Stainless steel is the best and safest material for cat food and water dishes. Thanks to its non-porous surface, stainless steel doesn't scratch or crack to harbor bacteria like plastic and ceramic. Also, it isn't breakable like ceramic or glass.
Stainless steel is unbreakable, sturdy, dishwasher-safe, and harmless to cats. It (along with ceramic bowls) is recommended by most veterinarians. Another good choice is ceramic, provided it uses a lead-free glaze. (Most do, nowadays.)
Stainless steel, ceramic, or glass water dishes are preferred, says Dr. Byrd—but they're even better if they have a running water or a fountain function. "Cats generally enjoy running water if it doesn't scare them, so gently moving fountains are great for cats," says Dr. Byrd.
For cats especially, bowls can be uncomfortable because their whiskers are so sensitive and long. If they're eating and their whiskers are touching the bowl's sides, it can lead to picky eating behaviours. Similarly, a dog's nose is quite sensitive so bumping it on raised sides can be uncomfortable.
In most cases, dogs or cats do not need an elevated bowl – and elevated bowls do not (as some suggest) reduce the risk of bloat, a life-threatening emergency in dogs that can cause gastric torsion.
Stainless steel: the material of choice for your cat bowls
Assuming you've chosen a high-quality stainless-steel bowl, you notice the benefits right away. Stainless steel is sturdy, unbreakable, and dishwasher safe. It shouldn't scratch, rust, or stain, even with constant use.
Is it better to have elevated cat bowls? Elevated feeding bowls are more comfortable for your pet by reducing any strain they may be experiencing from having to bend too far down to get to the bowl, but they may also help to discourage unwanted bowl tossing behaviors.
In Summary, Stainless Steel is the Best Type of Cat Bowl
Unlike plastic and ceramic, bacteria from leftover food and saliva cannot enter stainless steel's hard surface, so stainless steel cat bowls are more sanitary. They are also more durable and easier to clean.
Stainless steel dog bowls are the best dish you can get for your pup because they offer the ultimate in ease, health, and safety. Stainless steel bowls are super easy to clean, dishwasher-safe, and non-porous. These bowls won't hold on to any harmful bacteria.
Cats are biologically programmed not to drink water which is near their food or near their toileting area - this is thought to be their instinctive avoidance of contaminating their water with potential sources of bacteria.
In most cases, experts say giving your pets hard water probably won't cause any problems. The minerals in hard water (calcium, magnesium, and iron) shouldn't lead to any health issues. However, some veterinarians do advise against giving cats and dogs untreated tap water, and that's not because of the minerals.
Where should I put my cat's water bowl? Just like their food, your cat's water bowl should be somewhere relatively quiet. A hallway, for example, may be too busy for them, even if they are very sociable. Put your cat's water bowl somewhere clean and odour-free – and far away from their litter tray!
Running Water Tastes Better
Just like us, running water from the faucet may tickle your cat's tastebuds more than the stale, dusty water in their bowl. “Cats, like all of us, prefer fresh cool water,” Wieber says.
In the wild, cats know to keep their prey – their food – far away from a clean water source. They know that their prey could contaminate their fresh water source. This is why feline behaviorist and vets recommend keeping the water bowl far away from a cat's regular meal spot.
Many cats, like humans, prefer their beverages chilled. You'll promote more water consumption if you serve it cold. It's hard to keep refilling your kitty's water bowl, but luckily you can buy products that keep it chilled for hours.
Bottled water is safe to share with cats and dogs. Opt for spring water or bottled tap water varieties. Some veterinarians, including those at the Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic, are skeptical of the quality of distilled water for pets and its effects on urinary and cardiac health.
Stainless steel is the best and safest material for cat food and water dishes. Thanks to its non-porous surface, stainless steel doesn't scratch or crack to harbor bacteria like plastic and ceramic. Also, it isn't breakable like ceramic or glass.
The easiest type of bowl to keep clean – and, not incidently, also the safest bowl for your dog to eat and drink from – is stainless steel. This material will not leach potentially dangerous chemicals into your dog's food and water, like some plastics, aluminum, poorly glazed pottery, or old ceramic dishes.
Stainless steel presents the best combination of properties for pet bowls. Its hygenic, meaning the surface won't harbor bacteria and can be readily cleaned with soap and water washings. It's also very durable.
As a cat's sensitive whiskers rub against the sides of a deep bowl, they begin to hurt. Cats prefer bowls with a wide, shallow design that allow their whiskers to remain above the bowl while they eat and drink. Look for bowls designed specifically for cats (most dog bowls are too deep) and that prevent whisker fatigue.
Expert Advice on Cat Food Bowls
Chipped areas on ceramic bowls can also encourage bacteria—so recycle that chipped bowl and get kitty a new one. Veterinarians like Dr. Jennifer Coates advise that the safest materials for cat bowls are food-grade ceramic and glass. Stainless steel is a good choice as well.
"Many elevated bowls are also tilted to make it easier for your cat to eat." Cats with neck pain or senior cats with arthritis and joint pain could benefit from an elevated bowl as well, she says, because they won't have the neck strain while bending over to eat.
"Feral ones bury leftover food (especially anything strong-smelling) to avoid being tracked down by larger predators or even descended upon by scavengers." Your domesticated kitty is just doing what comes naturally, even in the absence of any threat.
Raised 3 Inches
We researched and watched cats of different heights and weight eat. We determined raising the bowl 3 inches was ideal. It raises the bowl to a safe and comfortable height without causing the cat to reach upward for food.
Separate Food Bowls for Each Cat
Veterinarians and cat behaviorists agree that giving cats their own food bowls is best. In the wild, cats eat and hunt alone. They are wired to be protective of their food. Forcing cats to share bowls at home may result in cats eating too quickly, guarding bowls, or fights.