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Home > Cats > 10 Best Heated Water Bowls for Cats in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

10 Best Heated Water Bowls for Cats in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

grey cat drinking water from bowl

The winter months can be quite difficult for animals who live their lives outside. Whether it be cats, dogs, or feral animals, when the temperatures drop—water freezes. If you have a cat who spends time outside or you have taken on the task of feeding and watering the local feral cats in your neighborhood, having a heated water bowl for cats can make your job easier. These bowls keep water free of the ice that makes it difficult for kitties to get the hydration they need in the cold weather.

Take a look at our review of the best-heated cat bowls below and choose the one that will make your kitties happy and healthy.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
K&H Cat Thermal-Bowl K&H Cat Thermal-Bowl
  • 5-foot cord
  • Steel-wrapped cord for protection
  • Large capacity for neighborhood cats
  • Best Value
    Second place
    K&H Large Cat Thermal-Bowl K&H Large Cat Thermal-Bowl
  • Budget-friendly option
  • Thermostatically controlled
  • The cord is protected by steel
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    K&H Premium Pet Thermal-Bowl K&H Premium Pet Thermal-Bowl
  • Sized for multiple pets
  • Keeps water thawed for outdoor pets
  • Best for Kittens
    K&H Thermo-Kitty Bowl K&H Thermo-Kitty Bowl
  • Easy to clean
  • Energy-efficient
  • Sized perfectly for kittens
  • Allied Plastic Heated Pet Bowl Allied Plastic Heated Pet Bowl
  • Not easily tipped
  • Medium-capacity bowl
  • Begins heating when temps drop
  • The 10 Best Heated Water Bowls for Cats

    1. K&H Products Thermal-Bowl Plastic Pet Bowl – Best Overall

    K&H Pet Products Thermal-Bowl Plastic Dog & Cat Bowl, 192-oz

    Material: Plastic
    Weight: 2.1 pounds
    Capacity: 192 ounces

    Our choice for the best overall heated water bowl for cats is the K&H Pet Products Plastic Thermal Dog & Cat Bowl. This bowl offers a 192-ounce capacity to ensure your kitties are kept hydrated no matter the weather outside. This bowl is especially great for people who tend to neighborhood cats who visit their properties in the colder months.

    The electronics used for keeping this water bowl regulated are sealed inside the cord for safety. The cord is also wrapped in steel. This helps avoid issues with absorption, pets who like to chew, and pests who may encounter your cord. The cord in question reaches 5.5 feet and gives you adequate length to plug the bowl in and keep your pet thirst-free.

    Our biggest issue with this heated water bowl is its material. While the cord is wrapped in protective steel, the bowl itself is made from plastic. If you have a pet who likes to chew or claw, this bowl may not hold up for extended periods.

    Pros
    • Large capacity for neighborhood cats
    • Steel-wrapped cord for protection
    • 5-foot cord
    Cons
    • Plastic material can be easily damaged

    2. K&H Products Thermal-Bowl Plastic Pet Bowl – Best Value

    K&H Pet Products Thermal-Bowl Plastic Dog & Cat Bowl, 32-oz

    Material: Plastic
    Weight: 1.2 pounds
    Capacity: 32 ounces

    If you’re looking for the best-heated water bowl for cats for the money, the K&H Pet Products Plastic Thermal Dog & Cat Bowl in the 32-ounce size is the bowl for you. This bowl offers all the great things you’d expect from a K&H product while being more compact and better for your budget.

    If your kitty enjoys time outdoors, the last thing they want is frozen water in the winter months. With this heated bowl, that isn’t an issue. This water bowl is thermostatically controlled and features a steel-wrapped cord. Rain, sleet, and snow will not damage the cord and you can rest easier knowing any animals outside have access to the hydration they need. If you prefer, this bowl can be used inside to help kitties who struggle with cooler water.

    If you are a pet parent to only one kitty, this bowl may be a bit too large for your home. Due to the size, this bowl is great for homes with multiple pets or for using outside with feral or neighborhood kitties who need your assistance.

    Pros
    • Budget-friendly option
    • Thermostatically controlled
    • The cord is protected by steel
    Cons
    • Too large for single cat homes

    3. K&H Thermal Stainless Steel Pet Bowl – Premium Choice

    K&H Pet Products Thermal-Bowl Stainless Steel Dog & Cat Bowl, 102-oz

    Material: Stainless Steel
    Weight: 2.93 pounds
    Capacity: 120 ounces

    Like the other K&H Pet Products on our list, the K&H Pet Products Thermal-Bowl Stainless Steel Dog & Cat Bowl offers pet owners an escape from constantly going outside and breaking the ice out of their kitty’s water bowl. You’ll have the ability to stay warmer while the cats and dogs in your neighborhood enjoy a cool drink of water.

    This temperature-controlled water bowl is made from plastic, which makes it somewhat less durable than ceramic bowls, but still dependable enough to get the job done. As our premium choice, you’ll find this bowl to be the best K&H has to offer. The size is ideal for multiple pets to use. It also stays full longer which makes your life easier as a pampered puss owner.

    As our premium choice, we expect this bowl to stand out, which it does. Unfortunately, making it look its best is a bit difficult. If you attempt to remove the label, which keeps your kitty from chewing on it, you’ll find yourself with a fight on your hands. Once the label is gone, you’re left with a thick adhesive that requires several scrubbings to make it safe for your animals to drink from.

    Pros
    • Keeps water thawed for outdoor pets
    • Sized for multiple pets
    Cons
    • The label is difficult to remove
    • Slightly more expensive

    4. K&H Thermo-Kitty Café Heated Cat Bowl – Best for Kittens

    K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Café Outdoor Heated Cat Bowl

    Material: Stainless Steel
    Weight: 1.14 pounds
    Capacity: 12 ounces

     To keep kittens and smaller cats well hydrated and fed during the winter months, the K&H Pet Products Thermo-Kitty Café Outdoor Heated Cat Bowl is the answer. This bowl is small enough for the tiniest of kittens but strong enough to fight temperatures below 20 degrees. To keep things safe for your kitties, the electronics needed to heat these bowls are safely secured inside. There will be no worries of electronics being exposed to the elements or your cats. The 5.5-foot cord attached for heating is also wrapped and coated to deter chewing and keep it protected from the weather outside.

    This heated cat bowl is also very sanitary. The stainless-steel bowls are removed easily for cleaning. You’ll also find they are quite energy-efficient using only 30 watts. This set of bowls is also thermostatically controlled to keep both food and water free of ice and frost for happy outdoor kitties.

    The only downside we’ve found with these bowls is the heat retention of the stainless-steel bowls. They can get a bit hot to the touch and should be watched closely when running for longer periods.

    Pros
    • Sized perfectly for kittens
    • Energy-efficient
    • Easy to clean
    Cons
    • Gets quite hot when used for long periods

    5. Allied Plastic Heated Pet Bowl

    Allied Plastic Heated Pet Bowl

     

    Material: Plastic
    Weight: 1.5 pounds
    Capacity: 1 quart

    The Allied Plastic Heated Pet Bowl is great for larger kitties who spend their time outdoors or multiple neighborhood cats who need exposure to fresh water in the winter. This medium-sized bowl begins working when temperatures drop. The water itself doesn’t heat, but the bowl’s warmth helps avoid issues with ice and freezing. Made from sturdy plastic, this bowl features a no-tip design to help avoid accidental spills when temperatures are below freezing and dangerous.

    The cord attached to this bowl is wrapped to avoid chewing issues. It will be safe while outdoors with random animals visiting for a drink of water. The cord is also long enough to reach your home without the need for additional extension cords.

    The biggest issue with this heated water bowl that we’ve found is the craftsmanship. Oddly cut plastic, misaligned cording, and other small issues seem to stand out when looking at the bowl. While we didn’t see these types of flaws on every bowl we worked with, they were noticeable on a few.

    Pros
    • Medium-capacity bowl
    • Begins heating when temps drop
    • Not easily tipped
    Cons
    • Manufacturing flaws have been experienced

    6. Farm Innovators 25W Heated Pet Bowl

    Farm Innovators 25W Heated Pet Bowl

    Material: Plastic
    Weight: 1.2 pounds
    Capacity: 1 quart

    If you’re concerned with energy efficiency the Farm Innovators 25W Heated Pet Bowl could be your best option. This bowl operated on 25 watts of power making it a wise option for frugal pet owners. As long as you have this bowl plugged in, your cats can enjoy freshwater no matter the temperature outside. As soon as it dips below 35 degrees, this bowl starts doing its job.

    Like other bowls on our list, the cord is protected to help ensure wandering animals don’t damage or chew it. You’ll also find that this bowl features an anti-tip design. This is ideal for keeping your cats watered even if roaming animals like dogs or raccoons decide to visit their water bowl.

    The biggest downside we’ve found with this heated water bowl is the effects the coloring suffers from exposure. Sun, snow, and rain will do damage to the look of your kitty’s bowl. If you’re okay with a heated bowl that doesn’t look the best, then using this bowl would work just fine.

    Pros
    • Keep water thawed at temps as low as 20 degrees
    • Anti-tip design
    • Thermostat controlled
    Cons
    • Color fades with exposure

    7. PetFactors Heated Pet Bowl

    Petfactors Heated Pet Bowl

    Material: Plastic
    Weight: 1 pounds
    Capacity: 2.2 liters

    The PetFactors Heated Pet Bowl is great for pet owners who want to give their outdoor kitties a touch of style. These bowls are available in multiple designs and hold up to 2.2 liters of water for multiple pets. Designed for use year-round, this bowl features an on/off switch that allows you to continue using it even when the weather outside is warmer. Like many of the heated bowls in this review, the attached cord is wrapped to protect it from both the weather and animals who like to chew. This makes it safe to use around your home.

    Another great feature we enjoyed from this water bowl is how it turns off when it senses the water level is low. With this feature, fear of overheating or injury to your kitties is no longer an issue. Unfortunately, having this feature comes in handy with this bowl considering the water put inside is known to evaporate quickly. Always keep a close eye on the water levels in the event of your bowl showing signs of wear and not working properly.

    Pros
    • Automatically shuts off when water levels are low
    • Protected cordage
    • Sized for multiple cats
    Cons
    • Water levels evaporate quickly due to heat

    8. NAMSAN Heated Pet Bowl

    NAMSAN Heated Pet Bowl

    Material: Polypropylene and plastic
    Weight: 2 pounds
    Capacity: 2.2 liter

    For cat owners who are concerned with the safety of their pets, the Namsan Heated Pet Bowl is made from BPA-safe plastic so you can feel comfortable each time your outdoor kitties have a drink. Sized to hold up to 2.2 liters of liquid, this bowl is great for multiple cats, making it usable for neighborhood cats in your neighborhood to enjoy the freshwater as well. The anti-chew wire is covered in galvanized steel and a thin PVC coating. This protects against not only teeth but the weather the bowl will experience outside in the winter months.

    While this bowl is great for keeping your cat’s water unthawed in freezing weather, we did notice an issue with the temperature of the water as the bowl worked. The water inside warmed slightly, a bit above room temperature. Picky kitties may be upset at this temperature so be aware of this issue before purchasing.

    Pros
    • Made from BPA-safe plastic
    • Sized for cats
    • Galvanized steel protected wiring
    Cons
    • The water warms when in use

    9. Farm Innovators Model D-19 Heated Water Bowl

    Farm Innovators Model D-19 Heated Water Bowl

    Material: Plastic
    Weight: 2.5 pounds
    Capacity: 1¼ gallon

    Advertised for use with chickens, the Farm Innovators Model D-19 Heated Water Bowl features a unique square shape and is ideal for watering several animals at once. It holds up to 1 ¼ gallon of water making it good for multiple kitties. Featuring a thermostat, this bowl only operates when needed. Once temperatures outside drop below a certain level, the heating components will begin working. Luckily, for owners, this bowl only uses 60 watts of power to keep water thawed and drinkable for your outdoor animals.

    While this bowl works as it should and features a wrapped cord for safety, there are other issues it experiences. The heating inside does great at keeping the water thawed but unfortunately, it’s quite hard on the plastic material this bowl is made from. Spots of the plastic melt over time and in most cases this bowl will need to be replaced after each year or possibly two of use.

    Pros
    • Great for multiple cats
    • Thermostat controlled
    Cons
    • Temperatures make plastic melt

    10. PETLESO Heated Pet Bowl

    PETLESO Heated Pet Bowl

    Material: Polypropylene and plastic
    Weight: Unknown
    Capacity: 20 ounces

    The Petleso Heated Pet Bowl is slightly different from the others featured in this review. Instead of being for constant use outside of the home, this bowl is charged using a USB adaptor that allows you to keep your kitty’s water thawed when the two of you go on a trek in the winter weather. This lightweight bowl will hold 20 ounces of water and can be hooked to your pet’s crate if need be.

    This small bowl is made from safe plastic which makes it good for animals of all sizes to use. Working off 10 watts of power, you’ll also feel safe knowing this bowl will not get too hot and hurt the animals drinking from it.

    While this bowl isn’t good for multiple cats or staying outdoors, it can still offer thawed water to one animal in need. If you’re planning on caring for several feral cats, you should consider a different option.

    Pros
    • Charges with a USB adaptor
    • Uses only 10 watts of power
    Cons
    • Not intended for extended use outdoors

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    Buyer’s Guide: Picking the Best Heated Water Bowl for Cats

    There are many things you should consider when buying the best-heated cat bowl for cold weather. A bowl that will hold enough water for your intentions, made from safe materials, and heats safely will allow you to sit comfortably on cold winter nights knowing the creatures you care for outside are drinking fresh water.

    Capacity

    The capacity of the heated water bowl you choose is determined by the number of animals you are needing to keep hydrated. If you are taking charge of neighborhood feral cats, choosing a good-sized bowl is important. It will hold enough water to ensure all the cats in your neighborhood have plenty.

    little kitten sitting by a bowl of milk
    Image By: Impact Photography, Shutterstock

    Materials

    Two main materials are used when making heated cat bowls, plastic and stainless steel. While plastic is more affordable, it doesn’t have the durability stainless steel brings to the table. Unfortunately, plastic has been known to melt in harsh winters when heated bowls are constantly in use.

    Sanitation is another important thing to remember. Stainless steel is easier to clean than plastic. You can easily disinfect these types of bowls and have them ready for the next use. Plastic can also be cleaned properly but you’ll find it takes a bit more time to ensure they’re properly sanitized.

    Heating

    What’s the best cordless heated water bowl for cats? What’s the best battery heated water bowl? You’ll notice only one cordless bowl made our list. This is due to the protective coating most bowls use on their power cords now. This makes the corded option much safer in the long run especially if you choose thermostat heating options.

    Thermostat heating means the inner workings of the bowl can detect the temperatures outside and kick on when needed to keep the water thawed. This can be extremely helpful for those who care for multiple animals and may forget to plug in their bowls from time to time.

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    Conclusion

    As you can see by our review, K&H Pet Products offers our picks for the best overall and best value heated cat bowls. They also provide our favorite premium option. By choosing one of their bowls, sized to your needs and priced by your budget, you can easily provide your kitties with thawed water no matter how cold it may get outside. Simply choose the right one for your home and watch your cats enjoy their ice-free drink.

    See also:


    Featured Image Credit: Prilutskiy, Shutterstock

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