The 10 Best Cat Water Bowls (Purchased and Tested) (original) (raw)
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
If you’re looking to encourage your kitty to drink more water, a quality cat water bowl is a good place to start. To stay hydrated, cats need to drink roughly 4 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight daily. Not a staggering amount, by any means—but cats tend to have a low thirst drive and can be fussy about their drinking vessels. And some view them as a personal splash pool. So, it’s important to get the right water bowl for your unique cat.
We’ve weeded through the scores of cat bowls available, honing in on the qualities that make one stand out from the rest. After testing the most promising bowls, we have our top ten picks along with a guide of key considerations for shoppers.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Cat Water Bowls To Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Overall Best
10.0
Picked by 31 people today!
Dr. Catsby’s Water Bowl
- Quality stainless steel
- Wide and shallow design (whisker-friendly)
- Weighted (but not too heavy)
Best Stainless Steel Bowl
Best Spill-Proof Bowl
9.3
Picked by 18 people today!
Bone Dry White Marble Bowl
- Removable silicone rim prevents sliding
- Weighted design makes it hard for cats to move
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
Best For Whisker Fatigue
9.2
Picked by 31 people today!
PetRageous Designs Ceramic Oval Bowl
- Wide oval design is whisker-friendly
- Ceramic is FDA-approved for human consumption
- Handcrafted and over-fired for durability
Best For Acne-Prone Cats
9.1
Picked by 31 people today!
Americat Stainless Steel Bowl
- Premium kitchen-grade stainless steel
- Shallow (1.5” depth)
- Tested and certified free of dangerous chemicals
Best For Travel
9.0
Picked by 25 people today!
Healthy Human Portable Bento Bowls
- Top bowl holds up to 2-cups of water
- Freezer and dishwasher-safe
- Comes with a spare handle and two spare clips (a nice surprise!)
Best For Multiple Cats
9.3
Picked by 18 people today!
Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock
- Large capacity
- Very heavy: most cats won’t be able to tip it over
- Widest diameter (7.5”)
Why Trust Cats.com
Our review process is grounded in thoughtful research and hands-on testing.
To learn what makes a water bowl appealing to cats and their humans, I did some digging. First, I read customer reviews across a spectrum of retailers and spent a fair amount of time lurking around Reddit. Then I considered the specific issues cat parents might wish to solve with a water bowl upgrade (cats prone to chin acne or whisker sensitivity, for example). Finally, I thought about what my own two kitties prefer.
After researching, I selected a number of bowls for testing with my cats at home. To choose the best products for testing I looked at bowl capacity, cat-safe materials, and positive online ratings. I prioritized bowls that appeared durable and long-lasting. Another consideration was how easy the bowl was to clean.
Our recommendations are determined by a variety of factors. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while Dr. Catsby’s Water Bowl is our top choice, it may not be ideal for your unique cat. To help you choose the right water bowl for your cat, we’ve broken down our recommendations by material, design, and other key features.
How To Choose the Best Water Bowl for Your Cat
As you can see, water bowls come in endless varieties. How can cat parents determine which one will suit their pet best? It’s helpful to look at a few features.
- Material: Experts recommend avoiding plastic as it has a tendency to crack, providing a breeding ground for germs. Instead, stick with stainless steel, ceramic, or glass, which are more hygienic. Stainless steel is the most durable, but ceramic and glass also make fine cat water bowls.
- Capacity: Consider how much water your cat needs to drink. Usually, this is based on their weight, though cats on a dry food-only diet may need more. Naturally, multi-cat homes will need larger bowls (or just more of them). Finally, keep in mind that if you want to carry a bowl from the sink to its station with minimal spills, you won’t be able to fill it up to the rim. The actual water volume will be slightly smaller than the bowl’s capacity.
- Dimensions and design: A water bowl’s height and width are both worth considering. Cats prone to whisker fatigue and brachycephalic breeds may prefer wide and shallow dishes.
- Ease of cleaning: Regular washing keeps bowls safe for drinking. Make things easier on yourself with a dishwasher-safe bowl or one that’s simple to clean.
In addition to water bowls, you may also consider a cat water fountain. By aerating the water and creating enticing movement, water fountains are a more appealing choice for many cats.