Choosing a food bowl seems simple until you’re standing in front of the shelf: ceramic, steel, silicone, plastic… They all do the job, but they don’t clean or weigh the same. If you’re wondering what the best material for a cat food bowl is and which bowl is best for a cat like yours, here’s a clear comparison.
- Materials compared
- Stainless steel
- Ceramic
- Silicone
- Plastic and feline acne
- Shape, height and cleaning
- Frequently asked questions
Best material for a cat food bowl: a comparison
The essentials of each material at a glance:
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless steel | Doesn’t break, doesn’t absorb odours and is dishwasher-safe. | If it’s light, it slides around; some cats are bothered by the noise. |
| Glazed ceramic | Heavy, doesn’t tip over and is easy to clean. | Can chip or break if knocked. |
| Silicone | Flexible, tough and can have raised shapes to slow eating down. | Needs a thorough wash so it doesn’t stay greasy. |
| Plastic | Cheap and light. | Scratches easily, and dirt builds up in the marks. |
Stainless steel cat bowls
Stainless steel isn’t porous, doesn’t break and can go in the dishwasher again and again without getting damaged. It doesn’t hold on to smells either, which matters for an animal that relies on its sense of smell when it eats.
A thin steel bowl weighs very little and slides across the floor while your cat licks it clean, so it’s best to choose one with a rubber base or a non-slip ring. Some cats are startled by the sound of kibble dropping in or by the reflection of the metal: if yours hesitates at the bowl, try a different material.
Ceramic cat bowls
Ceramic wins on stability: it’s heavy, stays put and won’t tip over even if your cat pushes the food around with a paw. When it’s well glazed, the surface is smooth and easy to clean.
The thing to keep an eye on is the glaze. A chip or a hairline crack exposes porous material where bits of food get trapped. If the bowl has taken a knock and is damaged, replace it. And choose ceramic made for food, not a decorative piece.
Silicone: flexible and designed for slower eating
Silicone doesn’t break if it’s dropped, makes hardly any noise and allows shapes that would be impossible with other materials: ridges, mazes or compartments. That’s why it dominates in slow feeders and travel bowls.
To work well, it has to be good quality and washed thoroughly, because grease tends to collect between the ridges. Ideally, it should be dishwasher-safe.
If your cat wolfs down their food, the Velia Select silicone slow feeder will be available very soon: it has a built-in bowl and four raised zones, a non-slip base with suction cups, stands 4.5 cm tall and is dishwasher-safe. Eating more slowly is one of the usual tips when a cat brings its food back up straight after finishing; we explain it in why your cat throws up after eating. If it keeps happening, talk to your vet.
Plastic and feline chin acne
Plastic is cheap and light, but it’s the material that ages worst. With use and washing, it becomes covered in tiny scratches that trap grease and dirt a scourer can no longer reach.
It’s also often linked to feline chin acne: those little black dots or scabs that appear under the mouth. It isn’t the only possible cause, but when it appears, the usual advice is to swap plastic for steel or ceramic and be extra thorough with cleaning. If you notice spots, swelling or your cat scratching, talk to your vet.
Beyond the material: shape, height and cleaning
The best material for a cat food bowl won’t help much if the shape doesn’t suit your cat. Three details make all the difference:
- Wide and shallow. Many cats eat more happily when their whiskers don’t brush the sides. If your cat scoops kibble out with a paw, read our guide to whisker fatigue in cats.
- Height. A slightly raised bowl can be more comfortable for older cats or those with neck or joint discomfort; for the rest, floor level is fine too.
- Water separately. Keep the water bowl away from the food bowl, and both away from the litter tray. You’ll find more ideas in how to get your cat to drink water.
Whatever the material, wash it every day with hot water and washing-up liquid. Our tips on how to clean your dog’s bowl work just as well for your cat’s.
Our recommendation
For everyday use, go for stainless steel or glazed ceramic, in a wide, shallow bowl. If your cat eats greedily, a silicone bowl with ridges can help them slow down. In our pet section we’re gathering products designed around your cat’s routine.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best material for a cat food bowl?
For everyday use, stainless steel and glazed ceramic are the most hygienic and durable. Silicone is a good option for slow feeders or travel bowls.
Are plastic bowls bad for cats?
They don’t usually cause problems if they’re in good condition, but they scratch easily and dirt builds up in the marks. If you use them, replace them when they look worn and, if your cat has spots on their chin, ask your vet whether it’s worth switching to another material.
Is a raised bowl better for cats?
It isn’t essential. It can help older cats or those with joint problems, but a healthy cat eats perfectly well at floor level.
How often should you wash your cat’s bowl?
Ideally every day, and after every meal if your cat eats wet food.