with vibrant colors and cute designs, the Ureverbasic Pet Bowls are a welcome addition to any cat family. The set is made of polished stainless steel that is not only rust and odor resistant, but dishwasher safe too. Each bowl comes with an anti-skid base that prevents your cat from sliding or flipping it over, thereby protecting your floors from scratches. The capacity of the bowls is 1 cup or 8 ounces, which is just enough for a single meal for one cat. The only downside? The outer design is prone to peeling and scratching if you’re not careful and wash the bowls too often and/or too aggressively.
Pros
Full dinner set
Rust and odor resistant
Cute design
Cons
Requires careful and gentle washing due to the outer paint
14. Van Ness Ecoware Cat Dish
Key Features
One eco-friendly dish, 8 oz capacity
Made of renewable plant material
Shallow and wide design
Non-skid base
Looking for cheap, eco-friendly cat bowl? Look no further than Van Ness Ecoware Cat Dish. Made from renewable plant sources – in specific bamboo – with a shallow and wide design, this dish is not only recyclable and therefore good for the environment, but safe and healthy for cats as it prevents whisker fatigue. To prevent skidding across wooden and tile floors, the bowl sports a kitchen-grade silicone. Another plus is its construction – durable, practically unbreakable, so it should last for years with no problems whatsoever. The dish is also very easy to clean thanks to its high-polish finish, however, it’s not listed as dishwasher safe. That said, many customers do wash it in the dishwasher from time to time without any issues. Our recommendation? Wash them by hand most of the time and chuck them in the machine only when you’re tight on time.
Pros
Safe both for pets and the environment
Durable, unbreakable construction
Prevents whisker fatigue
Easy to clean
Cons
Not listed as dishwasher safe
15. PETKIT CYBERTAIL Cat Bowls
Key Features
Two stainless steel bowls
Elevated ABS base
Bowls tilted for easy feeding
Dishwasher safe
Shaped to prevent whisker fatigue
This eye-catching double cat bowl and stand will not only look fabulous in your home but will also add a touch of style to your cat’s feeding time. And, for felines that struggle to eat lower down or suffer from arthritis or digestive issues, it is a quality cat bowl to feed from. The raised base is made from durable ABS material, the elevated height makes it easier for your cat to chow down on their food, while each of the two stainless steel bowls are tilted by 15° to reduce strain and improve their digestion. The bowls are also dishwasher safe and are non-leaching and rust-free. The shape of each feeding bowl is also kind on your cat and help to prevent any whisker fatigue as they feed. Not the cheapest set of cat bowls you can buy, but the quality and styling really does set the Cybertail apart.
Pros
Modern styling and premium materials
Two tilted bowls to reduce neck strain and indigestion
Bowls are dishwasher safe and so easy to keep clean
Cons
At the top end of our review budget pricewise
The bowls’ high gloss shine is very reflective so perhaps not good for nervous cats
Best Food Bowls For Cats Guide & FAQ
It’s no secret that cats are fussy creatures – it’s not only food and treats they’re picky about, it’s their feeding bowls as well. Perhaps you have a sensitive kitty who struggles with whisker fatigue and cannot eat from narrow and deep bowls. Or you own a forever-hungry cat who wolfs down food and then struggles with bloating and even vomiting. Maybe you just need a quality dish that doesn’t cost a fortune? Whatever the case, know that there is the right cat food bowl for you and your pet out there.
To help you find it, we’ve not only outlined some of the best food bowls for cats, but also put together a detailed buying guide in which we talk about all things cat bowls. This includes different types of cat bowls, what to look for when making purchasing decisions, what to avoid, how to clean them, and many other useful things.
What to Look for When Buying Cat Food Bowls
To purchase the best food bowl for your pet, look for the following features:
- Quality build materials
To purchase a quality food bowl, look for quality build materials. Ideally, you’ll buy either stainless steel or ceramic lead-free dishes as they’re 100% safe for cats, durable and easy to clean. While not the most durable or eco-friendly material, plastic is fine too, as long as the bowl has a sturdy construction and good design. In the end, what’s important is to pick a dish that’s made from safe materials, that fits your budget, and that both you and your cat like.
- Good construction and design
Another important thing to look for is good construction and design. What do we mean by this? It’s simple – the feeder, whether it comes with a stand or not, should have rounded edges, be sturdy and preferably water-resistant. All of this is important because if the construction:
- has sharp corners or edges, your cat can hurt themselves,
- if it’s not sturdy enough, your pet will be able to flip it over and ruin your carpets/floors,
- and if it doesn’t have water-resistant properties, it will look horrible in just a couple of months of using it.
Also think about how deep or shallow the bowl is – if your kitty suffers from whisker fatigue, it’s crucial to get a wide and shallow dish; if not, you have more freedom.
- The correct size
Before purchasing that cute food bowl for your cat, make sure you check out its size. You’d be surprised at how many pet parents end up dissatisfied with their purchases because of the wrong size of the dish! Sometimes, bowls look bigger in the pictures which is why it’s vital to focus on the dish’s capacity in cups or ounces, not on the photos. It should be noted that there’s a reason why many cat bowls are smaller than pet parents (and their feline children!) would like them to be – it’s to prevent over-feeding, and as an extension, obesity in cats. Of course, you know your kitty best so just pick a size that can hold the amount of food you normally feed them without spilling over. In fact, even after it’s been filled with food, the bowl should still have plenty of space so your cat can eat comfortably without making a mess.
You may also like our article on Cat Water Fountains.
Plastic Bowls - Should I Avoid Them
Plastic cat bowls are cheap, convenient and usually quite long-lasting which makes them popular among pet parents. They’re also unbreakable and come in various colors, shapes and designs, which only adds fuel to their enormous popularity. However, plastic cat dishes are far from perfect. For one, unlike ceramic or stainless steel dishes, plastic ones are not scratch or chew-proof which can be a huge problem for the owners of uber-rambunctious cats. When scratched and dented, plastic bowls can grow bacteria and other microorganisms which can easily proliferate to other areas of the dish, creating an unhealthy feeding environment for the cat. This is what makes many cats allergic to plastic. Some even develop feline acne on their chin which - depending on their immunity and severity of the reaction - can be quite difficult to get rid of.
That all being said, a huge number of cats drink and eat from plastic bowls with no issues, and if your kitty is one of them, there’s no reason why you should switch to ceramics or stainless steel. Do whatever is right for you, your pet, and, of course, your budget.
Types of Food Bowls for Cats
With so many different cat food bowls on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Are ceramic dishes batter than stainless steel ones? Should you purchase a set of two or just one bowl? Are raised feeders better than standard dishes? Before you make any purchasing decision, it’s a good idea to acquaint yourself with some of the main types of food bowls as the knowledge can help you pick the right dish for your pet.
- Stainless steel bowls: if you want durability, strength and ease of cleaning, stainless steel bowls are the right choice. Since they’re made of metal, they’re not only some of the longest-lasting bowls on the market, they also have great odor and rust resistant properties. Most of them are dishwasher safe too, and because they have slick surfaces, they’re also easy to hand clean.
- Ceramic bowls: another fantastic material for cat food bowls – durable, great-looking and easy to clean, ceramic dishes are almost always the right choice. Why almost always? Because unlike steel, they’re prone to chipping and even breaking if you (or your cat) are not careful. There’s also another thing to be careful about with ceramic bowls – they need to be of good quality. If they're not, you can end up with a cat dish that contains lead.
- Plastic bowls: as mentioned, plastic food bowls have many advantages, the major one being their low price. Unlike ceramic, they’re also unbreakable, however, they’re very prone to scratches and dents which can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Also, plastic is anything but good for the environment which is a dealbreaker for some people.
- Interactive feeders: if your kitty inhales rather than eats their food, an interactive or slow feed cat bowl could be a great choice. Regardless of its design, a slow feeder helps slow down the eating process, typically by means of stimulating the cat to “hunt” for their food. This can improve their eating habits, and as an extension, their digestive health and eliminate the need to vomit after eating. Take a look at our review of automatic cat feeders for more options.
- With and without mats: finally, there are food bowls that come with mats or feeding stations and there are those that are without. Bowls with mats or stands are usually slightly raised to reduce neck strain and can be made of wood, plastic, silicone and a variety of other materials. If you prefer the look of traditional cat bowls and don’t have a lot of space to spare, purchase a standard cat dish without a mat or feeding station. If, on the other hand, you have to deal with a messy eater or you have an older cat, consider purchasing an elevated feeding station that catches spills and allows for more comfortable eating.
How to Clean Cat Feeders
Today, most cat food bowls are dishwasher safe, meaning you can just chuck them in there with your own dishes and wash them at your convenience. Most stainless steel and ceramic food bowls, for instance, can be washed in a dishwasher over and over again without showing any signs of damage, but the plastic ones – even those listed as dishwasher safe - simply cannot last as long if you always wash them in the dishwasher. If you currently have or plan to buy a plastic cat bowl, our recommendation is to hand wash it whenever possible and use the dishwasher only when absolutely necessary. This includes the “dishwasher safe” plastic bowls.
Regardless of the way you wash your cat’s bowl, it’s a good idea to quickly run it through water and wipe it after each meal. This will keep it in a neater and cleaner condition for longer, even if you don’t thoroughly wash it (with sponge and soap or ina dishwasher) every day. Speaking of frequency, how often should you wash the bowl? Ideally, after every meal. Of course, not all pet parents have time for three-times-a-day cleaning and washing, and that's fine - once a day is more than enough. Some water bowls can keep neat for a couple of days before they need a proper wash. For a wider selection of choices, check out our water bowls for cats guide.
Our Top Pick
After hours of research and editing, we chose the URPOWER Stainless Steel Pet Bowls as our Top Pick. Why? For one, this set comes with two high-quality cat dishes which not only act as a full meal set with food and water for one, but are very easy to clean too. Both the bowls and the no-spill mat are dishwasher safe, meaning you don’t have to bother with handwashing anything with this feeder. The mat is quite large so it catches any spills and messes easily, plus it has a non-skid design so it’s practically impossible to flip it over. To accommodate both kittens, adult and senior cats, the feeder is only slightly elevated which can help with digestion and proper neck position. Considering the very reasonable price, we believe the Urpower set is one of the best food bowls for cats on the market.
