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Home > Cats > What Are the Best Materials to Use for a Cat Bowl? 4 Great Options

What Are the Best Materials to Use for a Cat Bowl? 4 Great Options

It would be easy to choose a new food or water bowl for your cat if they were all made of the same materials. However, there are many different types of materials used to produce cat bowls for the market. So, it can be confusing to determine which are the best choices for our furry feline friends.

Knowing which materials are the best for your cat’s health, your household, and the environment overall will make it easier to choose new food and water dishes for your pet cat. We think that it is important to feel good about the choices that you make for your cat, so we have compiled a list of the best materials to use for a cat bowl. Next time you go shopping for a food dish for your cat to use, you will know exactly what materials to look for!

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The 4 Best Materials to Use for a Cat Bowl

1. Stainless Steel

Frisco Stainless Steel Saucer Cat Bowl

Stainless steel is arguably the safest and best-performing material for cat bowls because it does not break or chip, and it does not contain any toxic compounds, like other materials do. Stainless steel is dishwasher-safe but is easy to clean by hand. Stainless steel is also attractive and can fit in with any type of home décor. This material is extremely durable and can last a lifetime. Just make sure that the stainless-steel bowl that you choose has a skid-proof bottom; otherwise, the bowl is likely to slide around on the slick floor while your kitty eats.

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Stainless steel is a pet-friendly material, easy to clean, it’s durable, and is an excellent choice for a cat bowl. Regardless of the type of meal your cat is enjoying, make sure they are dining in style with the modern Hepper NomNom Bowl.

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2. Ceramic

Signature Housewares Black Arrow Non-Skid Ceramic Dog & Cat Bowl

Ceramic is a good material choice for cat food bowls because it is non-toxic and comes in a wide variety of colors and designs. It is also lightweight and easy to maintain. However, you should be aware that ceramics can develop hairline cracks that are hard to see with the naked eye. If this happens, food can get inside the cracks and bacteria can start to develop. Therefore, ceramic dishes should be thoroughly washed every day to minimize the risk of bacterial and mold growth. If you choose a ceramic bowl for your cat, make sure that it is not painted, to avoid exposure to toxins.


3. Glass

Frisco Cat Design Glass Bowl with Silicone Sleeve

A popular material choice for cat bowls is glass. It is easily breakable, but if your cat’s glass bowl is thick and your cat is fed on the floor, it can last for years without breaking. Glass bowls make it easy to see from a distance whether cats have eaten all their food. It’s important to keep an eye out for cracks and chips that could be sharp and injure your cat while they eat. A quick once-over after washing the bowl is all it takes to spot inconsistencies.


4. Stone

Kaytee Stoneware Cavy Small Pet Bowl

Stoneware is popular in the human kitchen and is gaining popularity in the feline world too. Stone is hefty, durable, attractive, and hard to break. Stoneware is eco-friendly and can accommodate both cool and warm food. You can even bake a homemade meal for your cat in their stoneware bowl, then let it cool before feeding it to them. You can find stoneware bowls that have various engraved designs on them, but stay away from painted designs because they could be toxic.

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Final Thoughts

Plastic did not make it on our list because while it is readily available on the market, it easily breaks, it tends to harbor toxic compounds, and the material can break down and get digested by your cat as time goes on. Fortunately, plastic is far from the only type of material that you can choose from when buying a new bowl for your cat.

Stainless steel is the best overall material choice for cat food dishes. But if you are not a fan of steel, the other options on our list are worth consideration. Which type is your favorite and why? Are there any materials that you prefer to avoid? If so, why? Share your insights and thoughts with our community by leaving a comment.

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Featured Image Credit: Africa Studio, Shutterstock

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