The Best Cat Bowl: What Every Cat Owner Should Know

The purr-fect cat bowl can make mealtimes cleaner, healthier and more comfortable for your cat, while making feeding easier for you too. From whisker-friendly designs to choosing the right material, here's everything you need to know. 

What is the best material for a cat bowl? 

The material affects your cat’s health and the hygiene of the bowl. Stainless steel, ceramic and glass cat bowls are easy to clean, durable, and resistant to bacteria, making them great options.  

Some older or lower-quality plastic bowls may contain chemicals such as Bisphenol A (BPA) or phthalates. Choosing BPA-free, food-grade bowls helps minimise this risk. Plastic also scratches easily and absorbs odours, which might affect your cat’s appetite. Bacteria can build up in those tiny scratches, forming a slimy biofilm that is difficult to clean and sometimes causes chin acne in cats. 

Food-grade silicone cat bowls are generally considered a better alternative to plastic. They are usually durable, non-toxic, non-slip, and dishwasher safe. 

What is the best cat bowl to prevent whisker fatigue? 

Cats have highly sensitive whiskers. When those whiskers constantly brush against the sides of a deep or narrow bowl, it can cause sensory overload and discomfort, known as whisker fatigue. And yes, some cats will absolutely protest – even if they’re eating something as mouth-watering as Thrive’s 100% natural wet food!  

Some cats may show behavioural changes that owners attribute to whisker fatigue, such as leaving a significant amount of food at the bottom of the dish or taking food out of the bowl and eating it on the floor. Avoid potential whisker fatigue by opting for wide bowls with low sides or gently sloped edges. 

If your cat exhibits other symptoms and refuses to eat or drink, seek veterinary help to rule out potential issues such as dental disease or gastrointestinal problems.

What size cat bowl do I need - Does the bowl size match your cat’s appetite? 

As a general guide, small to medium bowls (around 150–300 ml capacity) work well for most cats. The bowl should comfortably hold a single meal without spilling over. If you’re feeding wet food, a slightly wider bowl helps spread the food out, making it easier to eat. 

Larger cats will have bigger appetites, so they might need a bowl at the larger end of that spectrum. Kittens and small cats benefit from lower-volume bowls, which can help prevent your cat from overeating.  

What size cat bowl do I need? Go for a width of between 12.5 and 18cm (5–7 inches) and a maximum depth of 5cm to prevent whisker fatigue. 

Should cats eat from raised bowls? 

Elevated cat food bowls have become popular recently, but do you really need one? For most healthy young cats, eating from a regular bowl is fine. After all, cats in the wild naturally eat in a crouched position after hunting, so most healthy cats are perfectly comfortable eating this way. 

But for older cats with health issues, eating hunched over the floor every day isn’t ideal. Raised bowls can make mealtimes more comfortable by improving posture, aiding digestion, and reducing strain on the neck and joints. You don’t need anything extreme – just a slight lift can make a difference. 

Should a cat bowl have a non-slip base? 

Stability is everything! We’ve all encountered cats that are “enthusiastic” eaters. Sometimes they’re bowl flippers, leaving nothing but scattered kibble in their wake. To avoid runaway bowls, look for heavier materials like ceramic or steel, and wide, non-slip bases to prevent tipping.  

While we’re talking about any potential mess, keep your cat’s food bowl separate from the water bowl. Avoid dual-bowl stations, as cats often instinctively refuse to drink water located near food in case any particles get into the water. 

How often should you clean a cat bowl? 

Wash food bowls after every meal where possible, especially when feeding wet food. Fresh water should always be available and replaced at least once a day. Even the best bowl can harbour bacteria if it isn't cleaned regularly.