July 20, 2023
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.
Dr. Catsby’s Water Bowl
- Quality stainless steel
- Wide and shallow design (whisker-friendly)
- Weighted (but not too heavy)
Our Pets Durapet Premium Stainless Steel Bowl
- Durable and hygienic
- Rubber bottom prevents sliding
- Affordable option
Signature Housewares Coastal Fish Ceramic Bowl
- Heavy: won’t be easy for cats to tip over
- Large capacity: ideal for multi-cat homes
- Charming design
Necoichi Raised Cat Water Bowl
- Quality ceramic
- Decent weight
- Lip around the rim prevents spills
Bone Dry White Marble Bowl
- Removable silicone rim prevents sliding
- Weighted design makes it hard for cats to move
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
PetRageous Designs Ceramic Oval Bowl
- Wide oval design is whisker-friendly
- Ceramic is FDA-approved for human consumption
- Handcrafted and over-fired for durability
Americat Stainless Steel Bowl
- Premium kitchen-grade stainless steel
- Shallow (1.5” depth)
- Tested and certified free of dangerous chemicals
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!)
Coldest Insulated Water Bowl
- Resists condensation
- Weighted bowl
- Non-skid bottom
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.
The 10 Best Cat Water Bowls
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.
#1 Overall Best: Dr. Catsby’s Water Bowl
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Because it has all of the qualities I was looking for in a good cat water bowl, Dr. Catsby’s heads off our list. Stainless steel is often recommended for pet dishes because it’s durable, easy to clean, and won’t harbor bacteria the way plastic tends to. This bowl is made with 304-grade stainless steel, which is often used in food prep. This grade has a higher resistance to corrosion than other types of stainless steel—however, this means it comes at a higher price point.
This bowl has a nice weight to it. It’s not unwieldy, but it’s substantial enough that most cats won’t be able to knock it over. With a diameter of 6.5” and a depth of 1.5”, this bowl will be an ideal size for most cats. It’s wide and shallow, making it especially fitting for cats with whisker fatigue or flat-faced breeds, like Persians, who struggle to reach deep into their bowls. Dr. Catsby’s bowl holds about two cups of water, which is just right for a single cat.
This water bowl has double-wall insulation, which is designed to keep water cool and refreshing. We’ve tested the brand’s whisker-friendly food bowl as well and found it equally impressive.
What We Liked:
- Quality stainless steel
- Wide and shallow design (whisker-friendly)
- Weighted (but not too heavy)
- Sufficient water capacity
- Dishwasher-safe
What We Didn’t Like:
- No anti-skid bottom
- Only one size available
- On the pricier side
#2 Best Stainless Steel Bowl: Our Pets Durapet Premium Stainless Steel Bowl
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
This affordable food-grade bowl from OurPets comes in three sizes. With a 1.75-cup capacity, the large is ideal for water. This would be a good option for folks looking for a quality stainless steel bowl—without the steep price point.
The Durapet is considerably lighter in weight than Dr. Catsby’s, but it has a nice rubber bottom to keep it from skidding across your floor. Many cats will like the bowl’s wide and shallow design: it has a 6.4” diameter and a 1.4” depth. The sides of this bowl are slightly angled, and the top is lined with a tiny lip that curves outward.
If I had one complaint, it would be the sticker placement. It’s right inside the bowl! Thankfully, I didn’t have an issue removing it—but there were some complaints of it sticking and leaving residue.
What We Liked:
- Durable and hygienic
- Rubber bottom prevents sliding
- Affordable option
- Dishwasher-safe
What We Didn’t Like:
- Sticker may leave residue inside the bowl
- Fairly lightweight
#3 Best Ceramic Bowl: Signature Housewares Coastal Fish Ceramic Bowl
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Along with stainless steel, ceramic is frequently recommended for cat bowls because its non-porous surface reduces germ accumulation. This bowl from Signature Housewares is made with durable glazed stoneware: a dense ceramic that’s designed to hold up with daily use and cleanings.
This material is dishwasher and microwave safe. (Take care when microwaving: stoneware will get hot!) It bears mentioning there’s always a risk of chipping with ceramic, and it requires gentler handling than stainless steel. This particular bowl, however, feels solid and durable.
The 3-cup size is ideal for water. It has higher sides (2.75”), which means less spills when you’re carrying it. But if you’re looking for a shallow bowl, you’ll want to pass. It also has a nice width (6”), and the blue fish motif is quite sweet.
On the downside, there’s no rubber bottom on this bowl. That said, at 2 pounds, this bowl will be a challenge for most cats to move (especially when filled with water). This bowl is available in 1- and 3-cup sizes. While the 3-cup size works well for water, it would probably be too large for food.
What We Liked:
- Heavy: won’t be easy for cats to tip over
- Large capacity: ideal for multi-cat homes
- Charming design
- Very affordable
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not shallow
- Doesn’t have a skid-proof bottom
#4 Best Elevated Bowl: Necoichi Raised Cat Water Bowl
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Elevated cat bowls can make eating and drinking more comfortable for your pet. These bowls allow cats to drink in a more natural position, instead of having to crouch or strain their necks. Arthritic and senior cats stand to benefit most, as will very tall cats.
My first impression of this Necoichi bowl was: how cute! The shape and print are aesthetically pleasing and would look attractive in most homes. There are even handy measuring lines inside so you can gauge your cat’s water intake (or limit portions with dry food).
This bowl is made with a quality ceramic that feels pretty solid and has a nice weight to it. To prevent spills, it has a subtle lip around the rim. The Necoichi holds about 1.5 cups of water, and it’s dishwasher and microwave safe.
There are two sizes available. The regular comes in at 3” tall, while the extra-tall size (which we tested) adds another inch. Both sizes have a 5” diameter—wide enough, but narrower than many others.
What We Liked:
- Quality ceramic
- Decent weight
- Lip around the rim prevents spills
- Delightful design
What We Didn’t Like:
- On the pricey side
- Only 5” wide
#5 Best Spill-Proof Bowl: Bone Dry White Marble Bowl
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Does your cat like to swat at their bowl, spilling water everywhere? Thankfully, there are a few strategies you can use to discourage this behavior. A good bowl can also help. While no bowl will be 100% spill-proof against every cat, this ceramic Bone Dry dish does a pretty good job.
To prevent sliding, it has a silicone ring along the bottom, which can be removed easily for cleaning. Additionally, this bowl is a heavy 2.76 pounds—meaning it’s unlikely your cat will be able to push it around.
If you’re looking for a matching bowl set for food and water, these come in pairs. The 1.5-cup size has a 6” diameter and a depth of 2”. The attractive marble design is a nice plus.
What We Liked:
- Removable silicone rim prevents sliding
- Weighted design makes it hard for cats to move
- Microwave and dishwasher safe
- Attractive marble design
What We Didn’t Like:
- Would like to see the rubber ring cover more of the bottom
- Bone Dry only carries bowls in sets of two
#6 Best For Whisker Fatigue: PetRageous Designs Ceramic Oval Bowl
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
While not all vets agree that “whisker fatigue” is a real condition, more people are paying attention to how their cat’s dishes may cause discomfort. The idea behind whisker fatigue is that our cats’ vibrissae are highly sensitive—so much so, that continual contact with the sides of their food and water bowls can be overstimulating or uncomfortable.
To avoid this, a bowl that’s wide and shallow is best. The oval shape and fairly shallow depth of this ceramic PetRageous bowl make it a good match for cats prone to whisker stress. It measures 6.5” across and 2” deep. And the 2-cup capacity is “just right” for holding water.
PetRageous reports this bowl is “crafted to resist chipping and fading,” although my bowl arrived with a chip in it (a rough delivery could be to blame). It has a sweet print, available in lime green or pink. Unfortunately, it may not work for bowl swatters, as there’s no rubber bottom to prevent sliding.
What We Liked:
- Wide oval design is whisker-friendly
- Ceramic is FDA-approved for human consumption
- Handcrafted and over-fired for durability
- Affordable option
What We Didn’t Like:
- Doesn’t have a non-skid bottom
#7 Best For Acne-Prone Cats: Americat Stainless Steel Bowl
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
For cats prone to pesky chin acne, it’s generally recommended to swap out plastic bowls with stainless steel ones. This bowl from Americat is crafted with 18/8 stainless steel, which is used in high-end cooking equipment and medical products. As the name hints, all Americat products are made in the United States with U.S.-sourced materials. These bowls are free of toxins and allergens, and they’re tested for lead, mercury, and cadmium by an independent product safety lab.
This bowl is shallow, with a diameter of 5.75”. It’s dishwasher safe (but don’t put stainless steel in the microwave!) One potential negative I noticed was the bowl’s rim: it has an unsealed rolled edge around the perimeter, and some reviewers have complained that this edge holds water. Also worth noting is the price. This bowl was one of the most expensive we tested.
What We Liked:
- Premium kitchen-grade stainless steel
- Shallow (1.5” depth)
- Tested and certified free of dangerous chemicals
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive
- No non-skid bottom
#8 Best For Travel: Healthy Human Portable Bento Bowls
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
For folks planning to move, or those brave enough to travel with their cat, a travel water bowl comes in handy. This portable bento bowl set from Healthy Human simplifies eating and drinking on the go.
I love the unique and functional design of these interlocking bowls. You can get them in stackable sets of 2, 3, or 4. The top bowl is intended for water. It has a vacuum-sealed, quick-release valve that’s designed to be leak-proof. To see if this claim holds weight, I filled it with water and gave it a vigorous shake—not a drop!
The bottom bowl(s) can be used for food (or accessories, medicine, cat toys, whatever you need on your travels). These nesting bowls clip together easily, and there are collapsible handles for convenient carrying. The interior is made with 18/8 stainless steel and is encased in BPA-free plastic.
What We Liked:
- 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!)
- Available in blue, green, or pink
- For every bento box purchase, Healthy Human will plant 5 trees
What We Didn’t Like:
- Fairly expensive
#9 Best Insulated Bowl: Coldest Insulated Water Bowl
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Some cats are choosy about the temperature of their water. If your cat prefers perfectly chilled water, this Coldest Bowl is insulated to keep water, well, cold. It’s also rust-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. It has a stainless steel interior and a rubber bottom to prevent slipping. The heavier weight of this bowl will also help it stay put. This comes in several sizes, but the 21-ounce bowl is the perfect capacity for holding a cat’s water.
What We Liked:
- Resists condensation
- Weighted bowl
- Non-skid bottom
- Lots of colors available
What We Didn’t Like:
- Expensive option
#10 Best For Multiple Cats: Ethical Pet Stoneware Crock
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Do you have more than one cat at home? This hefty crock from Ethical Pet is a convenient way to keep multiple kitties hydrated. It comes in three sizes: 1-cup, 3-cup, and 6-cup. The 3-cup size is perfect for two cats who share a bowl.
This stoneware dish is a whopping 2.95 pounds, meaning it’s virtually tip-proof for even the most determined bowl flippers. It has an attractive high gloss finish in a nice neutral shade with a pleasing blue inside. Of all the bowls we tested, this one was the widest, with a diameter of 7.5”. But it’s on the deeper side( 2.75”), so it won’t work if you’re looking for a shallower option.
Unfortunately, there’s no rubber bottom on this bowl. Although, the weight alone should be enough to keep cats from sliding it around. This one is dishwasher safe, but it can’t go in the microwave.
What We Liked:
- Large capacity
- Very heavy: most cats won’t be able to tip it over
- Widest diameter (7.5”)
- Attractive gloss finish and neutral colors
What We Didn’t Like:
- Deeper design (2.75”)
- No rubber bottom
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.
