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Best Cat Bowls for 2022

All cats deserve the best, and they will let you know if they are not happy with their food. Another factor you need to consider is whether their cat food bowl is actually right for them.

Not only will the perfect cat food bowl make them happy, but it could also help to keep your cat healthy. They will always be ready for mealtime. You may even want to purchase one which helps to control their weight. Some are able to be connected to an app, and others can keep food fresh.

If you don’t need an automatic feeder, then one of the bowls below will be ideal. All are suitable for wet or dry food, and can easily be cleaned. We chose bowls that are ceramic, steel or melamine for easy cleaning as plastic bowls can absorb odours. This can put cats off, but they can be cheaper so there are still one or two options below.

Every cat in your home should have their own bowl. These may need to be kept separate, and you may also need to keep water bowls away from food. These are all huge things to consider.

These are the best standard, speciality and unique cat food bowls around, which we have selected to cater for all of the ordinary, fussy, patient, and quick eaters out there.

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    Our Top Picks

    Image Product Details
    SureFlap SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder
    • Controlled eating
    • Full app monitoring
    Check Price
    Petkit Smart Antibacterial Pet Bowl
    • App compatible
    • Very hygienic
    • Weighs out servings
    Check Price
    Hamkaw Transparent Double Bowl Pet Feeder
    • Antibacterial
    • Perfect design
    Check Price

    The Top Cat Bowls Reviewed

    1.
    SureFlap SureFeed Microchip Pet Feeder

    Everything has a ‘smart’ version these days, and your pet’s food bowl is no different. While many things are more fad than fab, this one is actually genius.

    It reads the microchip on your cat and will only open for them, so if you have a few cats who always fight over food or one who is stealing the food of another, this could solve the issue. Say Petal is left hungry while Pedro seems to be piling on the pounds – he will no longer be able to steal any food or eat more than he should be.

    It will also combat any cats eating food they can’t have, such as if they are on a grain-free diet but always have a few bites of their sibling’s nice grainy option and end up ill because of it.

    But it isn’t just for thieving felines. The beauty of the Sure PetCare app connection means you can see when your animal is feeding, how much they are eating and how often, plus how much food is in the dish and when it was last filled. This could be great for any cats you are concerned about, either for over or under eating, or if their welfare is at the hands of your kids while you have a weekend away and you want to ensure they’re looking after the cats properly.

    There are also integrated weighing scales, so you can precisely measure out each serving. This level of monitoring will allow you to pick up any changes in behaviour, especially with any cats who don’t like to be watched when eating.

    Features

    • Controlled eating
    • Full app monitoring

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 21.5 x 22.7 x 31cm
    • Colour: White

    2.
    Petkit Smart Antibacterial Pet Bowl

    When you need to monitor how much your cat is eating in terms of food weight, it can be both difficult to get it right and a real mess to sort it all out.

    This bowl features a built-in weighing scale display, so you can get it right down to a tee. No need for separate scales, or for washing up ten million different bowls when one will do. It will convert into a chosen unit, so you can even use it for water if needed.

    Made from BioCleanAct antimicrobial plastic, germs and bacteria are eliminated, so if your cat is already ill with a weak immune system and on certain foods, they won’t end up suffering as a result of their food bowl.

    This is also waterproof, so it is good to wash and will clean up really well. A non-slip base will keep it steady for any over-keen kitties or those who are nervous and the slightest movement could put them off.

    It is smart too, working with the Petkit app to help track calories consumed versus calories burned, giving suggestions on how best to manage this.

    Features

    • App compatible
    • Very hygienic
    • Weighs out servings

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 18 x 18 x 6cm
    • Colour: White

    3.
    SureFeed Sealed Pet Bowl

    Wasted pet food can make looking after your pet an expensive thing, particularly if it is a special food that’s expensive to buy in the first place.

    Leaving it out can cause all sorts of issues, though, from attracting pests to making the room smell less than pleasant. Having the ability to cover the food when it is finished with yet not restricting your cat from accessing it is the answer!

    This motion-activated lid opens slowly when your cat approaches so as not to scare them with any loud noises or quick movements, and it’s incredibly efficient with the batteries only needing to be replaced every 6 months.

    Biscuits and wet food are also kept crunchy or moist, and as there’s no chance of airborne microbes reaching it, there won’t be any mould developing or bacteria.

    It also has a two-year warranty for added peace of mind.

     

    Features

    • Keeps food preserved
    • Bowl included

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 21 x 23.5 x 7.3 cm
    • Colour: White and Grey

    4.
    Simply Pets Online Cat Puzzle Feeder

    Most slow feeders out there are designed with dogs in mind, so pop a little cats head in there and it makes literally no difference to how quickly they eat.

    So, this bowl, designed specifically for cats, will be perfect for any feline owners who are despairing at the effects of eating too quickly. It is made from bamboo fibre, so not a bit of plastic in sight, and is eco-friendly. It is large in size, so you can put as much or as little food in there as you need. The size is bigger than an average cat bowl too, so you’ll need a bit of extra space.

    It is available in three colours and is a maze design so every little section offers different size and shape for a full variation. Supplied with a step by step guide, you can reap the benefits as soon as it arrives, and it’s been tested by vets before coming onto the market.

    Features

    • Designed to extend eating times
    • Based on outdoor foraging

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 7 x 27 x 24cm
    • Colour: Purple

    5.
    Hamkaw Transparent Double Bowl Pet Feeder

    Cats may need an elevated feeding station for one of many reasons. They may be quite large so struggle to bend down to the floor, or they could struggle to stand to eat so preferably need to sit. Maybe they have suffered a back or neck injury, so need to remain relatively still and upright.

    This feeding station isn’t just elevated though. Each bowl is also tilted at a 15-degree angle, so it would suit cats with flatter faces who struggle to reach down into an ordinary dish too. An anti-slip silicone base is perfect for keeping it still no matter how stuck in the moggy gets as well.

    Each dish is relatively secure in the stand too and needs to be twisted to both remove and replace it for washing, so it isn’t going to result in tipped over food after every meal. The fact they are made from non-toxic plastic materials will also ensure they don’t gather bacteria or harm your cat over time.

    A raised, tilted feeding bowl can also act as an anti-vomiting cat bowl, as it will be easier for them to digest the food.

    Features

    • Antibacterial
    • Perfect design

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 29 x 14 x 7.5 cm
    • Colour: White

    6.
    Swanky Paws Personalised Reserved For

    Swanky paws specialise in the personalisation of pet products, and this dish is great if you want your precious bundle of fluff’s name on everything.

    It is available in three different sizes, and the small is best for cats. There is also an extra small for any kittens or cats who need smaller portions. It is a great quality bowl, made from ceramic so is safe for your cat to eat from and also easy to keep clean. Just hand wash when needed.

    We were pleasantly surprised by the price, too – it certainly looks a lot more expensive than it is.

    Features

    • Name of the pet on the bowl
    • Strong build

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 72 x 43 x 21cm
    • Colour: White

    7.
    Mason Cash Colour Mix Grey Cat Bowl

    A cheap feeding bowl needs to consider the price, but you don’t want to be buying something which won’t see you through the year or is so cheap that it isn’t good for your cat.

    This one is made from heavy-duty stoneware, so there are none of the problems faced with plastic bowls which can get scratched easily. Because of the thick sides, it is unlikely to chip, and can’t be pushed around by a very fast-eating moggy.

    Not only is it a good material and build, but the grey effect style will match your kitchen perfectly. For any proud homeowner, and the fussiest of felines.

    Features

    • Stylish design
    • Strong material

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 3.4 x 14 x 14cm
    • Colour: Grey/White

    8.
    TRIXIE Bowl Set Ceramic/Wood

    This bowl set is slightly elevated, for any cats who need a bit of help reaching their food or for any owners who like to keep everything off the floor in their home and kitchen.

    The robust wooden frame is not only sturdy but also stylish, really looking the part in any environment. It comes complete with two black ceramic bowls, which are good for food and water or for feeding two cats in the same area.

    Because of their material, the dishes can be popped into the dishwasher for an easy clean, and the black colour will allow you to detect any marks left behind. While it is good for both cats and dogs, the height and accessibility mean it is best for larger felines.

    Features

    • Elevated off floor
    • Well built parts

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 6.5 x 15 x 28cm
    • Colour: Wood/Black

    9.
    A di Alessi Tigrito Cat Bowl

    We adore this bowl. Not only is it something completely different and fully dedicated to your cat, but the 18/10 stainless steel and PP also makes it safe and hygienic to use, and it comes in several colours so you can match it up to your decor.

    Designed by Miriam Mirri, it is playful yet practical and delicately designed to ensure happiness for both owner and cat. Spare bowls are available – the approved models are on the Alessi website – and the cats tail can even work as a handle so you can lift it off the floor.

    It is a pricey option in comparison to other double bowls you can buy, but the handiness, design and quality are unrivalled, particularly if you look at the ‘rival’ copies out there.

    Features

    • Quirky, fun design
    • Charity donation with every purchase
    • Tail is a handle

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 33 x 15.2 x 27.9cm
    • Colour: Grey/Light Blue/Yellow/Black

    10.
    Marchul Gravity Water and Food Bowls

    This is an innovative water and food bowl set, which uses gravity to ensure your cat can always stay hydrated.

    The bowl will slowly fill thanks to the bottle and stop when it is full. Then, every bit of water taken out will be replaced. Just ensure the water is always clean for your cat.

    As for the food bowl, it is tilted and therefore will help with their neck strain, anti-vomiting and digestion. The PP resin liner bowl, food grade PP bowl and food grade PET level are all really safe for your cat, too.

    Features

    • Easier digestion
    • Everything separates for easy cleaning

    Specifications

    • Dimensions: 22.9 x 12.7 x 22.9cm
    • Colour: White

    Buying Guide

    How we chose the best cat food bowls

    While nobody can predict your cat’s taste in bowls, and no two cats are the same, there are a few definites we looked out for when narrowing down our selection.

    Cats don’t like to stick their head too far into a bowl to eat, as it could be too straining for them and mean they can’t monitor what’s going on around them. So, we looked for bowls that are quite shallow and definitely made for cats as opposed to other pets.

    If you need a large capacity, a wide shallow bowl could be the key. This also applies if you have a breed of flat-faced cats, such as Persian breeds.

    Many specialists recommend that you avoid cheap plastic bowls. They can become easily scratched, and therefore when they are washed, not every little bit of bacteria is removed. This build-up of bacteria and oils can actually cause cat acne, which are little black spots on your cat’s chin and is not pleasant for them.

    Any plastic bowls which we have featured are speciality bowls and will be pretty scratch-resistant and easy to clean. Ceramic and steel are the best options if you want something as clean as possible, but still on a budget.

    Talking of budget…The cost of a food bowl can vary anywhere from £1 up to over £100, which is a huge scope.

    Those at the lower end will often be plastic, and as you read above, this isn’t always ideal. They can be flimsy, too, meaning they could need to be replaced often.

    At the higher end is the smart bowls, with sensors and automatic feeding schedules. You may also find some designer cat bowls at this end, for the real pampered felines.

    If just an ordinary bowl will do, you don’t have to spend much over £10 for a ceramic or metal bowl which is suitable, but if your cat needs a medical bowl or one which can connect to an app, it could be worth investing so it isn’t money wasted down the line if it breaks or isn’t as good as you hoped.

    We chose bowls for a range of budgets and prices.

    Other Buyers Ask...

    Where should I put my cat food bowl?

    Before you buy, you will need to consider where is best to place the bowl and ensure there is plentiful space around it, which could restrict the size of the bowl you buy.

    Keep them away from litter boxes for obvious reasons, and ensure they are in a relatively private spot so they aren’t disturbed by passers-by or other animals when eating.

    If you have two cats, a twin bowl set is a good idea, but be aware some cats are rather territorial so may not appreciate eating next to another cat, even if they are best friends. For this reason, ensure there are enough places should they need to be separated.

    How often should I wash a cat food bowl?

    They should be washed daily. Bear this in mind before buying. Not only do you want something which is actually washable, but you will want something which is easy for you to clean, too.

    Do cats need a cat food bowl?

    Most cats will eat out of a traditional bowl, and it is a really good way of allowing them to eat as much as they need to rather than being left short.

    There are other ways to feed your cat, however, and actually, it could be good to have several methods to hand. Cat food puzzles, or hiding pieces of food in different places and allowing them to ‘hunt’ it, is a good way of keeping them entertained and their brains active.

    Obviously, if your cat is on wet food, stick to a bowl.

    Do I need to buy anything else?

    A pet bowl mat is a good idea. Even if the bowl has non-slip feet, a mat can keep it in place and also catch any little dribbles or stray bits of food. They can either come in fabric which usually is self-cleaning and absorbent, or is wipeable.