Does your cat drink enough water? It’s a question many cat owners wonder about. Cats are picky drinkers, and sometimes they don’t get the hydration they need. This can lead to health problems. Choosing the right water dish for your feline friend can be trickier than it seems. There are so many types out there: ceramic, stainless steel, even fancy fountains!
You want the best for your cat, but figuring out what that is can be confusing. Will they prefer still water or flowing water? Does the material matter? What about size and how often you clean it? These are all important things to think about. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you just want your cat to be healthy and happy.
But don’t worry! This blog post is here to help. We’ll break down the different types of cat water dishes. We’ll talk about what makes a good water dish and what to avoid. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of which water dish is perfect for your furry companion. Let’s dive in and find the best way to keep your cat hydrated!
Our Top 5 Cat Water Dish Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cat Water Dish Detailed Reviews
1. Veken Innovation Award Winner 95oz/2.8L Pet Fountain
Rating: 8.6/10
The Veken Innovation Award Winner 95oz/2.8L Pet Fountain is a top-notch choice for keeping your furry friends hydrated. This automatic water dispenser is designed for both cats and dogs, and it even comes with replacement filters to ensure your pet always has fresh, clean water. It’s a great gift idea for any pet owner, especially around the holidays.
What We Like:
- It won an award! The Veken Pet Fountain is a 2023 Category Winner of the Pet Innovation Awards, meaning it’s a truly forward-thinking product.
- It’s made from safe, food-grade materials. All parts that touch the water are BPA-free, making it super safe for your pets.
- It’s easy to use and clean. The water-level window and blue LED light help you see how much water is left and can even attract your pets to drink more. You can also turn the light on or off with a simple switch.
- It offers two different drinking styles. You can choose between a flower waterfall, which looks like a faucet, or a gentle fountain. The flowing water can encourage your pets to drink more often.
- It has a great 5-stage filtration system. This system keeps the water circulating and fresh. It also includes special ingredients like silver and coconut shell activated carbon, plus a scale inhibitor, to make the water taste better and be safer.
- The pump is very quiet. It uses an ultra-quiet, low-energy pump that’s built to last.
What Could Be Improved:
- The pump needs regular care. You’ll need to clean the pump and change filters every 2-3 weeks to keep it running smoothly.
This fountain is a smart investment for your pet’s health and happiness. With its innovative features and focus on safety, it’s an excellent way to encourage your pets to drink more water.
2. PEGYY11 Nonslip Stainless Steel Dog Cat Bowls
Rating: 9.5/10
Feeding time just got a whole lot easier and cleaner with the PEGYY11 Nonslip Stainless Steel Dog Cat Bowls. This set comes with two sturdy bowls, each holding a generous 2 cups, making them ideal for your smaller furry friends, especially those under 20 pounds. Whether it’s for kibble or fresh water, these bowls are designed to keep your pet’s mealtime mess-free and safe.
What We Like:
- The bowls are just the right size for cats and small dogs, holding a good amount of food or water.
- Stainless steel is a great material because it’s strong and won’t rust.
- The silicone bottom is fantastic! It stops the bowls from sliding all over the floor.
- Cleaning is a breeze. You can toss them in the dishwasher or wash them by hand quickly.
- The materials are safe for your pets, meaning no yucky chemicals.
What Could Be Improved:
- While perfect for smaller pets, these bowls might be too small for larger breeds or multiple pets sharing.
- The 2-cup capacity is good, but some pets might need a slightly larger bowl for bigger meals.
These PEGYY11 bowls offer a practical and safe solution for your pet’s feeding needs. They are a solid choice for keeping meal times tidy and your pet happy.
3. Veken Innovation Award Winner Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain
Rating: 9.4/10
The Veken Innovation Award Winner Stainless Steel Cat Water Fountain is a top-notch choice for keeping your pets happy and hydrated. This automatic pet fountain is designed for both cats and dogs, offering a generous 95oz (2.8L) capacity. It comes in a sleek silver color and includes replacement filters and a silicone mat, making it a complete package for your furry friends.
What We Like:
- Award-Winning Design: Veken won a 2024 Pet Innovation Award. This shows they create smart and new products for pets.
- Upgraded Stainless Steel: The fountain is made from strong and clean stainless steel. It looks modern and is easy to wipe down. All parts that touch water are safe and don’t contain BPA.
- Large Water Tank: The 95oz tank means you don’t have to refill it often. Your pets will always have fresh water available, which is great for their health.
- Advanced 5-Stage Filtration: The fountain uses a special filter system. It cleans the water for up to 3 weeks, making it fresh and pure. This helps keep your pets healthy.
- Helpful LED Light: An optional light glows softly. It helps you see the water level, especially at night. It also shows where the fountain is, preventing spills and making refills easier.
What Could Be Improved:
- Filter Replacement Reminder: While the filters last up to 3 weeks, a built-in reminder to change them would be helpful.
- Power Cord Length: The power cord might be a bit short for some setups, limiting placement options.
This Veken pet fountain is a fantastic investment for any pet owner. It’s a well-designed, hygienic, and convenient way to ensure your pets stay hydrated.
4. Pearhead Ceramic Bowl
Rating: 9.4/10
The Pearhead Ceramic Bowl is a stylish and practical choice for your feline friend. Its adorable cat face design and modern look make it a cute addition to any home. This bowl is designed for both food and water, making mealtime a breeze.
What We Like:
- The cute cat face design adds a fun touch to your pet’s feeding area.
- It’s made of durable ceramic, which is great for everyday use.
- The wide and shallow shape is perfect for cats, helping to protect their sensitive whiskers.
- The non-slip bottom keeps the bowl from sliding around, preventing messes.
- You can easily warm up your cat’s food in the microwave and then pop the bowl in the dishwasher for super easy cleaning.
- It holds up to 2 cups, which is a good size for most cats, and even small dogs.
- This bowl makes a wonderful gift for any cat lover in your life.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for small animals, it might be too small for larger breeds of dogs.
This Pearhead Ceramic Bowl is a fantastic option for pet owners who want both style and convenience. It’s a thoughtful gift that any cat parent will appreciate.
5. Petmate Pet Cafe Cat and Dog Water Dispenser – Water Bowl for Cats and Dogs
Rating: 9.4/10
Busy pet parents, rejoice! The Petmate Pet Cafe Cat and Dog Water Dispenser in Pearl Ash Blue is here to make keeping your furry friends hydrated a breeze. This smart dispenser automatically refills your pet’s water bowl, so you don’t have to constantly top it up. It’s made in the USA and holds .25 gallons, perfect for smaller breeds or single-pet households. Plus, its spill-free design means less mess for you to clean up!
What We Like:
- Automatic refill feature means less work for you.
- Spill-free design keeps your floors clean.
- Easy-grab cutouts make it simple to lift without spills.
- Wide-mouth bottle is easy to remove and wash.
- Provides a constant source of fresh water for your pets.
- Available in multiple sizes for different pet needs and homes.
- Petmate has a long history of making trusted pet products.
What Could Be Improved:
- The .25 gallon size might be too small for larger or multi-pet homes.
- While spill-free, some pets might still manage to splash water.
Overall, the Petmate Pet Cafe Water Dispenser is a reliable and convenient solution for busy pet owners. It helps ensure your pets always have access to fresh water, giving you peace of mind.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding the Purrfect Cat Water Dish
Choosing the right water dish for your feline friend is more important than you might think. A good water dish encourages your cat to drink more, which is vital for their health. This guide will help you pick the best one.
Key Features to Look For
- Size and Depth: Cats often prefer shallow dishes. Deep bowls can tickle their whiskers, making them uncomfortable. Look for a dish that’s wide enough for their face to fit comfortably without their whiskers touching the sides.
- Capacity: You don’t want to be refilling the dish constantly. A good capacity means fewer trips for you and fresh water for your cat. Consider how many cats you have and how often you can refill.
- Stability: Nothing is more annoying than a wobbly water dish. A heavy or non-slip base keeps the dish in place, preventing spills and messes.
- Ease of Cleaning: Cats are clean animals and dislike dirty water. A dish that’s easy to wash by hand or in the dishwasher ensures you can keep it hygienic.
- Water Flow (for fountains): If you’re considering a cat water fountain, look for adjustable flow settings. Some cats prefer a gentle trickle, while others like a more active stream.
Important Materials
The material of the water dish affects its durability, cleanliness, and your cat’s preference.
- Ceramic: This is a popular choice. Ceramic is heavy, which makes it stable. It’s also non-porous, meaning it doesn’t hold onto odors or bacteria easily. Ceramic dishes are easy to clean and can look very nice.
- Stainless Steel: Another excellent option. Stainless steel is durable, rust-resistant, and very hygienic. It’s also lightweight but can be made more stable with a non-slip base. It won’t chip or break like ceramic.
- Plastic: Plastic is often the cheapest option. However, it can scratch over time, creating places for bacteria to hide. Some cats also develop “chin acne” from plastic bowls. It’s also lightweight, so it might slide around.
- Glass: Glass is non-porous and easy to clean, similar to ceramic. However, it can be fragile and break if dropped.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
- Improves Quality:
- Wide, shallow design: This is a big plus for most cats.
- Non-slip base: Prevents spills and keeps the dish in place.
- Dishwasher-safe: Makes cleaning much easier.
- BPA-free materials: Important for your cat’s health, especially with plastic.
- Activated carbon filters (for fountains): These keep the water fresh and clean by removing impurities.
- Reduces Quality:
- Narrow, deep bowls: Can make cats uncomfortable.
- Lightweight materials without a non-slip base: Leads to spills and messes.
- Porous materials that scratch easily: Can harbor bacteria.
- Fountains with complex parts that are hard to clean: Can become unsanitary.
User Experience and Use Cases
- For Picky Drinkers: Cats who don’t drink much water might be encouraged by a water fountain. The moving water can be more appealing.
- For Multi-Cat Households: Consider getting multiple bowls or a larger capacity one. You can also place them in different locations to ensure all cats have easy access.
- For Travel: A sturdy, portable bowl is essential for taking water on the go. Some collapsible silicone bowls work well.
- For Cats with Sensitive Whiskers: A very wide, shallow dish is the best choice. This allows them to drink without their whiskers touching the sides.
- For Busy Owners: A large capacity bowl or a water fountain means you won’t have to refill as often. Dishwasher-safe options also save time on cleaning.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Water Dishes
Q: Why does my cat prefer drinking from the faucet?
A: Many cats like fresh, running water. Fountains mimic this and can encourage them to drink more from their dish.
Q: How often should I clean my cat’s water dish?
A: You should clean it daily. This removes bacteria and keeps the water fresh.
Q: Is a cat water fountain really necessary?
A: It’s not strictly necessary, but it can be very beneficial. Fountains encourage hydration, which is good for your cat’s kidneys.
Q: What is “cat chin acne”?
A: It’s a skin condition that can sometimes be caused by bacteria building up in plastic cat bowls. Switching to ceramic or stainless steel can help.
Q: How big should a cat’s water dish be?
A: It should be wide enough for your cat’s face to fit comfortably without their whiskers touching the sides.
Q: Can I use the same bowl for food and water?
A: It’s best to use separate bowls. Cats often prefer their water source to be away from their food.
Q: My cat knocks over their water bowl. What can I do?
A: Try a heavier bowl, like ceramic, or one with a non-slip rubber base. You could also place it on a mat that has a lip.
Q: Are ceramic bowls safe for cats?
A: Yes, ceramic bowls are very safe. They are non-porous, easy to clean, and don’t hold odors.
Q: How do I introduce my cat to a new water dish?
A: Place it in their usual spot and fill it with fresh water. If it’s a fountain, let it run so they can hear and see the water.
Q: What if my cat still doesn’t drink enough water?
A: Talk to your veterinarian. They can check for any health issues and offer advice on encouraging your cat to drink more.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Mallory Crusta, the heart and mind behind LovelyPetSpot.com.. As a passionate pet enthusiast, I created this space to share my experiences, expertise, and love for all things pets. Whether it’s helpful tips, heartfelt stories, or advice for pet parents, my mission is to make the journey of caring for your furry, feathery, or scaly friends as joyful and fulfilling as possible. Join me in celebrating the incredible bond we share with our animal companions!