1. Petmate Replendish Gravity Water Bowl for Cats
Key Features
Bowl is continually replenished with fresh water
Charcoal filter
Easy to refill and clean
This one gallon capacity, gravity-fed water bowl is exactly what busy cat parents need for their kitty when they are out all day at work or on a short trip away. Your cat will get a constant supply of pure and delicious water that will encourage them to stay hydrated.
As your pet drinks, the water is refreshed from the reservoir after passing through a charcoal filter. The bowl is made from a Microban antimicrobial material which inhibits the growth of bacteria that can cause odors and staining. The whole thing is very easy to clean and the filter is very easy to change. The reservoir is available in sizes ranging from half a gallon to four gallons and the bowl is available in several colors.
Pros
Water flows quietly so it doesn’t startle your cat
Very easy to assemble and take apart
Clear instructions provided
Water doesn’t spill out when you put it together
Cons
The plastic strap can be tricky to get over the reservoir
Only one cat can use the half gallon size at a time
2. Necoichi Raised Cat Water Bowl
Key Features
Fits under the counter
Three stage filtration
Does not remove beneficial minerals
This kitten bowl is available in three sizes and has an attractive paw print and princess crown design in classic black on white. It has been designed to make your kitty as relaxed as possible when they are drinking. Cats prefer to eat and drink with their heads at a higher level than their stomach to prevent backflow and regurgitation. This bowl is elevated on its own built-in stand to achieve just that.
The kitten bowl is made from porcelain which is both dishwasher and microwave safe. It meets all the relevant FDA standards and is both lead and cadmium free. You can also use the bowl for food, which will stay in the center thanks to the unique curved shape. There is also a discrete inner lip which prevents spillage.
Pros
Prevents cats from gagging when they eat
Older cats find them very convenient
Attractive design
Cons
Some owners felt they were a bit small
Some cats don’t like them
3. PetSafe Healthy Pet Cat Water Bowl
Key Features
Made from BPA-free plastic and stainless steel
Dishwasher safe
Delivers fresh water into the bowl
Optional filter
A gravity-fed water station that is available in three sizes and delivers constant clean, fresh water for your cat. It comprises a water reservoir made from BPA-free plastic and a stainless steel water bowl which is removable and can be thoroughly cleaned in your dishwasher to get rid of any harmful pathogens.
It works through a flow-control valve which only allows fresh water to flow into the bowl when your pet drinks. If you want to make the water even more pure for your cat, there is an optional filter which can remove sediments and odor. The reservoir locks securely onto the bowl stand so that it does not get knocked over and cause a spillage. The entrance to the water reservoir is wide so that you can clean it with a cleaning tool. It has a handy flow-control valve which prevents water spilling when you are carrying it and which then releases water when it is attached to the bowl housing.
Pros
Very easy to fill without spillages
Stainless steel shows up grime so you know when cleaning is needed
Very durable – lasts for years
The simple design makes it easy to use
Cons
Some owners have had issues with the spring mechanism
Stainless steel bowls can rust
4. Pawfect Pets Elevated Cat Water Bowl
Key Features
Wooden frame plus four bowls included
Stainless steel bowls for hygiene
Elevated position for comfort
Thanks to the elevated and sturdy design, even the clumsiest kitty is unlikely to knock this feeder over. It comprises two stainless steel bowls in a wooden stand but comes with an extra two bowls so two can be in use whilst the other two are in the wash. Two bowls will hold one and a half cups of water and the other two will hold two and a half cups of water.
Because the bowls are raised, this feeder is perfect for cats with arthritis or who have neck or back conditions or injuries. It is also great for cats with digestive issues as the water flows to the stomach aided by gravity. The bowls are kept in place by silicone rings and the feeder has an attractive appearance that would suit any home.
Pros
Perfect for older and fussy cats
Bowls are very easy to clean
Spare bowls are very handy
Cons
Wooden stand can suffer water damage
Mold can grow on the wooden stand
5. Upsky Double Cat Water Bowl
Key Features
Stainless steel bowls in a resin base
Dishwasher safe and durable
Helps food flow to the stomach
A double bowl set in a clean, crisp modern design and available in several colors. It comprises two bowls made from stainless steel and is perfect for cats or small dogs.
The cat bowls are placed in a PP resin base to help prevent spillages. The bowls are dishwasher-safe and durable. The feeding station lifts the bowls to 0.8 inches above the ground which is a comfortable height for most cats. It helps the flow of the food to the stomach and makes swallowing a lot easier. Because both cat bowls are removable, you can easily fill them and keep them clean.
Pros
Very useful to get bowls out to wash
Attractive design available in several colors
Stops cats from spilling water
Cons
They can slide around hard floors
Some cats do manage to spill them!
6. Our Pets Durapet Premium Cat Water Bowl
Key Features
Stainless steel – does not absorb odors
Rubber bonded coating underneath
Lower sides to encourage drinking
A heavyweight water bowl for cats that is made out of stainless steel. It is very easy to keep clean and does not absorb odors. You can even pop it in the dishwasher. One of the problems with regular stainless steel bowls is that they can slide around the floor but this one has a patented rubber bonded coating underneath it so it stays still.
It also has lower sides than most bowls so it allows easy access for your cat and encourages them to drink. They are less likely to push on the bowl and there will be no sliding noise to put them off so your kitty can stay hydrated.
Pros
Avoids allergies caused by plastic bowls
Perfect for kittens and seniors
Whiskers don’t hit the sides so cats relax when drinking
Cons
Comes with a sticky label which is hard to get off
Rubber bottom can crack and crumble
7. Catit Double Diner Cat Water Bowl
Key Features
Two stainless steel dishes
Robust plastic stand
Dishwasher proof
This complete dining set consists of two stainless steel bowls of differing sizes set in a plastic stand. This keeps them still when your cat is eating and drinking so the noise of a bowl sliding across the floor will not put them off.
You can use the bowls for food and water and they are very easy to clean – you can even put them in the dishwasher. The exterior is made of white plastic but is also available in pink. This attractive dining set will look great in any home.
Pros
Heavy base so it doesn’t get knocked around
Very useful to be able to get the bowls out for cleaning
No spillages
Ideal size for a cat
Cons
Some cats are able to pull out the bowls!
Bowls can eventually rust
8. YY Foreyy Water Bowl for Cats
Key Features
Bamboo raised stand
Stainless steel bowls
Bowls are dishwasher safe
This product is a bamboo stand into which two stainless steel bowls fit neatly. The bamboo is water resistant and because it is elevated, it is very comfortable for your cat to have a drink. The four inch high model will suit most cats and will make swallowing easier.
It has feet that are anti-slip so it will not slide around the floor when your cat is drinking. This stops them being frightened by movement and noise and so they will drink more and stay hydrated. The bowls themselves are durable and easy to clean – they are dishwasher safe. It would make a perfect gift for a cat lover and comes with assembly instructions.
Pros
Looks great
Sturdy construction
Rubber feet do a good job
Cats love it!
Cons
Bamboo stand can become moldy
Bowls may be a little small for larger animals
9. PetFusion Elevated Cat Bowls
Key Features
Two bowls in an elevated stand
Durable and lightweight
Made from anodized aluminum
This is an extremely durable set of cat bowls made from anodized aluminum which is very resistant to corrosion. It will not chip and is very long-lasting as well as lightweight. It comprises two bowls in a stand to elevate the eating and drinking levels.
The height of the cat bowls will make your cat more comfortable as they drink and will encourage them to stay hydrated. It also prevents whisker fatigue thanks to the size and shape of the bowls.
Pros
Rubber pads on the feet to prevent sliding
Base feels heavy and solid
Cats can’t tip it over
Bowls are easy to remove and clean
Cons
Water stains can appear on the bowls
Bowls were smaller than expected
Best Water Bowl for Cats Buying Guide & FAQ
What to Consider When Buying a Cat Water Dish
Buying the right cat water bowl will encourage your kitty to drink plenty and stay healthy. There is plenty of choice out there so here are the things that you should consider.
- Capacity
The size of the cat water dish is important. It must be able to hold enough water to keep your kitty hydrated if you are out for the day. Water bowls that top themselves up from a reservoir will last a lot longer than a simple water bowl and will keep the water fresh.
- Material
Some cats are very fussy about what material their bowl is made out of. It is best to choose a material that will not absorb tastes and odors and which is durable.
- Shape
Wide bowls that will not touch the edges of your cat’s whiskers will make them feel more relaxed when they are drinking and will prevent whisker fatigue.
- Height
Many cats would prefer to not have to bend down when they are drinking. They have to swallow uphill and it can aggravate neck and back conditions. Senior cats, in particular, often prefer to have raised bowls.
- Ease of cleaning
Cats cannot stand dirty water bowls so you must be able to keep them very clean. They need to be made of a nonporous material and preferably they should be dishwasher-safe.
- Noise
Cats will be put off drinking if the cat water dish skids along the floor and makes a horrible noise. Some bowls prevent this by having rubber coatings on the underside edge.
- Spillages
No one likes clearing up spillages. Bowls with a solid, wide base are less likely to tip over.
Head over to our review of Automatic Cat Feeders for more alternatives.
Different Types of Water Bowls for Cats
There are several different types of cat water bowls to choose from depending on your preferences and your budget. Having said that, the person that will have the final say here is your cat! As a cat owner, you will already be aware that cats have very particular likes and dislikes of their own. What suits one cat, will not suit another and it may take some trial and error.
Your first choice is a very basic, stand-alone cat water dish that you can place directly on the floor or on a mat. They are the cheapest option but have some drawbacks. They can slide around and that makes a noise which will put some cats off. Also, they can get tipped over. There are heavy-duty versions that are more stable and some have rubber undersides to keep them quiet and still.
Your second choice is a set of bowls that are set into some kind of stand. The stand could be made out of wood or plastic. Because the raised water bowls for cats typically come with an elevated stand, they’re harder to tip over and are also more comfortable to drink from as they don’t put a strain on the kittiy’s neck. Senior animals with joint issues may find raised water bowls for cats particularly useful. There can be a problem with washing the bowls but this is overcome if they are removable. Sometimes the stands come in different heights for different pet sizes.
Finally, you could choose a watering bowl that has a built-in reservoir. This will top up the bowl with fresh water as your cat drinks. Because cats love a constant supply of fresh water, this is ideal for them. Don’t forget collapsible silicone water bowls for when you are traveling.
Different Kinds of Materials Used in Cat Water Bowls
Several different types of material can be used in water bowls for cats and there are advantages and disadvantages for all of them. Here are the most popular options.
- Glass water bowls
Glass is a good material for a watering bowl because it is non-toxic yet nonporous. It won’t react with the water and will not have an odor that could put your cat off drinking. Glass will retain the fresh taste of water that your cat loves and most glass is very easy to clean and can be put in the dishwasher. However, there is lead in some types of glass and it can break if it is knocked over. Broken glass is dangerous for cat’s paws and human feet!
- Stainless steel water bowls
Stainless steel is a very durable and does not absorb tastes or odors. For this reason, it is a great material for a cat water bowl. The bowls will not break if you drop them and are resistant to corrosion and staining. They are very strong and can be put in the dishwasher but even stainless steel can sometimes corrode.
- Ceramic water bowls
Ceramic is also nonporous and should not have a taste or a smell. Most ceramic bowls, but not all, can go in the dishwasher. However, some ceramics do contain heavy metals and are not safe for use with food or water so exercise some caution. Ceramic will break if you drop it.
- Plastic water bowls
Plastic bowls are usually the cheapest option but you need to be careful to select a high quality product. Do not choose a product that contains BPA because these can cause health problems. Some plastics can cause allergies.
Take a look at our review of Food Bowls For Cats for more options.
Our Top Pick
Our top pick of the best water bowl for cats has a built-in reservoir with a capacity of one gallon. It feeds by gravity into the bowl giving a constant supply of pure and delicious water that will encourage your cat to stay hydrated.
The water is refreshed from the reservoir after passing through a charcoal filter. The bowl is made from a Microban antimicrobial material which inhibits the growth of bacteria so there is no staining. It is very easy to clean and available in several colors.
