Cat Health & Safety

Stainless steel is often the best option for your cat’s food and water bowls since it’s durable and easy to clean and disinfect. Glass and ceramic come in second, but they’re not nearly as durable as stainless and can chip or break easily. Plastic bowls, while somewhat durable, can easily get scratches and nicks where bacteria can hide and result in a case of chin acne or even digestive problems for your cat, so these come in last. But it’s not just the material you need to consider: Don’t be surprised if your cat has strong opinions about the size, depth, or even shape of their bowls, too. (Cats, after all, have an opinion about everything!) Some cats prefer a deeper bowl; some go for a shallower bowl. And many cats love (and benefit from) food puzzles — i.e., no bowl!