How to Choose the Best Food Bowl for Your Cat

The best food bowl for cats is wide, shallow and stable, made from a non-porous material that is easy to clean, such as glazed stoneware or glass. A wide, shallow shape lets your cat eat without whiskers touching the sides, and a heavy base keeps the bowl from sliding.

A cat bowl looks simple. But shape, size, material and placement all change how comfortable mealtime is for your cat, and how easy it is for you to keep clean.

This guide covers what to look for in the best food bowl for cats, and how to set up your cat's feeding spot.

Quick checklist: what makes a good cat bowl?

Look at What to look for
Shape Wide and shallow, or slightly tilted
Size Wide enough for your cat's face, not deep
Material Glazed stoneware, glass or stainless steel
Stability A heavy or non-slip base
Cleaning Smooth, non-porous and dishwasher safe
Setup A calm spot, away from the litter box

1. Choose a wide, shallow shape

Many cats seem to dislike eating from deep, narrow bowls. When the whiskers brush the sides, some cats hesitate, eat more slowly or push food out onto the floor.

A wide, shallow bowl lets the whiskers stay free. Some bowls are also slightly tilted, which makes the food easier to reach.

If your cat pushes food out of the bowl, a shape change is a good first thing to try.

2. Get the size right

Choose a bowl wider than your cat's face, so the whiskers do not touch the edges. Keep the sides low, so your cat does not have to reach down into the bowl.

  • Adult cats. A wide, shallow bowl suits most cats. The River Bowl has a 12.5 cm diameter.
  • Kittens. A low bowl is easy to reach. The River Bowl's glass bowl can sit directly on the floor, without its wooden base.
  • Several cats. Give each cat their own bowl, so no one feels crowded at mealtime.

3. Pick the right material

Choose a material that is smooth and easy to clean.

  • Glazed stoneware and ceramic. Heavy and stable. A smooth glaze is easy to wipe and wash, and many are dishwasher safe. Check the label for food safety, and look for lead-free and cadmium-free glazes.
  • Glass. Smooth and non-porous. It does not hold smells and is easy to clean. It looks good on the floor too.
  • Stainless steel. Durable and easy to clean. Light bowls can slide, so look for a non-slip base.
  • Plastic. Light and cheap. Scratches can build up over time and be harder to clean, so check it often.

Whichever you choose, avoid bowls with a strong smell or a rough, chipped surface.

4. Make sure it is stable

A bowl that slides or tips can make mealtime stressful. Look for:

  • a heavy base
  • a wide footprint
  • a non-slip underside

The River Bowl rests on a base made from 100% FSC-certified acacia wood. Stoneware bowls, such as the Luna Bowl and the Nova Bowl, are heavy enough to stay where you put them.

5. Choose a bowl that is easy to clean

Wash your cat's bowl every day. Food residue left on the surface is harder to remove later.

  • Use hot water and washing-up liquid, or the dishwasher if the bowl allows it.
  • Choose a smooth surface with no deep corners.
  • Check ceramic and glass regularly for chips and cracks. Replace damaged bowls.
  • Do not leave wet food out for long.

The Luna Bowl and the Dining Duo are dishwasher safe.

6. Set up the feeding spot

The best bowl still needs a good place.

  • Pick a calm spot. Away from noise, busy doorways and the litter box.
  • Keep water separate. Many cats prefer to drink away from their food. Try placing the water bowl a little distance away.
  • Use a mat if you like. A mat under the bowl protects the floor and catches stray food.
  • Keep a routine. Cats like a familiar place and a familiar time.
  • Give each cat their own bowl. Place them with space between them.

Our cat bowls at Tail Living

We designed our bowls around these points: wide, easy to clean and made to look good in your home. Browse all of our cat bowls.

Bowl Shape Material Good for
Luna Bowl Wide and shallow Glazed stoneware, handmade in Sweden Cats with sensitive whiskers, or that push food out
Nova Bowl Angled, whisker-friendly Glazed stoneware, handmade in Sweden Everyday meals
River Bowl Slightly tilted, 12.5 cm wide Hand-blown recycled glass on an FSC acacia base A design piece that also suits kittens
Dining Duo Nova and Luna together Glazed stoneware, dishwasher safe Wet and dry food, or two cats

The River Bowl is part of TAIL Studio. The Luna Bowl is a limited edition.

Looking for a place to rest as well? See our guide on how to choose the right cat bed.

Common mistakes when choosing a cat bowl

  • Choosing a deep, narrow bowl. Whiskers touch the sides.
  • Choosing a light bowl. It slides and tips.
  • Using scratched plastic. It is harder to keep clean.
  • Placing the bowl next to the litter box. Many cats prefer a calmer spot.
  • Sharing one bowl between cats. Each cat should have their own.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best food bowl for cats?

A wide, shallow, stable bowl made from an easy-to-clean material such as glazed stoneware or glass. The shape keeps whiskers free, and the weight keeps the bowl in place.

Are wide, shallow bowls better for cats?

Many cats find them more comfortable, because the whiskers do not touch the sides. If your cat hesitates at a deep bowl or pushes food out, try a wider, shallower one.

What is the best material for a cat food bowl?

Glazed stoneware, glass and stainless steel are good choices. They are smooth and easy to clean. Check ceramics for chips, and choose food-safe, lead-free glazes.

How often should I wash my cat's bowl?

Every day. Wash it after meals, or at least once a day. Do not leave wet food out for long.

Should cat food and water bowls be next to each other?

Many cats prefer water placed a little away from food. Try separate spots and see what your cat prefers.

In short

  • Shape: wide and shallow, or slightly tilted.
  • Size: wider than your cat's face.
  • Material: glazed stoneware, glass or stainless steel.
  • Stability: heavy or non-slip.
  • Cleaning: smooth, washed daily.
  • Setup: a calm spot, water kept apart.

At Tail Living, we design cat bowls that are good for your cat and good to look at.

Explore our cat bowls