If you are trying to decide what type of water bowl best suits your cat, then you have come to the right place! There are so many different types out there to choose from and I am here to help you decide the best cat water bowl for your purry friend.
My favorite is a gravity filled water bowl. I use filtered water to fill it up and I clean and refill it every couple of days. Let me tell you why this type is my favorite.
The Challenge of Finding a Cat Water Bowl
I have three cats, ages ranging from 6 to 12. The youngest one has been the biggest challenge. Trying to find a water bowl that she either can’t tip over or clog up the filter is why I decided to write about my experience.
She doesn’t drink water like your typical cat. She insists on dipping her paw into it and licking the water off her paw. Every blue moon, or when she’s really thirsty, I will catch her drinking it with her tongue like most cats do. This reason is why we had to stop using a water fountain.
The filters would get dirty and clogged up in a fraction of the time it should have been because she was sticking her dirty little paws into the water.
We tried to use a larger bowl since there’s three of them. We caught her with both front feet in it kicking the water out like she was swimming. We tried going smaller. She just ended up tipping those over when she tried swimming in them.
Finally, we decided to try a gravity feeder. We thought that maybe it would be a bit heavier and stay put. It has been working pretty well so far!
So, while you might think choosing a cat water bowl is a pretty simple process, there is more to consider. Also, if you’ve tried other water bowls in the past, you may have a little collection going at home now. Let’s save you from buying yet another cat water bowl that your kitty can knock over, move around or splash about in.
What Type of Water Bowl is Best for Cats?
There are so many different types of bowls out there. Plastic, ceramic, glass, stainless steel, the list goes on. The most hygienic options are stainless steel and glass. This is because plastic can absorb odors, and crack overtime, or due to scratching or bite marks, allowing bacteria to grow.
Ceramic is not as bad as plastic, it won’t absorb odors, but the clear coating can still crack over time and allow bacteria to grow. Stainless steel and glass are easy to clean; most can even go in the dishwasher.
Cat Water Fountains
Cat water fountains are on the rise and cat owners love them! I know I loved mine when I wasn’t changing the filter every two weeks. Most say change the filter every 30 days. We used filtered water in ours and didn’t have to change it as often before we got our third cat, Callie. They have some with a flower that the water sprouts from and fills up the bottom of the area before flowing back into the base through the filter and back up again. Depending on the cat, some like to drink from the sprouting water, and some from the water down below that is still nice and cool but not as active. I have one of each of those types of cats.
Do Cats Need Raised Water Bowls?
While most cats’ instinct is to crouch while eating or drinking, for some it may be uncomfortable. Try testing out a shallow bowl of food on something that raises it and see how your kitty reacts. Have it about 4-6 inches off the ground depending on how long your kitty’s legs are.
Callie is very whisker sensitive which we thought was why she used her paw to drink the water, so we got a larger bowl, but she still used her paw. I caught her laying down beside the bowl one early morning and she was dipping her paw in the water and licking it off. So thirsty and so lazy at the same time. But absolutely adorable and I definitely got it on video!
The Best Cat Water Bowl
This economical gravity fed cat water bowl comes in three different sizes for convenience. The stainless steel tray can be removed and placed in the dishwasher for easy cleaning. You won’t need to fill your cat’s water bowl multiple times a day with this gravity fed system.
With all the water bowls and fountains I have gone through, I feel like I have finally landed on one that I can call the best. It is a gravity filled stainless steel bowl with a BPA free plastic water holder on top. I give it a good soapy rinse and refill it with filtered water every two days and put it in the dishwasher once a week.
The best location for a water bowl is fairly close to their food, but far from their litter box. I have it in the kitchen, in its own little area, with the food bowls. If you cat prefers a fountain style water bowl, take a look at this one below:
If your cat prefers running water, take a look at this large 108oz stainless steel cat water fountain. With quiet operation, filters and pump included and dishwasher friendly bowls, there’s nothing not to like about this system.
The Problem With Ceramic and Plastic Water Bowls for Cats
Don’t use plastic water bowls. They can absorb odors and if they get cracked or chewed on these areas can have bacteria growth that can get your kitty sick, and washing doesn’t always kill bacteria.
Ceramic is ok for a short amount of time. The glaze coating can start to crack and cause bacteria growth just like the plastic.
Stainless steel and glass are the best options. They can go in the dishwasher, and they don’t scratch up easy for bacteria to grow. If you need a heavier bowl for a cat that tends to tip them over, glass might be the better option since it can be heavy. At one point I even tried to Velcro the bowl to the floor… that girl is determined.
Watch your cat and see how they drink water. If they don’t look comfortable or only drink a small amount, it could be that they don’t like the bowl it’s in or the type of water you are providing. Some cats can be picky and prefer fresh cold water, but I can’t blame them. Or they could just be weird like Callie and prefer licking it off her paw no matter the type of water or bowl you try.
Always be sure to notice how much water your cat is drinking. If at any time they stop drinking or aren’t drinking as much as they should, contact your local vet and they may want you to bring them in for a checkup. Sometimes cats have lazy days, like us humans, where they just want to be left alone, lay in bed all day and sleep. That’s normal behavior. But if they do this for more than one day, your feline friend may need to see the vet. Our goal here is to help you keep your fur baby healthy, happy, and safe indoors.
I’m an indoor cat convert and created My Indoor Cat to help other indoor cat owners make the best choices for their cats and kittens.