What is the best water bowl for cats?
In our opinion, the best cat water bowls are:
Made from topnotch stainless steel, the bowl boasts an elegant and brushed finish. Furthermore, it is easy to clean and the measurements are specially designed for all cats.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
Probably the neatest thing about this choice is its wide design. What that means for your cat is that he or she won’t experience any whisker fatigue on account of them touching the sides of the bowl. The unit is made from 304 quality grade stainless steel, so it is built to last.
Even though the structure is both light and thin, the steel is high quality. Make sure to avoid hitting the bowl on the floor or dropping it because it might dent.
This dishwasher-safe cat bowl can be used for food or water as per your needs.
2nd Best
This product is a very convenient one, as it may be used for both food and water. It will be very easy for your pet to drink or eat out of this device due to the fact that it is not too deep. The stainless steel assures you that it will last for a very long amount of time. Moreover, you can wash the bowl in the dishwasher.
You have to be very careful after washing the device, because it has to be dried very well. Otherwise, the water will remain in the lip of the bowl and this is not so great for the cat.
With this comfortable bowl, your pet will definitely enjoy each dinner.
Also To Consider
Although not a water bowl per se, this device makes it possible for your pet to enjoy fresh water every day. It comes with a 168-ounce water capacity and its free-falling water stream will convince the animal to hydrate even though cats don’t like to drink that much water. It’s made of BPA-free plastic.
Because it makes a little noise, this watering device is mistaken by cats for a toy, especially in the beginning. If the cat drinks from the stream, water might splash everywhere.
This product ensures that your cat drinks plenty of water throughout the day.
5 Best Water Bowls for Cats (Reviews) in 2021
1. PetFusion Cat Bowl
Cats are always on the run, and they like to engage in all sorts of games and chases. Afterwards, they need plenty of water to recover. Because it’s not like you cat could come up to you and ask for a glass of water, you need to make sure your kitty has a special water bowl inside the house.
This model is a reliable option because it is made from a durable stainless steel that has a 304 quality grade, used in the US food industry.
Moreover, it is specially built to withstand corrosion and allows a perfect hygiene because this type of material is less prone to bacteria and germ growth.
To ensure a superior look, the water bowl was brushed which comes in handy for covering the water and food residuals during use.
You can remove the dirt by placing the bowl in the dishwasher. Furthermore, the volume, depth, and diameter of the unit have been carefully designed to provide multiple options for any cat size.
This water bowl is most probably the right choice if you have an active cat that has a great time playing around, given that it’s made of highly durable stainless steel.
Besides being made of food-safe materials, you can be sure that your little furry friend’s health is protected as well, given that this product is corrosion-resistant.
The great thing about it is that it’s very easy to maintain in the long run, as you can simply place it in the dishwasher for thorough cleaning.
You’ll be happy with the benefits it offers, including the fact that there’s a very low chance for germs and bacteria to develop in it.
Even if this is a sturdy water bowl, stronger cats might still be able to tip it over if they run and play around it.
On one occasion, the product was delivered with delay, but this depends on the seller as well.
2. OurPets Premium Rubber-Bonded Bowl
Because cats have their own habit of sticking their head in the bowl when eating or drinking water, it’s vital to buy an item that is simple and not too deep. Plus, it should be sturdy enough because cats don’t bother to clean after spilling the water.
The reason why you’ll most likely appreciate this unit is that it has a simple design and a sleek look. Quite versatile, you can use it for water or feeding your cat. It won’t break anytime soon because it is manufactured from a heavyweight stainless steel that can be washed in the dishwasher.
As mentioned above, cats love to stick their heads and see the surroundings while drinking water. Hence, this bowl is great for them because it is outfitted with a lower side that provides the cat the opportunity to dine easily.
Plus, the water bowl comes with a useful rubber banded bottom that comes in handy when the cats accidentally hit the bowl.
This premium water bowl offered by OurPets is preferred by many cat owners due to its simple, yet effective design that makes it very easy to use for our feline friends.
The construction is not too deep, so cats are not hindered as they stick their head into it in order to drink water or eat.
Furthermore, the materials used are high-quality ones, and the resulting bowl is sturdy, which means that you are going to be using it for a long time.
The bowl can be placed in the dishwasher without any trouble, and the bottom part features a rubber element that ensures its stability.
The label placed inside the bowl cannot be always easily peeled off, so you may need to use special solutions to remove the remaining residue.
In rare cases, the bottom rubber part can come off, which means you might need to reattach it from time to time.
3. PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum Pet Fountain
This magical fountain features a 168-ounce running water capacity which is more than enough for all pets, including cats.
Because of the free-falling water stream, your cat will be encouraged to drink water more often.
The water remains fresh because the product is equipped with a replaceable carbon filter that does a great job of removing bad tastes and odors.
You don’t have to be concerned about your kitten’s safety since the unit is made from BPA-free plastic that can be easily cleaned using a dishwasher. Moreover, due to the constant circulation inside the reservoir, the bacteria growth is inhibited between water changes.
Another interesting aspect is that the pre-filter is able to catch hair and other debris before they get to the pump. This ensures a longer product life.
You can easily replace the filter using the snap-on lid. This feature is also useful to prevent an accidental removal by your cat.
If you feel the motor is too loud, make sure to check if the running water level is above the minimum.
PetSafe’s product comes with plenty of benefits for our furry companions, the most important one being that the constant water flow encourages them to drink more water.
Moreover, the unit has a 168-ounce capacity, which makes it suitable for all kinds of pets, whether we’re talking about cats or dogs.
Thanks to the clever construction, a carbon filter is included which keeps the water fresh, and this element is also replaceable so you can do that whenever necessary.
The Fountain is made of food-safe BPA-free materials, so you have nothing to worry about when it comes to your cat’s health.
Sometimes the motor might be too loud, but this might also be caused by a water level below the minimum.
If your pet is scared of water, he or she might not want to drink out of it, but this depends entirely on his or her behavior and habits.
4. ViviPet Ceramic Big Head Water Bowl
Water bowl for kitties shouldn’t look boring and unappealing. If you decide to get this product, you and your cat won’t regret it.
This bowl is shallow and wide which is the ideal type for any cat. On top of that, it reduces stress and enhances the level of comfort while eating or drinking water.
Made according to FDA standards, the product can be used without any restrictions. It’s safe for cats to eat food from this bowl. Due to the ceramic material, you can remove the dirt effortlessly, using a mild detergent and warm water.
Thanks to the 5-inch tilted feature, the bowl promotes a better digestion and helps cats eat healthier. Furthermore, it keeps the food away from dirt or bugs.
Since cats tend to play with food or water, this bawl disables this possibility.
Not to mention the fact that as a cat owner, you don’t have to bend to re-fill the bowl.
Even if this ViviPet product is a great water bowl, it’s also a versatile unit, so many pet parents successfully use it for dry food as well.
Thanks to the great design, the bowl also ensures a higher level of comfort for cats when they are drinking or eating out of it.
You will also be happy to know that this bowl is made of food-safe materials, so you don’t need to think that your cat might be exposed to harmful chemicals.
The ceramic material used for its construction is also easy to maintain, and you can clean it using some food-safe detergent and water.
In one instance, the item was delivered with a crack, but this is the kind of situation in which customer support can help.
The unit is rather large, which is a good thing, but some cats might think of it as a mini-pool as well.
5. Lixit Animal Care Cat Fountain Reversible Base
If you’re in the market for a versatile cat water bowl, you should consider this item as an option. Basically, you can fill the jar with everything you want, either kibbles or water.
Because of the reversible base, you have full access to place the food inside. The best part is that, once the jar is empty, you can use the wide mouth container to remove the dirt.
The jar is designed with cute cat symbols so you can easily find a spot inside your house to put the bowl without interfering with the rest of the decor.
You can purchase multiple units and fill them with different stuff for all your pets. It all depends on which side of the base you choose to use. You can easily convert it from a water bowl to a slow feeder in a few seconds.
On each side of the unit, you’ll notice an engraved sign that tells you how to set up the bowl. The capacity of the product is 8 cups of dry food or 64 oz. of water.
Many previous buyers have appreciated the affordable price of this Lixit Animal Care product, given the multitude of benefits it offers.
You will be able to use it for either water or food without any trouble, given the versatile and effective design it features, and your cats are surely going to be happy about the extra supplies it ensures.
The construction includes a reversible base, so there’s no problem in having access to the food inside whenever necessary.
Last but not least, the design features adorable feline-related symbols, so it’s also a fun thing to have around that can brighten up the space.
This container can be a little too light for strong cats, so they might be able to push it around the house.
In some cases, the food flows down only if you shake the unit, but this might be caused by humidity, so this is something you may want to pay attention to.
Our Comprehensive Buying Guide
Not all cat water bowls are the same and many of them can cause damages to your cat health. It’s important to find a safe cat bowl that is good for you pet and can be cleaned as many times you want, without having to worry about ruining it. There are many options to choose from if you need a good bowl for your feline friend. Look at the products for sale and you’ll most likely find something that catches your interest. We’ve gathered some useful information that you can read below.
Material
If you go to a pet store and try to decide which water bowl is better for your lovely cat, you’ll see plenty of pieces in different colors, shapes, sizes, and manufactured from different kinds of materials.
Nevertheless, the best water bowl for cats should be both attractive but also safe. There are four major types of water bowls, ceramic, plastic, glass, and stainless steel.
Some people like the bowl that are decorated with cool designs or vivid colors. If you’re into them as well, you can get a ceramic cat water bowl that is easy to clean and suitable for the dishwasher. Plus, you can choose a model suitable for a boy or girl cat.
Ceramic bowls are quite durable so you can’t won’t be able to push it around, causing the water to spill. The drawback is that these bowls can break or crack. If you see even the smallest crack in the bowl, through it away and replace it with a new one because bacteria can grow in that area.
Another option is the plastic bowl that is less pricey and easier to find in local stores. Although they are sturdy and lightweight, they are the perfect environment for germs and bacteria. On top of that, plastic containers feature a chemical called Bisphenol that is not recommended for a cat water bowl.
The third type, stainless steel items are incredibly durable and can be cleaned without efforts. Apart from this, they are dishwasher safe, and you don’t have to worry about any breaks or cracks, so they do make the best cat bowls in some respects. Even though they don’t feature cool decorations, they can be purchased in many sizes.
The reason why the majority of the cat water bowl reviews recommend pet stainless steel products is that they are less prone to developing bacteria on their surface.
Lastly, there are glass water bowls that are typically built from shatterproof glass. Easy to break, they shouldn’t be your top choice of a bowl.
Depth
Cat’s are extremely picky, and you need to make tons of effort to please them. They need special pampering and products that suit their taste and needs.
Because they have a bad tendency of sticking their face too far into the cat bowl, they can experience a mild discomfort. To avoid this issue, opt for wide and shallow units so that the cat has the opportunity to see the environment even when drinking water.
Maintenance
Whatever cat bowl you decide to get, don’t forget to clean it on a daily basis. It’s vital that you scrub the items with a dishwashing detergent and warm water. If you can, purchase several bowls and replace the old one with a clean one at a certain moment during the day.
Frequently asked questions about water bowls for cats
Q: Why do cats lay next to the water bowl?
The main reason why a cat may decide to lie next to the water bowl is quite simple, it means that the feline has decided that the place you’ve positioned the water bowl in is comfortable or convenient to the pet. It may be because it is positioned somewhere where it can lay undisturbed or maybe your pet feels thirsty all the time and likes to be close to the bowl.
It is up to you to decide if this behavior requires further attention and if there is something wrong with your cat. You’ll need to pay attention and see if the pet is still eating and drinking and having normal stools. A healthy cat won’t cry out in pain when you try to pick it up or pet it, and it will be very active around the house.
As a pet owner, you will notice behavior changes immediately and only you can be the judge as to whether or not the behavior is unusual. In general, cats like to lay next to the water bowl because they find the place interesting, and while there are cases in which this may be a sign of an illness, there is no need to worry unless you have good reason to do so.
Q: Can cats see the water in a bowl?
Cats don’t have a problem with seeing the water in the bowl but the reason they may not seem interested in it is that unlike dogs they are very picky. Each cat is unique and while some may have no problem with drinking water out of any bowl, some may prefer metal bowls over plastic ones, or they might enjoying drinking running water from the sink.
Location is also important because most cats won’t touch water if it is too close to their food bowl. This is because in the wild felines prefer to keep their food far away from their water source to keep it clean of bacteria and other contamination.
Cats are also very sensitive to smell and you should refill the bowl daily since if the water becomes stale your cat won’t be interested in it. There are also cats who might like to play in their water and if this is the case, changing the water each day and cleaning the bowl is a must.
Furthermore, cats like consistency in their daily routine which is why you should always keep the water level the same every day. It shouldn’t get too low or be filled too high since it might confuse your cat and make it ignore the bowl.
Q: Is tap water bad for cats?
You should never give your pet water that is not fit for human consumption. The problem is that even for water that has been certified for human use, the answer to this question becomes even more complicated due to the additives that may be present in the water, such as fluoride. Thus, the answer to this question depends a lot on where you live.
Cats don’t like water with high levels of additives such as ammonia and chlorine and this is the main reason why cats like to drink running tap water. Unlike the water that you put in the bowl, flowing water is better oxygenated and the chlorine evaporates off.
If you live in an area where the tap water is heavily chlorinated, there is an easy solution to make the water tastier for your cat. You should leave it to stand in the bowl for around an hour before serving it to your cat. This should allow the chlorine to evaporate and the water will become much more appealing.
As far as fluoride is concerned, the danger is very low since in order for your cat to get a deadly dose of fluoride it will need to drink an absurd amount of water. If you want to be certain that there are no other contaminants in the tap water, you can contact your local water utility company or check its website for more information.
Q: Should a cat’s water bowl be away from the food one?
While you might be lead to believe that the two bowls should be kept together, it is crucial to position the water bowl far away from the food bowl, and each cat should have more than one water source at its disposal.
Cats don’t like to drink water from sources that are placed close to their food since due to their wild survival instincts they are innately distrustful of most water sources, especially those that are close to their food source. In the wild, a carcass could easily contaminate any standing water source with dangerous bacteria.
This is also the reason why so many cats prefer moving water, such as the one coming from the tap. Moving water is much safer in the wild since it is less likely to be contaminated than standing water. There is no way to train your cat out of it since the instinct is hardwired into felines so the best you can do is adapt to their needs.
It doesn’t matter if the food is dry or wet, the smell will be just as strong and it will carry easily to any nearby water bowl. As such, it is best to position the two bowls on opposite sides of the room and if your home has multiple floors, there should be a water source on each floor.
Bibliography:
1) How Appealing is Your Cat’s Water?
2) What to Know Before You Buy Food and Water Bowls For Your Cat
3) 6 Tips for Choosing the Right Cat Bowls
4) How to Stop Cats From Spilling the Water Dish
